Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain

Written by Bridget Chapman, Former Senior Product Editor

Our Methodology

Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 300 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories.
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Just Updated

We’ve recently re-reviewed all of  the best mattresses for shoulder pain and added more feedback from the testers in our lab – so you can rest easy that if it’s on this list, we’ve personally tested it, slept on it, and stand by its recommendation.

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The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint and a hot spot for pressure buildup, injury, and chronic pain. There are a variety of conditions that could cause shoulder pain, but if you can’t point to a specific ailment (like arthritis), your pain could be caused — at least in part — by your mattress. The best mattresses for shoulder pain are better at alleviating and preventing mattress-induced shoulder pain than others, so we’ve put together a list of our favorites.

When it comes to finding a mattress that helps to alleviate shoulder pain, the main thing we look at is its pressure-relieving capabilities. To test this, we put all of our mattresses through what’s called a pressure map test. During this test, we spread out a specialized mat on the mattress and then lie down on it in different positions. The map will record how much pressure we feel in each position, and then put that information into a graphic that shows us exactly how much pressure the mattress is exerting on our joints. Blue and green equate to low pressure, while yellow and red mean that there is quite a bit of pressure building in those areas.

Obviously, when you’re looking for a pain-relieving mattress, you’re going to want to go with one that has less pressure buildup, especially around the hips, shoulders, and lower back. Besides the pressure map test, you can also take a look at the firmness score of your mattress. To test this, we have our Sleepopolis mattress testers take a 15-minute power nap on the mattress, and then we combine the rankings to create our firmness score. Sleepers who suffer from joint pain are most likely going to want to pick a softer mattress (below a 6.5 on the mattress firmness scale).

Keep reading to take a look at our favorite pain-relieving mattresses, and make sure to check out their full descriptions to see if they really are the best option for you.

Our Top Pick For Shoulder Pain

If you have shoulder pain, you’re likely looking for something that will cradle sensitive joints. The Helix Midnight fits the bill with its pressure-relieving comfort layers, countered at the bottom by supportive coils.

Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain

• Best Overall Mattress – Helix Midnight
• Best Hybrid Mattress for Shoulder Pain – WinkBed
• Best Mattress for Neck and Shoulder Pain – Saatva Classic
• Beset Cooling Mattress for Shoulder Pain – Emma Hybrid Comfort
• Best Mattress for Couples with Shoulder Pain – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
• Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers with Shoulder Pain – Titan Plus Luxe
• Best Mattress for Athletes with Shoulder Pain – Bear Elite Hybrid
• Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Shoulder Pain – Nolah Signature
• Best Organic Mattress for Shoulder Pain – Birch Luxe Natural

Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues. 

Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain 2024 Video Review

What We Look For In The Best Mattresses For Shoulder Pain

Firmness

Shoulder pain can often happen from sleeping on your back or with arms up on your stomach, so it is especially important for these sleepers to consider the firmness of their mattress. Firmness can help to alleviate pain these sleepers experience, so we were sure to test for the firmness of all of the mattresses on this list. To test them we used our firmness scale, which runs 1-10 with 10 being the most firm. We generally recommend a 6.5 or softer for sleepers with shoulder pain.

Pressure Relief

Pressure relief is very important for anyone who is experiencing any kind of pain when they sleep or because of how they sleep. For this reason, we were sure to test for pressure relief of each of the mattresses on this list using a pressure map and focusing on shoulder relief to help alleviate pain and discomfort.

Material

The material of a mattress is important to any sleeper, and we wanted to be sure to include mattresses made from quality materials that would help keep you comfortable, cool, and alleviate shoulder pain. We generally look for innerspring or hybrid mattresses for those with shoulder pain, as these materials provide the necessary support and alignment needed for relieving shoulder pain.

Compare the Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain

Best Overall Mattress for Shoulder Pain – Helix Midnight

Expert Opinion

If you’re looking for a mattress that works well for shoulder pain, we’d recommend the Helix Midnight. This is a well-rounded hybrid mattress that combines both foams and coils for a excellent balance of body contouring and mobility. When testing it out, we felt shoulder pressure alleviated at the get-go, thanks to a memory foam comfort layer that allows you to sink in and get immediate relief in more sensitive areas.

We think the plush feel of the foam layers should allow for deep sinkage and shoulder pain relief, regardless of which sleeping position you prefer. We measured this in our pressure map test, which is where we lay a special mat over the mattress and use thermal imaging to measure how much pressure we feel during back and side sleeping. We found that back sleeping lit up the graphic almost completely blue (equating to low pressure in the shoulder and hip areas).

What our tester says: “The pressure map shows that the Helix Midnight is adept at relieving pressure for sleepers with back pain, shoulder pain, and hip pain. Notice how the map is mostly blue, with just a touch of green and yellow in all of those areas.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer

What Customers Say

Multiple reviews on the Helix website talk about how much they love the combination of sturdiness and plushness. Many of these customers stated that they woke up with virtually no back pain, which was a problem on their previous mattress.

Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress

• While testing the Midnight’s edge support, we found it to be super sturdy (scoring a 4 out of 5), so it should be more than suitable for folks who sleep on the edge of the bed.
• We scored this mattress a 4.5 out of 5 for cooling in our mattress lab, thanks to the Midnight’s breathable hybrid construction and special cooling features. So, hot sleepers should do really well on this bed.
• Back sleepers should enjoy this mattress because of the body contouring that it offers around their pressure points. This gives the mattress a “hugging” sensation, which is great for filling in the space around the lumbar region.

Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress

• This mattress didn’t score the absolute best in motion isolation (3.5 out of 5). So, if you’re a light sleeper sharing the bed with a partner or a pet, we recommend checking out an alternative mattress for couples.

Ready to try out the Helix Midnight? Click here to see our latest deals. You can also earn more in our full Helix Midnight mattress review, or check out some other choices in our roundup of the best mattresses.

Best Hybrid Mattress for Shoulder Pain – WinkBed

Expert Opinion

Many hybrid mattresses are a little too firm for sleepers with shoulder pain because of the steel-coil support layers included in their construction. However, the WinkBed offers a Softer model that (naturally) has a softer feel. This is great for sleepers who suffer from joint pain because they’ll get added pressure relief and comfort around these sensitive areas. The quilted Tencel cover included in the WinkBed, which is made from eucalyptus wood cellulose, also helps to contour and fill the lumbar region.

When we tested out the WinkBed, we found that, while the zoned support coils in the base layer create some bounce, the comfort layer of gel-infused memory foam cushioned our shoulders and allowed us to sink into the bed for some pressure relief.

What our tester says: “Anyone who likes a more traditional innerspring feel should find a lot to love in the WinkBed. I really appreciate how there are multiple firmness models you can choose from to best suit your sleeping position and needs.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Customers on the WinkBed website often state how much better their back pain got after sleeping on this mattress for a few weeks. Even users who recently had back surgery state that the WinkBed helped them to sleep through the night without being woken up by their pain.

Pros of the WinkBed Mattress

• The reinforced edges on the WinkBed allow for strong edge support. This is great for couples who want to spread out and use the full surface area of their mattress without fear or sinkage or sagging near the edges.
• Lightweight sleepers should rest well in all sleeping positions on the WinkBed. The slightly firm feel of this mattress, combined with the softer Euro pillow top, makes it sturdy enough for lightweight back and stomach sleepers, while providing pressure relief for lightweight side sleepers.
• Stomach and back sleepers with back pain should get the pressure relief they need from the WinkBed, specifically because of the plush top layer that fills in the space around their lower back. However, side sleepers might need a softer mattress in order to feel that same relief.

Cons of the WinkBed Mattress

• Being a hybrid mattress, the WinkBed doesn’t isolate motion as well as an all-foam bed might. This is something to consider if you or your partner are easily disturbed at night. We recommend that couples who sleep lightly check out our roundup of the best mattresses for couples to find some less responsive options.

Ready to get the best of both worlds from the WinkBed? Get our best deal here. Still not sure if this is for you? Learn more in our full WinkBed mattress review, or take a look at our picks for the best hybrid mattress.

Best Mattress for Neck and Shoulder Pain – Saatva Classic

Expert Opinion

Having both neck and shoulder pain is not a winning combo by any means. If you’re searching for some relief from both of these ailments, look no further than the Saatva Classic innerspring-style mattress. This is an incredibly luxurious option that’s offered in multiple firmnesses, and we think that the pillow top included in the Luxury Firm version of the mattress should work wonders for both neck and shoulder pain. To prove this, we performed a pressure map test and found that the Saatva had extremely low pressure buildup in both the back- and side-sleeping positions. The Saatva also includes innerspring coils that have zoned support, which can help prevent jamming around the hips and shoulders.

The Saatva scored a 6.5 on our firmness scale for its Luxury Firm version, making it what we consider to be a true medium-firm mattress. However, Saatva also offers this model in a Soft option. So, if your shoulders are particularly sensitive, we definitely recommend you to opt for that version.

What our tester says: “As you can see in the graphics above, the Saatva shines when it comes to back pain, as the graphic is mostly blue. Shoulder pain and hip pain are a different story, with a tiny bit of green at the hips and shoulders.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer

What Customers Say

Customers on the Saatva website love the friendliness and timeliness of the company’s customer service. From ordering their mattress to its super convenient white glove delivery, folks seemed more than satisfied throughout the mattress-buying process.

Pros of the Saatva Classic Mattress

• The Saatva Classic includes zoned support, which allows for more comfort around the hips, shoulders, and lumbar region. This is great for sleepers who suffer from back pain, as this area will receive pressure relief from the gel visco pillow topper and support from the coils in the base layer.
• The high-quality materials and thoughtfully luxurious construction of the Saatva makes it one of our favorite durable mattresses. You shouldn’t have to worry about foam prematurely sagging and can expect quite the mattress lifespan.
• Because of the balanced nature of this mattress, the Saatva Classic is a fantastic choice for back sleepers. They should be comfortable on either the Soft or the Luxury Firm model.

Cons of the Saatva Classic Mattress

• Those favoring a memory foam feel will likely feel uncomfortable on this sturdier innerspring-style bed. For these folks, we recommend the best memory foam mattresses.

Click here for our best deal, or take a look at our full Saatva Classic mattress review for more info. You can check out more options on our best mattresses for neck pain page.

Best Cooling Mattress for Shoulder Pain – Emma Hybrid Comfort

Expert Opinion

The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a luxury hybrid mattress with lots of bells and whistles, including several features that should help it keep a low temperature. Up top, its moisture-wicking cover lies over cooling gel-infused memory foam. This foam layer relieves pressure, and the added gel helps to get rid of trapped body heat in the mattress. The support layer of the Emma Hybrid Comfort also includes a tall section of pocketed coils. The spaces between these coils help promote airflow to increase breathability. To verify this, we used our thermal gun test and its results warranted an impressive 4 out of 5 in cooling on our scoring chart.

Of course, we’ve placed it on this roundup because it’s also a good mattress for shoulder pain, specifically for back and stomach sleepers. It’s important to note that, with a score of 7.5 on our firmness test, the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress is considered firm, which makes it stand out on this list of mostly soft mattresses. Additionally, it’s a mattress geared towards heavier sleepers, so these folks should find this mattress softer and more pressure relieving than others.

What our tester says: “The graphic shows promising results for back sleepers with back pain. There is essentially no pressure buildup around the back shown in the pressure map results. The supportive coils in this bed work well to maintain a neutral spine. Additionally, I didn’t really feel much pressure on my shoulders or hips when I laid down on my back, so it should be a good bed for joint pain in this position.” – Amelia Jerden, former senior staff writer

What Customers Say

The majority of customers on the Emma website comment on how much they love the price of this mattress, especially because of the quality and durability of the materials used in its construction. These users state that they were able to buy a mattress they love without breaking the bank, which can sometimes be hard to find.

Pros of the Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress

• Stomach sleepers should rest comfortably on the Emma Hybrid Comfort, regardless of their body type. With a firm feel and sturdy coils that kept us lifted, we feel confident this mattress should keep the spine properly aligned in the prone position.
• The pocketed coils help sleepers feel lifted on the bed, instead of sinking further into it. This inclusion is great for combination sleepers who need to be able to move around and switch positions easily on top of their mattress.
• This mattress scored a perfect 5 out of 5 for motion isolation, making it a fantastic option for couples.

Cons of the Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress

• Strict side sleepers might find that the Emma Hybrid Comfort sleeps a little too firm for their liking. These sleepers need a softer mattress that will provide extra pressure relief to their joints. To find other options, these sleepers can take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Think the Emma Hybrid Comfort will change the way you sleep? Click here to get our best deal. If you’re still undecided, learn more in our full Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress review, or check out our picks for best cooling mattress.

Best Mattress for Couples with Shoulder Pain – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Expert Opinion

If you’re struggling with shoulder pain but also want a bed that accommodates your partner’s needs, look no further than the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. There are three different firmnesses to cater to a variety of sleepers, but for the best relief, we suggest opting for the Soft or Medium model, the latter of which we tested in our lab. Its 4-out-of-5 score for motion isolation means that the Signature Hybrid should trap movement well enough so that you won’t feel disturbed by your partner’s tossing and turning. We think that this is due to the Signature Hybrid’s thick and cozy cover, as well as the contouring memory foam layer. These same layers also contribute the pressure relief needed to alleviate shoulder pain.

On our pressure map, we saw almost entirely blue in the back-sleeping position. Side sleeping, there was a moderate amount of buildup at the shoulder and hip, which is normal because these folks naturally put more pressure on these areas. But for lightweight sleepers or those with super severe shoulder pain, we definitely suggest the Soft. This model should provide some more cushioning and prevent extra pressure buildup.

What our tester says: “This mattress has a bouncy, innerspring feel to it, so I felt lifted and very “on top” of the Signature Hybrid. I think this feel would work especially well for combination sleepers. No matter which positions they cycle through during the night, sleepers should feel supported by this bed, and it should be easy to roll over and switch positions during the night.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Impressively, there are over 10,000 Signature Hybrid reviews on the company site. While browsing them, we found a large number of people commented on the outstanding level of support they feel on this bed, whether they sleep alone or with a partner.

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

• The Signature Hybrid scored really well in edge support, or the strength of a mattress’s perimeter. This means couples should be able to spread out on this mattress and sleep close to the edge of the bed while still feeling supported.
• The hybrid construction should offer plenty of breathability for two sleepers. You can add a cooling cover for an additional fee if you’re someone who overheats easily.
• The level of responsiveness in this bed makes it a good option for sex. You shouldn’t feel stuck in the material, and should find that it’s easy to switch positions.

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

• This mattress primarily caters to back and side sleepers. Stomach sleepers are better off trying the Firm version of the Signature Hybrid, or choosing another mattress altogether (like the Titan Plus Luxe).

Ready to try out the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid? Click here to see our latest deals. You can also earn more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review, or check out some other choices in our roundup of the best mattresses for couples.

Best Mattress for Heavy People with Shoulder Pain – Titan Plus Luxe

Expert Opinion

Heavy sleepers can have a harder time trying to find a good mattress for their shoulder pain. While these folks require a more supportive mattress to keep their bodies lifted in proper alignment, they’re also going to want sufficient pressure relief to ease tension off the shoulder. A mattress made for heavy people, we think the Titan Plus Luxe strikes this balance better than any other bed on the market. It includes a thick and responsive layer of transition foam, individually encased coils, and high-density foam for support.

For relieving shoulder pain, the Titan Plus Luxe utilizes a quilted memory foam cover, as well as a specially designed comfort layer, for top-tier pressure relief. We had our weightlifter friend Paulie, who classifies as a heavier sleeper (over 250 pounds), come in and test out this mattress. During our pressure map test, Paulie’s graphic showed little to no buildup in all sleeping positions. So, whether you’re a heavy back, side, or stomach sleeper, you should find relief on the Titan Plus Luxe.

What our tester says: “If you’re a heavy sleeper looking for a bed made of high-quality materials, the Titan Plus Luxe is a great option for you. It’s built to last and should do a great job supporting heavier sleepers, especially back, side, and combination sleepers.” – Madison Schaper, former staff writer

What Customers Say

For such a unique mattress with such durable materials, consumers were delighted at the overall value of the Titan Plus Luxe. Shoppers can find a queen size for under $1,599 before discounts.

Pros of the Titan Plus Luxe Mattress

• There are a number of cooling features in this luxury mattress, but if you sleep extra hot, you can purchase the Glaciotex Cooling Cover.
• This mattress has a medium-firm feel that should primarily appeal to heavy back and side sleepers. However, if you want something a bit firmer, opt for the original version: the Titan Plus.
• This is a phenomenal mattress for couples, as it excels in all of the main factors we look for in a bed for two: motion isolation, responsiveness, cooling, and edge support.

Cons of the Titan Plus Luxe Mattress

• Since this bed was designed for folks over 250 pounds, lightweight sleepers will likely find the Titan Plus Luxe to be too firm for their needs.

Ready to try out the Titan Plus Luxe? Click here to see our latest deals. You can also earn more in our full Titan Plus Luxe mattress review, or check out some other choices in our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers.

Best Mattress for Athletes with Shoulder Pain – Bear Elite Hybrid

Expert Opinion

If you’re an athlete or just someone who’s active throughout the day, you can end up with sore or overused muscles by bedtime. A mattress that appropriately cushions muscles in the shoulder area can really help reduce pain, making it easier to fall asleep. We think the Bear Elite Hybrid is a great option for this. Its soft memory foam up top provided us with plenty of contouring, while the coils at the bottom of the bed kept us supported. It also has the brand’s trademark cover made of Celliant, a material that some studies show assists with blood flow and muscle recovery. The cover can purchased at additional cost. While we haven’t verified this claim ourselves, it’s designed to absorb your body’s energy, then redirect it back to you for these health benefits.

The Bear Elite Hybrid scored a 6 on our firmness scale, making it only slightly softer than the industry standard for a medium-firm mattress. This can be helpful for sleepers who want that pressure relief around sensitive areas like their hips, shoulders, and lower back, but also still want to feel supported by their mattress. Unlike other mattresses in this roundup, the Bear Elite Hybrid as a more “on top” feel to it, so sleepers shouldn’t feel like they’re sinking too far into this mattress’s layers.

What our tester says: “I like how you can chose your firmness level with the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress. I thought the Medium worked great for both back and side sleeping. It’s also responsive enough to move around on easily and super cooling for my fellow hot sleepers out there. ” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Many customers on the Bear website praise the Bear Elite Hybrid because of its combination of coils and foams. These users state that the foams in the top layer invite them to lie down, while the coils keep them from sinking too far into the same spot during the night.

Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

• The Bear Elite Hybrid includes a cooling cover and copper-infused foam that help get rid of body heat. The phase change material included in the top layer also helps to absorb body heat, and the Bear brand states that the Elite Hybrid has the most advanced cooling technology of all of their mattresses, making it a great choice for hot sleepers.
• The Bear Elite Hybrid also has edge-to-edge coils in its construction, which helps to create strong edge support in this bed. This is great for couples who want to use the full surface area of their mattress without fear of sagging near the sides.
• Combination sleepers should appreciate the Bear Elite Hybrid because of its “on top” feel. This allows for these sleepers to easily move around and switch positions throughout the night.

Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

• The Bear Elite Hybrid is considered a luxury mattress, so it is a bit more expensive than the other mattresses from this brand, with a queen sized mattress coming in at around $2,000. Budget-conscious shoppers may want to take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses under $1,000 for some cheaper options.

Sold on the Bear Elite Hybrid? Get our latest deal here. Still looking for a mattress? Learn more in our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review, or check out some other options in our best mattress for athletes roundup.

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Shoulder Pain – Nolah Signature

Expert Opinion

Back sleepers often fare best on a medium-firm mattress that blends pressure relief and support. But shoulder pain sufferers often need a soft to medium-soft mattress to get adequate pressure relief. Because of this, it can be hard to find a bed that meets both needs. Luckily, the Nolah Signature’s combination of soft AirFoam and more supportive high-density foam makes it a great fit for these folks. The Nolah brand states that the Nolah Signature offers “best-in-class pressure relief,” something we definitely felt when we laid down. We got some nice contouring at the lower back without ever feeling like we were sinking too far into the layers.

The Nolah Signature scored a 5.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, making it softer than the industry standard for a medium-firm mattress. Much like the majority of the beds on this list, the Nolah Signature also has more of a “sinking” feeling to it, rather than an “on top” feeling. This helps sleepers who suffer with shoulder pain to get the body contouring they need from their mattress.

What our tester says: “The sinkage this mattress provides should be a nice match for side sleepers and offer the pressure relief they need. The Nolah Signature also really impressed me on both the motion transfer test and with its edge support.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Nolah Signature users love the balance of comfort and stability that is present in this mattress. These customers say that the Nolah Signature helped them achieve pressure relief in their sensitive joints (especially their back and shoulders), while still keeping their body elevated and “on top” of the bed.

Pros of the Nolah Signature Mattress

• Side sleepers should appreciate the overall soft feel of the Nolah Signature. This should give them some added pressure relief around their shoulders and hips — areas that can become sensitive during side sleeping.
• The Nolah Signature is a great mattress option for sleepers who suffer from back pain. In our pressure map test, the Nolah Signature lit up blue and green for back pain, so sleepers should feel the layers of foam filling in the space around their lumbar region. However, stomach sleepers with back pain might want to look for a firmer option to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.
• The Nolah Signature received great results on our motion isolation test. The Airfoam used in this mattress has a slow response to pressure, meaning that this bed isn’t very bouncy. Because of this, couples shouldn’t be disturbed by their partner’s movements during the night.

Cons of the Nolah Signature Mattress

• The Nolah Signature is definitely on the softer side for a mattress, so stomach sleepers might find that this bed is not able to keep their hips in line with their shoulders. This could lead to pain while sleeping, so we recommend these sleepers check out our roundup of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers instead.

Decided on the Nolah Signature? Get our best deal here. Still looking for the right mattress for you? Learn more in our full Nolah Signature mattress review, or browse through our top picks for best mattress for back sleepers.

Best Organic Mattress for Shoulder Pain – Birch Luxe Natural

Expert Opinion

If you’re a particularly eco-conscious person who also wants the best mattress for shoulder pain, let us point you to the Birch Luxe Natural. Unlike many beds on this roundup, it’s not only organic, but made with latex — a material known for being naturally responsive and cooling. This offers an elegant feel that simple foams and springs are unable to replicate. Another unique aspect about the Birch’s latex is that it contours to the shoulders of back and stomach sleepers. Our pressure map results showed some particularly fantastic results for these positions.

The Birch Luxe Natural scored a 7 out of 10 on our firmness test, making this mattress firmer than our standard for a medium-firm bed. This is thanks to its blend of comfort from the organic cover and natural latex, and support from the pocketed coils. All of these layers sit atop organic wool. It’s no surprise that with all of the quality materials, this mattress holds a host of certifications for sustainability, emissions, materials, and production.

What our tester says: “When I’m on my back, I feel a great level of support. The pressure map reflects this by showing all blue on the map and no pressure building up on my back or hips. My hips don’t feel like they’re sinking in too far and my spine feels as though it’s staying in alignment.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Users on the Birch website often comment on how much they love that their sleeping surface is not only comfortable, but good for the environment.

Pros of the Birch Luxe Natural Mattress

• The responsive nature of this mattress makes it a fantastic choice for combination sleepers and anyone with mobility issues.
• Not surprisingly, the Birch Luxe Natural’s quality materials do wonders for the bed’s lifespan. If you’re looking for a durable option, you’ve certainly found it.
• The Birch Luxe Natural includes zoned support in its support layer, meaning that some spots of the mattress are firmer than others. This gives your body support where it needs it the most, and can go a long way toward helping prevent back pain.

Cons of the Birch Luxe Natural Mattress

• As a firmer bed, this mattress does not contour enough to the shoulders of side sleepers, who require the best soft mattresses.

Click here to see our current deals, or learn more in our full Birch Luxe Natural mattress review. Still searching? Take a look at our picks for best organic mattresses.

Why Trust Sleepopolis To Help you Find a Mattress

Here at Sleepopolis, we have personally tested over 300 mattresses to help every sleeper get the best night’s sleep they can. Our expert testing methods allow us to review beds in a way that is unbiased, honest, and most importantly, helpful. Using our knowledge of mattresses, pressure relief, and pain relief, we have compiled a list of the best possible mattresses for sleepers with shoulder pain. Below you can read more about our methodology for testing and also get expert tips on how to shop for a mattress that will help you with your shoulder pain.

Is your Mattress Causing Shoulder Pain?

If you are suffering from chronic shoulder pain or recovering from a shoulder injury, you should likely consult a medical professional or your doctor. However, if you are experiencing shoulder pain after sleeping or only experience it when laying on your mattress, it is possible that your bed is the culprit.

A non-supportive mattress, broken down foams or coils, or an old and deteriorating mattress may contribute to pain across the body. If you sleep on your side for some or all of the night, then a poor mattress may be contributing to your pain. It is also possible that the mattress you have is in good condition, but does not keep your shoulders and back supported enough to alleviate pain, or is not relieving enough pressure in the right areas.

With this in mind, yes, it is possible that your mattress is contributing to shoulder pain, and possibly even causing it, if the bed is not alleviating pressure or supporting your body the right way. We recommend continuing to read below to figure out exactly how to find a mattress that can help relieve shoulder pain.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

You may have chronic shoulder pain, you may have an injury, or you may have a bad mattress. Either way, we can help you find a solution in your bed. Below are some common causes of shoulder pain that you might look into before finalizing your mattress search.

• Rotator cuff tendinitis or injury
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Pinched nerves
• Frozen shoulder
• General injury or overexertion

How to Choose a Mattress for Shoulder Pain

Now that you know which mattresses we’d personally recommend for shoulder pain, we want to give you an overview of how we assessed these beds. These expert tips can help you as you shop for your new mattress.

Firmness

Support

Firmness and support are not interchangeable terms, given that softer mattresses can still offer plenty of support. A great supportive mattress is one that aligns the spine and allows the shoulders to rest properly, no matter the position. If a softer mattress has correct support features, you will be able to sink into the bed without ever feeling like the mattress is closing in around you.

If you struggle with shoulder pain, you need to ensure your mattress supports a straight spinal alignment. Depending on your sleeping position, this could mean different things. In general, side sleepers need a bit of sinkage so that their shoulders and hips align with their lower back, back sleepers need a medium-firm bed that keeps their hips supported, and stomach sleepers need a firm mattress.

If you struggle with shoulder pain, it may seem counterintuitive to get a firmer mattress, but if your soft mattress is not providing adequate support, you’ll carry tension throughout your entire body. In fact, tension from improper sleep posture can be particularly noticeable in the shoulders. This doesn’t mean you need to swap a soft bed for a firm one, but it does mean that you need to consider a more supportive bed. If you deal with shoulder pain, we’d recommend opting for a mattress that’s soft enough to provide pressure relief, but supportive enough to align your spine in your chosen sleeping position.

Pressure Relief

Sleeping Position

A mattress that supports your sleep posture will relieve tension throughout your body, which can help you relax your shoulders at night. Take a look at a few of the main sleeping positions below to learn more about what type of mattress suits each best.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers with shoulder pain generally do best on a soft mattress that offers plenty of body-contouring. You put a lot of pressure on the shoulders and hips when sleeping on your side, so you’ll want to look for a mattress with thick foam layers that will really cradle these joints.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers with shoulder pain should opt for a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress, according to a 2021 review. You’ll want something soft enough to allow some sinkage around the shoulders, but firm enough to support your lower back. No point in relieving shoulder pain on a soft mattress just to end up with lower back pain. If you’re a back sleeper with shoulder pain, we’d recommend looking for a bed that offers zoned support. These beds will feel softer at the shoulders to offer relief, but firmer at the hips and lower back to ensure you stay supported throughout the night.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers with shoulder pain should stick to a firm mattress to ensure they get appropriate support. A firm mattress that keeps their hips lifted up in line with their shoulders could actually relieve some pressure in the shoulder area, reducing pain. we’d recommend these folks opt for a firm mattress with a thin quilted pillow top that offers just a little pressure relief. We find firm latex mattresses with thin wool pillow tops very comfortable for stomach-sleeping.

Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers with shoulder pain need appropriate support and pressure relief in all of the sleeping positions, but still need enough mobility to move around at night. In general, we’d recommend a medium-soft hybrid mattress to these folks. But, if you’re willing to sacrifice some mobility to relieve more pain, a soft all-foam mattress might be a better option.

Body Weight

Most online mattresses are built for people under 250 pounds. So heavier people with shoulder pain may want to opt for a slightly firmer mattress, such as one of our best mattresses for heavy people could do the trick. If you’re a heavy person choosing from this list, we’d recommend the Loom & Leaf mattress, which features enough deep compression support to keep you comfortable. On the other hand, lightweight people with shoulder pain should often opt for an even softer mattress than they think they need. If you’re under about 130 lbs and deal with shoulder pain, we’d look for a foam mattress in the 5–5.5 range on the firmness scale.

Mattress Type

Different mattress types offer more or less shoulder pain relief, so you’ll also want to pay close attention to the mattress materials you’re choosing. We generally recommend a mattress that is both contouring and supportive to alleviate shoulder pain, like memory foam mattresses, which can be especially helpful for sleepers with shoulder pain because it gently relieves overall tension, especially around sensitive joints.

Memory Foam and Polyfoam

Memory foam mattresses are probably the best fit for those with shoulder pain. They offer tons of body-contouring and pressure relief and have a slow response to pressure that allows you to sink into them. In general, we highly recommend sleepers who struggle with shoulder pain (or hip pain) check out memory foam mattresses. Back and side sleepers may especially benefit from this.

Polyfoam mattresses are also a good fit for sleepers with shoulder pain. Soft polyfoam beds are not as supportive or slow-moving as memory foam mattresses, but can be great budget options for relieving shoulder pain in the short term.

Latex

Latex mattresses often feel bouncy and cooling. These beds don’t offer as much body-contouring as other foam mattresses, so side sleepers with shoulder pain may not get what they need. But soft latex mattresses could offer great relief for back sleepers with shoulder pain.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses combine foam top layers with steel coils and can vary widely in feel. If you struggle with shoulder pain, we’d suggest looking for a hybrid with thick memory or polyfoam top layers that offer plenty of room for sinkage before transitioning into the coil support layer.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are generally not good fits for sleepers with shoulder pain. These beds have a traditional, bouncy feel and are often quite firm. A coil mattress without a thick top layer won’t offer quite enough pressure relief for sleepers with shoulder pain unless they sleep on their stomachs.

Pillow Top

Pillow top mattresses are usually hybrid or innerspring layers with an additional foam, wool, or occasionally down top layer. These beds can offer great pressure relief and feature a little extra sinkage. Generally, pillow tops are very comfortable mattresses for sleepers with shoulder pain.

Motion Isolation

Cooling

We test all the mattresses in our reviews for their cooling capacity by using a thermal gun which measures the change in temperature from the mattress by itself to after we have laid on it for several minutes. We have found that anything below an 8-degree difference is considered good cooling, and below a 6-degree difference is great cooling.

What About Hot Sleepers

We’ve mentioned that memory foam tends to be a heat-trapping material, which usually is a big red flag for sleepers who run hot at night. But, don’t worry if you’re a hot sleeper who loves memory foam. Plenty of memory foam mattresses on the market have been designed to combat the natural heat-trapping quality of memory foam. Look for mattresses that are marketed as having “gel memory foam” or “aerated memory foam.”

Price

If you’re looking to save money when shopping for a new mattress, we’d recommend taking a look at our mattress coupon page and shopping during holiday sales like Black Friday or Memorial Day. If you’re planning to purchase a budget mattress, we’d recommend choosing one that offers a warranty and sleep trial period. Both options are great indicators that you’re purchasing from a reputable company that feels confident in their product.

If you are shopping internationally, shipping and handling costs can be even higher, so we have made a list of the best mattresses in Canada so you can look for the best deals when shopping outside of the United States.

Company Policies

Sleep Trials

A sleep trial refers to the amount of time, a mattress company will accept free returns until to give you a chance to fully test out the mattress. Every company varies, but most offer a 30, 60 or 90 days sleep trial. Sleep trials are extremely beneficial because they allow you to truly see if the mattress suits your lifestyle and sleep needs. After a couple weeks, you will be able to determine if a mattress if receiving the pressure you feel, keeping you cool at night and keeping you asleep next to a partner. 

Warranties

Mattress warranties are extremely important to look at because not only do they give you a backup if the mattress you buy is faulty or starts to perform different but it also give you a pretty good idea of what the durability of the mattress is going to be. Most companies offer 10-year or lifetime warranties. We recommend investing in a mattress that is truly going to relieve your shoulder pain and last at least 10 years. 

Shipping

Many shoppers have said they refuse to pay shipping costs on a new mattress considering the large upfront cost already. Every mattress on this list offers free shipping so be rest assured you will not have to add that cost to your budget.

At an extra cost, some mattress companies offer white glove delivery, which is a service that hand delivers your new bed to your door, sets it up in your room, and removes your old mattress for you. We definitely recommend white glove delivery if you suffer from shoulder pain as a mattress is not known to be a light load especially when going up stairs. 

Neck, Hip, and Back Pain

If you are experiencing shoulder pain, you may also be experiencing pain in your neck, back, and or hips. Much like shoulder pain, if these are chronic issues for you, or the result of an injury, we recommend meeting with a doctor. However, the right mattress can be important for alleviating pain in these areas by providing ample support and pressure relief.

We generally suggest looking for mattresses that support the hips and lumbar region for these areas of pain and provide pressure relief in the respective areas of pain. Exactly what kind of mattress you will want will depend on how you sleep and where exactly you feel pain. You can look at our recommendations for the best mattresses for side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers to learn more based on your sleeping position and our picks for the best mattresses for neck pain, back pain, and hip pain.

Tips for Relieving Shoulder Pain

Now that you know how to choose the right mattress to combat shoulder pain, let’s talk a little bit about what else you can do to help alleviate pain at bedtime. 

• Get a new pillow that ensures your head and neck are properly supported. This can help alleviate pressure at the shoulders and reduce pain. Check out our best pillows roundup to find a few options.

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever before bed. Certain shoulder conditions can feel more inflamed or aggravated at night. An over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory can help reduce some discomfort. Of course, speak with your doctor if there are certain medications you should avoid or you need to take a reduced dose.
• Side sleepers should try sleeping on the opposite shoulder as a way to reduce pain.
• Stretch and exercise regularly to improve shoulder pain over time.
• Try sleeping on your back if you don’t already. Back-sleeping is a great way to relieve shoulder pressure and pain. See our guide to training to sleep on your back.
• Back sleepers can try sleeping with an arm propped on a pillow. Elevating your arm could help take pressure off an injured or uncomfortable shoulder.
• Put a small pillow or rolled hand towel between your shoulder blades. This can relieve pressure across both shoulders. You can also try placing a pillow or towel under your painful shoulder while sleeping on your back to get the same result.
• Improve your overall sleep hygiene. Getting enough restful sleep can speed up recovery and help with pain. If you’re interested in improving your sleep hygiene, check out our 30-day sleep hygiene plan.
• Try a mattress topper. If you’re not ready to invest in a new mattress, a topper can add some much needed pressure relief to your existing bed. Take a look at some of the best mattress toppers, or take a look below to learn more about why a topper could help you.

When Should You Get A Mattress Topper?

Mattress toppers are a great invention for anyone who wishes to enhance their mattress without buying a completely new one. Like mattresses, there are many different types of mattress toppers on the market that are made with different materials and firmness levels. Sometimes, all you need is a mattress topper to turn a good mattress into a great mattress.

Best Mattress Toppers for Shoulder Pain

If you’re sleeping on a bed that’s too firm, or even a new mattress you haven’t quite broken in yet, a soft topper can do a lot to relieve shoulder pain and pressure. Or, if you’ve already got a great, supportive mattress that you don’t want to part with, but need a bit more pressure relief, a topper is likely the best option for you.

Toppers are also much more affordable than a new mattress, which can be a nice perk for shoppers on a budget. Plus, if you struggle with shoulder pain but aren’t sure if a new mattress would help, a topper is a great way to see if some additional cushioning could be beneficial without spending a lot of money.

In general, we’d recommend looking for soft memory foam mattress toppers that offer a mix of body-contouring and pressure relief if you’re looking to address shoulder pain. Our best soft mattress toppers and best memory foam mattress toppers roundups are great places to find some toppers that might work for your needs.

FAQs

Is a soft or firm mattress better for shoulder pain?

For shoulder pain, the best firmness depends on one’s sleeping position. Side sleepers will likely want a soft mattress because they put a lot of pressure on their hip and shoulder at night. A soft mattress can contour to these sensitive joints and minimize pressure buildup. Back and stomach sleepers will likely want something a bit firmer because they don’t want to sacrifice too much support. But they should consider a comfort layer thick enough to cradle the shoulders.

What is the best type of mattress for neck and shoulder pain?

The type of mattress you’ll want depends on your body weight, sleeping position, and overall preferences. From there, you’re likely to find a mattress that cradles the shoulders while also supporting your spine and neck in proper alignment. For instance, side sleepers might want a cushioning memory foam mattress because they put the most pressure on the shoulder. Heavier stomach sleepers might want to go for a super supportive hybrid with a little pressure relief that keeps the spine in alignment and alleviates neck and shoulder pain.

What position is best for sleeping with shoulder pain?

We recommend back sleeping for shoulder pain, since there isn’t a lot of pressure put on the shoulders and weight is distributed more evenly. Stomach sleeping can be problematic in terms of proper spinal alignment, and side sleeping definitely puts the most pressure on the shoulders. We recommend trying to transition out of side and stomach sleeping if possible.

Can a mattress cause shoulder pain?

Yes, a mattress can exacerbate and in some cases even cause shoulder pain. For instance, if you’re a side sleeper resting on a super firm mattress without much of a comfort layer, it can put far too much pressure on the shoulder. This can result in new or worse shoulder pain.

How We Chose These Mattresses

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 220 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.

Sleepers who experience shoulder pain are going to need different things from a mattress depending on their body type and sleeping position. So we took various categories into account when choosing beds for this roundup. For instance, side sleepers tend to need a lot of pressure relief on their shoulders, so we picked a mattress that scored a high 4 out of 5 on comfort for this superlative. Back sleepers, on the other hand, need more support, so we chose a bed that scored a 4.5 out of 5 on support for that superlative. Jump back to our mattress picks or click here to learn more about our methodology.

Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain 2024

Bridget Chapman

Former Senior Product Editor

About Author

Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.

Combination Sleeper

Sources

• Caggiari Gianfilippo. What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. 2021. https://jorthoptraumatol.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s10195-021-00616-5
• Jacbson Bert, H. Effect of prescribed sleep surfaces on back pain and sleep quality in patients diagnosed with low back and shoulder pain. Applied Ergonomics. 2010. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003687010000724?via%3Dihub
• Stutz Jan. Effects of evening exercise on sleep in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine. 2018. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-018-1015-0