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 I’ve put together a list of my favorites. While doing so, I took the words of Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta to heart.
“If you’re looking to ease shoulder pain with your mattress, look for one that’s softer yet supportive, offers pressure relief, and keeps your hips and spine aligned,” Dr. Dasgupta says. “Memory foam or latex can be good materials for this, and you can also consider adding a mattress topper for a more plush surface.”
We run all the mattresses we review through a series of tests, and per Dr. Dasgupta’s advice, I paid close attention here to our pressure map test. I start by spreading out a specialized mat on the mattress, then lie down on it in different positions. The map records how much pressure I feel in each position, and visualizes that information into a color-coded graphic or “map”. Blue and green equate to low pressure, while yellow and red mean that there’s quite a bit of pressure building in those areas. For this list, I obviously went with mattresses that showed little to no pressure buildup around the shoulders.
Keep reading to take a look at my best mattresses for shoulder pain. Sleepopolis has helped 12,544 people find a mattress in 2024 alone, and I hope I can do the same for you.
My 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 Mattress for Neck and Shoulder Pain – Saatva Classic
- Best Hybrid Mattress for Shoulder Pain – WinkBed
- Best Cooling Mattress for Shoulder Pain – Nectar
- Best Mattress for Back and Shoulder Pain – Saatva Rx
- Best Mattress for Couples with Shoulder Pain – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Athletes with Shoulder Pain – Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Shoulder Pain – Nolah Signature
- Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers with Shoulder Pain – Titan Plus Luxe
- 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 I 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 I was sure to test for the firmness of all of the mattresses on this list. To test them I used our firmness scale, which runs 1-10 with 10 being the most firm. I 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, I was 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 I wanted to be sure to include mattresses made from quality materials that would help keep you comfortable, cool, and alleviate shoulder pain. I 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
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| Helix Midnight Mattress | Saatva Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Saatva Rx Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe | Birch Luxe Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Soft: 5.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| Best For |
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers
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Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples
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Back Pain, Hip Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers
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Couples,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Side Sleepers,
Back Pain |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers |
Best Overall Mattress for Shoulder Pain – Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
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, I 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.
How Will the Helix Midnight Mattress Help With Shoulder Pain?
I think the plush feel of the foam layers should allow for deep sinkage and shoulder pain relief, regardless of which sleeping position you prefer. I 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. I 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, I 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.
- I 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, I 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 Mattress for Neck and Shoulder Pain – Saatva Classic
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
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 I think that the pillow top included in the Luxury Firm version of the mattress should work wonders for both neck and shoulder pain.
The Saatva scored a 6.5 on our firmness scale for its Luxury Firm version, making it what I 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, I definitely recommend you to opt for that version.
How Will the Saatva Mattress Help With Shoulder Pain?
I 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.
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 my 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, I 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 Hybrid Mattress for Shoulder Pain – WinkBed
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
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 I tested out the WinkBed, I found that, while the zoned support coils in the base layer create some bounce, the comfort layer of gel-infused memory foam cushioned my shoulders and allowed me to sink into the bed for some pressure relief.
How Will the WinkBed Mattress Help With Shoulder Pain?
I actually tested out the Luxury Firm model of the WinkBed with our pressure map, and it showed mostly blue, with just a hint of green at the shoulders and hips. The Softer model will provide even more pressure relief, so it should give you the contouring you need at the shoulders while still remaining supportive.
What our tester says: “In the side-sleeping position, there was a touch of pressure at the shoulders (though not too much), and some higher pressure at the hips. If you experience pain in either of these areas or just have more sensitive joints, consider the Softer model.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
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
- While the WinkBed isn’t the most expensive bed on this list, it’s still rather pricey. If you’re a shopper on a budget, consider looking at my page of the best affordable mattresses.
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 Cooling Mattress for Shoulder Pain – Nectar
The Nectar delivers a balance of comfort and support: it’s definitely contouring, but still provides a firm enough foundation for most light to average weight sleepers, especially if they sleep on their back or stomach. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“I think back sleepers would be especially happy on this bed. They’ll get plenty of support from the firm memory foam in the Nectar Classic, which should translate to great pressure relief and a good night’s sleep. Hot sleepers who have to have a memory foam mattress should also have no trouble at all falling asleep on this bed.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The all-foam Nectar is the brand’s flagship memory foam mattress. Although memory foam tends to sleep hot, I found that the Nectar is the exception to the rule. I measured the bed’s temperature with a thermal gun after five minutes of lying on it, and it heated up less than 6 degrees. This indicates good cooling capabilities, and for a memory foam bed, I think it’s one of the best cooling mattresses out there.
Of course, I’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 6.5 on our firmness test, the Nectar mattress is considered medium firm, which makes it stand out on this list of mostly soft mattresses.
How Will the Nectar Mattress Help With Shoulder Pain?
On our pressure map, the Nectar was almost completely blue at the shoulders for back sleepers, with some green at the shoulders for side sleepers. I think this bed will provide relief at the shoulders for both sleeping positions, but if side sleepers want an especially soft mattress with even more stellar pressure map results, they can check out the brand’s luxury upgrade, the Nectar Premier.
What our tester says: “From actually lying on the mattress, I noticed that it does sleep cooler than a traditional memory foam mattress. This was further confirmed by the results on our thermal gun.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
What Customers Say
There are more than 51,000 reviews for the Nectar on the brand’s website, with an average customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Over 8,000 of these testimonials mention that the mattress has soothed the sleeper’s pain, including this one from a verified buyer: “I researched many mattresses for side sleepers that specifically had chronic shoulder pain. After I found 3 separate reviews that recommended Nectar, I bought their mattress. All of my pains are gone, especially the shoulder.”
I should note that while I don’t recommend the Nectar for side sleepers with joint pain (more on that below), many buyers still find the bed comfortable in this sleeping position.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
- I found the memory foam of the Nectar to be quite responsive. Combination sleepers should have no trouble switching sleeping positions on its surface.
- Back sleepers and stomach sleepers should both get the support they need from the Nectar, which is key to maintaining a neutral spinal alignment.
- After discounts, you can often find a queen-size Nectar for under $1,000 on the brand’s website.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
- While most people will probably find the Nectar comfortable in the side-sleeping position, side strict side sleepers with joint pain might experience some jamming up at the shoulders and hips. I recommend these folks opt for the softer Nectar Premier or take a look at my roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Think the Nectar will change the way you sleep? Click here to get our best deal. If you’re still undecided, learn more in our full Nectar mattress review, or check out our picks for best cooling mattress.
Best Mattress for Back and Shoulder Pain – Saatva Rx
Designed specifically for sleepers with back pain and joint pain, the Saatva Rx features several layers that combine both foam and coils. This creates a blend of comfort and support throughout the entire mattress that’s cushioning enough for any aches and pains while still being sturdy enough for a neutral spinal alignment. Learn more in our Saatva Rx video review.
What our tester says:
“I found that this bed has a supportive feel that easily works for people of all weights, but still feels plush and comfortable.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
The Saatva RX is a luxury hybrid mattress that the brand considers a go-to for people struggling with “chronic back and joint conditions.” It construction blends cooling comfort foams with multiple innerspring layers, with the intent of cushioning your joints while also supporting your spine. We found it to be an effective combination, with very little pressure buildup in both the back- and side-sleeping position.
Let’s break down the construction layer by layer. On top of the bed is an airy organic cotton cover, with two foam-based comfort layers underneath, both of which are infused with gel to help promote cooling. Then, for additional airflow, support, and durability throughout the mattress, two coiled layers create a sturdy foundation. When we scored the Saatva Rx on our mattress firmness scale, we settled on 6.5 out of 10 — the industry standard for medium firm.
How Will the Saatva Rx Mattress Help With Shoulder Pain?
As you can see in the graphic to the right, there was very little pressure buildup at the shoulders while I was both back sleeping and side sleeping. I think this mattress will provide deep pressure relief for anyone experiencing shoulder pain. After all, it’s what the bed was built for.
What our tester says: “The Saatva Rx did a good job relieving pressure for me in both the back and side sleeping positions. There is very little pressure buildup showing on these pressure maps, indicating this bed should be effective at pressure relief for back and side sleepers.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
What Customers Say
On Saatva’s official website, the RX has 113 verified buyer reviews with an average score of 4.8/5. One verified reviewer wrote, “I am very pleased with my new Saatva Rx mattress. I have slept on it for one week and find it very comfortable. My last mattress was causing me shoulder pain when I slept on my side. That pain is gone. I have low back and neck issues which is why I purchased this mattress. I am sleeping well and waking up refreshed. I recommend this mattress.”
Pros of the Saatva Rx Mattress
- The Saatva RX is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association and has a seal of approval from the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations.
- Back and side sleepers should find plenty of relief and support on the RX, which could potentially help alleviate and prevent inflammation in the shoulders and back.
- We found minimal body heat buildup when judging the RX with a thermal gun. This, likely due to the various cooling technologies built into RX’s materials and design, makes the mattress an excellent choice for hot sleepers.
Cons of the Saatva Rx Mattress
- Some heavier stomach sleepers may want to consider a mattress with firmer options.
- The Saatva RX may be a bit on the pricier side for consumers on a budget.
Ready to try out the Saatva Rx for yourself? Click here to get our best deal. You can also explore other options on our picks for the best mattresses for back pain.
Best Mattress for Couples with Shoulder Pain – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
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 shoulder pain relief, I suggest opting for the Soft model. It has a thick and cozy cover, as well as a contouring memory foam layer that treats you to a good bit of contouring.
Regardless of which model you choose, the Signature Hybrid has several traits that I recommend for couples. First, I found that it has really strong edge support, which is essentially 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. Also, the hybrid construction should offer plenty of breathability for two sleepers. You can even add a cooling cover for an additional fee if you’re someone who overheats easily. Finally, the level of responsiveness in this bed makes the Signature Hybrid a good option for sex. You shouldn’t feel stuck in the material, and should find that it’s easy to switch positions.
How Will the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress Help With Shoulder Pain?
I put the Medium model of the Signature Hybrid through our pressure map test and saw just a tinge of green at the shoulders while side sleeping and no pressure at the shoulders while back sleeping. This model should definitely be comfortable for back sleepers and reasonably comfortable for side sleepers, although if their shoulder pain is especially severe, I recommend that the latter group opts for the Soft model.
What our tester says: “Couples need a mattress that’s good for sex, isolates motion isolation well , has strong edge support, and sleeps cool. Fortunately, the Signature Hybrid has three out of the four of these traits. Its bouncy, responsive feel makes it a strong mattress for sex, and the construction encourages airflow and breathability. Finally, its edge support is strong enough to make sure couples can spread out on their mattress without fear of sinkage or sagging near the sides.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
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
- I felt very comfortable on the Signature Hybrid while back sleeping. If you sleep in this position, I recommend choosing the Medium model, which should give you pressure relief at the lumbar region and enough support for a neutral spinal alignment.
- The responsiveness of this bed also makes it a natural choice for combination sleepers. They should be able to switch sleeping positions with ease.
- Side sleepers should be comfortable on the Signature Hybrid, but I recommend they opt for the Soft model to get the deepest contouring and pressure relief at their shoulders and hips. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, should go for the Firm model.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
- The one area where the Signature Hybrid might be an issue for some couples is motion isolation. When measuring the mattress’s vibrations with a seismometer, I saw some spikes. While this shouldn’t be a problem for most sleepers, it’s something to consider if you or your partner is a light sleeper and easily feels the other’s tossing and turning.
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 Athletes with Shoulder Pain – Bear Elite Hybrid
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
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. I think the Bear Elite Hybrid is a great option for this. Its soft memory foam up top provided me with plenty of contouring, while the coils at the bottom of the bed kept me 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 Sleepopolis hasn’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.
How Will the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Help With Shoulder Pain?
I think the Bear Elite Hybrid will provide deep pressure relief at the shoulders, regardless of sleeping position. As you can see in our pressure map, there’s almost no pressure buildup whatsoever in both the back- and side-sleeping position.
What our tester says: “On the cooling front, the Bear Elite Hybrid combines phase change material fabric and the brand’s trademarked Sleep Recovery Technology, which is powered by Celliant. I can say that [both materials] sleep nice and cool, and could help athletes cool down after a workout.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
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 my 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
If you’re looking for a soft yet supportive foam option, the Nolah Signature should be a good fit. It’s supportive enough for back sleepers, while also providing enough contouring for side sleepers, especially at the shoulders and hips where the put the most pressure while sleeping. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Nolah Signature is a great choice for a lot of back and side sleepers. The sinkage this mattress provides should be a nice match for these sleepers and offer the pressure relief they need.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
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 I definitely felt when I laid down. I got some nice contouring at the lower back without ever feeling like I was 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.
How Will the Nolah Signature Mattress Help With Shoulder Pain?
Judging from our pressure map, I think the Nolah Signature will provide plenty of contouring and relief at the shoulders, especially in the back-sleeping position. As you can see, the graphic is entirely blue in this position, indicating no pressure buildup of all.
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 t