Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain

Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor

Our Methodology

Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 220 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 build-up, 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. Certain beds are better at alleviating and preventing mattress-induced shoulder pain than others, so we’ve put together a list of some of the best ones.

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 lay in different positions on top of it. The map will record how much pressure we feel in each position, and then put that information into a graph 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 objective 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).

However, just because a mattress is soft or does well on our pressure-map test doesn’t mean that it’s going to work for every customer. Every sleeper is different — whether that be their body type, preferred sleeping position, or if they sleep with a partner or a pet. Because of this, we always include who we do (or don’t) recommend our mattresses to in our roundups to make sure that not only are you getting pain relief, you’re also picking a mattress that works best for you.

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. You can also check out our buyer’s guide for a few tips on how to mattress shop for customers with shoulder pain.

Our Top Pick For Shoulder Pain

If you have shoulder pain, you’re likely looking for something that will cradle sensitive joints. The Helix Sunset Luxe fits the bill with its soft, supportive pillow top. Its coils and breathable Tencel cover also make it a great pick for hot sleepers.

Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain

• Best Overall – Helix Sunset Luxe
• Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Shoulder Pain – Loom & Leaf
• Best Cooling Mattress for Shoulder Pain – DreamCloud
• Best Hybrid Mattress for Shoulder Pain – WinkBed
• Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Shoulder Pain – Nolah Signature
• Best Mattress for Athletes with Shoulder Pain – Bear Elite Hybrid
• Best Mattress for Neck and Shoulder Pain – Puffy Royal Hybrid

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 Video Review

Compare the Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain

Best Overall – Helix Sunset Luxe

Expert Opinion

If you experience shoulder pain while sleeping, look no further than the Helix Sunset Luxe mattress. This is the luxury upgrade of the standard Helix Sunset — the softest model in the brand’s line of hybrid mattresses. With the Luxe, they’ve added a Tencel cover for cooling and a 2-inch pillow top for extra pressure relief. We found that the pillow top included in this version of the mattress worked wonders for shoulder pain. To prove this, we performed a pressure map test on the Helix Sunset Luxe, which is where we lay a special mat over the mattress and measure how much pressure we feel during back, stomach, and side sleeping. For the Helix Sunset Luxe, the shoulder area lit up completely blue (equating to low pressure).

The Helix Sunset Luxe scored a 5.5 on our firmness scale, which is created using the objective rankings of multiple Sleepopolis mattress testers. The industry standard for a medium-firm mattress is set at a 6.5, so the Helix Sunset Luxe is much softer than this average. We could really feel the soft foams in this mattress cradling and supporting our sensitive joints. The Helix Sunset Luxe also includes coils that have zoned support, which can help prevent jamming around the hips and shoulders.

What our tester says: “The Sunset Luxe does a great job of temperature regulation thanks to its cooling cover, gel-infused foams, and breathable pocketed coils. The firmness level of this bed means it will offer plenty of plush pressure relief to side sleepers.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress tester

What Customers Say

Customers on the Helix website love the extra soft and plush feel that they get from the Helix Sunset Luxe. Many users stated that this mattress helped get rid of their back pain completely, especially around their lumbar region. However, some reviews do state that the bed sleeps pretty hot, so sleepers who suffer from night sweats might want to keep that in mind.

Pros of the Helix Sunset Luxe Mattress

• The Helix Sunset Luxe 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 both pressure relief from the gel visco pillow topper and support from the coils in the base layer.
• Lightweight sleepers should be able to rest easily on the Helix Sunset Luxe, especially if they prefer to sleep on their back or side. These sleepers should get the contouring their need around sensitive areas like the hips and shoulders, promoting a healthy spinal alignment.
• Because of the soft nature of this mattress, the Helix Sunset Luxe is a great choice for side sleepers. They should appreciate the pressure relief around their joints during the night.

Cons of the Helix Sunset Luxe Mattress

• Strict stomach sleepers might want to look elsewhere for their perfect mattress. The Helix Sunset Luxe is likely too soft for these folks, as they usually need extra support in order to keep their hips lifted and in line with their shoulders (the key to them maintaining a healthy spinal alignment). We recommend these customers check out our roundup of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Click here for our best deal, or take a look at our full Helix Sunset Luxe mattress review for more info. You can also learn more about the entire Luxe line in our Helix Luxe mattresses review, and check out more options on our best mattress page.

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Shoulder Pain – Loom & Leaf

Expert Opinion

Side sleepers are more prone to shoulder pain than any other sleeper since they typically have all their weight concentrated on their shoulders at night. Fortunately, choosing an all-foam bed like the Loom & Leaf mattress can help alleviate this problem. This mattress includes a comfort layer of cooling, gel-infused memory foam in its construction that has a slow response to pressure. This helps side sleepers sink into this mattress for more pressure relief around their hips and shoulders. The contour layer in the Loom & Leaf also includes memory foam, which gives them a pressure-relieving hug.

The Loom & Leaf scored a 6 on our firmness test, making this mattress softer than the industry standard for a medium-firm bed. While you most likely will feel yourself sinking into the top layers of memory foam on this bed, the transition layer of polyfoam helps to stop over-sinkage, allowing sleepers to more gradually ease into the mattress.

What our tester says: “This bed features two thick top layers of the pressure-relieving material. I think side sleepers should do especially well on this bed as they experience cushiony support at the shoulders and hips. ” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress tester

What Customers Say

Users on the Saatva website often comment on how much they love the typical memory foam feel of the Loom & Leaf. This mattress is constructed entirely of foam, so sleepers are able to experience a plush, comfy bed without any coils in the base.

Pros of the Loom & Leaf Mattress

• The memory foam comfort layers included in the Loom & Leaf make it a great choice for seniors, as these sleepers typically need added pressure relief around their joints.
• The Loom & Leaf scored very well on our motion isolation test, most likely because memory foam is a great material for absorbing movement. This makes this mattress a great choice for couples because they shouldn’t feel the tossing and turning of their partner during the night.
• The Loom & Leaf includes zoned lumbar quilting in the top layer, meaning that some spots of the mattress are firmer than others. This gives your body support where it needs it the most, and this can go a long way toward preventing back pain.

Cons of the Loom & Leaf Mattress

• Although the Loom & Leaf does have a few cooling features in its construction, we still felt that it slept a tad hot overall. If you’re prone to night sweats, we recommend checking out our roundup of the best cooling mattresses for some other options.

Click here to see our current deals, or learn more in our full Loom & Leaf mattress review. Still searching? Take a look at our picks for best mattress for side sleepers.

Best Cooling Mattress for Shoulder Pain – DreamCloud

Expert Opinion

The DreamCloud 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 comfort layer includes gel memory foam. This material has a slow response to pressure, and the added gel layer helps to get rid of trapped body heat in the mattress. The support layer of the DreamCloud also includes a tall section of individually wrapped coils. The spaces between these coils helps to promote airflow to increase breathability in the mattress.

Of course, we’ve placed the DreamCloud on this roundup because it’s also a good mattress for shoulder pain. It’s important to note that with a score of 7 on our firmness test, this mattress is considered medium firm, which makes it stand out on this list of mostly soft mattresses. Despite this, when we lay down on the DreamCloud, we can feel the foam contouring our shoulders and giving us a lot of pressure relief.

What our tester says: “Thanks to its medium-firm to firm support, I think the DreamCloud is a durable mattress. It balances support with plenty of pressure relief for back sleepers. I also appreciate how well this bed could work for couples.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

The majority of customers on the DreamCloud 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 DreamCloud Mattress

• Lightweight sleepers should rest comfortably on the DreamCloud, no matter which sleeping position they prefer. Lightweight back and stomach sleepers should get the support they need, since this mattress will feel firmer to their frame. At the same time, lightweight side sleepers should still get that pressure relief for their hips and shoulders.
• Combination sleepers should appreciate the innerspring coils present in the DreamCloud. These coils help sleepers to 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.
• While light-sleeping partners may still feel each other’s movements on the DreamCloud, the responsive and bouncy nature of of this mattress makes it good for sex.

Cons of the DreamCloud Mattress

• Strict side sleepers might find that the DreamCloud 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 DreamCloud will change the way you sleep? Click here to get our best deal. If you’re still undecided, learn more in our full DreamCloud mattress review, or check out our picks for best cooling mattress.

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, 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 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 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, 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 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. 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, 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 Neck and Shoulder Pain – Puffy Royal Hybrid

Expert Opinion

If you’re looking for a mattress that works well for both neck and shoulder pain, we’d recommend the Puffy Royal Hybrid. This is a luxury mattress that combines both foams and coils for a good balance of body-contouring and mobility. When testing it out, we felt neck and shoulder pressure alleviated at the get-go, thanks to a Cooling Cloud Foam comfort layer that allows you to sink in and get immediate relief in more sensitive areas.

The plush feel of this mattress also allows for a lot of deep sinkage around the shoulders, which should help relieve any pain or pressure in this area, no matter what position you prefer to sleep in (back, side, stomach, or combination). We proved this in our pressure map test, where side sleeping lit up almost completely blue (equating to low pressure in the shoulder and hip areas).

What our tester says: “I really like the soft memory foam layers of this mattress. It’s a great fit for side and back sleepers or folks who suffer from joint pain. Puffy also offers a memory-foam feel without trapping too much body heat.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress tester

What Customers Say

Multiple reviews on the Puffy website talk about how plush this mattress is. These customers loved the soft feel they got from the Puffy Royal Hybrid, and many stated that they woke up with virtually no back pain, which was a problem on their previous mattress.

Pros of the Puffy Royal Hybrid Mattress

• This is a great mattress for back pain, which we can see in the pressure map test. During this test, back sleeping lit up completely blue, proving that back sleepers should feel that their weight is evenly distributed, helping to alleviate pain in this area.
• Memory foam mattresses have a bad rep when it comes to cooling, but the Puffy Royal Hybrid helps to break this stigma. This mattress includes a breathable polyester cover, Cooling Cloud Foam, Climate Comfort Foam (which is resistant to temperature and humidity), and cooling gel throughout all of the memory foam layers. The coils in the base layer of this mattress also add some airflow.
• 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 Puffy Royal Hybrid Mattress

• The Puffy Royal Hybrid definitely has more of a “sinking” feel to it, rather than an “on top” feel. Because of this, combination sleepers might want to opt for a mattress that allows them to switch positions more easily during the night. We recommend that these sleepers check out our roundup of the best mattresses for combination sleepers.

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

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

We don’t claim to be experts on anything but sleep, so we’d recommend seeing a medical professional if you’re suffering from chronic shoulder pain. But if you notice your pain is worse when you wake up and your mattress is seven to 10 years old (or brand-new and quite firm), that could be the root cause. Additionally, here are some other factors that could lead to shoulder pain: 

• 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. Hopefully, this will help you as you shop for your new mattress.

Firmness

Firmness is one of the most important considerations for sleepers shopping for a bed that alleviates shoulder pain. Firmness will determine how far you sink into your bed, and is rated on a scale of 1 (softest) to 10 (firmest). The best firmness level for you’ll depend on your preferred sleeping position and body weight, but there are a few general recommendations we can provide for folks with shoulder pain.

If you’re a side or back sleeper with shoulder pain, we’d recommend you opt for a soft mattress (between a 4 and 6) on the mattress firmness scale. Some softness and sinkage should help cushion the pressure points around your body and provide some relief. Back sleepers with shoulder pain could also opt for a medium-firm mattress if they need a little more support, or if they share a bed with a partner who prefers a firmer feel.

On the other hand, stomach sleepers with shoulder pain are often using the wrong pillow, not the wrong mattress. Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to keep their spines neutrally aligned and avoid back pain and arching. But they also need a soft, flat pillow that prevents them from craning their neck or putting pressure on their shoulders at night. we’d recommend checking out our best pillows for stomach sleepers if you’re a stomach sleeper struggling with shoulder or neck pain.

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.

Spinal Alignment Recap

Remember, it’s important to find a mattress that’s comfortable, but it’s equally important to find one that fits your preferred sleeping position. The goal is for your spine to be aligned into a perfectly straight line while you sleep. Otherwise, you can wake up in serious pain.

Pressure Relief

When we talk about a mattress’ pressure relief, I’m referring to how the bed distributes your body weight. Even weight distribution reduces tension throughout the body, which is particularly useful for those suffering from shoulder pain. The best pressure-relieving mattresses provide a comfortable resting place to soothe muscles and joints while simultaneously alleviating tension across the body.

To determine how a mattress ranks when it comes to pressure relief, make sure your bed isn’t putting pressure (or “pushing back”) on sensitive areas, such as your shoulders. Certain materials can be more pressure-relieving than others. For instance, soft memory foam beds can be ultra pressure-relieving, while firm innerspring mattresses won’t offer much pressure relief (or be good for sleepers with shoulder pain).

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 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 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 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 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

You’ll also want to take your body weight into consideration when shopping for a mattress with shoulder pain. 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 than they think they need to ensure they’re getting high-quality support. 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. Certain beds, especially memory foam mattresses, could feel firmer to these sleepers than they do to other folks. 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.

You’re A Unique Sleeper

We already know that each person is unique, so it’s no surprise that each person sleeps a little differently, too. When shopping for a mattress, it’s important to consider what position you sleep in. But, keep in mind that your weight will also determine how far you sink into a mattress and how supportive it can be for you. What feels soft to you may feel firm to another sleeper.

Materials

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. Take a look below to learn more about common mattress types’ pain-relieving capabilities.

• 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.
• 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 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 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 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 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. In general, pillow tops are very comfortable mattresses for sleepers with shoulder pain.

Body-Contouring

Body-contouring refers to the cradling or hug-like sensation you feel when the foams in a mattress conform to the shape of your body. Body-contouring can be especially helpful for sleepers with shoulder pain because it gently relieves overall tension, especially around sensitive joints. If you’re a back or side sleeper with shoulder pain, you may want to prioritize body-contouring, and memory foam mattresses tend to offer a lot of it.

Motion Isolation

Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress reduces disturbances throughout the night. If you sleep with a partner or pet, this is a measure of how much you’ll be jostled by their movements. If you struggle with shoulder pain, it can be hard to fall asleep. So you don’t want a mattress that it’s easy for your partner to accidentally wake you up on. You also don’t want an injured or sore shoulder to get disrupted overnight by a partner’s movements.

In general, memory foam and pillow top mattresses are good at isolating motion. Some of our best mattresses for couples also feature great motion isolation, and might be worth a look if this is a priority for you.

Cooling

Hot sleepers with shoulder pain can struggle to find a bed because memory foam and pillow top mattresses, which are some of the best out there for shoulder pain, often trap body heat. To help mitigate this issue, we’d recommend opting for a gel, copper, or graphite-infused memory foam bed if you already sleep hot. You may also want to consider a mattress that includes thermoregulating materials like wool or soft latex, or soft a hybrid bed whose coils promote airflow. Take a look at our best cooling mattresses to find a few more options.

Calling All 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.

Tips for Sleeping with 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.

Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain Summary

That’s a wrap for the best mattress for shoulder pain guide. No matter the mattress you choose, keeping these tips in mind will help you determine which mattress most effectively offers you shoulder pain relief. Again, please only use this guide as an informational resource. We’re not licensed medical professionals, so be sure to contact your doctor with any persistent health issues.

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 2023

Bridget Chapman

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

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• 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