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 injury or condition (like arthritis), your pain could be caused — at least in part — by your mattress. Certain beds are better at alleviating existing shoulder pain or preventing mattress-induced shoulder pain than others, so I’ve put together a list of some of the best ones. Take a look at my favorite pain-relieving mattresses, then check out my buyer’s guide for a few tips on mattress-shopping with shoulder pain.
Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain: My Top 8!
- Best Overall – Helix Sunset Luxe
- Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Shoulder Pain – Loom & Leaf
- Best Mattress for Neck and Shoulder Pain – Puffy Royal Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Back and Shoulder Pain – DreamCloud Premier Rest
- 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 Memory Foam Mattress – TEMPUR-Cloud
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.
Helix Sunset Luxe Mattress
Loom & Leaf Mattress
Puffy Royal Hybrid Mattress
DreamCloud Premier Rest
WinkBed Mattress
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress
Rating
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Multiple firmness options
Soft: 5.5/10
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Multiple firmness options
Soft: 5.5/10
Multiple firmness options
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Material
Hybrid
Foam
Hybrid
Hybrid
Hybrid
Foam
Hybrid
Foam
Cooling
--
--
--
--
✓
--
--
--
Sleep Position
Back & Side
Back & Side
Back & Side
Back & Side
Back & Stomach
Back & Side
Back & Side
Back & Side
Best Overall – Helix Sunset Luxe
The Sunset Luxe is the softest model in the Helix Luxe line. A combination of soft Memory Plus foam and springy Helix Dynamic Foam create a soft yet responsive feel. Regardless of your preferred sleeping position, you won’t feel swallowed by the foam layers of this mattress.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Sunset Luxe is the softest model in the Helix Luxe line. A combination of soft Memory Plus foam and springy Helix Dynamic Foam create a soft yet responsive feel. Regardless of your preferred sleeping position, you won’t feel swallowed by the foam layers of this mattress.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Sunset Luxe is the softest model in the Helix Luxe line. A combination of soft Memory Plus foam and springy Helix Dynamic Foam create a soft yet responsive feel. Regardless of your preferred sleeping position, you won’t feel swallowed by the foam layers of this mattress.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Helix Sunset Luxe Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Warranty
15-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Helix Sunset Luxe Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
15-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Helix Sunset Luxe Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
If you experience shoulder pain while sleeping, look no further than the Helix Sunset Luxe mattress. Built with a gentle pillow-top and zoned support coils, it’s made to cradle and support sensitive joints. Personally, I think this upgrade of the standard Helix Sunset is a great option for fighting both hip and shoulder pain.
Pros
- The zoning at the hips and shoulders has plenty of cushioning to relieve pressure and reduce pain. That plush comfort will help you avoid jamming in these areas.
- For extra support, the Helix Sunset Luxe has more coils than the regular Helix Sunset.
- The mattress also sleeps cool, which is a great perk for hot sleepers.
Cons
- Chances are that this bed is going to be too soft for stomach sleepers.
Take a look at my Helix Sunset Luxe mattress review, or learn more about the entire Luxe line in my Helix Luxe mattresses review. You can also check out more options on our best mattress page.
Searching for a mattress to relieve your hip pains? Take a look at our best mattress for hip pain round up! Decided on the Helix Sunset Luxe? Get our best deal here!
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Shoulder Pain – Loom & Leaf
The Loom & Leaf is a pressure-relieving memory foam mattress. It offers deep sinkage and contouring, and its foam layers absorb almost all movement, making it a great option for couples.
The Loom & Leaf is a pressure-relieving memory foam mattress. It offers deep sinkage and contouring, and its foam layers absorb almost all movement, making it a great option for couples.
The Loom & Leaf is a pressure-relieving memory foam mattress. It offers deep sinkage and contouring, and its foam layers absorb almost all movement, making it a great option for couples.
Loom & Leaf Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Loom & Leaf Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Loom & Leaf Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Side sleepers are more prone to shoulder pain than any other sleepers, since they have their weight concentrated on their shoulders all night. But shoulder pain doesn’t have to be a side effect of side-sleeping! Choosing a bed like the Loom & Leaf mattress can help alleviate shoulder pressure and pain during side-sleeping. Its thick top layers are made of memory foam, which has a slow response to pressure and allows the sleeper to sink in for pressure relief at the shoulders, hips, and lower back.
Pros
- The Loom & Leaf is great for shoulder pain sufferers because the more pressure relief you experience, the less pain you’re likely to feel.
- This bed allows your shoulders to rest comfortably in the mattress, giving your shoulders some cozy relief at night.
- At the same time, the firmer transition layer ensures that you won’t have to sacrifice stability and support for comfort.
Cons
- Despite an infusion of gel in the comfort layer, the Loom & Leaf tends to sleep hot.
Learn more in our full Loom & Leaf mattress review.
Sold on the Loom & Leaf? Get our best deal here! Still searching? Take a look at our picks for best mattress for side sleepers.
Best Mattress for Neck and Shoulder Pain – Puffy Royal Hybrid
The Puffy Royal Hybrid combines thick layers of slow-response memory foam with individually pocketed coils for a luxurious, contouring feel with just a little bit of bounce.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Puffy Royal Hybrid combines thick layers of slow-response memory foam with individually pocketed coils for a luxurious, contouring feel with just a little bit of bounce.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Puffy Royal Hybrid combines thick layers of slow-response memory foam with individually pocketed coils for a luxurious, contouring feel with just a little bit of bounce.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Puffy Royal Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
101 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Puffy Royal Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
101 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Puffy Royal Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Trial Period
101 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
If you’re looking for a mattress that works well for both neck and shoulder pain I’d recommend the Puffy Royal Hybrid. This bed combines plush layers of memory foam with a sturdy adaptive coil base for a one-two punch of pressure relief and support.
Pros
- Neck and shoulder pressure is relieved at the get-go, as a Cooling Cloud Foam comfort layer allows you to sink in for immediate relief in those areas.
- It’s not just pain relief the Puffy Royal has to offer. It also stays cool throughout the night, thanks to its breathable cover and cooling bead infusions.
- The Puffy Royal Hybrid has low motion transfer results, which should bode well for couples. You and your partner are unlikely to feel each other’s movements at night.
Cons
- The Puffy Royal Hybrid likely isn’t going to be very comfortable for heavy sleepers, so that’s something to consider if you’re over 250 lb.
- It also has weak edge support, which could be a drawback if you sleep near the end of the bed.
Learn more in our full Puffy Royal Hybrid mattress review.
Think the Puffy Royal Hybrid will relieve your neck and shoulder pain. Get our best deal here! If you’re still undecided, check out our picks for best mattress for neck pain.
Best Mattress for Back and Shoulder Pain – DreamCloud Premier Rest
The DreamCloud Premier is a hybrid bed-in-a-box with a medium firmness that’s great for a wide range of sleepers. The support level will be great for back sleepers and side sleepers will enjoy the pressure relief the pillow top structure provides.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The DreamCloud Premier is a hybrid bed-in-a-box with a medium firmness that’s great for a wide range of sleepers. The support level will be great for back sleepers and side sleepers will enjoy the pressure relief the pillow top structure provides.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The DreamCloud Premier is a hybrid bed-in-a-box with a medium firmness that’s great for a wide range of sleepers. The support level will be great for back sleepers and side sleepers will enjoy the pressure relief the pillow top structure provides.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.DreamCloud Premier Rest
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Financing Options
DreamCloud Premier Rest
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Financing Options
DreamCloud Premier Rest
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Financing Options
A firm mattress with a layer of individually wrapped coils at the bottom, the DreamCloud Premier Rest has a foundation that should help set the spine in a neutral line all the way from the neck to the lumbar region. But there’s also some plushness in the bed’s comfort layer of high-loft memory foam. This combination of materials is key, providing enough support to relieve back pain and enough softness to relieve shoulder pain.
Pros
- Back sleepers and combination sleepers should both be comfortable on the DreamCloud Premier Rest.
- This is a bed with solid edge support. If you sleep with a partner or pet, you should have plenty of room to spread out.
- The mattress has decent motion transfer results, so you’re unlikely to feel your partner’s movements at night, and vice versa.
Cons
- It tends to sleep a little hot. This likely won’t be a problem for most folks, but if you’re someone who sweats a lot at night, you may want to check out our roundup of best cooling mattresses.
Learn more in our full DreamCloud Premier Rest mattress review.
Is the DreamCloud Premier Rest mattress the one you’ve been looking for? Get our best deal here! Still looking for something to relieve your pain? Take a look at our top picks for best mattress for back pain.
Best Hybrid Mattress for Shoulder Pain – WinkBed
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness levels, so most sleepers should find a model that suits their needs. It could also be a good fit for couples, thanks to reinforced edge support.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness levels, so most sleepers should find a model that suits their needs. It could also be a good fit for couples, thanks to reinforced edge support.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness levels, so most sleepers should find a model that suits their needs. It could also be a good fit for couples, thanks to reinforced edge support.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Many hybrid mattresses are a little too firm for sleepers with shoulder pain because of their steel coil support layers. But the WinkBed offers a Softer model that (naturally) has a great soft feel. While the zoned support coils at the bottom should give the mattress some bounce, a comfort layer of gel-infused memory foam cushions the shoulders and allows sleepers to sink into the bed for some pressure relief.
Pros
- Although the Softer model is going to be best for people who suffer from shoulder pain, the WinkBed also comes in a Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus model—the latter of which is designed for heavy sleepers.
- The coils are reinforced with an Extra-Edge Support system, which makes the mattress a fantastic option for couples who want to spread out.
- Due to its gel infusion, airflow-promoting coils, and a breathable Tencel cover, the WinkBed sleeps quite cool.
Cons
- Being a hybrid, 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.
Learn more in our full WinkBed mattress review.
Ready to get the best of both worlds from the WinkBed? Get our best deal here! Still not sure if this is for you? Take a look at our picks for best hybrid mattresses.
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Shoulder Pain – Nolah Signature
The Signature is Nolah’s flagship product, and uses the brand’s proprietary AirFoam™ and high density poly foam to achieve a soft yet supportive feel. It's a great bed for those after cushioning and pressure relief.
The Signature is Nolah’s flagship product, and uses the brand’s proprietary AirFoam™ and high density poly foam to achieve a soft yet supportive feel. It's a great bed for those after cushioning and pressure relief.
The Signature is Nolah’s flagship product, and uses the brand’s proprietary AirFoam™ and high density poly foam to achieve a soft yet supportive feel. It's a great bed for those after cushioning and pressure relief.
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Back sleepers often fare best on a medium-firm mattress that blends pressure relief and support. But shoulder pain sufferers often need a soft to medium-soft mattress to get adequate pressure relief. So, it can be hard to find a bed that meets both needs. Luckily, the Nolah Signature’s combination of soft AirFoam and more supportive high-density foam makes it a great fit for these folks!
Pros
- The Nolah Signature feels firmer around the hips and lower back, which will help keep back sleepers’ spines in a nice straight line.
- AirFoam is the brand’s proprietary take on memory foam, sleeping cooler than the more traditional version of the material.
- Side sleepers should also appreciate the mattress’ blend of comfort and support.
Cons
- Feel-wise, the Nolah Signature is on the softer side, and therefore might not be the best fit for stomach sleepers.
Learn more in our full Nolah Signature mattress review.
Decided on the Nolah Signature? Get our best deal here! Still looking for the right mattress for you? Browse through our top picks for best mattress for back sleepers.
Best Mattress for Athletes with Shoulder Pain – Bear Elite Hybrid
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear's “ultra-luxurious” model with a traditional mattress feel, plus advanced cooling and support technology. It comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear's “ultra-luxurious” model with a traditional mattress feel, plus advanced cooling and support technology. It comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear's “ultra-luxurious” model with a traditional mattress feel, plus advanced cooling and support technology. It comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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. The Bear Elite Hybrid is a great option for this! Its soft memory foam up top provides plenty of contouring, while the coils at the bottom of the bed keep you 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.
Pros
- It comes in three different firmness levels. We think the Medium model is best for back sleepers with shoulder pain. Side sleepers should opt for the Soft model and stomach sleepers should go with the Firm.
- This bed does a great job hugging your body while offering deep compression support around the shoulders and hips, which can really help alleviate pain.
- The Bear Elite Hybrid is infused with copper to help it sleep cool. This is essential, as pre-bedtime exercise can raise your body temperature and make it harder to fall asleep.
Cons
- It’s a bit more expensive than the other mattresses from Bear.
Learn more in our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review.
Sold on the Bear Elite Hybrid? Get our latest deal here! Still looking for a mattress? Check out some other options in our best mattress for athletes roundup.
Best Memory Foam Mattress – TEMPUR-Cloud
An excellent choice for those in need of pressure relief, the TEMPUR-Cloud is a memory foam mattress with slow-moving, quicksand-like foam. It is a great option for back sleepers, side sleepers, couples, and even those with lower back pain.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. An excellent choice for those in need of pressure relief, the TEMPUR-Cloud is a memory foam mattress with slow-moving, quicksand-like foam. It is a great option for back sleepers, side sleepers, couples, and even those with lower back pain.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. An excellent choice for those in need of pressure relief, the TEMPUR-Cloud is a memory foam mattress with slow-moving, quicksand-like foam. It is a great option for back sleepers, side sleepers, couples, and even those with lower back pain.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
90 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
90 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
90 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
When it comes to memory foam, Tempur-Pedic is a true pioneer, having developed their own “Tempur” material decades ago with the same foam used in airplane seats for NASA. In their TEMPUR-Cloud mattress, two comfort layers of Tempur material let you sink in slowly, cradling the shoulders, hips, and lower back. Because of all the contouring, we think the TEMPUR-Cloud is an excellent choice for anyone with shoulder pain.
Pros
- The TEMPUR-Cloud is a fairly soft mattress, scoring a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale.
- Since Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary memory foam is so good at absorbing motion, we think this is a great mattress for couples.
- The TEMPUR-Cloud’s pressure relief should also be comfortable for side sleepers and those dealing with back pain.
Cons
- Because the memory foam here is so thick, it tends to retain heat. So we don’t recommend this mattress for hot sleepers.
Learn more in our full TEMPUR-Cloud mattress review.
If you’re ready to hop onto the TEMPUR-Cloud, get our best deal here! Still looking for the perfect mattress? Browse our picks for the best memory foam mattresses of 2022!
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
I don’t claim to be an expert on anything but sleep, so I’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 7–10 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 I’d personally recommend for shoulder pain, I want to give you an overview of how I 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 I can provide for folks with shoulder pain.
If you’re a side or back sleeper with shoulder pain, I’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. I’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, I’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
When I 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. 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, I’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. I’d recommend these folks opt for a firm mattress with a thin quilted pillow-top that offers just a little pressure relief. Personally, I 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, I’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 average-weight sleepers. So heavy people with shoulder pain may need 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, I’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, I’d look for a foam mattress in the 5–5.5 range on the firmness scale.
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, I 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, I’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, I’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.
Price
If you’re looking to save money when shopping for a new mattress, I’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, I’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.
- 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.
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, I’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.
Summary: Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
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.
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix Sunset Luxe | Best Overall | $2,374 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Loom & Leaf | Side Sleepers | $2,395 | Loom & Leaf Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Puffy Royal Hybrid | Neck & Shoulder Pain | $3,149 | Puffy Coupon | |
| DreamCloud Premier Rest | Shoulder & Back Pain | $2,598 | DreamCloud Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| WinkBed | Hybrid | $1,799 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Nolah Signature | Back Sleepers | $1,599 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Athletes | $2,111 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| TEMPUR-Cloud | Memory Foam | $1,999 | Tempur-Pedic Coupon | Read Our Review! |
Our Methodology
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.
