Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain 2024

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Buying Guide for Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain

  • Pressure Relief: Opt for a mattress that provides targeted pressure relief to alleviate shoulder pain. Look for materials like memory foam or latex that contour to your body’s curves without creating additional pressure points.
  • Supportive Structure: Choose a mattress with adequate support to maintain proper spinal alignment, which can help reduce shoulder pain. Consider options with firmness levels that offer support without being too stiff, promoting a neutral spine position.
  • Motion Isolation: If you share the bed, select a mattress with good motion isolation to minimize disturbances from your partner’s movements. This can help prevent exacerbating shoulder pain caused by disruptions during sleep.

Shoulder pain is one of those issues that can mess up your whole life without having one single cause or solution. If your shoulder pain is severe enough, it can interfere with everything you want to do.

“Sleep and pain have a two-way relationship,” notes Dr. Nayantara Santhi. “Poor sleep can intensify the pain and conversely, pain can worsen sleep.”

“It is well established that poor sleep affects our ability to function effectively during the day. Sleeping on your side with your knees slightly bent or on your back are the healthiest sleeping positions. This can reduce shoulder and neck pain and help you sleep better.”

Sometimes, shoulder pain has a cause rooted in health issues. But sometimes, it’s caused by nothing more than sleeping on the wrong mattress.

The good news is finding the right mattress doesn’t have to hurt more than your shoulders already do. With a few quick tips, you can find the perfect pain-relieving bed for instant comfort.

Overall Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain

1. Zoma Hybrid

Memory Foam vs Hybrid
  • Price Range: $749 - $1698
  • Made in USA: Yes
  • Motion Isolation: Yes
  • Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King
Warranty
10 years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
Recommended For
  • People who suffer from shoulder pain
  • People who do not get deep sleep due to the movement of the mattress.
  • Cooling technology to keep you peaceful all night.
  • People who want luxury at an economical price.
Highlights
  • Advanced pain relief
  • Suitable thickness and isolated motion
  • Regulate temperature effectively

Zoma Hybrid provides a luxurious experience for people who want to relieve shoulder pain.

The layers of sturdy foam and individually-pocketed coils will give you the bounce you want, without the vibration in the mattress.

Moreover, the contouring foam supports the body curves, ensuring ease of muscles.

Zoma Hybrid is the first choice because of the features it offers at the most economical price. When compared to the other names on the list, this mattress offers memory foam, coils, and sturdy foam to hold the layers to the base. You can enjoy a peaceful sleep due to the cooling technology of this mattress.

Zoma Hybrid has the best materials from the base up to the cover. The stretchy cover offers a soft feel. The memory foam layer beneath provides support while contouring against the body.

The individual pockets of coils offer the bounce and comfort needed for a good night’s sleep. The mattress is free from any toxic fibers or fiberglass and is eco-friendly and long-lasting.

Zoma Hybrid was a great experience as it supports the neck and shoulders to relieve pressure from this area and give your back and neck the rest that can alleviate shoulder pain. The minute you lie down, you can feel your shoulders relax as the soft cover and the memory foam mold around the shoulders to give you a relaxed feeling.

Pros

  • The same benefits as any high-priced mattress in the market.
  • Relieves pressure off the shoulders.
  • Will give your shoulders more posture as the spine alignment improves while you sleep.

Cons

  • The mattress has an airy cover that may not be of pure fabric and might not suit every user.
  • The thickness of this mattress is uniform and cannot be changed.

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Shoulder Pain

2. Ameri Sleep AS3

amerisleep as3
  • Price Range: $1499-$2648
  • Made in USA: Yes
  • Motion Isolation: Yes
  • Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King
Warranty
20 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
Recommended For
  • People seek cooling comfort as they sleep
  • Individuals who need targeted support for shoulder pain
  • People who want to use eco-friendly mattresses
  • People who wish to use a mattress to balance pressure and support for comfort
Highlights
  • Advanced Pain Relief
  • Non-toxic and fiberglass-free
  • Regulates temperature effectively

Ameri AS3 is an excellent choice for people who want to give their shoulders some time off from aches and pain due to excessive work stress or physical activity.

This mattress comes with a cooling cover, which allows the neck and shoulder muscles to be at ease.

The medium feel of Ameri AS3 will support healthy sleeping positions. This mattress is available in various sizes, and you can select between the all-foam or hybrid mattress that also has coils.

Our selection of Ameri AS3 is due to the HIVE technology, which maintains airflow in the mattress. As you lie down the shoulder muscles relax because of the airflow, and the support for these joints is better than mattresses that do not have this technology. Similarly, the balanced comfort for all other joints is also commendable. This mattress alleviates pressure points, making it easier for the sleeper to enjoy deep sleep.

The Ameri AS3 is an eco-friendly mattress with layers of quality foam and the option of a coil layer in the hybrid model. Customers will like the breathable cover, and the base layer to support their joints as they sleep. The airflow in the mattress and the cooling technology will ensure better blood circulation which will add to your health in many ways. The CertiPur material is dust-mite-free and mold-free to give you a healthy sleep every night.

Ameri AS3 feels light due to the airflow while the back and shoulder muscles feel relieved due to the same reason. This airflow helps you feel as if the body is lifted and there is no weight on any joint.

Ameri AS3 also improves circulation, and this immediately lowers shoulder pain. The Bio Pur material will keep you cool as your body is relaxed and you get charged for the next day.

Pros

  • Good support for muscles and balance of pressure.
  • Excellent cooling quality that will keep you sweat-free and restful.
  • Sleep-enhancing design is appealing.

Cons

  • Some customers might get confused between the hybrid and all foam choices.
  • You have to set it up yourself.

Best Hybrid Mattress for Shoulder Pain

3. The Winkbed

winkbeds luxury hybrid mattress
  • Price Range: $1149 - $2049
  • Made in USA: Yes
  • Motion Isolation: Yes
  • Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King, California king
Warranty
Lifetime
Sleep Trial
120 Nights
Shipping
Free
Recommended For
  • People with back pain
  • Heavyweight individuals
  • People who want to use eco-friendly mattresses
  • People who wish to motion isolation and strong edge support
Highlights
  • Excellent for pain relief
  • Isolated motion for peaceful sleep
  • Gel-infused foam
  • Regulates temperature effectively

The WinkBed mattress is an Eucalyptus-derived Tencel cover foam that keeps the body cool.

People with shoulder pain can benefit from this mattress because of its gel-infused foam which can contour against the body and relieve pressure points. The soft pillow-like cover can support the shoulders so sleepers can rest well as their muscles unwind.

This mattress is unique for many reasons, and one of the foremost is the eucalyptus-derived cover with natural fibers. Customers will feel better because of the temperature and the fabric, which offers extra cushion under the shoulders.

Our reviewers liked WinkBed because of the natural feel and the individually packed coils that do not create a ripple in the foam when you move. However, the identical coils provide excellent support to the shoulders. In first instance, you will feel the burden off your shoulders and the rest of the body also feels supported. The mattress is designed to help heavyweight users.

The various layers of foam are bound together by the strong edge support, which gives the mattress defined ends. You can sleep at the end of the mattress without falling. The cover is soft and adds to the comfort of the bed. The cushioned top will also add to sleep quality. The coils are firm and in individual pockets to provide good spinal support.

The WinkBed is a soft bed, and you will feel relaxed as soon as you lie down. The coils provide good support to the back and balance the body’s weight without burdening any joint. The cooling technology is excellent and keeps the sleeper peaceful. The result is a good night’s sleep with ample time for the shoulders to rest. People with desk jobs will find this mattress an excellent choice because of its strong edge support.

Pros

  • Cooling technology because of eucalyptus-driven fiber.
  • Pillow-like cushioning to support shoulders.
  • Excellent gel-infused foam for balance and support.

Cons

  • Does not come with a frame.
  • Shipping takes longer due to high sales.

Most Comfortable Mattress for Shoulder Pain

4. Helix Midnight

helix mattress
  • Price Range : $936 - $1748
  • Made in USA: Yes
  • Motion Isolation: Yes
  • Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King, RV king
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
Recommended For
  • Individuals who want to buy eco-friendly mattresses
  • People who want instant relief from shoulder pain
  • People who sleep on their side and feel pressure on their spine
  • Individuals who want extra support
Helix Midnight Highlights
  • Cool to touch Glacio Tex cooling cover
  • Designed for shoulder and neck support
  • Made with CertiPur and Green Guard
  • Breathe knit cover

Helix Midnight made it to the list because of its excellent construction and eco-friendly material. Our team found the covers to be comfortable, and the inner layers support the body to provide balance.

The pressure diffusing element in this mattress is a fantastic feature and makes it an ideal purchase for those with shoulder pain. The medium feel memory foam is a great feature to support the body and give your shoulders a break from all the stress and tension.

Our reviewers liked Helix Midnight because of the design tailored to support the neck and shoulders. While this mattress is suitable for side sleepers, it will keep the shoulders and make it easier for aching shoulders to release stress as the cushioned cover contours near the neck and lifts weight off the shoulders. Another feature is the cooling layer which makes it easy for sleepers to relax while they sleep.

Helix Midnight is made in Arizona, USA, and all the coils and foam sheets are made with eco-friendly material. The CertiPur and GreenGuard zero fiberglass material ensures that every sleeper’s experience will be unique. Moreover, the cover has Glacio Tex technology to keep the sleeper cool while they sleep.

The mattress has a cooling cover, which contours well near the shoulders. All those who feel neck and shoulder pain will feel a sudden relief as they can sleep deeply due to temperature regulation. The memory foam adds to the contouring of the body to reduce pressure points and balance the weight.

Pros

  • Excellent cooling technology for deep sleep.
  • Good support with memory foam
  • Soft cover with cushion to support neck.

Cons

  • Medium feel might not suit everyone.
  • Is more suited for side sleepers.

Best Mattress for Athletes with Shoulder Pain

5. Bear Elite Hybrid

bear elite hybrid mattress
  • Price Range : $1893 - $3920
  • Made in USA: Yes
  • Motion Isolation: Yes
  • Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King
Warranty
Lifetime
Sleep Trial
120 Nights
Shipping
Free
Recommended For
  • People who want comfort with a thick mattress
  • People who want instant relief from shoulder pain
  • People who prefer a hybrid mattress with the coil
Highlights
  • Five-zone support coil system
  • Green Guard Gold certified
  • Designed for shoulder and neck support
  • Excellent support for the spine and shoulders

Bear Elite Hybrid has a five-zone support coil system, which provides balance and pressure relief to different body zones and alleviates shoulder and back pain. The Sleep Foundation awarded this mattress as the best one for back pain due to its thermoregulation feature to absorb heat. At the same time, the memory foam and coil system adjusts to the contours of the body and restores physical agility. The natural copper-infused foam is antibacterial and environment-friendly.

 

We selected Bear Elite Hybrid because of its extraordinary support for the body to relieve pain and enable users to return to their healthy posture. As you sleep, the memory foam supports the back, lifting pressure off the shoulders to help them become stress-free and dissolve the rigidity in the joints. Our reviewers liked the cooling feature, which adds to sleep quality.

The Bear Elite mattress is constructed with premium materials designed to deliver exceptional comfort, support, and cooling properties. It features a cooling cover with Phase Change Material (PCM) Fabric and Celliant fiber for all-night cooling and recovery.

Copper-infused memory foam dissipates body heat for a clean and cool sleep environment. Individually encased coils offer balanced support and motion isolation, while reinforced edge coils enhance durability.

A high-density support foam base ensures long-lasting comfort and performance, making it an ideal choice for side sleepers seeking a restorative sleep experience.

The high-quality fibers make this mattress soft yet firm, as it has a thick memory foam layer. Sleepers feel pain relief when lying down, and the mattress feels cool all night because of copper infusion. The individual encased coils provide motion isolation so there is no extra bouncing or vibration in the mattress as you turn in bed.

Pros

  • Cool feeling all night because of copper-infused foam.
  • Good support for back and neck also.
  • Excellent thickness, which makes the mattress long-lasting.

Cons

  • The cushioned cover is more suitable for side sleepers than straight sleepers.
  • Can be too expensive for some customers

Best Mattress for Couples with Shoulder Pain

6. Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite

brooklyn sedona mattress
  • Price Range: $1249 - $1549
  • Made in USA: Yes
  • Motion Isolation : Yes
  • Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King, Split CA king
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
120 Nights
Shipping
Free
Recommended For
  • Individuals who are ready to invest for many years
  • Individuals who want temperature regulation
  • People with shoulder and back pain
Brooklyn Sedona Elite Highlights
  • Cool to touch Glacio Tex cooling cover
  • Copperflex antimicrobial foam
  • Transition foam for comfort
  • Zoned coil core

Sedona Elite by Brooklyn Bedding is an excellent mattress for heavyweight individuals who often complain about having to change their mattresses in a short period. Our team found that Sedona Elite mattress has steel coils that support the edges and keep the mattress in shape for years. This bed in a box is easy to set up.

We selected this mattress because it maintains the right temperature. It will not be too cold or too hot, and sleepers can rest to recover from shoulder pain. The steel coils provide extra support to all joints, which results in sound sleep, allowing the body to rest and repair. Our reviewers liked the zoned coil core, which provides motion isolation.

The Sedona Elite by Brooklyn Bedding is made of six layers with a heavy base that keeps everything in place. This mattress is made of extraordinary material, which includes Copperflex, Glaciotex cooling, and micro-wrapped coils. These distinctive factors make this mattress an excellent investment for shoulder pain patients. This mattress is designed for durability and support for many years.

The cooling cover will be the first thing you notice when you lie down, but the 1.5-inch Copperflex is the unique feature of an antimicrobial foam. Moreover, the high-density foam base is another exclusive feature, which holds the mattress together and provides a more peaceful sleep. Users will like the transition foam layer that provides comfort and helps with pressure relief by supporting the micro-wrapped coils.

Pros

  • Sedona Elite is hypoallergenic
  • Suitable for heavyweight sleepers.
  • Steel coils offer excellent edge support.

Cons

  • Some sizes are made to order.
  • Shipping takes too long

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Shoulder Pain

7. Nolah Signature 12-inch

nolah original
  • Price Range: $1299 - $2798
  • Made in USA: Yes
  • Motion Isolation: No
  • Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King
Warranty
Lifetime
Sleep Trial
120 Nights
Shipping
Free
Recommended For
  • Back sleepers who need spinal alignment and shoulder support
  • People who want targeted pressure relief
  • People who want innovative foam construction
Highlights
  • Zoned mattress for deep sleep
  • Best all-foam cooling mattress
  • Best Bedding Award winner

Signature mattress utilizes Nolan’s proprietary AirFoam and high-density poly foam; this mattress achieves a perfect balance of softness and support. It’s specifically engineered to cater to individuals seeking unparalleled cushioning and targeted pressure relief.

With its unique construction, the Signature mattress provides a luxurious feel that cradles the body while ensuring proper support for a refreshing sleep experience.

Whether you’re looking to sink into plush comfort after a long day or seeking relief from pressure points, the Nolah Signature is the ideal choice for indulgent comfort and rejuvenating sleep.

Our reviewers liked it because this unique construction allows back sleepers to experience the perfect amount of sinkage, keeping the pressure off the shoulders.

The five-layer Airfoam is an excellent combination of the highest quality of material, which supports shoulder pain with a soft, cooling cover and thick aerated foam layers to support the body while relieving pressure points. The high-resilience Airfoam will not sag for years, and will keep providing support for the spine and neck.

If you often have shoulder pain, this mattress will cradle your body and provide the support you need for a peaceful night’s rest, and the covers will keep your body soothed because of the soft layer.

Its luxurious feel and superior contouring abilities make it the perfect choice for people looking to wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated each morning.

Pros

  • Good, soft feel for light sleepers.
  • Pain relief performance for shoulders and neck.
  • Layers of active response foam for refreshing airflow.

Cons

  • Not suitable for heavyweight users.
  • Pressure distribution will be uneven if you are not average weight.

helix sunset luxe
  • Price Range: $1373 - $2873
  • Made in USA: Yes
  • Motion Isolation: Yes
  • Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King, RV king
Warranty
10-15 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
Recommended For
  • Individuals who want extra support
  • People who want instant relief from shoulder pain
  • People who prefer cooling cover
  • Individuals who wish to plush pillow tops
Highlights
  • Cool to touch Glacio Tex cooling cover
  • Designed for shoulder and neck support
  • Made with CertiPur and Green Guard
  • Breathe knit cover

Helix Sunset Luxe is a definite game-changer for people with shoulder pain. We found that people who toss and turn should find this mattress a good fit because of the motion isolation.

The inner layers of this mattress are well-combined and that gives people deep sleep while the cover maintains the temperature. People with shoulder pain often turn to their side, and this mattress is specially contoured to support the neck.

Helix Sunset Luxe is an obvious choice for our reviewers because of the features that ensure peaceful sleep.

The top layer with cooling fibers and the memory foam that supports the body contours make this mattress a good fit for people who want pressure point relief.

Our reviewers loved the way the plush pillow helped the shoulders to make their body recover from the daily posture and muscular stresses.

Helix Sunset Luxe is made with the highest quality materials and zero fiberglass. This material makes the mattress free from risks of premature sinking or dislocation of the various layers of foam.

Moreover, the thick memory foam provides good support, while the top layer is made of Glacio Tex technology. The cool-to-touch mattress provides good sleep, and the plush pillow supports the shoulder muscles.

Pros

  • Good for side sleepers with shoulder pain
  • Will keep the temperature cool.
  • Does not sink because of multiple layers of high-quality foam.

Cons

  • More expensive than other mattresses.
  • May be too soft for some sleepers

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can have many causes, a single cause, or no real definable cause at all. Sometimes your shoulder just hurts because it hurts, though this type of pain is often just temporary from sleeping at an awkward angle or overdoing it at the gym. However, more chronic pain can have one of several causes. Here are a few of the most common ones.

Arthritis

Several types of arthritis can cause shoulder pain. For example, with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a disordered immune system attacks the joints. This tends to cause pain evenly throughout all the joints, including the shoulders. You may experience knee pain, hip pain, or pain in your fingers and toes.

Osteoarthritis is another type of arthritis that occurs when you lose cartilage between your joints. That means the cushioning that keeps the bones from rubbing against the joint itself is reduced or completely gone. This can cause pain in the shoulder joints and many others. The difference between osteoarthritis pain and RA pain is that some joints may be more affected than others.

Injury

Lots of different shoulder injuries can cause chronic shoulder pain. Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of pain that can last for months or even years. Other symptoms can include limited mobility and weakness in the shoulder muscles. This type of injury often needs surgery to heal properly.

Other injuries that may cause long-term pain include shoulder breaks, dislocations, and breaks of bones surrounding the shoulder joint, like the upper arm or collar bone.

Mattress Issues

One thing many people don’t think about when trying to understand the root cause of inexplicable shoulder pain is their mattress. However, sleeping on a bad mattress can cause all sorts of issues with your shoulders.

One of the most common problems is when side sleepers sleep on an overly firm mattress. Pressure from the body’s weight combines with pressure from the mattress to cause hip and shoulder joint pain. This is why side sleepers need softer mattresses because soft mattresses can absorb pressure and relieve pain in pressure points like the shoulders.

Another mattress problem that can cause shoulder pain is if back sleepers are sleeping on a too-soft mattress. Mattresses that allow your body to sink too much can push your head too high on the pillow and let your neck fall out of alignment. This can cause shoulder and neck pain alike. And it’s why back sleepers need medium-firm mattresses.

Muscle Tension

Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders can be caused by lots of different issues. It might be due to sleeping on the wrong mattress. It could also be caused by intense workouts or physically demanding jobs. Muscle tension may also be due to stress and anxiety. Whatever the cause, tension can lead to severe pain, even if it isn’t caused by previous injury or health issues.

Sleep Position

Your sleep position could lead to shoulder pain, especially if you’re sleeping on the wrong pillow or the wrong mattress. For instance, side-sleeping can cause shoulder pain if your pillow isn’t thick or firm enough. A thin pillow can let your head fall sideways. This can cause pain by overextending one shoulder and scrunching the other.

Picking the Right Mattress for Shoulder Pain

No matter the cause of your shoulder pain, the right mattress can help. However, you should be aware of a few factors that impact your needs while you’re shopping for a new bed. These include your sleep position, body type, and sleep temperature.

Best Material for Shoulder Pain

There are lots of different types of mattresses that could help shoulder pain sufferers find relief by providing proper spinal support and excellent pressure relief.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is the best material for those whose shoulder pain is caused by inadequate pressure relief. Memory foam contours better than any other material. It changes its shape to fit yours flawlessly. Memory foam mattresses offer the perfect combination of pressure relief and spinal support to protect your shoulder joints and keep the spine in a straight line—especially important for side sleepers.

However, there are some things you ought to keep in mind about memory foam. Active sleepers might not like memory foam’s slow response time. And hot sleepers probably won’t appreciate memory foam’s tendency to retain heat. While modern memory foams compensate for these issues somewhat, they don’t compete with bouncier and cooler options.

Natural Latex

Natural latex foam fixes many of the issues that memory foam has. It’s springier than memory foam. So it will bounce back into place as soon as you change your sleeping position. It’s also more breathable and conductive than memory foam. So it will keep even the hottest sleepers cool enough.

However, the tradeoff is contouring. Latex wants to retain its shape more than memory foam. So it will not follow the curve of your body quite as well. People who want lots of responsiveness and cooling might not note the difference. But those who want ultimate pressure relief probably will.

Innerspring

Traditional innerspring mattresses are the worst choice for those with shoulder pain. They don’t contour very well because their open coils are wired together. They also don’t normally have sufficiently thick comfort layers for adequate pressure relief. That means innerspring mattresses can actually cause shoulder pain rather than alleviate it.

If you absolutely must have an innerspring mattress, consider one with a pillow top. A pillow top is an extra layer of padding sewn on top of the comfort layer. This extra padding might be sufficient to help relieve some people’s pain and offer a bit of contouring to boot.

Hybrid

A more viable option for innerspring lovers who don’t want to lose the bounce of coils is a hybrid mattress. Hybrid sleep technology allows you to have lots of layers of foam along with a much more adaptable pocketed coil layer. They offer the best of both innerspring mattresses and all-foam ones.

The best hybrid mattresses are cooling, responsive, contouring, and supportive. However, the main issues with hybrid models are cost and durability.

Hybrid mattresses are very expensive upfront, so they’re not a great choice for those interested in a budget mattress. They also won’t outlast all-foam mattresses because their coils lose tension and break down.

Hybrids break down slower than innerspring mattresses, as we cover in our how long a mattress lasts guide. However, if you want extreme durability, you’ll need a high-density foam base layer.

Best Firmness Level for Shoulder Pain

Your ideal firmness level depends a little bit on your sleep position and a lot on your body type. Your firmness needs may also have to be adjusted based on what’s causing your shoulder pain. However, most of the time, you can stick to the firmness that fits your body type and sleep style and adjust the material to provide optimal contouring and pressure relief.

The firmness scale is how you’ll determine the firmness level of your mattress. It runs from 1 to 10, with 10 being the firmest. However, you’ll rarely find any mattress softer than a 3 or firmer than an 8. There’s just no market for ultra-soft or ultra-firm beds.

Sleep Position

Your sleep position is the number-one factor that decides your firmness needs because it determines how much pressure relief and support you need. Depending on how you sleep, you could need a bed that falls anywhere from a 3 to an 8.

Side sleepers need the softest beds to protect their shoulders and hips from pressure exerted by the support core. Mattresses for side sleeping should offer a soft to medium feel.

Combo sleepers like to adopt different positions during the night, so they need a mattress that is versatile enough to accommodate multiple sleep positions. Medium mattresses for combination sleeping are typically the best beds for the job.

Back sleepers need a balance of firmness and contouring to keep their bodies lifted and their spines aligned. Thus, mattresses for back sleeping typically suit them best when they have a medium-firm feel.

Finally, stomach sleepers need lots of lift to prevent their pelvises from sinking into the bed. They need firm or even extra-firm beds.

Body Type

If your body weight falls between 130 and 230 pounds, you generally don’t have to worry about it impacting your firmness needs. However, if you fall outside this range, you may need to make adjustments to your firmness level.

Petite sleepers are under 130 pounds. Lightweight sleepers can have a hard time getting enough compression for adequate pressure relief, so they may need to go down a firmness level from the one that matches their sleep style.

On the flip side, those over 230 pounds are considered plus-size. Heavier people may experience too much sinkage on a mattress that corresponds directly with their sleep style. They may need to go up a firmness level when seeking a mattress for heavy sleeping to get sufficient lift to stay on top of the sleep surface instead of sinking into it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best mattress for hot sleepers with shoulder pain?

The best mattress for hot sleepers who also suffer from shoulder discomfort is Talalay latex. This type of latex offers ultimate breathability without sacrificing contouring. Talalay latex can relieve pressure without retaining heat. Its breathability also makes Talalay latex great for wicking away moisture from sweat. 

The downside of Talalay latex is that it’s expensive. If you can’t afford to plunk down thousands of dollars for a mattress, gel memory foam is a great alternative. Gel memory foam conducts body heat away from you and offers tons of pressure relief without the price tag that accompanies a Talalay latex mattress. 

Is a firmer mattress or a softer mattress better for shoulder pain?

That depends on the cause of your shoulder pain. For instance, you should definitely opt for a softer bed if your shoulder pain is due to side sleeping on an overly firm mattress. Going down a firmness level or two would be better for your shoulder pain in this instance because the right firmness can alleviate the pressure that causes that pain. 

However, if your pain is due to tension from back sleeping on the wrong mattress or the wrong pillow, it might be better for you to go up a firmness level to improve spinal alignment. A firmer mattress for back sleepers also has the added benefit of relieving back pain as well as shoulder pain. Just make sure you’re also sleeping on the right pillow.

What's the best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain?

When it comes to side sleepers with shoulder pain, a soft or medium-soft memory foam mattress is the best option. The low firmness level will absorb pressure on the shoulders and distribute your body weight to help keep it off the shoulder joint. 

A memory foam comfort layer is also best because it contours so well. Side sleepers have the sharpest curve around their shoulders. Memory foam can mold itself around the natural curve of your shoulder joint to cradle it in a way that other materials just can’t. Either a hybrid or an all-foam bed will work, as long as the top layer is memory foam. 

Can a mattress topper help with shoulder pain?

In certain situations, a mattress topper or mattress pad might help alleviate shoulder pain. This can be especially true for side sleepers. If your mattress is too firm for you to sleep comfortably on your side, you don’t have to purchase a new mattress. 

You can get a soft memory foam mattress topper. A thick mattress topper can add some extra padding and additional contouring to relieve your shoulder pain and protect you from pressure caused by a too-firm bed. 

Will an adjustable bed help my shoulder pain?

Adjustable beds absolutely can help alleviate shoulder pain. Sleeping with your upper body and knees elevated can help relieve pressure, reduce tension, and improve all kinds of other issues that can make your shoulders hurt. In addition, adjustable beds also offer all kinds of benefits, from lower back pain relief to improved circulation and even snoring reduction. 

Adjustable bases can especially help those whose shoulder pain is caused by stomach sleeping. When you sleep on your stomach, it can hurt your shoulders by causing tension in them and your neck due to constantly having to keep your neck twisted to the side. 

Sleeping at an angle can make it tough to sleep on your stomach at all. So an adjustable base might just help you train yourself out of this unhealthy sleeping position.

Bottom Line

There are many issues that can lead to shoulder pain. However, no matter the root cause of your shoulder pain, getting the right mattress is an important step to relieving it.

Remember, the best mattresses offer a mix of pressure relief and healthy spinal alignment to fit your sleep style and body type.

This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.

Sarah Anderson, Certified Sleep Science Coach Sarah Anderson

Sarah Anderson is a sleep, health, and wellness writer and product reviewer. She has written articles on changing and improving your sleep schedule, choosing the right mattress for chronic pain conditions, and finding the best pillow for you. Sarah Anderson has her Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University in Journalism and Mass Communications. Prior to working for Zoma, she wrote for a variety of news publications. Sarah's work has been featured on Bustle, PureWow, and other publications.

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