The Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain in 2024

Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester

Our Testing Process

Here at Sleep Advisor, our Sleep Certified experts use a refined mattress and product testing process to give you unbiased product suggestions… Read our full product review process.

In This Article

Do you experience shoulder pain regularly? Shop our expert picks for the best mattresses for shoulder pain.

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Are you waking up every morning with shoulder pain? Your bed might be to blame. Plenty of sleepers, but especially those who prefer to sleep on their side, suffer from this experience. An uncomfortable mattress that lets pressure build up instead of relieving it can only exacerbate the problem. 

To help prevent this issue, we’ve put together a list of our recommendations for the best mattresses for shoulder pain. All of these mattresses are constructed with cushioning and support in mind, but we’ve narrowed down the choices to address your specific needs. Read on to find out which bed is the best fit for you.

Compare the Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain

	Puffy Royal Hybrid Mattress	Nectar Mattress	Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress	WinkBed Mattress	Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe	Saatva Mattress	Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress	Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress	Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Mattress	Birch Natural Mattress
Rating	5.0/5	4.7/5	4.7/5	4.6/5	4.7/5	4.8/5	4.5/5	4.8/5	4.9/5	4.8/5
Firmness	Medium: 5.5/10	Medium-firm: 6.5/10	Medium-firm: 6/10	Multiple firmness options	Medium-firm: 6.5/10	Multiple firmness options	Medium-firm: 6/10	Soft: 4/10	Medium: 5.5/10	Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Material	Hybrid	Foam	Hybrid	Hybrid	Hybrid	Innerspring	Hybrid	Foam	Hybrid	Hybrid
Cooling	—	—	—		—			—
Warranty	Lifetime warranty	Lifetime warranty	15-year warranty	Lifetime warranty	10-year warranty	Lifetime warranty	Lifetime Warranty	Lifetime warranty	10-year warranty	25-year warranty
Shipping	Free shipping	Free shipping	Free shipping	Free shipping	Free shipping minus HI and AK	Free white glove delivery	Free shipping	Free shipping	Free shipping	Free shipping
Trial Period	101 nights	365 nights	100 nights	120 nights	120 nights	365 nights	120 nights	120 nights	120 nights	100 nights
Best For	Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Couples, Back Pain	Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Joint Pain	Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers	Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers	Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers	Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers	Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers	Side Sleepers, Back Pain	Side Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Couples	Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology 

Advice from a Medical Expert

We reached out to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, who has over 20 years of experience in the medical field, to see his thoughts on what key qualities people with shoulder pain should look for in a mattress.

“To ease shoulder pain, look for a mattress that gives good support to keep your spine aligned while also cushioning your shoulders. Aim for something not too soft or too firm, like a medium mattress with memory foam or latex.”

Puffy Royal Hybrid – Editor’s Pick

Why the Puffy Royal Hybrid Earned Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain Overall

What’s the Puffy Royal Hybrid Made Of?

My Take: The Puffy Royal Hybrid is sumptuously soft, so it should cradle problem areas with that enviable “hug” offered by memory foam. I think side sleepers should feel little to no pressure buildup in the shoulder area sleeping on this bed.

What I Liked

• Stellar motion isolation – Usually hybrids are too springy to allow for major motion isolation, but the thick and comfy foam layers of the Puffy Royal Hybrid absorb movement very well.
• Serious pressure relief – These same foams also provide deep pressure relief. You should sink into its cloud-like profile and feel all your sensitive joints cradled by the specialized layers.

Potential Drawbacks

• Could be cooler – Despite many of the foam layers offering cooling technology in their designs, I wasn’t exactly impressed by the Puffy Royal Hybrid’s ability to regulate temperature. If you’re an especially hot sleeper, consider a mattress with less heat-trapping foams.
• Best suited for side sleepers – The Puffy Royal Hybrid’s softness is best suited to side sleepers. Some back sleepers may be able to find the right level of support, but for stomach sleepers, it’s a no-go. Heavyweight sleepers may also struggle to stay lifted on the bed’s plush surface.

Want to know more? Check out our Puffy Royal Hybrid review or our picks for the best mattresses in 2024.

Nectar – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Shoulder Pain

Why the Nectar Earned Best Memory Foam Mattress for Shoulder Pain

What’s the Nectar Made Of?

The Nectar is 12 inches tall. It has three foam layers plus two covers for a total of five layers. It uses only CertiPUR-US® certified foams in its construction.

My Take: The Nectar mattress checks off plenty of boxes. If you’re on a budget and looking for quality, it’s a near-perfect fit. Back and side sleepers should rest easy knowing their sensitive joints are cradled by its soft surface.

What I Liked

• Nice price and policies – A queen Nectar mattress usually retails for under $700, thanks to frequent sales. Not only is it a great deal, but you get a year to try it out, along with a lifetime warranty.
• Soft but little sink – The firmer foam foundation underneath the comfort layers allows this bed to provide a comfortable sink—but not so much of one that you feel uneven.

Potential Drawbacks

• Too soft for some – Unfortunately, there are a few sleepers I wouldn’t recommend the Nectar for: mainly heavier folks and stomach sleepers. This bed is still too soft to give these groups the proper support. As a stomach sleeper myself, I noticed some uncomfortable sink around my midsection in the testing studio.
• Not the coolest – Even the best cooling innovations can’t trump the heat-retaining qualities of an all-foam mattress. That’s the case for the Nectar—it’s not the best choice for hot sleepers.

Interested in learning more? Read our Nectar mattress review or our article on the best memory foam mattresses.

Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Shoulder Pain

Why the Helix Midnight Luxe Earned Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Shoulder Pain

What’s the Helix Midnight Luxe Made Of?

The Helix Midnight Luxe is composed of six layers and is 13.5 inches tall. It uses CertiPUR-US® certified foams in its construction.

Our Take: “We use a heat map that shows pressure distribution and found that [the Helix Midnight Luxe] evenly distributes your weight, which helps keep pressure and pain off of the hips and shoulders of side sleepers. It also kept us aligned, so I’ll agree [with the brand] and say that this is a good choice for side sleepers.” – Loren Bullock, Lead Product Tester

What We Liked

• Versatile – The Helix Midnight Luxe, though designed for side sleepers, has a medium-firm feel that should work for a variety of sleepers and preferred positions. Anyone looking for a cushy-but-supportive luxury mattress may want to consider the Midnight Luxe.
• Robust edges – Reinforcement in the mattress’s perimeter gives this bed an edge—that is, a strong one. You should be able to make full use of the mattress’s surface area, sitting or sleeping near the edges.

Potential Drawbacks

• Luxurious price – The price certainly reflects this mattress’s high quality. A queen will cost you over $2,000 before sales—definitely worth it, but definitely not a budget option.
• Not for stomach sleepers – Though the Helix Midnight Luxe can work for a variety of folks, as a stomach sleeper, I wasn’t totally sold. Unless you’re a petite sleeper, you’re probably going to sink too far into this bed.

Still curious? Check out our dedicated Helix Midnight Luxe review, or peruse the best mattresses for side sleepers.

WinkBed – Best Mattress for Neck and Shoulder Pain

Why the WinkBed Earned Best Mattress for Neck and Shoulder Pain

What’s the WinkBed Made Of?

The WinkBed comes in four firmnesses: Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm, and Plus. Each model is about 13 inches tall.

Our Take: “The mattress is very bouncy and buoyant, and the pillow top layer adds a luxurious level of comfort while the coils keep your body mostly elevated on the mattress.” – Loren, Lead Product Tester

What We Liked

• Plenty of options – With three firmnesses ranging from soft to firm, and a specialized “Plus” model, it should be easy to find your match based on your body type and sleeping position. If you’re looking for a true middle-of-the-road feel that should suit a variety of sleepers, we recommend the Luxury Firm.
• Sturdy – WinkBed has independently tested its springs to ensure they won’t sag after repeated use. You should get plenty of years of use from this bed.

Potential Drawbacks

• Not super cradling – The WinkBed does have foam comfort layers, but they won’t rival the deep sink of traditional memory foam. You’ll feel more like you’re sleeping on top of this mattress rather than getting hugged by it.
• Some motion carries – During testing, Loren and I noticed that movement carries across the mattress surface, so the WinkBed may not be the best choice for light sleepers who share the bed.

Need to know more? See our full WinkBed review or the best mattresses for neck pain.

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

Why the Titan Plus Luxe Earned Best Mattress for Heavy People with Shoulder Pain

It’s a step up in price from the original Titan Plus mattress, but better suited for sleepers seeking pain management; the added foam comfort layer should provide plush cushioning around the shoulders.

What’s the Titan Plus Luxe Made Of?

The Titan Plus Luxe is 13 inches thick with five total layers. For a fee, you can add a cooling GlacioTex™ cover to the mattress top.

Inside the Titan Luxe Plus

• Layer 1 – Quilted Top (1 inch). Quilted gel foam cushions your body and reforms easily when you get back up.
• Layer 2 – TitanFlex™ Comfort Foam (2 inches). This medium-feel foam reacts quickly to your body’s movements for specialized contouring.
• Layer 3 – Energex™ Transition Foam (1 inch). This transitional foam layer ensures you don’t sink too far into the mattress.
• Layer 4 – TitanCore Coils (8 inches). TitanCore coils are encased to react individually to your movements, reducing the risk of motion transfer. The edges feature tight rows of higher-gauge coils for reinforcement.
• Layer 5 – Base Foam (1 inch). A dense foam base supports the coils and the rest of the mattress.

Our Take: “As a plus-sized individual myself, something that I really appreciated about this mattress was that it generously supported my weight.” – Sean, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• Can accommodate smaller sleepers – Most mattresses designed for heavyweight sleepers don’t take into account that they may have a partner who’s a different size, thus rendering it too uncomfortable for some. Emma was surprised by the bed’s ability to counteract this: “I’ve tried out a number of mattresses that are built for sleepers who are plus-sized, and generally I find that the mattresses are too firm for my body type and weight. However, the [Titan Plus Luxe] was not like that at all. I find myself very comfortable on this mattress.”
• Keeps cool – Gel-infused foams and individually wrapped coils contribute to this bed’s temperature-regulating properties. Air should flow through the mattress, preventing hot sleepers from overheating.

Potential Drawbacks

• Higher price point – The Luxe comes in at a higher price than its original counterpart, but we think it’s worth the little splurge. Before sales, a queen will run you about $1,600.
• Hard to move – My fellow testers noticed this bed was difficult to move around the studio. It’s hefty, so you’re going to need an extra pair of hands.

Still thinking? Read our Titan Plus Luxe review or our article on the best mattresses for plus-size people.

Saatva Classic – Best Mattress for Back and Shoulder Pain

Why the Saatva Classic Earned Best Mattress for Back and Shoulder Pain

What’s the Saatva Classic Made Of?

The Saatva Classic comes in two heights—11.5 or 14.5 inches—and three possible firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm. 

Inside of the Saatva

• First Coil Layer. The first coil layer contains individually wrapped coils arranged in zones to keep you properly lifted.
• Euro Pillow Top. Three inches of quilted foam start out the bed with plush pressure relief, including firmer quilting in the center to support the lower back. The organic cotton cover is also treated with an antimicrobial Guardin® treatment to ensure cleanliness.
• Lumbar Crown. A crest of foam in the mattress center also aids in supporting the lower back.
• Spinal Wire. Within the two coil units is a wire designed to guide your body into the correct alignment.
• Second Coil Layer. The second coil layer features more traditional interconnected coils to enhance the bed’s support and durability.
• Foam Rails. Along the perimeter, a series of foam rails reinforce the edges of the bed.

My Take: The Saatva gets an A+ when it comes to keeping your body in the right alignment, which helps minimize pain in sensitive areas.

What I Liked

• Customizable – Two heights and three firmnesses mean there’s plenty of combinations to satisfy a wide range of customers. You should be able to customize the bed for the best chance at minimizing your pain.
• White glove delivery – With all of its mattresses, Saatva offers free white glove delivery. This entails a team of experts coming to your residence to set up your mattress and take away your old one, hassle-free.

Potential Drawbacks

• Returns cost extra – Though you get pretty swanky delivery, taking the mattress back is a different story. It’ll cost you $99 to return the bed if you change your mind.
• Could isolate motion better – The Saatva Classic stifled some small movements, like shifting around, but you’re probably going to notice bigger ones, like a partner or pet getting in and out of bed.

Find out more: Check out our dedicated Saatva Classic review, or consider our list of the best mattresses for back pain.

Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Shoulder Pain

Why the Bear Elite Hybrid Earned Best Hybrid Mattress for Shoulder Pain

What’s the Bear Elite Hybrid Made Of?

The Bear Elite Hybrid is 14 inches tall and has five layers.

Inside the Bear Elite Hybrid

• Layer 1 – Cover. A mix of Phase Change Material and Celliant® fibers keep it cool at the mattress surface.
• Layer 2 – Copper-Infused Memory Foam. Copper draws away unwanted heat and bacteria while foam cushions your curves.
• Layer 3 – Dynamic Transition Foam. This responsive layer eases you into the mattress without letting you sink in too far.
• Layer 4 – Coils. Zones of individually encased coils maintain support, including along the edges of the mattress.
• Layer 5 – High-Density Support Foam. A sturdy and durable foam base layer.

Our Take: “One of the things that I liked the most about the Bear Elite Hybrid was that it contoured to my shoulders really, really well.” – Stuart Petty, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• Targeted support – Zoning in the innerspring unit should ensure the right equilibrium of lift and give, resulting in a neutral posture—and, hopefully, less pain.
• Super cooling – During testing, we noticed the Bear Elite Hybrid was super cool—no doubt thanks to its extra-cooling cover, breathable foams, and individually wrapped coil layer that keeps air flowing through the bed.

Potential Drawbacks

• Could get too cool – The Bear Elite Hybrid can get chilly for some folks, as my fellow tester Sydney noted: “I prefer a warmer bed to sleep in. But if you’re already a hot sleeper, prefer your room cold, your mattress cold, this bed’s perfect for you.”
• Too plush for some – If you weigh over 200 pounds or prefer to sleep on your stomach, the Bear Elite Hybrid might not be the best choice for you, since it’s a softer hybrid.

Looking for more? Check out our Bear Elite Hybrid review or our picks for the best hybrid mattresses.

Nolah Signature 12″ – Best Soft Mattress for Shoulder Pain

Why the Nolah Signature Earned Best Soft Mattress for Shoulder Pain

What’s the Nolah Signature Made Of?

The Nolah Signature is 12 inches tall. It’s made up of five layers. 

Our Take: “The Nolah Signature is a softer mattress, so it’s going to excel for side sleepers who want pressure relief in their shoulders.” – Emma Mattei, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• Cool for foam – Innovations in the Nolah Signature’s all-foam construction make it so it won’t overheat like other foam beds. You can thank the cotton cover and breathable foam layers for the bed’s ability to regulate temperature.
• Dampens motion – The thick foam layers help to absorb movements and prevent them from traveling across the mattress surface. 

Potential Drawbacks

• Lackluster edges – There’s no special reinforcement along the Nolah Signature’s perimeter, and this unfortunately results in edges that sag when they bear a lot of weight. Stick to the center of the mattress.
• Not for heavy folks – In my opinion, the Nolah Signature is far too soft to feel comfortable for sleepers over 200 pounds. They’re going to sink right through the top layers and meet that uncomfortable firm foundation on the bottom.

Find out more: Read our full Nolah Signature review, and peruse our recommendations for the best soft mattresses.

Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite – Best Firm Mattress for Shoulder Pain

Why the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Earned Best Firm Mattress for Shoulder Pain

What’s the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Made Of?

The Sedona Elite by Brooklyn Bedding is made up of six layers, making it 14 inches thick.

Our Take: “The Brooklyn Sedona mattress employs several layers of comfortable memory foam which gently cradle your body as you lie down, providing great pressure relief. All while the system of individually encased coils provides superior support.” – Emma, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• Plenty cool – The Sedona Elite is a far cry from its Arizona namesake, thanks to its temperature-regulating ability. A cooling cover, breathable foams, and two innerspring units all contribute to the bed’s cool feel.
• Big bounce – Two coil units mean double the bounce. Moving around on the mattress surface should feel easy for any combination sleepers or sexually active couples.

Potential Drawbacks

• Doesn’t dampen motion – The aforementioned springiness isn’t a good match for light sleepers, since movements won’t be absorbed as well as they would on an all-foam bed. 
• Not a budget option – A queen-size model of this mattress will run you about $2,300. Coupons can often bring this price down by a few hundred dollars, though. 

Still looking? Check out our dedicated Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite mattress review or the best firm mattresses.

Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress for Shoulder Pain

Why the Birch Natural Earned Best Organic Mattress for Shoulder Pain

Environmentally conscious shoppers with shoulder pain should find their match in the Birch Natural. This bed features plenty of green materials, including organic cotton, organic wool, and naturally derived latex. 

This construction results in a comfortable and bouncy medium-firm bed that should suit a wide variety of sleepers, as well as resist infiltration by germs and allergens.. 

What’s the Birch Natural Made Of?

The Birch Natural has six layers and stands 11 inches tall.

Inside the Birch Natural

• Layer 1 – Organic Cotton Cover. GOTS-certified organic cotton swaddles the top of this bed for a soft and breathable surface.
• Layer 2 – Fire Retardant Organic Wool. The first layer of organic wool acts as a fire barrier—without the use of any synthetic chemicals.
• Layer 3 – Organic Wool. The next layer of organic wool provides insulating comfort.
• Layer 4 – Talalay Latex. This natural latex layer bounces back for uniquely responsive pressure relief.
• Layer 5 – Coils. Individually wrapped steel coils bring lift and motion isolation. The long sides of the mattress are reinforced for stronger edges.
• Layer 6 – Base Wool Layer. A final layer of fire-protective wool acts as the mattress foundation.

Our Take: “The organic cotton cover is soft to the touch, and the wool layers are comfortable and cozy to lie down on.” – Stuart, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• Strong edges – Thanks to reinforcement along the longer edges of the bed, you can make use of the full mattress space. 
• A pleasant firmness – Latex and springs give this bed a lifted feel, rather than the swaddling sink of foam. This profile should do well when it comes to promoting alignment—especially if you sleep on your back or stomach.

Potential Drawbacks

• Too firm for some – The Birch’s firmness might be too much for some lightweight side sleepers. If this is the case for you, Stuart recommended adding on a mattress topper for extra cushion.
• Organic construction, high price – These high-quality natural and organic materials translate into high production costs, which then lead to high sales costs. Though it’s worth every penny, be aware that the Birch Natural will run you over $3,000 before any sales.

Want to know more? Read our Birch Natural review, or find out our picks for the best organic mattresses.

What to Look for in a Mattress for Shoulder Pain

When you’re dealing with shoulder pain, it’s critical you get something that will give you some relief and not exacerbate your discomfort. While you might think buying a mattress is just about the price point, plenty of important factors can impact how the bed performs for you.

Type of Mattress 

Innerspring Mattresses 

Innerspring mattresses are a classic design that generally relies on a layer of coils and a thin comfort layer above them. While they have many benefits, innerspring beds don’t generally offer much in the way of pressure relief, which means they could wind up creating more pressure and discomfort. For this reason, I would say they’re not the best option for shoulder pain. 

Hybrid Mattresses 

Hybrids take the coil design of innersprings and add foam layers on top for added pressure relief and comfort. This might include memory foam, latex foam, poly foam, or a combination of these materials. Hybrid mattresses can be a good option for those who love the bounciness and support of innerspring models but need added comfort and contouring for the shoulders.

Memory Foam Mattresses 

Latex Mattresses 

Latex beds might not be as well-known as memory foam or innerspring designs, but the material is a great alternative for those seeking something for pressure relief but without some of the pitfalls you might find with memory foam models. For example, latex sleeps cooler and is more responsive. Additionally, many latex mattresses are more eco-friendly, which is great for those looking for something that’s good for their shoulder pain and the planet. 

How We Test The Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain

Sleeping Position

• Back sleepers will want a mattress that supports their lower back but also provides cushioning for their shoulder area, especially if they’re experiencing pain. When testing for back sleeping, I focus on how well the bed evenly distributes my weight and supports my lower back.

• Side sleepers will want to avoid sleeping on the specific side that’s in pain. When you lie on your side, most of your weight is concentrated in the shoulder, as well as the hip, so it’s best to avoid undue pressure that can worsen your pain. When testing mattresses for side sleeping, I evaluate how well the mattress does at relieving any pressure in my shoulder and hip while maintaining overall body support.

• With stomach sleepers, it’s vital to keep the hips lifted so the lower back doesn’t arch. However, if you’re dealing with shoulder pain, you still want something that’s soft against the shoulders. I’m a stomach sleeper, so I love testing how each bed feels in this position, focusing mostly on how well it keeps my hips elevated and body aligned. 

Weight/Body Type of Sleepers

Your weight and body type can impact how a mattress performs. For example, people who are heavier are going to sink into a mattress more than lightweight people.

We generally consider lightweight sleepers below 130 pounds, average-weight sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, and heavyweight sleepers over 230 pounds. I’m average-weight, but because we like to consider all weight groups, I also have my colleagues Loren Bullock and Spencer Bland test beds as lightweight and heavyweight sleepers, respectively. 

• Lightweight sleepers often find softer to medium-firm beds the best, depending on their sleep position. For instance, a lightweight side sleeper will likely feel best on a softer mattress, whereas a lightweight stomach sleeper would probably need something medium-firm for the added midsection support.

• Average-weight sleepers, like myself, often respond best to medium-firm beds since these are usually the most accommodating for this group. Then again, sleep position will also factor in here.

Firmness 

Here at Sleep Advisor, we rate mattress firmness on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the absolute firmest feel. Most mattresses fall within the medium range since this feel works for most people. If you have shoulder pain, though, you may prefer something with a slightly softer feel than you otherwise normally would, especially if you’re a side sleeper. 

• Anything below is a 5 is considered soft
• Anything between a 5 and 6.5 is considered medium or medium-firm
• Anything a 7 or higher is considered firm

Which Firmness is Best for Shoulder Pain?

Generally speaking, it’s best to choose a softer mattress that can contour and cushion your shoulders to minimize any pressure that might worsen your pain. A firmness rating of 5 and 6 on our scale should be good for shoulder pain, in my opinion, but again, consider your preferred sleeping position as well because a bed that’s too soft can be a nightmare for the hips of a stomach sleeper.

Cooling 

We consider a mattress good at temperature regulation when its initial temperature goes up no more than 5 degrees — bonus points if the temperature doesn’t change between the 5- and 10-minute rest tests. 

How Important is Spinal Alignment for Shoulder Pain?

According to a physical therapist Palak Shah, “Poor spinal alignment, particularly in the cervical (neck) and thoracic (upper back) regions, can directly impact shoulder mechanics.”

Shah goes on to say, “It’s important to consider the biomechanical and neural interconnections of the human body. Poor spinal alignment leads to poor spine mobility, leading to poor shoulder mobility, which then leads to stress and overstrain, eventually leading to imbalance. This imbalance leads to pain, which leads to decreased movement, and the cycle goes on.”

Motion Isolation 

I use a seismograph app to see just how much movement transfers from one side to the other. Small waves indicate good motion isolation, but big waves mean there is plenty of transfer. I also have a teammate move on the other side of the bed to test motion isolation to really get a feel for it as a co-sleeper.

Ease of Movement and Responsiveness

If you are in pain, having a bed that makes it easier to move around should be a big help. Often, beds that are quick-responding help facilitate movement more easily. Coils and latex are examples of responsive materials. Conversely, memory foam is slow-moving.

More often than not, if I found poor motion isolation readings from the seismograph app, I knew I could expect good bounce. I further test this with lacrosse and weighted medicine balls and by jumping on the bed. This way, I can manually gauge how quickly materials come back to shape after you apply weight to them. 

Pressure Relief & Contouring

This is vital for those with shoulder pain. Pressure relief means that the mattress helps take pressure off sensitive areas through materials like memory foam that contour around the sleeper’s curves. 

We use a pressure map to see if there’s any buildup when lying on the mattress. All three of us switch between side and back sleeping to see how well a mattress relieves pressure for all three weight/body type groups. Red and yellow readings show pressure buildup, while green and blue readings show pressure relief.

Shop the Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief here.

Edge Support 

Edge support measures how supportive the bed is along the sides. If you’re someone who likes to sleep at the edge, needs more useable surface space, or often sits on the edge to get ready, this is a helpful mattress quality. 

We test this the old-school way by sitting at the edge for a minute to tie our shoes and then we lie near the edge for another minute. This way, we can gauge any sinking and slipping. I would say a mattress has good edge support when sinking and slipping are minimal. 

Material Quality and Durability

A mattress is a significant investment, and you want something that’s going to hold up well over time. Generally, mattresses have a lifespan of roughly seven years, but this can go higher or lower depending on the quality of the mattress and how the bed is maintained.

Look for beds from reputable brands that are known for providing quality products. While it’s tempting to go with the cheapest option out there, these likely won’t last you long and could cost you more since you’ll need to invest in a new bed sooner. As far as durability, latex often lasts the longest, but it is also more expensive, so you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of this with your budget.

Looking for more durable beds? Explore our picks for the best mattresses that don’t sag.

Sex and Couples 

Whether a mattress is good for sex and couples in general depends on a few factors. I usually like to consider motion isolation for couples, especially those with different sleeping habits. However, edge support and cooling are also important, allowing you to use the entire surface of the bed without overheating. 

As for sex, most people look at how bouncy a mattress is, and rightly so. However, there’s more to it than just going for the bounciest bed. In my opinion, bounce is good for sex, but too much of it might be counterproductive for motion isolation. For this reason, it’s good to have some balance between the two.

Budget 

Understandably, your budget is a top concern going into your mattress search. As mentioned, going with extremely cheap mattresses isn’t always smart since you won’t get something substantial. However, that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank either.

Generally, a good budget-friendly range for Queen-size beds is around $1,000-$1,500. 

To help save you money, we suggest shopping online, especially during big mattress holiday sales, since companies will slash prices even more. This means you can save significantly on a well-made bed.

Learn More: Best Budget Mattress and Best Mattress Under $1,000

What Causes Shoulder Pain? 

Bursitis

Bursitis² occurs when fluid around your joints becomes inflamed and leads to pain. While people might experience it during the day, it often feels worse at night because of added pressure (another reason why a pressure-relieving mattress is vital). Bursitis pain can appear suddenly or develop over time³.

Tendonitis

According to the Cleveland Clinic⁴, tendonitis is when the tendons, which are the connective tissues between your muscles and bones, become inflamed. They add that tendonitis can often happen due to repetitive activities. For example, pitchers or regular swimmers might experience this from the repetitive use of their shoulders.

Arthritis

Arthritis is when the joints become inflamed and tender⁵, typically resulting in stiffness and pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, the two most common forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis. They add that some of the risk factors for arthritis include advanced age, genetics, being female, experiencing a previous joint injury, and excess weight.

Discover our picks for the best mattresses for arthritis. 

Injury

Shoulder pain can also arise from an injury. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons⁶ reports that injuries often involve muscles, ligaments, and tendons but in certain cases, a bone fracture or break may occur. Some of the signs they say to look out for include stiffness, whether it feels like the shoulder may pop out, and a lack of strength.

How Does Shoulder Pain Affect Sleep?

Shoulder pain can certainly make it more challenging to sleep because it can be hard to find a comfortable position, and the pain can be distracting. Above, I mentioned that a poor night’s sleep can also exacerbate pain sensitivity, ultimately creating a problematic cycle.¹ For this reason, it’s important to find the best solutions to help you get better quality sleep.

How Can a Mattress Help with Shoulder Pain? 

The right mattress could be a game-changer in helping you sleep better even with shoulder pain. The following examples are some of the top ways a mattress could help with shoulder pain.

• Pressure relief – A mattress with pressure-relieving materials like memory foam or latex can provide a cushion against your shoulder, cradling the area rather than creating more pressure and worsening your pain. 
• Support – A well-made mattress can also promote good body alignment, more specifically, a neutral spine. This can help you feel more comfortable and prevent pain from emerging in other areas, such as the lower back.
• Improved sleep – Of course, the overall takeaway from a good mattress for shoulder pain is better sleep, which can mean reduced pain sensitivity.¹

“A mattress can make shoulder pain worse if it’s too firm and creates pressure points, or if it’s too soft and doesn’t offer enough support. But the right mattress, one that’s just the right balance of support and cushioning, can actually help relieve shoulder pain by keeping your spine aligned and reducing pressure. It’s all about finding what feels best for you to get a good night’s sleep without aggravating your shoulders.”

Dr. Raj Dasgupta

Can a mattress topper help if my mattress is causing shoulder pain?

If your mattress is causing shoulder pain because it is too soft or too firm, a topper can help the situation. However, toppers, much like mattresses, require a bit of consideration before you buy them. Think about the thickness and firmness that could modify the feel of your mattress in the right way to mitigate shoulder pain. In my experience, a thicker topper with a medium firmness should work for most people, including those with shoulder pain.

What Is the Best Sleeping Position for Shoulder Pain?

Back Sleeping 

Back sleeping is a good position for shoulder pain since your weight is more evenly spread out. With that in mind, it’s also important that your mattress can adequately support your lower back. To help ease pressure on the lower back, you could also try placing a pillow under your knees. If you have an adjustable base, sleeping in the zero gravity position could also help alleviate pressure.

Related: Best Adjustable Beds

Side Sleeping

Orthopedic experts say that side sleeping isn’t ideal for shoulder pain and could sometimes actually cause it⁷. Most importantly, though, they emphasize taking pressure off the shoulder that’s in pain. If you’re an avid side sleeper, this means you’ll have to switch sides. However, just be careful that your mattress cradles you enough that it doesn’t create pain and pressure in the other shoulder as well.

Combination Sleeping 

People with shoulder pain might be more inclined to combination sleeping as they try to find a comfortable position. As mentioned above, combination sleepers should have something conducive to multiple positions, such as a medium-firm mattress with responsive materials to facilitate easier movement.

Stomach Sleeping 

Stomach sleeping is another position that might put extra pressure on your shoulders besides not being the best for your lower back. Ideally, your mattress should keep the hips level so that the lower back doesn’t curve. Medium-firm to firm mattresses will generally be best for this sleeping position.

Julia Forbes

Lead Product Tester

About Author

Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.

Stomach Sleeper