- We spent over 1,000 hours researching and testing the top mattresses on the market and consulting with 21 sleep experts to compile our recommendations.
- Our testers evaluated over 130 models and recorded our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
- We paid close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 1,200 mattress owners. This included price, features, and the setup process.
- Only mattresses with high pressure relief scores were considered for our list of the best mattresses for shoulder pain.
- Learn more about how we tested the best mattresses for shoulder pain.
Key takeaways
- The Saatva Rx is our pick for the best mattress for shoulder pain overall because its foam top cushions the shoulder joints while the coil base provides substantial support for healthy spinal alignment. Our testers say it provides a near-weightless comfort.
- From interviews with physical therapists, we’ve found that people with shoulder pain need a mattress that supports spinal alignment to reduce strain on the shoulder, and the ideal sleep positions for shoulder pain are back and side sleeping.
- Mattresses for shoulder pain can cost around $1,200–$4,000 or more, depending on size, construction, and materials.
Physical pain can make it hard to fall asleep or get quality rest. Over time, chronic pain can even lead to sleep deprivation, which affects our ability to cope with stress and regulate our moods, among other symptoms. If you frequently experience shoulder pain that affects your sleep, you should talk to your doctor about managing the pain at night.
A new mattress might be part of the shoulder pain management plan your doctor recommends. “If your mattress has started to lose its form, it might be contributing to shoulder pain, especially if you feel like you sink into a hole when lying on the bed,” says Milica McDowell, a doctor of physical therapy, scientific consultant, and vice president at Physitrack’s e-learning division. Waking up with shoulder pain that feels worse than when you went to bed is another sign you should replace your mattress, but McDowell says you can start by evaluating your posture in and out of bed and using pillows to support your spine and shoulders at night.
So far, we’ve tried more than 30 mattresses and objectively tested how they relieve pressure around the shoulders, neck, lower back, and hips. Below, we share more details about the best mattresses for shoulder pain that we’ve tested.
Firmness Rating
Mattress brands designate each mattress with a firmness rating. While many use a number system out of 10, some brands do not assign numbers to their mattresses and instead assign firmness ratings that align with soft, medium, or firm. Our testers also give each mattress a firmness rating out of 10, but our firmness ratings may not always align perfectly with the brand’s, as firmness is subjective to body type and preference.
6 best mattresses for shoulder pain of 2024
- Saatva Rx: Best mattress for shoulder pain overall
- Helix Midnight Luxe: Best mattress for neck and shoulder pain
- The WinkBed: Best soft mattress for shoulder pain
- Nolah Evolution 15″: Best mattress for lower back and shoulder pain
- Bear Elite Hybrid: Best mattress for shoulder and hip pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling: Best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain
Saatva Rx: Best mattress for shoulder pain overall
Why the Saatva Rx is our pick for best overall mattress for shoulder pain
The Saatva Rx is our pick for the overall best mattress for shoulder pain because we found it universally comfortable—testers of various heights, weights, and sleep preferences say it feels like a cloud or waterbed. We have had no pressure build-up under the shoulders regardless of sleep position. We also appreciate that the Saatva Rx comes with free in-home setup, so you don’t have to worry about aggravating your shoulders while moving the mattress when it arrives.
Who may want to use the Saatva Rx: If you want maximum pressure relief, you should enjoy the Saatva Rx regardless of your sleeping position or weight.
Who may want to avoid the Saatva Rx: People on a budget may want to look at other options, as the Saatva Rx starts at nearly $2,000 for a twin.
Saatva Rx tester insights
We rated the Saatva Rx’s firmness a 6.5 out of 10, a true medium firm by industry standards, meaning it’s not too hard or too soft. Other medium-firm mattresses we’ve tested don’t always accommodate such a wide variety of sleeping positions or have enough support for higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) sleepers. Because it’s suitable for many people, we think the Saatva Rx would also be a good option for couples with different sleep preferences and body types.
When our testers lie on the edge of the bed, we can see just how well the material supports and contours every curve of the body. The top layers of memory foam cradle our testers’ shoulders, while the coil base supports healthy spinal alignment to reduce strain around the shoulders and neck.
From one of our Saatva Rx testers:
“The Saatva Rx looks and feels like a high-quality mattress. It’s the most comfortable mattress I’ve tested so far. I almost feel weightless lying on it.”
The Saatva Rx also stands out for its ability to limit motion transfer The degree of movement felt on one side of the mattress when a sleeping partner moves on the other side of the bed. despite being a bouncy mattress. Mattresses with springy surfaces are ideal for pain management because they’re easier to move around on. Making smaller movements with less effort may help minimize pain in your shoulder when you get in and out of bed or roll over in the middle of the night.
Usually, the bouncy motion ripples across the mattress, where it may disturb your partner’s sleep. This isn’t the case with the Saatva Rx. Our testers say they only feel a small amount of movement around their legs when a testing partner crawls or jumps on the other side of the bed.
The Saatva Rx has a unique design that may account for its superior performance in our tests. Each coil is topped with an individual piece of foam, and traditional sheets of foam are stacked on top of the modular foam. We suspect the individual pieces of foam help dampen movement and improve the mattress’s contouring abilities.
Read our in-depth Saatva mattress review for more information, or check out our list of the best mattresses on the market to see how the Saatva Rx compares to other top-performing models.
Helix Midnight Luxe: Best mattress for neck and shoulder pain
Why the Helix Midnight Luxe is our pick for best mattress for neck and shoulder pain
The Helix Midnight Luxe is our pick for the best mattress for neck and shoulder pain because it supports proper spinal alignment, which reduces strain on the shoulders and neck. Pain in the shoulders is closely related to pain in the neck because pain can start in one location and radiate to another. The use of coils of different strengths under the lumbar area of the mattress prevents the Helix Midnight Luxe from sagging beneath the lower back. This helps limit strain and pressure on the neck and shoulders.
For best results, we recommend pairing this mattress with Helix’s GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow or Talalay Latex Pillow. Both options come in two styles to help your neck stay aligned with the rest of the spine based on your sleep position: high loft Loft refers to how tall or thick a pillow is. For example, a pillow that’s five inches thick is considered high loft, while a pillow that’s one to two inches thick is considered low loft. for side sleepers and low loft for stomach or back sleepers.
Who may want to use the Helix Midnight Luxe: People looking for a comfortable and supportive mattress for a reasonable price should enjoy the Helix Midnight Luxe.
Who may want to avoid the Helix Midnight Luxe: People who weigh more than 250 pounds likely won’t feel adequately supported by the Helix Midnight Luxe.
Other Helix mattresses
Helix sells quite a few other mattresses. While we haven’t tested the entire catalog yet, our favorite model is the Helix Midnight Luxe because it works for all sleep positions. To us, it feels softer than advertised. If you’re looking for a firmer mattress and want to stick with Helix, try the Dusk Luxe or Twilight Luxe. Both were rated seven out of 10 on the firmness scale by our testers, making them slightly firmer than medium.
Helix Midnight Luxe tester insights
Our testers love the plush pillow top on the Helix Midnight Luxe. Despite its middle-of-the-road firmness, our lighter-weight (under 130 pounds) and average-weight (between 130–250 pounds) testers feel comfortable on their sides, back, and stomachs. We also find this mattress suitable for higher-weight (over 250 pounds) stomach sleepers. A medium-firm mattress is sometimes considered too firm for side sleepers and too soft for stomach sleepers. As with the Saatva Rx, the versatility of the Helix Midnight Luxe makes it one of the best mattresses for couples with different sleep preferences, especially since it offers efficient cooling and good edge support Edge support is the bed’s strength and stability around the perimeter. —important considerations for couples.
The soft pillow top also contributes to this mattress’s excellent pressure relief scores. Our testers say the material conforms to their body and that the coil base offers gentle support.
From one of our Helix Midnight Luxe testers:
“I think the Helix Midnight Luxe is a great choice for stomach sleepers. I can’t get over how comfortable the pillow top is. There’s plenty of support in the base layers to prevent my hips from sinking, but I don’t feel like anything is creating pressure because of the plush top.”
Our testers say repositioning on this mattress requires some effort. Although the base layer of coils offers a bit of bounce to aid in movement, our testers’ movements are hindered slightly as they sink into the top layer of memory foam. This means you may have to work harder to move on the Helix Midnight Luxe, which could aggravate a sensitive shoulder.
The only other downside to the Helix Midnight Luxe is its average motion isolation The containment of movement on one area of a mattress so it doesn’t impact other areas. . When our testers have crawled or jumped on one side of the mattress, a tester lying on the other side has felt bounced by the movement. If you or your partner are easily woken up by movement, this may not be the mattress for you. Consider the Saatva Rx, The WinkBed, or the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling instead.
Read our in-depth Helix mattress review for more information.
The WinkBed: Best soft mattress for shoulder pain
Why The WinkBed is our pick for best soft mattress for shoulder pain
The WinkBed’s “softer” model is our pick for the best soft mattress for shoulder pain because it blends pressure relief and support with a gentle sinking feeling that further cushions the shoulder joints. Like the Helix Midnight Luxe, The WinkBed has a plush pillow top contributing to the mattress’s soft, cradling feel.
Who may want to use The WinkBed: Back and side sleepers who love the feel of a soft, plush mattress should be comfortable on The WinkBed.
Who may want to avoid The WinkBed: People who weigh more than 250 pounds may not feel enough support on this mattress, especially when sleeping on their stomach or back.
The WinkBed comes in four firmness levels
The WinkBed comes in four firmness levels: softer, medium, luxury firm, and plus. So far, we’ve tested the softer and luxury firm models. Higher-weight (over 250 pounds) back and side sleepers should consider the luxury firm option, while higher-weight stomach sleepers should consider the plus. If you aren’t happy with the option you choose, WinkBeds allows you to exchange it for another firmness option for $49.
The WinkBed tester insights
Our testers believe The WinkBed is slightly softer than the Helix Midnight Luxe and offers far better motion isolation. Although it has a base layer of coils, our testers say The WinkBed has minimal bounce and great motion isolation. Getting jostled awake isn’t fun, and it could potentially hurt your shoulders if the joints are extra sensitive.
Good motion isolation and a sturdy edge also make The WinkBed a good choice for families who share their bed.
From one of our WinkBed testers:
“I feel incredible on The WinkBed. I especially love how the quilted top almost pushes me toward the middle of the mattress when I lay on the edge. I don’t feel in danger of falling off.”
The soft version of The WinkBed is one of the softest mattresses we’ve tested so far. Only the Nolah Original Hybrid and Cloverlane Foam Plush received the same firmness rating (5 out of 10) from our testers. Of these three mattresses, The WinkBed has the best overall support, edge support, motion isolation, and pressure relief for side sleepers. The other two mattresses have slightly better pressure relief for back sleepers but slightly less support overall.
We also prefer The WinkBed because the company has a reputation for excellent customer service. If you decide you want to exchange The WinkBed for a different firmness level, the company lets you keep both models for the duration of the trial period so you can keep the one you like best. If you don’t like either of them, you can return both. Based on customer reviews we’ve read, WinkBeds doesn’t hassle people who want to make an exchange or return.
Finally, The WinkBed is the most affordable mattress on this list. It starts at $1,149 for a twin-size before discounts or sales. If getting a good deal on a mattress is a priority, be sure to check out our top picks for the best affordable mattresses.
Nolah Evolution 15″: Best mattress for lower back and shoulder pain
Why the Nolah Evolution 15″ is our pick for best mattress for lower back and shoulder pain
The luxury firm model of the Nolah Evolution 15″ is our pick for the best mattress for lower back and shoulder pain because the pressure map shows little to no pressure buildup under the shoulders and lower back when our testers lie on their backs and sides.
Based on this impressive pressure map footage and our testers’ experience, average-weight (130–250 pounds) and higher-weight (over 250 pounds) back sleepers will get the most benefit from the firm support of the Nolah Evolution 15″.
Like the best mattresses for back pain, this bed features softer materials under the shoulders and hips and firmer materials under the lower back to support the spine. Overall, our testers rate the Nolah Evolution 15″ 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale. The mattress lacks the plush, contouring upper layers that our testers praised in the Saatva Rx, Helix Midnight Luxe, and The WinkBed, so some lighter-weight (under 130 pounds) side sleepers may need something softer.
Who may want to use the Nolah Evolution 15″: Back and stomach sleepers should like the Nolah Evolution 15″ (luxury firm model) if they’re looking for a firmer mattress with good pressure relief.
Who may want to avoid the Nolah Evolution 15″: Lower-weight side sleepers may want to choose the plush model of this mattress for better pressure relief around the shoulder.
Nolah Evolution 15″ tester insights
Our testers say the Nolah Evolution 15″ cover feels soft, breathable, and slightly cool to the touch. They have an easy time moving around on the mattress, thanks to its responsive Good responsiveness means the mattress has a bouncier surface that responds to pressure or the sleeper’s movements, making it easier to move around and switch positions. and somewhat bouncy material.
Our testers rated the luxury firm model 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, making it slightly firmer than medium. The Nolah Evolution also comes in a softer model and two firmer models, one of which is designed to support people who weigh 300 pounds or more. We haven’t tested that model yet. If you’d like to see similar mattresses that have made it through our rigorous testing process, check out our list of the best mattresses for heavy people.
From one of our Nolah Evolution 15″ testers:
“The zoned support is obvious in the Nolah Evolution 15″. As a lighter-weight sleeper, I found my lower body receives more contouring and sinks in more than the lower back. My spine feels neutral.”
Bear Elite Hybrid: Best mattress for shoulder and hip pain
Why the Bear Elite Hybrid is our pick for best mattress for shoulder and hip pain
The Bear Elite Hybrid is our pick for the best mattress for shoulder and hip pain because it shows no pressure build-up under the hips or shoulders in any sleep position. The mattress offers gentle zoned support for spinal alignment while allowing the shoulders and hips to sink into the material as needed, helping reduce strain on the soft tissues around the shoulders and hips.
Who may want to use the Bear Elite Hybrid: People looking for exceptional pressure relief in all sleeping positions should feel comfortable on the Bear Elite Hybrid.
Who may want to avoid the Bear Elite Hybrid: People on a budget may want to look at other options, as most sizes of the Bear Elite Hybrid retail for more than $2,000.
Bear Elite Hybrid tester insights
We tested the medium model of the Bear Elite Hybrid and rated it 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, finding it slightly firmer than the 6 out of 10 Bear gave it. The mattress also comes in a soft or firm version, so choose what seems most comfortable for you based on your preferred sleep position and body weight. If you’re not sure what to choose, consider the medium—it accommodates most sleep positions for lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) and average-weight sleepers (130–250 pounds).
One of the first things our testers notice about the Bear Elite Hybrid is its plush pillow top. It sinks under their weight and cradles the shoulder and hip joints while the base coil layer offers gentle support. Our testers say the foam in the pillow top absorbs some motion from the coils, making it a decent choice for couples and families.
From one of our Bear Elite Hybrid testers:
“It doesn’t take any effort for me to roll over on the Bear Elite Hybrid because the top layers are so responsive. I sink in slightly, and it feels like a gentle cradle.”
If you need a mattress with excellent edge support, you may want to look at the Saatva Rx, The WinkBed, the Nolah Evolution, or the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling. The edge of the Bear Elite Hybrid collapses slightly and leaves our testers feeling unstable, so it may be uncomfortable for someone with hip arthritis to sit on the edge of the bed, due to the effort required for stabilization.
Read our in-depth Bear mattress review for more information.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling: Best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling is our pick for best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling (medium model) is our pick for best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain because it shows no painful pressure points on the pressure map when our testers lie on their sides. In fact, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling makes our testers feel comfortable and well-supported in all sleep positions.
Who may want to use the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling: People looking for a comfortable pressure-relieving mattress that won’t make them sweat should be happy with the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling.
Who may want to avoid the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling: People weighing over 250 pounds may want a more supportive mattress than the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling tester insights
Unlike Brooklyn Bedding’s medium-soft firmness rating for this mattress, our testers rate the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, making it the firmest mattress on this list. Although we typically don’t recommend firm mattresses for side sleepers, our testers’ experiences show the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling is the exception to the rule.
Our testers say they don’t sink into the mattress but instead stay on the surface. The top layers of foam gently contour around the body and distribute the sleeper’s weight without causing pressure points. The mattress has average bounce but doesn’t isolate motion well, so it may not be suitable for people who easily wake when their partner, kids, or pets climb into bed.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling is advertised as a good mattress for hot sleepers, and we agree. The temperature difference between the used and unused surfaces of this mattress averages six to seven degrees Fahrenheit, which is a good performance based on our experience testing more than 130 mattresses. For context, anything below 10 degrees is considered good. Testers can feel the difference when changing positions, so hot sleepers should be able to find a cool spot on the mattress when needed.
The Saatva Rx and The WinkBed are other mattresses that perform well on our cooling tests and offer good support and pressure relief to ease shoulder pain. If cooling is one of your top priorities, check out our picks for the best cooling mattresses.
From one of our Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling testers:
“The material keeps up with position changes, so it’s easy for me as a side sleeper to move from my right side to my left. The only downside is that my sheets shift a bit as I move because the cover is synthetic and doesn’t grip the sheets as well as a knit top.”
How we test and choose the best mattresses for shoulder pain
The Handbook Team has researched many mattresses online and in person and hand-selected about 130 (and counting) of the best models to test. We’ve also surveyed 1,200 total shoppers (in two 600-people surveys) and interviewed recent mattress customers to understand the buying process and how their new bed has impacted their sleep quality, physical health, and mental wellness.
First-hand testing experience
The Handbook Team hand-tests every mattress we review. We evaluate brands and models by recording our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
For this review, we focus on tests and scores related to pressure relief and support.
Mattress surveys and interviews
We pay close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our surveys of 1,200 total mattress owners. These include price, features, and the setup process. We also interview real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for a new mattress and the benefits of purchasing one.
For example, our surveys reveal that two-thirds of people who report shoulder pain also reported lower back pain. Neck pain affects 42 percent of those who say they had shoulder pain. We also find most people sleep on their sides.
Objective and honest ratings
We use information from our surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews to determine the most important features in our brand and mattress testing scorecards.
To make our list, every model in this review must score at least 4.5 out of 5 in pressure relief for back and side sleepers. Our roundups cater to different needs, so we filter the best mattresses uniquely to fit each review.
We also weigh the following factors to determine an overall rating for each brand we recommend.
| Factor | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | 15 percent | Customer care center hours, support options |
| Brand Reputation | 10 percent | Years in business, lawsuits, class actions against this company |
| Features | 20 percent | Size options, firmness options, weight capacity, included add-ons (free sleep accessories) |
| User Experience | 35 percent | White glove delivery, CERTIPUR-US certifications, risk-free trials |
| Affordability | 20 percent | Price, warranty, promotions |
Learn more about our mattress testing and review methodology.
Our mattress testing process
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
Calculate composite “family” scores.
How to choose a mattress for shoulder pain
When choosing a mattress for shoulder pain, prioritize pressure relief and spinal support. We encourage you to lie on the mattress in a showroom, read customer reviews, or use our testing notes to confirm these features. All of the mattresses we discuss on this page have demonstrated excellent support and pressure relief during our tests.
Next, think about what firmness level you prefer. If you sleep on your side, look at softer mattresses, like The WinkBed, that allow your shoulder to sink into the material. You may also want to reference our top picks for the most comfortable mattress and best luxury mattress. If you sleep on your back or stomach, consider the best firm mattresses instead.
You also need to think about who you share your bed with. If you or your partner wake up easily when the bed moves, look for a mattress with good motion isolation. Some people also prefer bouncy mattresses with good edge support for easier mobility. Finally, if you and your partner prefer different mattress firmness levels, consider purchasing a split king mattress. A split king consists of two extra-large twin mattresses pushed together on a king-size bed frame, allowing each side to have a different firmness level.
All of our recommended mattresses come with at least a 100-night trial period, which is standard for the mattress industry. We’ve seen trial periods as long as one year.
What type of mattress is best for shoulder pain?
A painful shoulder must be well-supported to prevent it from rotating excessively, which can strain the soft tissues around the shoulder joint. In a mattress, this support comes from springs or layers of dense foam. Separately, the supportive materials may feel too firm on the shoulder, leading to painful pressure points. This is why the best mattresses for shoulder pain buffer the firm support layers with soft cushioning material, like a pillow top or lightweight foam.
Here’s a quick look at how the most popular mattress types tend to perform in support and pressure relief.
Hybrid mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are often the best for shoulder pain because they combine a supportive coil base with the comfortable cushioning of memory foam. Hybrid mattresses come in all firmness levels, so you can find one that’s comfortable for you. Look for those with “zoned support” for a firmer feel under the lower back, as this can further support the spine and reduce tension on the shoulders.
See our top picks for the best hybrid mattresses.
Innerspring mattresses
Innerspring mattresses have one or two layers of coils. Depending on the gauge of wire used and how tightly the coils are wound, innerspring mattresses can feel soft or firm and supportive or sagging. This type of mattress can be good for people with shoulder pain as long as there’s a comfortable pillow top for pressure relief.
See our top picks for the best innerspring mattresses.
Memory foam mattresses
Mattresses made entirely of memory foam can cushion the shoulder joints, but it’s important to make sure you buy one with a dense, supportive base layer to align the spine. Many of our testers describe sinking so deeply into a memory foam mattress that quite a bit of effort is required to get out of bed or change positions. This effort may strain a painful shoulder. Look for a firm memory foam mattress to avoid excessive sinkage, especially if you don’t sleep on your side.
See our top picks for the best memory foam mattresses.
Latex mattresses
Latex mattresses use a special type of foam made from rubber tree sap. Unlike memory foam, latex is bouncy and tends to be cool, breathable, and hypoallergenic. Latex can be a good choice for someone with shoulder pain who loves the feel of an all-foam mattress but wants the bounce of a spring mattress. They are typically contouring and comfortable, and some people find them easier to move around on compared to memory foam due to the natural buoyancy. Just make sure to look for a latex mattress with sufficient spinal support.
See our top picks for the best latex mattresses.
How do I stop my shoulder from hurting when I sleep?
To stop your shoulder from hurting when you sleep, you may want to start by adjusting your sleep position. Devin Trachman, a physical therapist at Physical Therapy Central in Oklahoma City, recommends people with shoulder pain sleep on their back or on their side with the non-painful shoulder against the mattress. She says sleeping on your stomach can cause excess rotation in the shoulder, and sleeping with your arm overhead can increase pain and strain on the shoulder.
You may also want to use pillows under parts of the body to help with spinal alignment and shoulder strain. Milica McDowell, a Bozeman, Montana-based doctor of physical therapy, scientific consultant, and vice president at Physitrack’s e-learning division, says back sleepers may be surprised to find that a pillow under the knees helps “reduce pressure on your lower back, which can help your neck and shoulders to be in a more neutral position from the bottom up.” Try laying the forearm of the affected shoulder across your belly and put a pillow under the elbow if extra support is needed.
When lying on your side, McDowell recommends placing one pillow between the knees and hugging another pillow to your chest, draping the sore arm over the pillow. “This will help improve the blood flow to your shoulder and can reduce [pain] symptoms,” she says. Small towels can be rolled up and placed under the armpit in the side-lying position as well.
If you have chronic shoulder pain, consider seeing a physical therapist. They can suggest additional therapies to heal your shoulder and help you get a good night’s sleep.
Our final verdict
Our overall pick for the best mattress for shoulder pain is the Saatva Rx because it demonstrates exceptional pressure relief for back and side sleepers during our pressure map tests. It also has a good amount of support for proper spinal alignment and a comfortable surface that’s easy to move around on, which may help minimize shoulder pain as you change positions. Sealing the deal is the company’s free in-home setup, so you don’t have to worry about hurting your shoulder from moving a heavy mattress.
If you’re looking for a more affordable mattress or want a softer bed, we also love the pressure relief and support in the Helix Midnight Luxe and The WinkBed. On the firmer side, the Nolah Evolution 15″ may feel better for back sleepers with lower back pain or higher-weight (over 250 pounds) sleepers.
Rounding out our top picks are the Bear Elite Hybrid and the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling, both of which offer the necessary balance of support and pressure relief that may ease shoulder pain. The Bear Elite Hybrid is especially comfortable around our testers’ hips, while the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling has the best pressure map test results for side sleepers.
Compare the best mattresses for shoulder pain of 2024
| Price | $1,995–$4,390 | $1,374–$2,874 | $1,149–$2,049 | $1,499–$3,198 | $1,893–$3,920 | $1,199–$2,930 |
| Our firmness score | 6.5/10 | 5.5/10 | 5/10 | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 15 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best for | Best for shoulder pain overall | Best for neck and shoulder pain | Best soft mattress for shoulder pain | Best for lower back and shoulder pain | Best for shoulder and hip pain | Best for side sleepers with shoulder pain |
Frequently asked questions
Soft beds are often ideal for shoulder pain if you’re a side sleeper, and harder beds are better if you’re a stomach sleeper. Back sleepers tend to feel best on a mattress that falls between soft and hard—what the mattress industry calls medium-firm.
Mattress firmness isn’t the only thing to look for if you have shoulder pain. The top layers of material should contour around the shoulders while the base layers provide enough support to keep the shoulders in alignment with the spine. The mattress should also evenly distribute your weight so you don’t feel painful pressure points on the shoulders.
Memory foam can be helpful for shoulder pain because it cradles the shoulders and cushions the joints. It comes in soft, medium, and firm versions to match your comfort preferences. Consider a hybrid mattress made with a base layer of coils and a top layer of memory foam to make sure your shoulders get sufficient support for proper alignment.