9 Best Mattresses for People with Shoulder Pain

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Notable brands like Helix, Casper, and TEMPUR-PEDIC lead the way with providing the best mattresses for shoulder pain. Here’s our full roundup featuring product prices, pros, cons, and more.

• Best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain:Helix Twilight Mattress
• Best mattress for upper back, shoulder, and neck pain:Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress
• Best cool mattress for shoulder pain:Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam Mattress
• Best mattress for combination sleepers with shoulder pain:DreamCloud Premier Mattress
• Best mattress for shoulder and lower back pain:Winkbeds The GravityLux Mattress
• Best hybrid mattress for shoulder pain:Helix Sleep Dawn Luxe
• Best mattress for shoulder pain with white glove delivery:TEMPUR-ProAdapt Mattress
• Best memory foam mattress for shoulder pain:Brentwood Home Cypress Affordable Memory Foam Mattress
• Best organic mattress for shoulder pain:Happsy Organic Mattress

The best mattresses for shoulder pain may vary based on where your pain occurs, price, type, material, firmness level, and how you sleep. Certain mattresses may be better for side, back, or combination sleepers.

Denied health insurance claims are a major problem for patients in America. The Kaiser Family Foundation found that ACA marketplace plans denied about 17% of in-network claims in 2019.

Your mattress should make you feel good at night — even if you have shoulder pain.

With that in mind, we rounded up nine mattresses that may help get you on your way to sleeping more soundly.

Shoulder discomfort can stem from a number of conditions and causes, says Todd Sinett, chiropractor and founder of Tru Whole Care in New York City.

• rotator cuff injuries
• strains
• an imbalance in your neck and jaw
• slouched posture and sitting habits

If you work at a desk for long hours, you may be prone to shoulder discomfort when you sleep.

Interestingly enough, a small 2012 study showed that people with shoulder pain reported sleeping on their affected shoulder more often. So, Sinett says, making certain adjustments may be necessary. These include:

• sleeping on the opposite side of your injury
• switching sides of the bed if you prefer to sleep facing a certain direction
• doing shoulder exercises to stretch the area
• avoiding picking up kids or even raising your arm over your head

Shoulder pain and sleep

If you’re in the market for a new mattress, opting for a medium-firm choice that supports your shoulders can pay off in a big way.

According to a small 2009 study, people with low back or shoulder pain who swapped out their current sleep system for a new medium-firm mattress experienced improved pain and stiffness scores and had more nights of good sleep.

Sleeping positions can play a role in shoulder pain, too. The small 2012 study above found that people seeking care for shoulder pain were more likely to sleep on the injured side than the pain-free side. So, sleeping on a mattress designed to support side sleepers by minimizing pressure point pain could make a big difference.

Austra Health adheres to strict standards when choosing mattresses. Here’s what we consider:

• Safety: All choices comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Federal Flammability Standard to ensure safety.
• Company reputation: Brands must have a good reputation, which means they are highly rated on the Better Business Bureau, have no recent lawsuits, and make no claims that their mattresses can treat any disease.
• Customer service: We prioritize brands with stellar customer service, including free in-home trials and generous warranties.
• Materials: We choose brands that are clear about where their products come from and what they’re made of. We also look for mattresses with third-party materials certifications like CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, or Global Organic Latex Standard (GOTS).
• Reviews: We scoured reviews for mentions of shoulder pain, so you can feel confident that these mattresses rate highly with real reviewers.
• Firmness: We mostly chose medium-firm picks, with a couple on the firmer and a couple on the softer side, so you can choose what works best for you.

Pricing guide

Prices are based on a queen-size mattress.

Best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain

Helix Twilight Mattress

• Price: $$
• Type: hybrid
• Height: 12 inches
• Firmness: firm
• Key features: cooling technology, 100-night trial, 10- to 15-year warranty
• Who it’s best for: side sleepers

If you sleep on your side and like a firmer mattress, you may like this pick from Helix. A memory foam layer on top and a layer of coils at the core are designed to hug your body and take the pressure off your side. Plus, it offers bounce back if you’re prone to restless nights.

Keep in mind, it’s best to sleep on the opposite side of your shoulder pain, no matter what mattress you choose.

Reviewers say this mattress may take a little bit of breaking in before it’s suited to your body. Helix offers a 100-night trial, though, so you have time to see if it’s the great choice for you before making a final decision.

Pros

• hybrid design for comfort and support
• designed for pressure relief, which can help reduce shoulder pain
• good choice for side sleepers
• can be bundled with extra pillows, a foundation or frame, and a weighted blanket
• made in the USA
• comes with a 100-night return policy
• includes a 10- to 15-year warranty

Cons

• some customers report a “breaking-it-in” period
• may be too firm for some sleepers
• might be too expensive for some buyers
• return policy is not the most climate-friendly

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Best mattress for back, shoulder, and neck pain

Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress

• Price: $$$
• Type: hybrid
• Height: 13 inches
• Firmness: medium
• Key features: zoned support, gel pods, cooling gel, top foam layer, springs, cooling
• Who it’s best for: back and side sleepers

This may be a splurge, but reviewers overwhelmingly say it’s worth it. The hybrid style is particularly kind to body aches and pains. It’s also compatible with an adjustable base, which offers flexibility to get into a comfortable position.

If you’re a hot sleeper, the breathable foam shouldn’t retain a ton of heat. There are also gel pods around the lower back area on this mattress to supply an additional layer of support. Reviewers with all types of pain say it’s comfy and allows them to fall asleep more easily.

Pros

• gel pods strategically positioned for more support and spinal alignment
• compatible with an adjustable base for more flexibility
• made of breathable foam for hot sleepers
• designed to relieve all types of pain
• made with springs to prevent sinking and encourage airflow
• foam top layer designed for cradling support to ease pain
• can add advanced “snow technology” for extra cooling
• comes with 100-night return policy
• includes 10-year limited warranty
• endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association

Cons

• high price point
• might be too firm for some sleepers
• can’t try it in store

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Best cool mattress for shoulder pain

Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam Mattress

• Price: $$
• Type: memory foam
• Height: 10 inches
• Firmness: medium
• Key features: stretch-knit cover, cooling, free sheets and pillows, motion isolation
• Who it’s best for: back and side sleepers

If shoulder pain and overheating at night are issues for you, this mattress may be just what you need. It’s made with memory foam that responds and adapts to your contours, delivering a soft, supportive feel.

The mattress is wrapped with a stretch-knit cover that uses cooling yarns and phase-change technology. It’s a fancy way of saying the material absorbs and dissipates body heat, keeping you cooler and more comfortable.

Upgrade to the Extra-Chill Foam option to benefit from cooling memory foam that’s been infused with additional chill technology.

More than 8,000 reviewers overwhelmingly rave about the mattress for its softness and support.

Sealy offers a 100-night trial with free shipping and returns, and the mattress comes with free pillows and sheets.

Pros

• great price point
• soft and supportive to ease pain
• comes with free pillows and sheets
• designed to help you stay cool
• includes a 100-night trial
• free shipping included
• comes with a 10-year warranty

Cons

• some reviewers think it’s too soft
• memory foam design may not provide adequate support for every sleeper
• extra cooling features cost extra

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Best mattress for combination sleepers with shoulder pain

DreamCloud Premier Mattress

• Price: $$$
• Type: hybrid
• Height: 15 inches
• Firmness: medium
• Key features: 6 layers including a foam and a wrapped coils layer, 365-night trial, included mattress protector, sheets, cooling pillow
• Who it’s best for: all sleeping positions

Suited for back, stomach, or side sleepers, the DreamCloud Premier is a medium-firm mattress designed with just enough give to contour to your body.

Happy sleepers describe this as the great mix between softness and firmness for that Goldilocks-quality sleep. They also note the mattress has made a real difference in their back and shoulder pain.

It’s made with CertiPUR-US certified foam. With your purchase, you’ll score a 365-night trial, free shipping, and a lifetime warranty.

Pros

• suitable for all sleeping positions
• generous 365-night trial period
• CertiPUR-US certified foam
• comes with a lifetime warranty
• hybrid mattress for support and softness
• free shipping and returns included
• mattress protector, sheet set, and cooling pillow included
• can bundle with frame, foundation, or move for extra savings
• comes with a cashmere-blend cover

Cons

• high price point
• heavy
• no cooling features

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Best mattress for shoulder and lower back pain

Winkbeds The GravityLux Mattress

• Price: $$$
• Type: foam
• Height: 11 inches
• Firmness: medium or firm
• Key features: Tencel cover with gel for cooling, four layers, made of AirCell Foam
• Who it’s best for: back and side sleepers

If you’re a side or back sleeper, The GravityLux may be a good option.

With this mattress, you can choose between two firmness levels when making your purchase. “Medium” is a 5.5 on the 1 to 10 firmness scale, while “firm” is a 7.

There’s a memory foam layer for pressure relief and bounce back as you change positions, and the foam core is constructed with varying firmness levels from shoulders to legs. One reviewer says it offers the best back and shoulder support they’ve ever had from a mattress.

With your purchase, you’ll get a 120-night free trial, as well as a full replacement lifetime warranty.

Pros

• choice of two different firmness levels
• great blend of contouring and responsive bounce
• comes with a 120-night trial
• lifetime full replacement warranty included
• ships quickly
• comes with a cooling cover
• shock-absorbing
• good for shoulder, hip, or back pain

Cons

• high price point
• all-foam design may not offer enough support to all sleepers

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Best hybrid mattress for shoulder pain

Helix Sleep Dawn Luxe

• Price: $$$
• Type: hybrid
• Height: 14 inches
• Firmness: firm
• Key features: free shipping, 100-night trial, 10- to 15-year warranty, zoned lumbar support, quilted top, choice of two covers
• Who it’s best for: back and stomach sleepers

The Helix Dawn Luxe is a firm mattress designed for comfort and support where you need it. Zoned lumbar support coils are softer beneath the shoulders and firmer beneath the hips. It has a cradling effect that can help your spine stay aligned.

A premium quilted pillow top adds extra softness, while the hypoallergenic cover can be upgraded to one with cooling properties.

There are 250 reviews with an overall rating of 4.5 stars. Back and side sleepers alike find it comfortably supportive.

Helix offers a 100-night trial and free shipping.

Pros

• hybrid design delivers support and comfort
• choice of cooling covers
• zoned lumbar support for shoulder and hip support
• promotes spinal alignment
• comes with 100-night trial
• free shipping included
• hypoallergenic covers
• great customer service

Cons

• high price point
• may be too firm for some sleepers

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Best mattress for shoulder pain with white glove delivery

TEMPUR-ProAdapt Mattress

• Price: $$$
• Type: foam or hybrid
• Height: 12 inches
• Firmness: medium
• Key features: pressure relief, motion cancellation, memory foam,
• Who it’s best for: all sleeping positions

Layers of memory foam cradle and relieve pressure on your achy spots with this mattress. Reviewers say it feels like sleeping on a cloud, and that their hip, back, and shoulder pain are gone.

You can purchase this in three firmness levels. The medium firmness comes either all foam or hybrid — and you can pick a different model if you want more or less firmness. A removable cover zips off and can be machine washed, ensuring your mattress stays fresh.

There is a modest 90-night trial, but white-glove delivery is free, which means they’ll come set up your mattress on your bed and remove and discard all packaging. This removes the potential heaviness and hassle of bed-in-a-box brands.

Pros

• choice of three firmness levels
• removable cover for easy cleaning
• comes with white-glove delivery
• 10-year warranty
• adapts to your weight and shape to relieve pain at pressure points
• isolates motion for more restful sleep with a partner

Cons

• 90-day trial window is shorter than at other brands
• high price point
• not compatible with box spring
• requires an elevated surface

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Best memory foam mattress for shoulder pain

Brentwood Home Cypress Affordable Memory Foam Mattress

• Price: $
• Type: foam
• Height: 11 or 13 inches
• Firmness: gentle firm, medium or medium-soft
• Key features: plant-based CertiPUR-US foam, carbon-offset with each purchase, Greenguard Gold certified
• Who it’s best for: back and side sleepers

There’s no reason you need to shell out a lot of money for a mattress — even if you’re concerned about shoulder pain. This Los Angeles-made memory foam mattress is crafted with CertiPUR-US foam and is Greenguard Gold certified.

Many reviewers with shoulder pain say they wake up with less pain and stiffness after sleeping on this mattress. However, some find it’s a little too firm, despite being rated as medium. It comes with a free yearlong trial, giving you time to sleep on your decision.

As an added bonus, the memory foam makeup means if you’re prone to moving about as you snooze, your bed partner will never know.

Pros

• two height options
• great price point
• foam or hybrid options are available
• different firmness options
• foam is plant-based and eco-friendly
• made in the U.S.

Cons

• too firm and may have led to back pain, according to a few reviewers
• durability issues, and it starts to dip in the middle over time, according to some user reviews

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Best organic mattress for shoulder pain

Happsy Organic Mattress

• Price: $$$
• Type: hybrid
• Height: 10 inches
• Firmness: medium
• Key features: uses organic wool and cotton, a pocketed springs layer for support and a latex layer for firmness
• Who it’s best for: all sleeping positions

Made with certified organic and eco-friendly materials, this mattress leaves out chemicals (like adhesives and flame retardants), which may help with nighttime breathing.

GOTS-certified cotton and wool are cooling, while the firmness supplied by latex and the innerspring system is meant to be kind to achy shoulders.

Many reviewers with sore shoulders say this mattress works well for them, though a few people say it’s too hard or soft. If you do want something softer, Happsy offers an optional pillow topper that you can order risk-free and return after a 120-night trial.

Pros

• organic, eco-friendly materials
• hybrid design for comfort and support
• 120-night trial
• free shipping included
• breathable and comfortable support of pressure points
• no flame retardants, glues, or adhesives in the mattress
• comes with a 20-year warranty

Cons

• high price point
• mixed reviews on firmness
• can’t try in-store because only shipped in a box
• might be too soft for some users

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Product	Price	Type	Height	Best for	Warranty	Trial period
Helix Twilight	$$	hybrid	12 in.	side sleepers	10–15 years	100 nights
Casper Wave Hybrid	$$$	hybrid	13 in.	back and side sleepers	10-year limited warranty	100 nights
Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam Mattress	$$	memory foam	10 in.	back and side sleepers	10 years	100 nights
DreamCloud Premier Mattress	$$$	hybrid	15 in.	all sleeping positions	lifetime	365 nights
Winkbeds The GravityLux Mattress	$$$	foam	11 in.	back and side sleepers	lifetime	120 nights
Helix Sleep Dawn Luxe	$$$	hybrid	14 in.	back and stomach sleepers	10–15 years	100 nights
TEMPUR-ProAdapt Mattress	$$$	foam or hybrid	12 in.	all sleeping positions	10 years	90 nights
Brentwood Home Cypress Affordable Memory Foam Mattress	$	foam	11 in. or 13 in.	back and side sleepers	25 years	365 nights
Happsy Organic Mattress	$$$	hybrid	10 in.	all sleeping positions	20 years	120 nights

If you have shoulder pain, here are a few things to look for in a mattress:

Easy return policies

Consider looking for a brand that offers an easy return policy, says Sinett, because this can help ensure that you snag the model that feels most comfortable to you, rather than getting saddled with one that doesn’t actually ease your discomfort.

This is because an easy return policy essentially guarantees that you get to try the mattress and make sure you like it and find it comfortable, rather than having to rely on other people’s recommendations.

Plus, it may take several nights to figure out if the mattress is helping or worsening your shoulder pain — the last thing you want is to be a month or 2 into sleeping on a new, expensive mattress only to then realize it’s causing you more pain.

The right firmness

Those with shoulder pain should look for a medium to medium-firm mattress, says Sinett, so your body can get some support without being too hard. This will help relieve pressure on your neck and support your spinal alignment.

You might also want to consider a mattress that is adjustable (in terms of firmness levels) — that way, you can customize it to your personal comfort level, Sinett adds.

Mattresses in the medium-firm range also work particularly well if you’re a back or stomach sleeper.

Material

If you have neck pain, it’s worth exploring mattresses that include memory foam, latex, or a hybrid of the two. These materials tend to offer adequate support and the kind of cradling comfort that relieves shoulder pain.

If a new mattress isn’t in your budget right now, you can also look for mattress toppers. In fact, many of the mattress manufacturers on this list also sell toppers that could help ease your pain. You can also find mattress toppers in memory foam or latex that can add impressive support and comfort to an older mattress.

Pressure relief is a great feature in a mattress because it means fewer aches and pains when you wake. Pressure points are the parts of your body where you feel the most pressure when you’re lying down. Side sleepers, for example, tend to feel pressure in the hips and shoulders.

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, a mattress designed for pressure relief will offer adequate support for common pressure points, including the shoulders, and help maintain spinal alignment while you sleep. Materials like latex and memory foam both offer pressure relief. Hybrid mattresses that pair these materials with zoned coil systems are often a good choice.

Sleeping on your side can cause shoulder pain because this position can put too much pressure on the joint, especially if you have an unsupportive mattress — but it’s not the only cause of shoulder pain.

Shoulder pain can also occur due to rotator cuff injuries or tears, shoulder bursitis, inflammation, osteoarthritis, and more.

So, if your pain persists all day for several days or weeks on end — even after you’ve invested in a new mattress — or doesn’t get better when you sleep in a different position, it may be time to talk with your doctor to figure out the underlying cause of your pain.

Can shoulder pain be caused by a mattress?

In short: yes. If you have an unsupportive mattress and sleep on your side, you could be putting a lot of extra pressure on your shoulder joint. This can lead to inflammation or injury of the ligaments and tendons in your joint.

That’s why it’s important to find a mattress that supports your shoulder, spine, and other joints to help ease pressure while you sleep.

What types of mattresses help with shoulder pain?

Look for mattresses that offer materials designed for pressure relief. Hybrid, latex, and memory foam mattresses can be good choices if you have shoulder pain.

Hybrid mattresses are made with a supportive coil system and a substantial comfort layer that could be foam, latex, or another material. The combination makes for a mattress with all the supportive benefits of coils, plus enhanced pressure relief and motion isolation.

Latex mattresses are impressively durable and mildly contouring with just enough bounce. They offer a gentle “hugged” sensation around the shoulders without the “sinking in” feeling common to memory foam.

Memory foam can still be a good choice because of the pressure relief it offers. Deep contouring is a standout feature of memory foam. People with shoulder pain may find the contouring offers immense relief.

An adjustable mattress is another consideration since you can toggle firmness levels to find something that works well for you from one night to the next.

What mattress firmness is best for shoulder pain?

Experts often recommend medium to medium-firm mattresses for shoulder pain. That’s because they tend to offer the support your body needs to maintain a comfortable posture, even while you’re snoozing.

Pressure point pain in the shoulders is usually the result of a mattress that’s too hard or too soft.

What sleeping positions help reduce shoulder pain?

Reducing shoulder pain while you’re asleep usually involves finding a neutral position. You can try sleeping on your back, with a small pillow or rolled-up towel beneath your knees. Sleep on a flat pillow to support your shoulder for better alignment with your body. That can help relieve pressure.

If you’re only experiencing pain on one side, sleep on the opposite side with a pillow between your knees to help keep your spine aligned. It may help to place a pillow under the arm you are not sleeping on for more support, too.

It’s a good idea to avoid sleeping on your stomach with your arms up. This position puts pressure on your neck, shoulders, and lower back.

If you have shoulder pain, you can find a mattress that meets your body’s need for comfort. Experts recommend choosing a mattress that’s on the medium to medium-firm side, sleeping on the opposite side of the pain, and adjusting habits as needed to avoid aggravating any injury.

Jessica Migala is a freelance writer specializing in health, nutrition, and fitness content. She lives in Chicago with her husband, two young sons, and rescue pup. Find her on LinkedIn or on Instagram.

Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007, covering everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor, and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy and Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee + Crumbs. She loves weight lifting, really great lattes, and family time. You can connect with her on her web page, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Last medically reviewed on March 13, 2023