Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints among people of various age groups. If you are also dealing with it, investing in a more ergonomic mattress may be worth it. After all, low-quality sleep can negatively impact shoulder pain, and an ill-suited mattress may be exacerbating the problem.
If you are on the hunt for the best mattress for shoulder pain, this article will provide you with a few high-quality products that are, in our opinion, worth your consideration.
Best mattress for shoulder pain: a shortlist
- Puffy — best mattress for shoulder pain overall
- Helix — best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain
- Amerisleep — best mattress for shoulder and back pain
- Nolah — best mattress for pressure relief
- Leesa — best budget mattress for shoulder pain
Comparison of the best mattresses for shoulder pain
| Brand | Price* | Sizes | Material | Firmness level | Warranty | Certification |
| Puffy | $2249.00 | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Memory foam with coil support | Medium-plush | Lifetime warranty | CertiPUR-US® |
| Helix | $1373.80 | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Memory foam with coil support | Medium | 15-year warranty | CertiPUR-US®, GREENGUARD Gold certified |
| Amerisleep | $1299.00 | Twin, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Bio-Pur® memory foam | Medium-firm | 20-year warranty | CertiPUR-US® |
| Nolah | $1299.00 | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | AirFoam™ memory foam | Medium | Lifetime warranty | CertiPUR-US®, GREENGUARD Gold certified |
| Leesa | $1049.00 | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Memory foam with coil support | Medium to medium-firm | 10-year warranty | CertiPUR-US® |
* — Price may vary based on mattress size, firmness level, and applied discounts.
Best mattress for shoulder pain: an overview
After thoroughly evaluating a range of mattresses, taking into account aspects like material, firmness, warranties, certifications, and price, we picked a few products that are worth considering if you are looking for the best mattress for shoulder pain.
1. Puffy — overall best mattress for shoulder pain
Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association for its superior spine support, Lux Mattress by Puffy is a 6-layer mattress designed to provide optimal comfort for every sleeper.
Besides being a great choice for people who experience shoulder pain, Puffy incorporates heat dispersion technology that allows users to maintain a low sleeping temperature throughout the night.
The mattress is crafted from memory foam and provides a medium-plush feel for a perfect balance of support and comfort.
Before any discounts, this Puffy mattress is retailed at $2249 for the twin-sized product.
Moreover, this mattress is covered by a lifetime warranty, as well as a 101-day money-back guarantee if you do not find the product satisfying.
2. Helix — best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain
Made from memory foam, Midnight Luxe by Helix is a medium firmness mattress designed for side sleepers and toss and turners. Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, Midnight Luxe stands as one of the top choices for those seeking a supportive and comfortable sleep experience.
With both CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold certifications, Helix offers peace of mind that your mattress is made from safe materials.
If you tend to overheat while sleeping, you can opt for the GlacioTex™ cooling cover that is designed to prevent overheating during the night.
As of now, the smallest Helix mattress is priced at $1373.80. Purchasing it will grant you a 15-year warranty and a 100-day money-back guarantee.
3. Amerisleep — best mattress for shoulder and back pain
AS2 by Amerisleep is a medium-firm mattress designed to promote optimal spinal alignment, and, in return, potentially reduce shoulder and back pain. Due to its firmness, this mattress is recommended for both back and stomach sleepers.
Moreover, the mattress was crafted using advanced cooling technology that facilitates increased air circulation compared to conventional foam. Each mattress purchase also includes a Refresh Cover, which, as per the manufacturer's claim, enables a cooler sleep experience of up to 7 degrees.
Amerisleep is proud to be using eco-friendly materials. Furthermore, this mattress is certified by CertiPUR-US®, meaning this product is free of ozone depleters, heavy metals, and chemical fire retardants.
As of now, AS2 prices start from $1299. Moreover, this product includes a 20-year warranty and is covered by a 100-day night trial.
4. Nolah — best mattress suited for pressure relief
Made from specialized AirFoam™ memory foam, Signature by Nolah is presented as the best mattress for pressure relief from the brand’s lineup. Moreover, as claimed by the manufacturer, their AirFoam™ is up to 300 percent more durable than traditional memory foam.
This medium firmness mattress is designed to support side sleepers, a fact reinforced by its numerous awards.
Furthermore, this mattress has both CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold certifications, meaning it is free of harmful chemicals.
Currently, this Nolah mattress is retailed at $1299 for the smallest version (the twin size). The product is also covered with a lifetime warranty and a 120-day money-back guarantee.
5. Leesa — best budget-friendly mattress for shoulder pain
Crafted from memory foam with spring coil support, this Lensa Orginal Hybrid mattress contours to your body and provides support to help relieve pressure points, alleviate tension, and reduce shoulder pain.
With its medium to medium-firm feel, Lensa caters to a wide range of individuals, including side and back sleepers.
Moreover, this Leesa mattress is certified with CertiPUR-US®, ensuring that it meets strict standards for safety and sustainability.
Priced at $1049 for the smallest version before any discounts, the Leesa mattress offers a solution for those seeking a high-quality mattress without compromising on comfort or support. In addition, your purchase would be covered by a 10-year warranty and include a 100-night trial.
How we ranked the best mattresses for shoulder pain?
Choosing the right mattress for shoulder pain can be difficult, especially if you are unsure of what to look for. Below, we explained in more depth what criteria we used to evaluate mattresses qualifying for our list.
| Certification | Warranty | Firmness | Price |
| CertiPUR-US®, GREENGUARD Gold Certified | Has a generous warranty | From medium-plush to medium-firm | $1,049–2,249 |
- Certification. We selected mattresses holding respected certifications to guarantee they were made with adherence to established safety standards and are free of harmful elements.
- Warranty. Given that mattresses are typically a significant investment, we examined the provider's website for details on the warranty. Moreover, we preferred products that are covered with generous refund policies.
- Firmness. We included products ranging from medium plush to medium-firm firmness in our selection. You may opt for softer or firmer mattresses based on your sleeping position and preferences.
- Price. For a fair comparison of the products, we assessed the starting prices of the mattresses listed here. All prices provided pertain to the smallest twin-size mattresses.
Effects that a mattress can have on pain
To minimize discomfort and strains, individuals should select a mattress that aligns with their preferred sleeping position and personal preferences. Consequently, the optimal choice may vary from person to person.
However, if your mattress is not providing adequate pressure relief, you may start feeling shoulder pain. If your mattress is too firm, your shoulders could be prevented from skinning in, thus causing too much pressure. Contrary, if your mattress is too soft, it may lead to excessive sinking of the shoulders, potentially resulting in pain and discomfort in the upper body.
For instance, one research study concluded that tailored sleep surfaces, selected based on sleeping positions, may improve sleep quality and alleviate musculoskeletal pain. Study participants experienced an improvement in shoulder pain by 75% following 12 weeks of sleeping on the new mattress.
To support this idea further, another study also found a significant decrease in shoulder pain by around 60% following 28 days of using a prescribed bedding system. However, we still lack studies involving healthy individuals to draw conclusions and fully understand the effects of mattresses on musculoskeletal pain.
What to look for when buying a new mattress for shoulder pain
Below, we explored a few factors that may be worth considering before purchasing a new mattress, especially if you are experiencing any discomfort in the shoulder area.
- Firmness. In certain cases, firmness that is not suitable for your sleeping position may cause discomfort and even pain, including in the shoulder area.
- Material. Look for materials that are durable and breathable. Moreover, check for certifications such as CertiPUR-US® to ensure that the mattress is free of toxic substances.
- Pressure relief. Look for a mattress that distributes your body weight evenly, reducing pressure points on your shoulders or other body parts.
A guide on mattress options depending on sleeping positions
Your sleeping position may influence what mattress would suit you best. Below, we outlined a few factors you may want to consider before you purchase a mattress based on your sleeping position.
Keep in mind that ideal material, thickness, and firmness depend on personal preferences and other health factors.
For side sleepers
Side sleepers usually benefit from medium-soft to medium mattresses due to pressure points in the shoulders and hips.
Moreover, it may be worth considering a specialized pillow for side sleepers if you are experiencing discomfort in the upper body, including shoulder and neck pain. Using a poorly suited pillow may cause pain and stiffness due to the unnatural alignment of your spine during sleep.
For back sleepers
Medium-firm mattresses are often recommended for back sleepers. These mattresses provide the necessary support for the body, particularly in the heaviest areas, like the lumbar region.
For stomach sleepers
If you sleep on your stomach, choosing a medium-firm or firm mattress is best. This type of mattress would prevent mid-body sinkage and ensure correct spinal alignment.
Mattress vs. pillow when dealing with shoulder pain: which matters more?
It depends on the cause of the pain. For example, if your pain is caused by an uncomfortable pillow, investigating the quality of your mattress may not be necessary.
Keep in mind that both a mismatched mattress and a pillow can cause discomfort, especially in the long run.
If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice based on your specific situation.
Sleeping tips for people with shoulder pain
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it may be difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, there are strategies to improve your sleep quality despite discomfort.
Firstly, consider adjusting your sleeping position. If you can, try sleeping on your back as it may help to relieve pressure on your shoulder. Some people report that sleeping on their stomach helps them to find relief from shoulder discomfort as well.
You may also experiment with different sleeping surfaces, such as mattress toppers and mattresses, to find what works best for your comfort.
However, it's crucial to identify the underlying cause of your shoulder pain for more effective management. For example, if you are experiencing muscle pain from an intense workout, you may need to rest the muscle.
Keep in mind that if your shoulder pain does not go away in a few days or if you do not know the cause of it, it is best to consult your doctor.
Best mattress for shoulder pain — conclusion
Selecting an optimal mattress for shoulder pain can be an important factor in improving the overall quality of sleep and easing discomfort, including shoulder pain. However, purchasing a new mattress can potentially be a costly decision, and thus it is important to weigh in various criteria to find the best mattress for shoulder pain for your case.
Before committing to a purchase, consider factors such as firmness, material, certifications, and warranty.
Moreover, depending on the cause of discomfort, a holistic approach involving both mattress and pillow evaluation is crucial. For those experiencing persistent shoulder pain, seeking professional advice is recommended.
Further reading
A pillow for shoulder pain could be a great addition to your bedtime routine if you are experiencing pain.
If you are seeking relief from back pain, you can find a wide range of options in our mattress for back pain article.
If your main concern is joint pain, it is worth checking out the mattress for arthritis article.
Moreover, you can consider a mattress topper for side sleepers to help you get a good night's sleep.
Discover the top mattresses for back pain for comfort tailored for your specific needs.
Check out the top mattresses for shoulder and hip pain that might help manage pain during your sleep.
FAQ
What type of mattress is best for shoulder pain?
It varies from person to person based on such factors as sleeping position. However, if you have shoulder pain in the mornings, consider a softer mattress. Contouring memory foam mattresses could be a good choice for shoulder pain as well.
Can a bad mattress cause shoulder pain?
Potentially, yes. This could happen if your mattress does not offer proper pressure relief because it is too firm or too soft.
Why do my shoulders hurt in the morning?
If you do not have a history of shoulder problems, the pain is most likely caused by problematic sleep hygiene. For example, you may be putting too much pressure on your shoulders by sleeping on one shoulder, especially if your mattress is not suitable for your sleeping position.
2 resources
- Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Effectiveness of a selected bedding system on quality of sleep, low back pain, shoulder pain, and spine stiffness.
- Applied Ergonomics. Effect of prescribed sleep surfaces on back pain and sleep quality in patients diagnosed with low back and shoulder pain.
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