Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain

January 27, 2023

If you are suffering from shoulder pain (or back pain or neck pain), it is important to find a mattress that will help ease your nagging symptoms. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best mattresses for shoulder pain to make the search a little easier. We’ve broken our list down into categories so you’ll be sure to find the right bed that can ease those aching shoulder pains.

While we recommend consulting with a doctor to get to the bottom of your shoulder pain, there is no doubt that sleeping on the best mattress for shoulder pain can alleviate discomfort. The most important thing to look for when searching for a mattress for shoulder pain is finding one that is supportive, provides pressure relief, and gently cradles your body. Since everyone has different body types, sleep issues, and firmness preferences, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer.

Keep reading to learn why our top choices earned their spot as best mattress for shoulder pain.

By clicking on the product links in this article, US-Mattress and Mattress Advisor may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Read the full disclosure statement.

Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain - Top Picks

• Helix Midnight Luxe - Best for Side Sleepers
• DreamCloud - Best for Shoulder and Back Pain
• Layla - Best Memory Foam Mattress for Shoulder Pain
• Nectar - Best for Budget Shoppers
• Brooklyn Aurora - Best for Hot Sleepers
• Awara - Best Organic Mattress for Shoulder Pain
• Puffy - Best for Couples

Helix Midnight Luxe - Best for Side Sleepers

The Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress stands out for its ability to provide exceptional pressure relief, which is key for side sleepers. The combination of memory foam and coils work together to cradle your pressure points, while still offering durable support and cushioning.

The Helix Midnight Luxe is a medium on the firmness scale, rated a 6 out of 10. This mattress is ideal for side sleepers who need somewhat of a softer bed, although it may not be firm enough for back sleepers. It is also somewhat on the pricier side so may not be the best choice for shoppers on a budget. .

Pros	Cons
Superior cooling for hot sleepers Excellent performance in spinal alignment Highly responsive	Somewhat pricey Back sleepers may prefer a firmer mattress

Check Price

DreamCloud - Best for Shoulder and Back Pain

The DreamCloud is a luxury hybrid mattress that consists of 8 layers of memory foam and pocketed coils. This unique combination is why the DreamCloud scored highest on spinal support, which is essential for relieving shoulder and back pain. Proper spine alignment helps your spine stay in a neutral position, regardless of your sleeping position. This helps relieve back pain by promoting a healthy posture.

The DreamCloud is also made with latex for enhanced bounce and contouring. The contouring works to cradle your pressure point areas, helping to alleviate any nagging shoulder pain.

This mattress also scored high in responsiveness, edge support, and durability.

If you are someone who needs a little extra time to decide on a purchase, the DreamCloud is a great option. The company offers a full 365-day risk-free sleep trial, in addition to a limited lifetime warranty.

Pros	Cons
Scored higher than any mattress at spinal alignment Highly durable design means it will not sag over time Responds and adjusts to movement	Scored low in social responsibility Longer shipping times than most brands

Check Price

Layla - Best Memory Foam Mattress for Shoulder Pain

Are you on the fence about whether you prefer a soft mattress or a firmer one? If so, the Layla may be the mattress for you. This unique memory foam bed features a flippable design with a soft side (rated at 5/10) and a firm side (rated at 6/10).

The Layla memory foam mattress also features copper-infused foam, which may help reduce joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. This is certainly a bonus for people suffering with shoulder pain. When you factor in the 120-night sleep trial, it is certainly worth a shot!

Pros	Cons
Flippable design features a soft side and a firm side Copper-infused foam claimed to help reduce joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation	May not be cool enough if you tend to sleep hot Poor social impact score

Check Price

Nectar - Best for Budget Shoppers

The Nectar is an all-foam mattress that includes a full 365-day sleep trial, plus a warranty that lasts as long as you own the mattress. The Nectar touts a great price point, making it a perfect bed for budget shoppers. It is offered in a medium-firm on the firmness scale so it should work well for any sleeping position.

This memory foam mattress scored well in edge support and motion transfer, making it a good option for couples as well as folks who snooze at the edge of the bed. Additionally, the Nectar earned a great score in pressure relief, ensuring it will comfortably support the shoulders and hips.

Pros	Cons
Medium-firm feel works for all sleep positions Excellent edge support Great pressure relief	All-foam design may not be ideal for heavier sleepers May sleep hot

Check Price

Brooklyn Aurora - Best for Hot Sleepers

The Brooklyn Aurora mattress is a hybrid luxurious mattress that beats the competition when it comes to cooling. This mattress features TitanCool cooling gel beads that regulate body temperature to maintain the perfect temperature for sleeping.

The Brooklyn Aurora is one of our top-rated hybrid mattresses, as well as a top pick for side sleeping. All sleeping positions should sleep soundly on this bed as it is offered in three levels on the firmness scale: Plush, Medium, and Firm.

Find out more in our Brooklyn Aurora mattress review.

Pros	Cons
Offered in three levels on the firmness scale: Plush, Medium, and Firm TitanCool cooling gel beads regulate body temperature for the perfect sleeping temperature Excellent social responsibility	Not the best option for budget shoppers

Check Price

Awara - Best Organic Mattress for Shoulder Pain

Looking for a clean, healthy mattress? Try the Awara. This impressive hybrid mattress is made with certified 100% organic New Zealand wool, organic cotton, and Rainforest Alliance-Certified Dunlop latex. Latex is naturally hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites, and cooling. The wool cover provides moisture wicking and regulates body temperature.

The Awara mattress boasts a unique 5-zone pocketed coil design that offers targeted support for different areas of the body. This design is also the reason for the bed’s superior motion isolation (an important consideration for people sharing the bed with a partner or a pet).

Every Awara mattress comes with a 365-day sleep trial. The company even plants a tree with each purchase. What’s not to like about that?

Pros	Cons
Latex is naturally hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites, and cooling 5-zone pocket coil design targets different areas of the body Highly durable	May be too firm for some (it is a 7 out of 10)

Check Price

Puffy - Best for Couples

The Puffy is a memory foam mattress with a lot to like—in fact, it is one of our highest scoring memory foam mattresses ever.  This memory foam mattress scored a 9.25 out of 10 in motion transfer. This means the bed prevents you from feeling your partner’s movements, aiding in better nights of sleep.

The Puffy is made with Cooling Cloud foam to pull heat away from the body, as well as ClimateComfort foam that resists the expansions and contractions caused by temperature extremes.  The Puffy mattress comes with a 101-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty.

Pros	Cons
Earned an almost perfect score in motion isolation Provides superior edge support Great at spinal alignment	Though it has cooling features, memory foam can sleep hot

Check Price

Compare the Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain

Mattress Name	Quick Overview	Special Offer
Helix Midnight Luxe	Material: Hybrid (foam and coils) Firmness: Medium (6/10) Customer Rating: 4.5/5 MA Score: 8.9/10 Delivery: Compressed, then delivered via box in 6-10 business days Trial Period: 100-night sleep trial Warranty: 15-year limited warranty Price: $$	Check Price
DreamCloud	Material: Hybrid - memory foam and coils Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10) Customer Rating: 4.6/5 MA Score: 9/10 Delivery: Takes 5-7 business days Trial Period:  365 days Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty Price: $$	Check Price
Layla	Material: Copper-infused memory foam Firmness: Soft side (4–5/10), Firm side (7/10) Customer Rating: 4.5/5 MA Score: 8.8/10 Delivery: Mattress compressed and rolled into box, delivered within 2-7 business days Trial Period: 120 nights Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty Price: $	Check Price
Nectar	Material: Gel memory foam Firmness: Medium-firm Customer Rating: 4.8/5 MA Score: 8.7/10 Delivery: 2-5 business days, free delivery Trial Period: 365-night sleep trial Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty Price: $	Check Price
Brooklyn Aurora	Material: Hybrid Firmness: Plush, Medium, and Firm Customer Rating: 4.6/5 MA Score: 8.9/10 Delivery: 4-5 business days Trial Period: 120 nights Warranty: 10-year limited warranty Price: $$	Check Price
Awara	Material: Hybrid (latex and coils) Firmness: Medium-firm (7/10) Customer Rating: 4.8/5 MA Score: 8.8/10 Delivery: Can take up to 15 business days Trial Period: 365 nights Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty Price: $$$	Check Price
Puffy	Material: Memory Foam Firmness: Medium-Firm Customer Rating: 4.6/5 MA Score:  9/10 Delivery: Compressed, rolled, and delivered in box within 2-5 business days Trial Period: 101-night sleep trial Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty Price: $$	Check Price

MA Score: The Mattress Advisor Score is a weighted score that takes into account 14 different factors related to the mattress’ performance, function, convenience and the brand’s social responsibility.

Compare Features and Materials

Helix Midnight Luxe	DreamCloud
What’s inside: Ultra-cool Premium Pillow Top: Comfort top features a phase change material and a breathable, cooling cover. Gel Visco Comfort Layer: Gel-infused memory foam excels at pressure relief. Memory Plus Foam Support Layer: This high-density memory foam layer supports and cushions the body. High-Grade Polyfoam Transition Layer: This layer provides a transition between memory foam and pocket coils. Pocket Coils: Includes 1,000 pocketed coils that provide gentler support under the shoulders and firmer support under the hips. DuraDense Foam Base Layer: The base layer delivers durability for the entire mattress.	What’s inside: TrueTufted Cashmere Top: This breathable comfort top is ultra-soft and naturally bedbug-resistant. Gel-Infused Memory Foam: This gel memory foam layer contours to your unique shape. Ultra-Soft Quilted Memory Foam: A layer of pure comfort and luxury. Supreme Natural Latex: The hypoallergenic latex provides enhanced bounce, cooling, and contouring. DreamPlush Supporting Memory Foam: A layer of high-density memory foam adds support and structure to the mattress. Super Dense Super Soft Memory Foam: This vital layer maintains spinal alignment and cradles your spine in any sleep position. Patent-Pending “BestRest” Coils: Encased pocketed coils feature a 5-zone design for targeted comfort. High-Density Super Soft Memory Foam: The bed’s base layer ensures solid structure and durability.
Scored best in: Cooling Durability Responsiveness	Scored best in: Spinal alignment Edge support Responsiveness Durability

Layla	Nectar
What’s inside: Thermo-Gel Cooling Cover: This mattress cover protects the bed while enhancing cooling. Soft Side: Copper-infused memory foam adds cooling and reduces inflammation and joint pain. Convoluted Air Flow Layer: This layer is made of a softer density foam that enhances air flow and dissipates heat. Base Support Foam: A firm layer of foam adds solid support. Firm Side: The firm side also includes copper-infused memory foam for relief from joint pain and stiffness.	What’s inside: Memory Foam Quilted Cover: This cover provides protection for the mattress while adding cushioning. Gel Memory Foam: This comfort layer is made of gel memory foam that delivers pressure relief. Adaptive Hi-Core Memory Foam: This hard-working layer delivers support and prevents sinkage. Base Layer: This base layer adds stability and reinforces the mattress. Bottom Mattress Cover: This handy feature ensures the mattress will not slip on the floor or the frame.
Scored best in: Responsiveness Pressure relief Edge support	Scored best in: Edge support Motion transfer Pressure relief Responsiveness Durability

Awara	Puffy
What’s inside: Organic Quilted Cotton Cover: This eco-friendly cover is made of organic cotton and wool that is moisture-wicking and cooling. Organic Dunlop latex: This 4” layer is made of 100% organic latex. It is naturally cooling, resistant to dust mites, and cooling. Pocket Coils: 9” of pocketed coils feature a 5-zone support design that provides motion isolation, targeted support, and greater breathability.	What’s inside: Cooling Cloud Gel-Infused Memory Foam: The 2” top layer consists of a gel foam that pulls heat away from the body while enhancing airflow. ClimateComfort Memory Foam: Measuring 2”, this high-tech foam is designed to maintain its shape regardless of temperature changes. Firm Core Support Base Layer: A solid base of 6” polyfoam gives the Puffy structure and durability. Insta-Firm technology offers 99% greater responsiveness and 4x more support.
Scored best in: Motion transfer Edge support Durability	Scored best in: Motion transfer Responsiveness Edge support Spinal alignment

Brooklyn Aurora
What’s inside: Copper Gel Energex with TitanCool: This 1.5” top layer has the bounce of latex with pressure-relieving and cooling performance. TitanFlex Hyperelastic Foam: This 2” layer of foam responds to your every move. Swirl Visco-Elastic Memory Foam: This 1” layer of memory foam contours to your shape. Quantum Edge Pocketed Coils: This 8” layer of pocketed coils adds support and delivers motion isolation. Base Support Foam: A 1” base layer enhances durability.
Scored best in: Cooling Responsiveness Motion transfer Spinal alignment

What Makes a Mattress Good for Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain (as well as hip pain, back pain, and neck pain) can have many causes, from a pulled muscle to age-related woes to the wrong mattress or pillow. To get to the root of shoulder pain, it is always good to consult with a professional. When shopping for a new mattress to help with shoulder pain, there are several factors to keep in mind.

Look for a mattress that provides excellent pressure relief. As we sleep, our body weight gets concentrated in our shoulders and hips. A mattress that provides good pressure relief ensures these areas are cradled and supported.

Durability and spinal alignment are two other important factors to look for in a new mattress. A durable bed continues providing support throughout the months and years, while a sagging mattress is sure to add to your aches and pains.

A mattress that performs well in spinal alignment will keep your spine in a neutral position however you sleep, an important part of waking up comfortable and well-rested.

Shopping Considerations

Type of Mattress

Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses excel at contouring to your body and relieving pressure. They give a feeling of weightlessness, and generally consist of high-density support foam and low-density comfort foam. This delivers the medium on the firmness scale that those with shoulder pain should look for. Memory foam mattresses may lack durability as they do not include pocketed coils, though some are just as sturdy.

Innerspring: This type of mattress offers a good amount of bounce and boasts durable steel coils to support all body types. Innerspring mattresses generally include memory foam or polyfoam for a combination of contouring and support. The topper determines how plush or firm the mattress is.

Latex: Latex foam is a medium-firm material with a good amount of bounce. Latex mattresses can be made out of rubber-tree sap or synthetic materials. This type of mattress is known for its cooling performance so it is a great option for hot sleepers. Natural latex mattresses can also be a good choice for those wanting a healthier mattress, depending on the manufacturing process.

Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses generally consist of steel coils and foam layers. Many hybrid mattresses combine the body contouring properties of memory foam with the strength of pocketed coils. They may also include latex, which adds cooling, contouring, and bounce.

FAQ About the Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain

1. Should I choose a soft or a firm mattress for shoulder pain?

   If you are suffering from shoulder pain, a mattress that is too firm may not provide the pressure relief you need. On the other hand, a mattress that is too soft may not keep your spine in alignment. Look for a high-quality mattress that is around a medium on the firmness scale. The caveat here is that, depending on your body weight, a mattress is likely to feel softer or firmer to you. Check the actual firmness level number (i.e. 5/10) and consider your personal preference. Also remember that almost all online mattresses come with a risk-free sleep trial. If you are not fully satisfied, simply return the bed for no charge.

2. Which type of mattress is best for shoulder pain?

   Multiple mattresses can be a good option when dealing with shoulder pain. The top picks on our list include memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses, and hybrid mattresses, the latter of which are generally a combination of memory foam and pocketed coils. Another option is an innerspring mattress. The most important considerations when buying a new mattress are pressure point relief and spine alignment.

3. What other factors should I consider?

   In addition to your mattress, it is also important to make sure you are sleeping on the right pillow. Choose a pillow that keeps your neck in alignment with your chest and lower back.

Summary of Our Top Picks for the Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain

• Helix Midnight Luxe - Best for Side Sleepers
• DreamCloud - Best for Shoulder and Back Pain
• Layla - Best Memory Foam Mattress for Shoulder Pain
• Nectar - Best for Budget Shoppers
• Brooklyn Aurora - Best for Hot Sleepers
• Awara - Best Organic Mattress for Shoulder Pain
• Puffy - Best for Couples

About the Author Pamela Mahajan

Pamela Mahajan researches and writes in-depth articles on a variety of products, including mattresses, to help consumers navigate the buying process and get sound nights of sleep. Pamela holds a Masters in Journalism from the University of Missouri - Columbia.