Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain (2020): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

We all experience aches and pains in our shoulders from time to time. In most cases, this pain is due to overuse or sitting in an uncomfortable position for too long, such as hunching over your computer at work or resting in an awkward sleep position. An uncomfortable mattress can also cause pain and tension to develop near the shoulders.

Shoulder pain is often temporary (acute), lasting less than 3 months. With some light stretching and exercises, this pain will ease and we can resume our daily routine. However, it may be harder to find relief from chronic shoulder pain, which lasts longer than 6 months.

Whether your shoulder pain is acute or chronic, it can be difficult to find a comfortable sleep position when your shoulders are achy and sore. To help you find a better night’s sleep, we put together a list of the best mattresses for shoulder pain. We also outline possible causes of shoulder discomfort and explain what to consider as you shop for a new bed.

Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain

	Mattress	Highlights	Price (Queen)
	Amerisleep AS4	Medium-soft comfort level perfect for those with shoulder pain	$1259
	Amerisleep AS5	Features a breathable and responsive plant-based memory foam	$1539
	Zoma Mattress	Medium comfort level contours to the joints and lifts the body	$699
	Vaya Mattress	Two foam layers provide a slight bounce to ensure a safe alignment	$599
	Nolah Signature	Unique Purple Grid™ provides no-pressure support and maximum breathability	$1049
	Purple® Mattress	Four inches of pressure-relieving hyper-elastic polymer	$1569

1. Amerisleep AS4

When shopping with Amerisleep, you can select one of eight mattresses, each designed with specific needs in mind. The Amerisleep AS4 is a medium-soft memory foam bed perfect for shoulder pain sufferers. The various foam layers in this bed work together to relieve pain while also promoting a safe spinal alignment.

The cover of each Amerisleep mattress is made with a soft, ventilated fabric to regulate body temperature, ensuring your sleep is undisturbed. This cover is also washable, so it is easy to keep your bed clean and germ-free.

The comfort layer of the AS4 features Amerisleep’s Bio-Pur® foam—a plush memory foam that contours to the body with pressure-free support. This material cradles the shoulders without causing pressure build-up.

Bio-Pur® is partially made with plant-based oils, making it more responsive and more breathable than traditional memory foam. By using plant-based oils, Amerisleep produces an eco-friendly and non-toxic mattress foam with minimal VOC emissions.

Adaptive foam with HIVE® technology sits in the middle of the AS4. This material ensures the spine is neutral while it eases muscle tension in the body. When muscles can fully relax during sleep, recovery can take place.

The base of the AS4 features Bio-Core® support foam, a strong, durable material that increases the lifespan of the mattress by preventing sagging and indentations.

Amerisleep stands by the quality and construction of each of their mattresses with a 20-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial. They also offer free shipping to anywhere in the contiguous US.

2. Amerisleep AS5

The Amerisleep AS5 is slightly softer than the AS4—this bed works well for lightweight sleepers and side sleepers with shoulder pain. The ultra-soft comfort layer offers more compression to keep sensitive shoulder joints cushioned and protected from pressure points.

When resting on the AS5, sleepers will sink into the bed—this allows stiff, sore muscles to relax. Since Bio-Pur® is partially plant-based, it is also more responsive than most mattress foams. While sleepers will sink into this bed, the buoyancy of this material keeps the body lifted and aligned. When the spine is neutral, you will be less likely to experience tension in the back muscles.

To provide further spinal protection, Amerisleep includes their Active Flex transition foam. This material has a slight bounce, so the body doesn’t sink too far into the bed and cause the spine to bow.

Beneath the Active Flex foam is a layer of Adaptive foam with HIVE® technology. This foam features hundreds of hexagonal cutouts that respond differently to each area of the body. Near the lumbar region, these cutouts are closer together and firmer to provide more stability to this vulnerable area. Near the hips and shoulders, cutouts are further apart and softer to alleviate muscle tension.

The base of the AS5 is made with Amerisleep long-lasting Bio-Core® foam. This layer ensures the mattress supports you correctly throughout many years of use.

Like all Amerisleep mattresses, the AS5 comes with a 10-year warranty and 100-night, risk-free sleep trial. With this generous trial period, you can test the AS5 for yourself and make sure it fits your needs.

3. Zoma Mattress

Athletes are more likely to experience shoulder pain due to strenuous activity. The Zoma Mattress is designed to promote deep sleep, so sore and tired muscles can recover. This bed helps you wake with fewer aches and pains, boosting athletic performance and energy levels.

The cover of this mattress features a stretch-knit fabric called AirCloth. This soft, flexible material keeps air circulating across the surface of the bed to reduce night sweats. Beneath the cover is a layer of Zoma’s gel-infused memory foam with Triangulex™ technology. This foam is embedded with triangular cutouts to keep body weight evenly distributed, so the spine is never forced out of alignment.

The transition layer is made with Zoma’s Reactiv™ foam—a responsive foam that reduces sinkage for a healthy spinal position. This material gives the mattress a medium firmness most sleepers find comfortable and supportive. This material molds to the joints to prevent pressure buildup, but it is also firm enough to prevent excess sinkage.

The base of the Zoma Mattress features their durable base foam, Support+. This material is strong enough to guard against indentations and structural damage. However, it also improves motion isolation, so you experience fewer sleep disturbances.

Zoma includes a 10-year warranty and a 100-night, risk-free sleep trial with each of their mattresses. You can sleep on the Zoma for up to 3 months and make sure it meets your needs. Zoma will even arrange for pick-up and provide a full refund if you decide the bed isn’t right for you.

4. Vaya Mattress

The Vaya Mattress features two foam layers—a 3-inch foam top layer with a medium firmness and a 9-inch high-density support base. If you are looking for a comfortable and affordable mattress to provide relief from shoulder pain, the Vaya is a good choice.

The cover of the Vaya features a light, airy fabric that moves with the body as you change positions throughout the night. Beneath the soft cover is Vaya’s comfort foam. As this material hugs the body’s curves for pressure relief, it also lifts the hips and shoulders, so the spine is not forced to bow. This combination creates a deeply relaxing sleep position.

The sturdy poly-foam base of the Vaya ensures longevity by preventing sagging. With a reliable support base, the Zoma Mattress will keep you supported throughout the night. The Vaya base is also strong enough to be used on most mattress frames, including slatted foundations and adjustable bases.

A CertiPUR-US® certification guarantees this bed is free of harmful chemicals and will have low VOC emissions. The Vaya Mattress also comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

5. Nolah Signature Mattress

The Nolah Signature is a 12-inch flippable mattress with two different comfort levels. One side of the bed has a medium-soft feel, while the other has a medium-firm feel. For those with shoulder pain, we suggest the medium-soft side, as this comfort level will provide plenty of contouring and pain relief.

The soft side features 2.5-inches the Nolah AirFoam™—a soft, pressure-relieving material that won’t retain body heat the way most mattress foams do. For those with shoulder pain, the AirFoam™ allows muscles to relax, relieving pain and stiffness.

Beneath this layer is Nolah’s high-resilience foam with a latex-like bounce to keep the body resting in a safe, comfortable sleep position. When one area of the body sinks too far into the mattress, it can force you into awkward sleep positions that put pressure on the back muscles. Nolah’s responsive layer prevents this by gently lifting the hips and shoulders.

A 7-inch support core sits in the middle of the soft and firm side of the Nolah Signature. This durable foam reduces sagging and keeps you supported no matter which firmness level you choose.

The medium-firm side of the bed features 1-inch of AirFoam™—this layer is firm enough for adequate lumbar support and prevents spinal misalignment when back or stomach sleeping. Those with chronic back pain often prefer this slightly firmer comfort level.

The layers of the Nolah are wrapped in an unbleached organic cotton cover that wicks away heat and moisture during sleep. This mattress also comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

6. Purple® Mattress

Since launching its brand, Purple® has created a line-up for 4 different mattresses. However, their original bed remains their most popular model, and for a good reason. This mattress has a medium comfort level and a unique pressure-free grid to alleviate pain and muscle tension.

The cover of the Purple® Mattress features their SoftFlex material—a super soft, stretch fabric that flexes and molds to the body for superior comfort. The top layer of the Purple® is made with their proprietary Purple Grid™.

This grid is made with hyper-elastic polymer, a highly responsive material that reacts instantly to pressure, so you stay supported even as you change positions throughout the night. The Purple Grid™ is embedded with thousands of air channels to prevent heat-trapping and regulate temperature.

Beneath the Purple Grid™ are two poly-foam layers that provide a balance of cushioning and support. The first layer is a soft, yet responsive poly-foam to enhance spinal support. The second is a firm, high-density foam to maintain the structure of the mattress.

The Purple® Mattress comes with a 10-year limited warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

As we mentioned above, shoulder pain can be either acute or chronic. Acute pain is typically the result of overuse or injury. However, a more serious health issue may cause chronic pain in the shoulder area. According to Mayo Clinic, the following injuries and conditions could be causing your shoulder pain.

• Bursitis (joint inflammation): Bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled pads between the joints become inflamed, causing stiffness and pain.
• Osteoarthritis: A common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage at the ends of the bones wears down.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This occurs when the immune system is no longer functioning correctly and attacks the lining (synovium) in the joints. This leads to persistent and often debilitating joint pain.
• Frozen shoulder: Also known as adhesive capsulitis, a frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue between the shoulder blade and the arm becomes inflamed and thick. This condition can limit joint flexibility.
• Broken or fractured arm or collarbone: Broken blood vessels or compressed nerves caused by a broken or fractured arm or collarbone can lead to chronic and acute shoulder pain.
• Dislocated shoulder: This occurs when the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder socket. A dislocated shoulder can lead to immobility and chronic pain.
• Tendonitis: Shoulder tendinitis is caused by persistent, strenuous use, often from sports or other activities. This condition can develop over time, or it may be the result of sudden injury.
• Sprains: A shoulder sprain occurs when one of the shoulder ligaments (the fibrous tissue connecting the bones to the shoulder joint) tears or ruptures.
• Rotator cuff injury: The rotator cuff holds the muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, keeping your arm bone inside the shoulder socket. When the rotator cuff becomes injured, it can cause a dull, persistent ache in the shoulder.
• Cervical radiculopathy: This occurs when the nerves in the cervical spine (the neck and upper back) become inflamed or damaged. This condition often leads to nerve damage, such as numbness or tingling in shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. It can also lead to chronic back and neck pain.
• Heart attack: While men often experience chest pain during a heart attack, women may have shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the back and shoulders.

Shoulder pain, as well as hip pain, is also common in pregnant women. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments to prepare the body for delivery. These changes, combined with the unbalanced weight of the abdomen, often cause pregnant women to develop shoulder pain.

If you suspect the cause of your pain is related to a chronic illness or one of the conditions above, it is best to discuss your symptoms with your doctor. A medical professional can prescribe physical therapy or other methods of pain relief.

Sleep Positions and Shoulder Pain

Different sleep positions require a different level of support. The combination of an old mattress and an unhealthy sleep position could be causing shoulder pain or aggravating pre-existing conditions.

Most mattress brands use a scale from 1 to 10 to describe the firmness level of their beds, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Below, we outline the best mattress firmness for each sleep position. By selecting a comfort level suited to your personal preferences, you will find a good night’s sleep and some relief from your shoulder pain.

Side Sleepers

When side sleeping, the hips and shoulders often bear most of your body weight. This position can lead to shoulder pain or make it worse. Therefore, the best mattress for a side sleeper is soft to medium (1 to 5 on the firmness scale). This comfort level will prevent pressure and tension from developing near these joints.

However, if sinking is excessive, the spine may bow, causing the muscles in the back to tighten and clench. Sleeping in this position throughout the night will leave you feeling sore and stiff in the morning. If you opt for a soft mattress, be sure it has a responsive transition layer to reduce sinking and keep the body lifted and spine aligned.

Back Sleepers

When sleeping on your back, the spine is more likely to rest in a neutral position, easing tension in the body. Therefore, back sleeping can help reduce shoulder pain during the night. However, these sleepers will need a slightly firmer bed. Medium-firm beds (6 to 7 on the firmness scale) are often the best mattress options for back sleepers because they’re firm enough to lift the torso and support the lumbar spine.

Stomach Sleepers

When resting on your stomach, the natural curvature of the spine becomes exaggerated, causing pressure build-up in the back and neck muscles. In most cases, this pain radiates down the shoulders. Therefore, if you can, it is best to avoid stomach sleeping, especially if you suffer from persistent lower back pain.

If you can’t avoid resting on your stomach, you should select a firmer mattress. The best mattress for stomach sleepers tends to be medium-firm to firm (7 to 10 on the firmness scale). This comfort level prevents the hips from sinking, alleviating some of the tension in the back.

Combination Sleepers

If you don’t necessarily have a preferred sleep position or toss and turn during the night, a medium mattress may be your best bet. Medium mattresses for combination sleepers keep the body cradled to prevent pressure points. However, a medium bed will also be firm enough to reduce sinking and spinal misalignment.

Body Types

Your body type is also an important factor when considering mattress firmness because your weight affects how much you sink into the bed. We explain the comfort level best for each body type.

Heavy Weight

Heavy people (230 pounds or above) tend to sleep best on a medium-firm bed because they sink down further into the mattress. If the bed is too soft, it can cause alignment problems and morning aches and pains.

For heavy individuals who prefer a softer mattress, look for beds with a built-in responsive transition layer to promote healthy spinal alignment.

Lightweight

Lightweight sleepers, those who are 130 pounds or less, will sink very little. These sleepers need a soft to medium-soft mattress to experience more contouring and pressure relief. If lightweight individuals rest on a firm mattress, it may cause pressure points to form near the joints.

Mattress Types and Shoulder Pain

The materials and layers of a bed can often determine the feel and support it provides. To help you select the right mattress, we outline the four most common mattress types and explain the body type and sleep positions they are most suitable for.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses are ideal for those with pain because this material hugs the body’s curves with no pressure support, so muscles can completely relax. This foam responds quickly to pressure, so even as you change positions throughout the night, you stay supported and your joints stay cushioned.

Memory foam is typically used in the top layer of the mattress, where it can provide the most support. This material also comes in a variety of firmness options, from ultra-soft to firm. So, no matter what sleep style you prefer, you can find a memory foam mattress to fit your needs.

Traditional memory foam tends to trap heat and may lead to sleep disruptions. Therefore, it is best to opt for a memory foam mattress with plant-based foam. Mattress foams made with plant-based oils are naturally more breathable and more responsive. Plus, they are eco-friendly and non-toxic.

Latex Foam Mattresses

Latex foam has become a popular mattress material in recent years because of its elastic properties. Like memory foam, this material contours to the body for pressure relief. However, this material’s slight buoyancy is perfect for keeping the body in a good sleep posture.

Latex mattresses are available in several different firmness options—medium to medium-firm being the most common. The slight lift of a latex mattress is perfect for heavy sleepers and back sleepers.

For side sleepers with shoulder pain, we recommend a medium-firm latex mattress. Back sleepers with shoulder pain tend to sleep well on a medium-firm latex bed. Latex foam is also very durable; most latex beds last between 12 and 15 years.

Hybrid Mattresses

A hybrid mattress has a 2 to 3-inch comfort layer, typically made of memory or latex foam, and a spring coil support base. Most high-quality hybrids feature pocketed spring coils for added comfort and accurate contouring. This combination offers the pressure relief of foam and the buoyancy of spring coils.

Some hybrid support systems are also zoned to respond to each area of the body differently. These mattresses are firmer along the back and neck, but softer near the hips and shoulders. Those with shoulder pain should choose a hybrid bed designed for their sleep position and body type.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses have been a staple in American homes for decades. Although advanced foam and hybrid beds have become more prevalent in recent years, many still prefer an innerspring design. These mattresses trap very little heat due to the space between the spring coils. They are also budget-friendly and versatile.

However, innerspring mattresses have the lowest customer satisfaction ratings. This is primarily due to the thin comfort layer, which causes pressure points to form near the hips and shoulders.

Innerspring beds also tend to be less durable because coil springs can easily bend or break. When broken springs stick up into sensitive areas of the body, it can lead to tension and pain. Those with shoulder and back pain should avoid innerspring mattresses and select a high-quality foam or hybrid mattress instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a mattress topper help with shoulder pain?

If you have a firmer mattress, you may want to soften it to alleviate shoulder pain. A memory foam topper provides much-needed comfort and pressure relief for a better night’s sleep.

As you shop for a mattress topper, select a firmness to complement the mattress you have. If the bed is medium-firm to firm, you may want a soft topper for more contouring and pain relief.

Why do my shoulders hurt after sleeping?

If your shoulders hurt after sleeping, you may be resting on a mattress too firm for your sleep position and body type. For example, if you are a lightweight side sleeper, a firm mattress can cause tension to develop near the hips and shoulders. This can leave you feeling achy and sore in the morning. Side sleepers, especially those with shoulder pain, need a soft to medium mattress to reduce pressure near the joints.

What is the best sleep position for shoulder pain?

If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it is best to avoid resting on your sore shoulder. You can try sleeping on the opposite side or rest on your back. Back sleeping can reduce tension on the sides of the body and ensure your spine stays neutral.

If you’re concerned about snoring and symptoms of sleep apnea when back sleeping, you may want to consider an adjustable bed. These bed frames allow you to gently lift the head to open up the airways and make breathing more comfortable. Sleeping on a wedge pillow can also create the same effect.

How often should you replace your bed?

Most high-quality memory foam and hybrid mattresses last between 8 and 10 years. Latex beds typically last a little longer, about 12 to 15 years. Depending on the type of mattress you have, you should look for signs of wear and tear around the 8-year mark. If you frequently wake with aches and pains that last throughout the day, it may be a sign that your bed is no longer supporting you correctly.

Can your pillow cause shoulder pain?

If your pillow is too high or too flat, it can cause the muscles in your neck, back, and shoulders to strain, leading to pain and discomfort in the morning. In most cases, the best pillow for shoulder pain is memory foam with a medium loft. These pillows contour to the head and neck and promote a neutral spine to reduce tension and pain.

Conclusion

Living with shoulder pain, whether temporary or permanent, can make it hard to find adequate sleep. Losing precious hours of sleep due to pain can also make things worse. A more supportive mattress suited to your needs will help you find a better night’s sleep and relief from your shoulder pain.