No matter the cause, shoulder pain is uncomfortable—and when paired with an unsupportive mattress, it can lead to disruptions in your sleep and lower quality rest. Fortunately, choosing the right mattress can provide relief. Our team of mattress testers and sleep experts performed extensive research and testing to find the best mattresses for shoulder pain that provide the ideal combination of pressure relief and spinal alignment. The Helix Midnight Luxe is our top pick overall; its plush pillow top and strong coil base excel at cradling the shoulders and hips while offering ample support.
The best mattresses for shoulder pain, like the Helix Midnight Luxe, offer exceptional pressure … [+] relief.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
While most mattress aficionados may tell you a soft to medium-firm mattress is best for shoulder pain, our list reflects a variety of firmness levels since the right firmness ultimately depends on individual factors like body weight and preferred sleep position. We also have picks catered to hot sleepers, heavyweight sleepers and athletes. Below, find the eight mattresses that passed our tests for shoulder pain.
Best Mattress For Shoulder Pain Overall: Helix Midnight Luxe (Queen)
Best Mattress For Side Sleepers With Shoulder And Hip Pain: DreamCloud Premier Rest (Queen)
Best Hybrid Mattress For Shoulder Pain: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid (Queen)
Best Memory Foam Mattress For Shoulder Pain: Nectar Luxe (Queen)
Best Mattress For Athletes With Shoulder Pain: Bear Elite Hybrid (Queen)
Best Mattress For Heavy Sleepers With Shoulder Pain: Titan Plus Elite (Queen)
Best Cooling Mattress For Shoulder Pain: Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid (Queen)
Best Luxury Mattress For Shoulder Pain: Stearns & Foster Reserve (Queen)
Type: Hybrid |Brand firmness rating: Medium |Trial: 100 nights |Warranty: 15 years
Pros:
Excellent pressure relief and support
Works for all sleep positions depending on body weight
Isolates motion well; good for couples
Cons:
The Helix Midnight Luxe is one of our favorite mattresses of all time (it tops our list of the best mattresses of 2025), but its balanced construction makes it exceptionally well-suited for people with shoulder pain. It starts off with a plush pillow top and three layers of dense memory foam, which work together to cradle the shoulders and hips; underneath these comfort layers lies a bed of durable steel coils. This sturdy base provides just enough pushback so you don’t sink too far into the bed.
During testing, our editors also found it isolates motion well—an important feature for people who co-sleep. It also sleeps cool, thanks to gel infusions in its memory foam layer and the breathable coil base. For people who sleep extra hot, you may be interested in upgrading to the cool-to-the-touch cover, although it’s about $200 extra. Our testing found it to be exceptionally comfortable for back and side sleepers of various weights but too soft for strict stomach sleepers weighing more than 150 pounds. It’s also worth noting the sleep trial is considerably shorter than other mattresses in its class.
What our experts say: Mattress updates writer Alexandra Garrett says, “I’m primarily a side sleeper, and the Midnight Luxe relieved the pressure I typically feel around my hips and shoulders. I also occasionally sleep on my back, and on those nights, I felt just as aligned and supported.” For more, read her full Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress review.
Side sleepers are more likely to experience shoulder and hip pain at night since these areas take the brunt of their body weight. Our top recommendation for this group is the DreamCloud Premier Rest: a pressure-relieving mattress that cradles your body in all the right places. During testing, we instantly felt this mattress cushion our joints as we sank into the topmost comfort layers—of which there are many. The DreamCloud Premier Rest kicks things off with a cashmere Euro top followed by four layers of thick foams. The result? Exceptional pressure relief and cushioning for the joints.
The Euro top does more than just relieve pressure: It adds a cozy, hotel-like feel to the mattress that makes you feel lifted but still supported. Similar to other hybrids, this DreamCloud’s comfort layers sit atop a base of individually wrapped coils. However, we don’t recommend this mattress to most stomach sleepers or heavyweight folks. Instead, we point you to a mattress with a firmer construction like the Titan Plus Elite (our pick for heavyweight sleepers with shoulder pain).
What our experts say: “The Premier Rest offers stellar pressure for the shoulder and hips,” says senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman. “It also tested well for ease of movement and motion isolation, which are perks for couples. However, it doesn’t have the best edge support compared to others we tested.” Read more in our DreamCloud Premier Rest review.
Type: Hybrid |Firmness: Soft (3), medium (5) or firm (7) |Trial: 120 nights |Warranty: Lifetime
Pros:
Comes in RV and nontraditional sizes
Excellent value for the price
Breathable construction
Cons:
Hybrid mattresses are a favorite amongst our team for a variety of reasons; made with coils and foam, this mattress type provides a balanced, supportive feel. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature’s mix of materials lends itself well to relieving shoulder pain: the foam comfort layers cradle the shoulders, while a supportive base of coils underneath helps keep the spine aligned. During testing, we also felt the quilted top layer cushion our sides as we sank into the mattress. The Signature Hybrid comes in soft, medium or firm models; the majority of our testers found the medium option skewed slightly firmer than advertised. The different firmnesses allow you to choose the best accommodation for your preferred sleeping position(s). It earned high scores across the board for pressure relief and spinal alignment, plus the hybrid construction helps it sleep cool.
However, you do have to pay $200 more for the cool-to-the-touch pillow top—a feature that some other hybrids, like the Leesa Sapira Chill, come built with already. Still, the Signature is a great value for its price compared to other mattresses in its class.
What our experts say: In her Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress review, Forbes Vetted mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon says, “I can feel the Brooklyn Bedding Signature cradle my joints with pressure relief. I compare it to the feeling of cracking your back or of finally sitting down after a long day on your feet.”
Type: Memory foam (also available in hybrid) |Brand firmness rating: Medium-firm (6.5) |Trial: 365 nights |Warranty: Lifetime
Pros:
Plenty of sinkage yet still supportive
Exceptional pressure relief
Stellar motion isolation
Cons:
Not recommended for most hot sleepers
Memory foam is excellent at relieving pressure buildup, and the Nectar Luxe is no exception. It offers all of the typical contouring effects thanks to its 3-inch top layer of pressure-relieving memory foam that cozily envelops side sleepers (and some back sleepers), plus another three inches of support foam to prevent spinal misalignment. If you’re looking for a mattress that cradles your side and completely envelopes you in marshmallowy comfort, the Luxe is your best bet. Though it’s advertised as medium-firm, our testers found it’s closer to medium-soft.
While the Nectar Luxe does come with more cooling features (including a cooling cover) than the average all-foam bed, we still don’t recommend it to most hot sleepers (foam retains more heat than any other material). If you’re seeking increased breathability, upgrade to the Nectar Luxe Hybrid.
What our experts say: “The Nectar Luxe’s thick foams do a great job absorbing motion, so a restless partner’s movements shouldn’t disrupt your sleep,” says Chapman. “The foams are contouring without giving a quicksand-like feel. It also has decent edge support for an all-foam bed.”
Type: Hybrid |Firmness: Soft, medium or firm |Trial: 120 nights |Warranty: Lifetime
Pros:
Great for hot sleepers
Comes in three firmness levels
Extra supportive; good for people with back and shoulder pain
Cons:
Won’t cradle your body as well as a memory foam bed
While the Bear Elite Hybrid has features that make it an especially good fit for athletes with shoulder pain, it’s also an all-around excellent mattress. During testing, it was one of our team’s overall favorites, which is likely due to its premium construction. This includes a cooling quilted cover, followed by thick layers of foam and a pocketed coil system that’s arranged in five ergonomic zones for targeted relief and support. (You can also upgrade to a Celliant specialty cover, which the brand says can aid in muscle recovery by promoting blood flow.)
Available in three firmness levels, the Elite can work for a variety of sleepers; although we recommend most sleepers with shoulder pain opt for the medium model, which should provide the best balance of support and comfort.
What our experts say: “The Bear Elite in the medium model tested well for providing sleepers pressure relief in all sleep positions, regardless of body weight,” says Chapman. “It’s also easy to move around on and has a decent bit of bounce to it, which is nice for combination sleepers.”
Supports up to 1,000 pounds (twice the average mattress)
Balanced comfort for plus-size sleepers
Excellent edge support
Cons:
Not recommended for those who want to sink into their mattress
Shoulder pain or not, heavyweight sleepers need a mattress that’s more supportive, sturdy and firm than the average bed to ensure proper support and spinal alignment. The Titan Plus Elite possesses all of those traits and then some, with its durable coil base, dense layers of foam and cool-to-the-touch pillow top. This adds up to a mattress that’s as pressure-relieving as it is supportive—good news for heavyweight folks with shoulder pain.
The Titan Plus Elite also contains a layer of microcoils sandwiched between its two foam comfort layers. A feature not typically found in hybrid beds, this layer flexes underneath your body to deliver even greater pressure relief. We also like that this bed is a bit firmer than the advertised medium-firm, which is the sweet spot for most heavyweight sleepers. Just be warned this isn’t the best choice for someone who wants a soft mattress or likes sinking into their bed.
What our experts say: “The Titan Plus Elite is super supportive from side to side,” says Chapman. “It has a dense, firm feel with a touch of plushness from its thick, cushiony cover. And despite its layers of coils, it isolates motion really well.”
Packed with cooling materials, including cool-to-the-touch cover
Choice of firmness level
Cons:
Even the firmest option may lack support for heavier sleepers
Trial is short relative to cost
Hot sleepers with shoulder pain deal with a double whammy of discomfort at night—that is, if they’re sleeping on the wrong mattress. The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid has the ideal construction for these folks, thanks to a cooling cover, four thick layers of foam (two of which are designed to be cooling) and a base of coils (which allow for more airflow). In other words, this construction is ripe with pressure relief and ample breathability. Our testers raved about the balanced yet lifted feel of this mattress and its cooling abilities.
The Sapira Chill Hybrid comes in three firmnesses, and even the firm model still embodies a cushiony, plush feel with a little contouring. We recommend most sleepers with shoulder pain opt for the medium-firm model, although lightweight sleepers (under 150 pounds) who rest on their side may find more comfort in the plush option. The one kicker with this bed is its shorter trial period (about 20 nights less than the industry standard).
What our experts say: Chapman slept on the plush Leesa Sapira Hybrid Chill Mattress and says, “It comfortably cradles my shoulder and hip while also offering enough support to keep my spine in alignment while side sleeping. I also sleep on my back periodically throughout the night and feel the foams contour my lumbar region while the bed offers spinal support.” As for its cooling capabilities, Chapman adds, “Even when we had a few nights of HVAC issues in the summer heat, the mattress never felt like it aggravated the problem.”
Type: Hybrid |Brand firmness rating: Pillow top soft (1-2), medium (6) or pillow top firm (7-8) |Trial: 90 nights |Warranty: 10 years
Pros:
Features Tempur Material for enhanced pressure relief
Free in-home delivery included
Uses three types of coils
Cons:
Very tall at 16 inches—reconsider if you’re short or have mobility issues
If you’re looking for the most luxurious sleep experience on the market, the Stearns & Foster Reserve is our top choice. Outfitted with Tempur-Pedic’s signature foam material, three different types of coils and a handcrafted quilted cover, the Reserve sets the bar high for hotel-style comfort. This construction also creates a lifted feel without skimping on pressure relief; thanks to the thick layers of Tempur foam, folks with shoulder pain should find ample relief. You can choose from three different firmnesses: soft, medium or firm. However, the soft and firm models add a pillow top to the mattress and are more expensive.
It is worth mentioning that the price may induce some sticker shock, but that’s to be expected for a luxury mattress. At nearly $4,000 for a queen size after discounts, it may be out of reach for some. (A more affordable option that still qualifies as luxury is the DreamCloud Premier Rest.)
Our team’s extensive background in mattress research and testing has led to a library of over 300 mattress and bedding guides. We’ve covered a variety of pain concerns, including mattresses for back pain and mattresses for sciatica.
Senior strategy editor Katie Simpson is the author of this piece and has over five years of experience testing and reviewing mattresses. She’s tested over 100 beds, including many of the ones on this list; hybrid mattresses with a plush pillow top are her personal favorite.
Mattress and sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon are both certified sleep science coaches who have tested over 120 mattresses. They oversee updates to our mattress guides and leverage their testing insights where applicable.
We routinely update this guide to make sure it stays accurate and up to date. It was last updated in February 2025 to reevaluate our list of winners and answer new questions about the best mattresses for shoulder pain.
How We Chose The Best Mattresses For Shoulder Pain
To compile our list of the best mattresses for shoulder pain, we relied on our extensive history of mattress testing to round up an initial list of best-selling contenders from brands we know and trust.
We compared each mattress by its performance across key factors for shoulder pain, like pressure relief, spinal alignment and overall durability. We also considered the mattress’ construction and prioritized materials designed for pressure relief.
We consulted members of our team who have tested and reviewed several of these beds for additional insight into the mattress’ overall performance.
We understand specific sleep needs can vary; we included a variety of mattress types and price points to accommodate a wide range of sleepers with shoulder pain.
We looked at customer reviews, paying special attention to those who noticed a marked improvement in their shoulder pain. All of our mattress picks received high marks, earning no less than 4 out of 5 stars on average.
What To Look For In The Best Mattress For Shoulder Pain
While some features for shoulder pain like pressure relief and support seem obvious, other important factors may not come to mind. We break down everything sleepers with shoulder pain should look for in a mattress, below.
Materials
Memory foam: Memory foam excels at pressure relief, making it a great material for people with shoulder pain. Known for its slow-moving sensation, it also cradles and contours to your body. Memory foam on its own can sometimes lack support, so if you want the benefits of the foam with added support, we recommend investing in a hybrid mattress, or a mattress that pairs foam with coils.
Latex: Latex foam is similar to memory foam in the sense that it’s a pressure-relieving material; however, it has the added benefit of responding to movement quicker. This makes it a good choice for people with shoulder pain who switch positions at night. It’s also naturally more durable, eco-friendly and breathable than memory foam.
Poly foam: Short for “polyurethane foam,” this is a lighter and more cost-effective alternative to memory foam. It doesn’t offer the same level of pressure relief, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing for sleepers who value ease of movement, as poly foam is typically less slow-moving. Quality can vary, though, and you usually get what you pay for.
Innersprings: Traditional innerspring mattresses primarily use coil layers in their construction. For sleepers with shoulder pain, innersprings may be too unyielding unless they’re paired with comfort foams to provide some give.
Pocketed coils: This is what you find in most hybrid mattresses. Each coil is encased in a fabric pocket, which allows it to move independently. This helps the coils respond to areas of concentrated pressure more effectively—and since they move on their own, they’re more effective at limiting movement than traditional innersprings (although memory foam reigns supreme in this category).
Microcoils: Microcoils are sometimes included among the foam comfort layers of a mattress. These are roughly half the size of a traditional coil and used to increase the amount of pressure relief.
Pressure Relief
Side sleepers are most prone to shoulder pain since the shoulders bear the brunt of your weight when resting in that position. A firm mattress that lacks pressure relief opens you up to marked discomfort in that area. The level of pressure relief you need to feel comfortable varies and ties into your desired firmness level and body type.
Spine Alignment
A common mistake mattress shoppers make is conflating firmness with support— they’re not the same thing. Soft mattresses can still offer plenty of support for your back and shoulders, while a firm mattress can be too solid to accommodate your spine’s natural curve. Misalignment creates new aches and exacerbates existing ones. No matter how soft or firm you want your mattress to be, make sure it supports your specific sleep position and body type (more on that below).
Firmness
There’s no industry standard when it comes to the right firmness level for relieving shoulder pain; although as a general rule of thumb, side sleepers and lightweight sleepers under 150 pounds may want to skew softer, while back and stomach sleepers and those who weight over 250 pounds might like a firmer surface. Medium-firm is suitable for most types of sleepers since it strikes a balance between plush comfort and sturdy support.
Sleeping Position
While side sleepers may be the most prone to experiencing shoulder pain, it’s important for all sleeping positions—shoulder pain or not—to sleep on a mattress designed to support their position. Back and stomach sleepers are better off with a medium-firm to firm bed that offers relief for their shoulders and hips while still supporting their hips and lower back. Side sleepers with shoulder pain should look for a soft to medium-firm bed that offers ample cushioning for their shoulders without compromising support.
Body Type
Your body type plays a role in how soft or firm a mattress feels; the heavier you are, the more you sink into your mattress and the lighter you are, the more you sit “on top” of the bed. Look for a mattress that provides enough cushioning to cradle your joints, but also plenty of support to maintain spinal alignment and prevent your hips and lower back from sinking too much into the bed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Type Of Mattress Is Good For Shoulder Pain?
We typically recommend a memory foam or hybrid mattress to people with shoulder pain. Both mattress types contain foam comfort layers, which help cradle the shoulders and relieve pressure.
Could My Mattress Be Causing Shoulder Pain?
A telltale sign your mattress is causing shoulder pain is if you suddenly develop pain from a new bed; this could be a sign that the mattress is either too firm or too soft. However, the best way to pinpoint the root cause of your shoulder pain is to get it checked out by a doctor.
What Firmness Of Mattress Is Best For Shoulder Pain?
In our experience, a soft to medium-firm mattress is typically best for shoulder pain. Mattresses with this firmness level decrease the amount of pressure on the shoulders and hips; although it’s worth noting that a mattress that’s too soft can interfere with spine alignment. The key is considering individual factors like your body weight and sleep position, as the more you weigh, the more pressure you apply to the sleep surface. Side sleepers usually fare better with a softer bed, while back and stomach sleepers with shoulder pain typically need something medium-firm to firm.
