Best Mattresses For Side Sleepers With Shoulder Pain

We all look forward to going to bed after a long day, but resting easy might be a little harder for side sleepers with shoulder pain. If you sleep on your side and have shoulder pain, you likely experience pain and discomfort or toss and turn as you sleep. 

Switching sleep positions doesn’t always feel natural, though, and a study found that people with shoulder pain are more likely to be side sleepers. Even if you tried to sleep on your back or stomach, you might move back to your default position.

Fortunately, you’re not doomed to sleeping and waking up with aches in your shoulders. The right mattress for your shoulder pain—which, according to some studies, is medium firm—could change your night from restless to restful.

We’ve identified the best mattresses for side sleepers with shoulder pain, based on a variety of features including price, thickness, firmness and feel. These are our top picks.

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers With Shoulder Pain

Arctic Dreams Cooling Gel Hybrid Mattress

Price: $599.20 (Queen) | Thickness: 10.25 inches | Firmness: Medium firm

4.8

Linenspa 10 Inch Latex Hybrid Mattress

Price: $299.99 (Queen) | Thickness: 10 inches | Firmness: Medium

4.5

The Allswell Mattress

Price: $449.00 (Queen) | Thickness: 10 inches | Firmness: Medium firm

4.3

Sweet Night Island Memory Foam and Inner Springs Hybrid Mattress

Price: $418.00 (Queen) | Thickness: 10 inches | Firmness: Medium firm

4.3

Signature Design by Ashley Chime 12-Inch Hybrid Mattress

Price: $319.99 (Queen) | Thickness: 12 inches | Firmness: Medium

4.3

Tulo Hybrid 10″ Medium Mattress

Price: $629.99 (Queen) | Thickness: 10 inches | Firmness: Medium

4.3

Novilla 10″ Serenity Hybrid Mattress

Price: $331.00 (Queen) | Thickness: 10 inches | Firmness: Medium firm

4.0

Pressure Relief Euro Top iCoil Hybrid Mattress

Price: $365.40 (Queen) | Thickness: 12 inches | Firmness: Medium

4.0

Brooklyn Signature Hybrid Mattress

Price: $999.20 (Queen) | Thickness: 11.5 inches | Firmness: Medium

4.0

Nolah Natural 11” Mattress

Price: $1,199.00 (Queen) | Thickness: 11 inches | Firmness: Medium firm

4.0

Methodology 

To determine the best mattresses for side sleepers with shoulder pain, we analyzed data from over 650 mattress options, ranking them in terms of:

  • Price
  • Firmness, giving priority to medium and medium-firm mattresses
  • Free shipping and returns availability
  • Length of sleep trial and availability
  • Details and length of warranty
  • Mattress thickness
  • Pillow top option availability 
  • The brand’s reputation in the industry

What Type of Mattress Is Best for Side Sleepers with Shoulder Pain?

Research suggests that the best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain is one that has a medium-firm feel. 

Evidence suggests that this firmness level in a mattress can help reduce pressure on pain areas and improve sleep quality in people with shoulder pain. This mattress type can also help relieve muscle pain, pains in the back and spinal stiffness. 

Regardless of whether you prefer memory foam, hybrid or innerspring mattresses, ensure that your mattress choice comes with features that promote cushioning, pressure relief, healthy spinal alignment and full body support for a satisfying sleep experience. 

How to Choose a Mattress for Side Sleepers with Shoulder Pain 

Your sleep surface matters, especially when you experience shoulder pain. Hence picking a sleep surface that supports your sleep and overall health needs can make a huge difference in your sleep quality.

If you sleep on your side and have shoulder pain, it’s best to go for a mattress that accommodates your sleeping position and helps you sleep pain-free. Choosing a mattress that doesn’t work with your sleeping style and comfort needs can potentially worsen your sleep health and existing body aches.

Look out for medium-firm mattresses. You’ll also want a mattress with pressure-relieving and cushioning features, supporting your entire body and reducing stiffness. You might also benefit from buying a mattress with cooling or temperature regulation properties, especially if you sleep hot or share a bed with a partner. 

Edge support is also a plus, as it prevents you from rolling off the bed, especially if you’re an active sleeper or you’re trying to adjust your sleep position to relieve any body discomfort.