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Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain in 2026
Expert Picks for Comfortable Sleep
Sleep Foundation
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The Sleep Foundation product testing team uses an industry-leading evaluation process paired with real world consumer feedback to come up with objective recommendations so that you can feel confident in your product decisions.
Whether it’s from overuse, injury, or an unsupportive mattress, shoulder pain is a common problem. Pain and stiffness can make it difficult to get comfortable in bed, so it’s essential to find a mattress that cushions your shoulders properly — without giving up too much support. Ideally, your mattress should contour to your body, alleviating pressure points while still providing adequate support to maintain spinal alignment.
Our Top Picks
Best Mattress Overall
:WinkBed
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Most Comfortable Mattress
:Helix Midnight Luxe
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Best Value Mattress
:Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
:Nolah Evolution 15
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Best Soft Mattress
:Helix Sunset
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Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
:Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
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Best Mattress for Couples
:Bear Elite Hybrid
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Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
:Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
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Best Luxury Mattress
:Birch Luxe
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Best Temperature Regulating Mattress
:Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
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Best Mattress Deals Happening Now
- Save $771 — WinkBed
$1,799(List Price $2,570) - Save $652 — Helix Midnight Luxe
$1,847(List Price $2,499) - Save $150 — Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
$449(List Price $599) - Save $797 — Nolah Evolution 15
$1,480(List Price $2,277) - Save $333 — Helix Sunset
$999(List Price $1,332)
How We Tested the Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain
Testing Criteria
Shoulder pain can make finding the right mattress especially challenging since the shoulders need ample cushioning to relieve pressure and support to maintain spinal alignment. For this category, we focused on mattresses that adapt to the body’s contours while also providing targeted support where it matters most.
The following factors guided our evaluation of mattresses best suited to alleviating shoulder discomfort.
Adaptive surface for cushioning: Mattresses that conform to shoulder curves can help distribute weight evenly and reduce overall pressure. We prioritized surfaces that offer responsive cushioning without letting the shoulders collapse too much, which is a common cause of pain for side sleepers.
Zoned support to prevent sinkage: We looked for mattresses with zoned layers or design features that can resist excessive sinkage around the midsection while delivering firmer or denser support in key areas. This helps maintain spinal alignment and prevents the shoulders from sinking past the line of the torso, which can also trigger pain.
Appropriate firmness level: A mattress that’s too soft can aggravate shoulder pain by letting the shoulders drop too far. One that’s too firm can create pressure points. For shoulder pain, we recommend mattresses with an overall firmness between 5 and 7 on our firmness scale, ensuring a balanced, cushioned feel that doesn’t compromise support.
How We Evaluated
Our assessment of mattresses for shoulder pain involved reviewing performance data and performing practical, hands-on testing in our Seattle Test Lab.
We began by analyzing sleeper feedback and performance scores across key categories related to shoulder comfort, including:
- Even contouring and pressure relief
- Sturdy support with targeted reinforcement for the midsection
- Ease of movement
- Medium firmness (5 to 7)
We narrowed the field down to mattresses that demonstrated an adaptive surface capable of relieving localized pressure without sinkage. Our team then conducted hands-on evaluations, focusing on how each mattress responded under varied body weights and sleep positions, particularly side sleeping, where shoulder strain is most often reported.
For each mattress, we performed a detailed analysis of support structure, surface conformity, and responsiveness. Our testing team tried each mattress to ensure that cushioning and support dynamics held true across a variety of body types, sleeping positions, and preferences.
Based on our various tests and analyses, we selected these mattresses as the top options for sleepers with shoulder pain.
Our Testing Team
Logan Foley
Editorial Director
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Mary Fenton
Head of Product Content
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Jeremy Klein
Senior Product Testing Manager
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Brad Nehring
Senior Product Analyst
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Colin Simpson
Product Research Manager
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Best Mattress Overall: WinkBed
Best Mattress Overall
9.4/10Test Lab Score
WinkBed
High end hybrid bed providing ample support, cushion, and cool sleep.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers (softer models) and back and stomach sleepers and people over 230 pounds (firmer models).
- Feel: Firmness level varies, but all have a sturdy, dependable feel with cushioning under the shoulders and support for the lower back.
- What It’s Made Of: Base of high-end innerspring coils below polyfoam with lumbar support. WinkBed Plus had a layer of natural latex.
- What We Don’t Like: May not satisfy sleepers who like the deep, hug-like feel of memory foam.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The WinkBed comes closer to providing universal comfort than most competing models on the market today. This well-made hybrid is sold in four firmness levels ranging from medium soft to extra firm, ensuring most people can find a comfortable option regardless of how much they weigh or which sleep position they prefer. WinkBeds’ generous sleep trial allows you to exchange the mattress for a softer or firmer model if you aren’t satisfied with your initial selection.
How It Performed
Side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds awarded the Softer WinkBed (4) its highest tester ratings. This model’s adaptive foam comfort layer contours closely to cradle the body and alleviate pain in the shoulders and other areas along the spine prone to pressure buildup when you lie on your side.
Heavier side sleepers and most back sleepers on our team preferred the Luxury Firm (6) and Firmer (7) models, which conform to a lesser extent and feel exceptionally supportive. Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may also enjoy the WinkBed Plus (8), which is specifically designed for this weight group.
All models feel sturdy beneath the torso and hips thanks to the zoned coil system. We also found the mattress excelled at temperature control, which we’ve attributed to steady air circulation through the coil layer and the cover made of breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel fabric.
The Softer WinkBed performed well during our motion isolation and pressure relief tests, while firmer models earned more favorable ratings in categories like edge support and ease of movement.
Construction Breakdown
Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer WinkBeds all begin with a layer of adaptive foam quilted into the cover, followed by another foam layer for additional cushioning.
The WinkBed Plus swaps out the second foam layer for 2.5 inches of zoned latex, making this model much bouncier and more responsive than its counterparts. Zoned pocketed coils make up the support core, and the cover is composed of eucalyptus-derived Tencel fabric.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Standard ground shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. Your purchase comes with a 120-night sleep trial. If you opt to exchange your original choice, the replacement has its own 60-night trial period. All WinkBed mattresses are further backed by lifetime warranties covering workmanship defects as long as you retain original ownership.
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Most Comfortable Mattress: Helix Midnight Luxe
Most Comfortable Mattress
9.7/10Test Lab Score
Helix Midnight Luxe
A premium quality, hybrid mattress created with side sleepers in mind.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers less than 230 pounds.
- Feel: Medium firm (6) with noticeable cradling around heavy joints but without excess sinkage.
- What It’s Made Of: Three foam layers: Two are high-quality memory foam, and the other is a resilient polyfoam. Its core is a tall layer of coils and a base layer is dense foam. The cover is Tencel fabric, and you can add on an optional cooling cover.
- What We Don’t Like: Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may find themselves pushing too deeply into the mattress. An initial odor can be bothersome.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a sophisticated pillow-top hybrid with a balanced design to serve different sleeper types. Most sleepers across weight and sleeping position groups should find the cushioning quite comfortable.
How It Performed
The Midnight Luxe should feel most comfortable for side sleepers in the range of 130 to 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds. These sleep positions need a mix of cushioning and support to maintain healthy spinal alignment, and this mattress provides just that.
The breathability of the Tencel cover and the steady air circulation throughout the coil interior help the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature, especially for those who sleep hot.
Couples may also benefit from this mattress due to its above-average motion isolation. While many hybrids are too responsive to reduce much transfer, the Midnight Luxe’s pillow-top absorbs a significant amount of movement.
Construction Breakdown
Memory foam cushions the pillow-top to give the surface an invitingly plush feel, while the pocketed coil support core is zoned to reinforce the midsection — where many people carry a disproportionate amount of weight — and protect the edges from deep sinkage.
The result is a medium firm (6) mattress that is comfortable, stable, and easy to move across for most people who weigh up to 230 pounds. The cover is composed of a silky-soft Tencel fabric.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Ground shipping is free for the contiguous U.S. Each Midnight Luxe is backed by a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.
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Best Value Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
Best Value Mattress
8.6/10Test Lab Score
Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
Hugs and soothes pressure points for restful sleep.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers 130 pounds or more and back sleepers 230 pounds or less, as well as couples and hot sleepers.
- Feel: Medium firm (6) with some deep cushioning and decent pushback around the torso and hips.
- What It’s Made Of: Adaptive foam quilted to the cover and two memory foam layers, as well as transitional foam divided into three firmness zones. The support core contains two layers of high-density polyfoam, and the cover is made of GlacioTex fabric.
- What We Don’t Like: Initial odor is strong for up to 72 hours after unboxing. May not be supportive enough for stomach sleepers over 130 pounds.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
If you’re shopping for a mattress with a limited budget and struggle with frequent shoulder pain, the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam checks both boxes and, overall, offers a high-quality sleep experience. The mattress contains six individual foam layers, resulting in a close contour up top and a sturdy support system to prevent you from sinking too much.
How It Performs
As a medium firm (6) all-foam model, the CopperFlex should appeal to side and back sleepers. Our tests show the mattress is particularly well suited to side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds and back sleepers up to 230 pounds. We also found the CopperFlex to be a good match for stomach sleepers under 130 pounds.
Defining strengths of the mattress include motion isolation and pressure relief. We’ve attributed both to the balanced all-foam construction with plush comfort layers that absorb movement and soothe sore spots in the shoulders and other areas.
Temperature control is another testing area where the CopperFlex performed well. You may notice some heat retention, but this mattress still outperforms most competing all-foam models on the market today.
Construction Breakdown
Adaptive polyfoam, two memory foam layers, and zoned transitional foam make up the CopperFlex’s comfort system.
The top memory foam layer is infused with copper fibers meant to draw body heat away from the mattress, while the transitional foam is zoned to feel firmer and more supportive beneath your torso and hips. High-density polyfoam base layers stabilize the CopperFlex nicely to prevent you from sinking too much. A cooling GlacioTex fabric cover encases the mattress.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Ground shipping is free throughout the contiguous U.S. Brooklyn Bedding includes a 120-night sleep trial, and if you decide to keep the mattress, your purchase is further backed by a lifetime warranty against structural and material defects.
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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Nolah Evolution 15
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
8.7/10Test Lab Score
Nolah Evolution 15
A cloud-like experience with a plush euro-top in multiple firmnes options.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers: medium (5) for those under 130 pounds, medium firm (6) for those between 130 and 230 pounds, and firm (8) for those over 230.
- Feel: Eases you into comfort, contouring around your shoulders and other pressure points but doesn’t lose its stable surface and moderate bounciness.
- What It’s Made Of: Four layers of polyfoam in the comfort system. Robust pocketed coils in the base.
- What We Don’t Like: Return fee of $99. May need a new fitted sheet with deeper pockets.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The Nolah Evolution 15 is a luxuriously crafted hybrid with a thick profile and a foam-padded Euro-top that makes the surface feel quite plush. The soft surface offers excellent relief to painful or uncomfortable pressure points at night. The Evolution 15 is available in three different firmness levels – medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8) – so most sleepers can find a comfortable option.
How It Performed
The plush option is considered medium, making it best suited to side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. The luxury firm, or medium firm, provides a bit more support for sleepers of any position in the range of 130 to 230 pounds. Lastly, the firm feel offers excellent reinforcement for sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds.
Hot sleepers should also find the mattress appealing. In addition to the graphite-infused comfort layer, the coil system promotes steady airflow to help the mattress maintain a comfortable core temperature. The cover is made of cooling fabric for added breathability.
Construction Breakdown
The mattress contains a comfort layer of graphite-infused polyfoam that contours to the body without excessive hugging or heat retention, and an additional polyfoam layer provides transitional support and prevents you from sinking too much.
The support core consists of pocketed coils divided into different zones based on thickness. Stronger coils bolster areas of the body where people tend to carry a disproportionate amount of weight — such as the torso and hips — and also reinforce the perimeter to prevent sagging whenever you sleep near or sit along the edges.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Nolah offers free ground shipping in the contiguous U.S. Your purchase includes a 120-night sleep trial with free returns and a lifetime warranty that covers structural defects for as long as you own the mattress.
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Best Soft Mattress: Helix Sunset
Best Soft Mattress
8.5/10Test Lab Score
Helix Sunset
Exceptionally soft mattres good for lightweight side sleepers.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers under 130 pounds.
- Feel: Plush, super-soft, cloud-like. It also isolates motion.
- What It’s Made Of: The top is copper-infused memory foam followed by two distinct layers of adaptive polyfoam. The support core has durable metal coils supported by a layer of extra-dense polyfoam.
- What We Don’t Like: May not have enough pushback for most back and stomach sleepers.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Helix offers a wide range of hybrid models meant to accommodate different people based on their body type and sleep position. The Helix Sunset is among the brand’s softest mattresses, registering as a 3 on our 10-point firmness scale.
Thick foam layers contour closely to your body and alleviate pressure in sore spots along the spine. Our hands-on tests reveal the mattress is well suited to anyone who prefers a combination of deep cushioning and coil support.
How It Performed
As a softer-than-average hybrid, the Sunset performed well in performance areas where other hybrids typically falter. Our body-mapping technology showed little to no pressure buildup for side sleepers, and we awarded favorable ratings to the mattress during our motion isolation tests.
At the same time, the Sunset earned relatively low ratings in categories that are normally strong for hybrids, such as edge support, ease of movement, and temperature control.
The highest sleeper ratings came from our side and back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds. These testers enjoyed the Sunset’s deep contouring. Other testers found the mattress too soft and prone to uncomfortable sinkage. If you weigh at least 130 pounds or primarily sleep on your stomach, we recommend one of Helix’s firmer hybrids instead.
Construction Breakdown
The Sunset’s comfort system begins with a memory foam comfort layer. This adaptive material responds slowly to your body, resulting in close cradling some of our testers described as “cloud-like.” Transitional polyfoam provides additional conforming while serving as a buffer between you and the support core.
Pocketed coils over dense base foam stabilize the mattress without reducing overall softness. Thick coils along the perimeter are intended to make the edges feel secure, though we noticed some sinkage during our edge support tests.
The cover is composed of knit polyester. For an extra fee, you can upgrade to the Sunset Luxe, which features an additional foam layer encased in a Euro-top, a moisture-wicking Tencel cover, and zoned coils that feel thicker and more supportive beneath your midsection.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Customers in all 50 states enjoy free ground shipping. Your order includes a 120-night sleep trial. Should you decide to keep the Sunset, you’ll also receive a lifetime warranty against structural and material defects.
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Best Mattress for Pressure Relief: Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
9.0/10Test Lab Score
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
A foam hybrid that cushions your body without trapping heat.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers across different weight groups, couples, and hot sleepers.
- Feel: Customers can select from medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (7) designs.
- What It’s Made Of: A comfort system with four individual foam layers, including gel-infused polyfoam and memory foam, followed by multi-zone pocketed coils and high-density base foam.
- What We Don’t Like: Initial off-gassing odor may linger for several nights, and the high profile requires a deep-pocket fitted sheet.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Shoulder pain and pressure relief often go hand in hand when it comes to mattress construction. The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid is a prime example of a mattress that excels at relieving pressure points and sore spots along your spine, and you can choose from three firmness levels to further fine-tune your sleep experience.
How It Performs
Our team tested all three of the Sapira Chill’s firmness levels. We found the medium (5) model is best suited to side sleepers up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds, while the firm (7) is a good match for back sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds. The medium firm (6) design was most popular among our testing team. We enjoyed the balance of cushioning, support, bounce, and breathability – gentle contouring for sensitive areas without excessive sinkage around the midsection.
Since the Sapira Chill contains more than 5 inches of foam padding in its comfort system, it isolates motion better than many competing foam hybrids. The same can be said for its pressure-relieving abilities. Adaptive foam layers over three-zone coils help ensure plenty of cushioning without loss of support beneath the torso and hips.
Construction Breakdown
The Sapira Chill Hybrid’s comfort system consists of four individual layers, beginning with 2 inches of gel-infused polyfoam sewn to the Euro-top cover. Memory foam and adaptive polyfoam layers enhance the cushy surface, creating a close mold around your body’s unique figures as you settle into the mattress, while a fourth layer of dense transitional foam pushes back against your weight to keep your body on an even plane.
The support core contains pocketed coils and high-density base foam. Thicker coils rest beneath your midsection to prevent the heaviest areas of your body from sinking too deeply into the mattress, and the perimeter is reinforced to bolster edge support when you get in and out of bed. At 14 inches, the Sapira Chill is considered a high-profile mattress and you’ll need a fitted sheet with deep pockets.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Leesa is one of the only online mattress brands that ships free of charge to customers in all 50 states. The Sapira Chill Hybrid’s sleep trial runs for 120 nights. If you choose to keep the mattress after the return period expires, your purchase is also covered under a lifetime warranty against structural and materials defects.
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Best Mattress for Couples: Bear Elite Hybrid
Best Mattress for Couples
8.5/10Test Lab Score
Bear Elite Hybrid
A close-conforming memory foam hybrid offering great pressure relief.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Couples, hot sleepers, and people who want a choice of firmness.
- Feel: Medium (5), medium firm (6), or firm (8), depending on the model. All are comfy and resist overheating.
- What It’s Made Of: Gel-infused memory foam, adaptive layers of polyfoam, and individually wrapped coils. The cover is Celliant fabric.
- What We Don’t Like: A slight odor for a few hours or, at most, a few days.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The Bear Elite Hybrid is constructed with thick foam layers and supportive pocketed coils to cradle your body, promote even alignment, and reduce pain in the shoulders and other sensitive areas along the spine. You can choose from three firmness levels depending on which sleep position you normally use and how much you weigh.
How It Performed
The medium Elite Hybrid was most popular among the side and back sleepers on our team who weigh less than 130 pounds. Other testers were divided among the medium firm and firm designs.
We noticed extra support and minimal contouring from the latter, making it ideal for testers weighing more than 230 pounds. The medium firm mattress was the most balanced of the three, and earned stellar ratings from our team members in the range of 130 to 230 pounds.
Temperature control was a testing highlight, as our thermal sensors and heat guns both revealed excellent cooling and breathability for all three firmness levels. The medium model received the highest ratings in our motion isolation and pressure relief testing categories, while the two firmer designs performed better during edge support and ease of movement tests.
Construction Breakdown
The Bear Elite Hybrid’s comfort system consists of adaptive memory foam over transitional polyfoam. The top layer is infused with copper gel intended to capture and release body heat from the surface. This helps ensure a comfortable surface temperature.
Another cooling component is the cover woven with Celliant fibers and phase change material, both engineered to dissipate heat on contact. The transitional layer is divided into five firmness zones, resulting in enhanced support for your chest, stomach, and hips.
The coils are also zoned to push back against the extra weight in your midsection and cradle lighter areas of the body like the head and legs. Thick perimeter coils also help stabilize the edges and prevent uncomfortable sinkage when you get in and out of bed. Dense base foam completes the hybrid design. The Elite Hybrid is available in medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8) designs.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Ground shipping is free, and each order comes with a 120-night trial period. Bear’s standard lifetime warranty covers various structural defects for as long as you retain original ownership. You can also add an accident protection plan for stains and other types of physical damage lasting up to 10 years.
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Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers: Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
9.1/10Test Lab Score
Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
A perfectly balanced bed that fits most sleeper and body profiles.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: People who weigh up to 230 pounds and like the contouring of memory foam.
- Feel: Comfortable padding, which cradles sensitive joints like shoulders and hips. Abundant support for the lower back.
- What It’s Made Of: Organic cotton cover, two layers of memory foam, an 8-inch layer of pocketed coils, and an underlying layer of high-density polyfoam.
- What We Don’t Like: May lack support for stomach and back sleepers over 230 pounds. Return fee of $99.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid has a foam and coil design that offers just enough cushioning to cradle the shoulders while still delivering plenty of support to your lower back. We found this pressure relief goes a long way toward reducing potential soreness in the shoulders while you sleep.
How It Performed
With a medium firm (6) feel, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid is a well-rounded mattress that strikes a nice balance between contouring and support.
The side sleepers on our test team give high marks to the mattress, which offers excellent cradling for the shoulders and hips. It’s especially beneficial to side sleepers over 130 pounds since this group will sink into the bed just enough to experience strong pressure relief. The bed is also well suited for back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds.
The mattress stays fairly cool, thanks to strong air circulation through the coils and the convoluted design. The memory foam comfort layer is thinner than some hybrids we’ve tested, so it’s fairly easy to move across the surface without too much sinkage. The reinforced perimeter is helpful for sleepers who often sit or sleep near the edge of the bed.
Construction Breakdown
The mattress features an organic cotton cover quilted with polyfoam to lightly cushion the surface. The quilting has a zoned design that enhances support to the lumbar region. A thin layer of memory foam is placed underneath the midsection of the mattress to further boost support to the lower back. The foam is infused with a cooling gel to help reduce heat retention.
Next is a memory foam layer that conforms closely to your body, with a convoluted design to promote air flow through the interior. A layer of pocketed coils forms the base of the entire mattress, generating sturdy support. Rails made of high-density foam line the perimeter of the bed to increase edge support.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S. and includes White Glove delivery, which means set-up in the room of your choice and removal of your old mattress. Saatva offers a year-long sleep trial.
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Best Luxury Mattress: Birch Luxe
Best Luxury Mattress
9.3/10Test Lab Score
Birch Luxe
Luxury latex hybrid with a medium firm feel.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers over 130 pounds and back and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds.
- Feel: Impressively balanced and pleasantly cool. Padding for pressure points without excessive contouring. Bounciness prevents excess sinking.
- What It’s Made Of: Organic latex in the comfort layers, an organic cotton cover, layers of organic wool, and a sturdy core of pocketed innerspring coils.
- What We Don’t Like: Transfers more motion than foam.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
If you’re in the market for a high-quality mattress, the Birch Luxe is made with premium materials that stood out to our testers for their luxurious feel. The mattress should also appeal to anyone who prioritizes eco-friendly products, as it holds a handful of certifications that indicate it has met strict standards for safety and sustainable sourcing.
How It Performed
While the Luxe earned stellar sleeper ratings across all weight and position categories, the highest marks came from our side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds and our back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. The medium firm (6) feel should appeal to anyone who needs gentle contouring and strong support to sleep comfortably.
Our temperature control tests have shown the Luxe excels at cooling and moisture control. Little to no heat buildup and steady airflow throughout the interior make this mattress a solid pick for any hot sleeper. Since latex is naturally responsive, we also encountered minimal sinkage when testing the mattress for ease of movement and edge support.
Construction Breakdown
The Birch Luxe begins with a quilted cotton Euro-top cover and a layer of wool batting that acts as a natural fire barrier for the mattress. This is followed by several comfort layers of wool that are not only soft but also naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, resulting in a cloud-like surface that won’t retain too much heat. A latex layer completes the comfort system, conforming gently to the body and producing a light bounce that can help you move across the surface without sinking.
The support core contains pocketed coils and a wool base layer for additional fire protection. Thicker coils rest beneath your lower back and provide extra pushback for your lumbar region, while thinner coils cradle lighter areas of the body. The cotton holds certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Additionally, a GREENGUARD Gold certification ensures the mattress has been rigorously tested for the presence of harmful chemical compounds.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The Luxe ships free, and each customer receives two complimentary pillows with their purchase. Birch offers a sleep trial lasting 120 nights. If you decide to keep the mattress, you’ll also receive a lifetime warranty.
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Best Temperature Regulating Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Best Temperature Regulating Mattress
8.5/10Test Lab Score
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
A high-quality, affordable hybrid with multiple firmness options.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers with shoulder pain (medium soft or medium firm models) and most back and stomach sleepers (firm model).
- Feel: A pleasant mattress to sleep on: You feel supported with a blend of light contouring and bounce.
- What It’s Made Of: Polyfoam in the top two layers, pocketed coils, and the option to add a cooling pillow-top to the quilted fabric cover.
- What We Don’t Like: Return fee of $99. Can transfer some motion.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid comes in three firmness levels to support a wide range of sleepers. Customers can choose from a medium soft (4), medium firm (6), or firm (8) feel to achieve optimal support. Those with pain in their shoulders or hips should appreciate the combination of pressure-relieving comfort layers and supportive pocketed coils.
How It Performed
Hot sleepers should find they sleep quite cool on the foam hybrid model. The pocketed coils help circulate air throughout the mattress to regulate the temperature.
The three firmness options offer benefits to sleepers of differing body weights and preferred sleeping positions. Side sleepers and those under 130 pounds should appreciate the softer model, allowing them to sink deeper into the mattress. Side and back sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds may prefer the firmer models.
Construction Breakdown
The mattress’ comfort system features Brooklyn Bedding’s proprietary TitanFlex polyfoam. Gel is infused into the foam to absorb and dissipate excess body heat.
A transitional layer of VariFlex polyfoam adds cushion between the comfort system and the support core. Pocketed coils make up the support core, with some coils zoned along the perimeter of the mattress for extra supportive edges. The coils rest on a base layer of polyfoam for stability.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Brooklyn Bedding ships free to the contiguous U.S. and offers a 120-night sleep trial. Signature Hybrid purchases come with a lifetime warranty.
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What Causes Shoulder Pain?
According to Sleep Medicine Physician Lulu Guo, M.D., shoulder pain can be caused by several conditions. “Shoulder pain can be multifactorial such as from poor posture, arthritis or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons caused by overuse,” says Dr. Guo. “Consistently sleeping on the same side can also place chronic pressure on the same shoulder causing pain.”
Common causes of shoulder pain include:
- Inflammation of tendons in the rotator cuff
- Poor posture
- Sleeping on the same side every night
- Arthritis
- Overuse of the shoulder or the tendons in the biceps
Is Your Mattress Causing Your Shoulder Pain?
If you wake up with shoulder pain or notice that your discomfort gets worse at night, your mattress and sleep position may be contributing to shoulder pain. A mattress that’s too firm or too soft can cause shoulder pain, especially if you sleep on your side. Mattresses that lack adequate support can also cause misalignment in the spine which can further place undue stress on the shoulder and neck.
How Sleeping Position Affects Shoulder Pain
Your sleeping position can either help or worsen shoulder pain, depending on how much pressure the position puts on your shoulder. To reduce discomfort, experts recommend sleeping on your pain-free side or on your back. While stomach sleeping is not specifically bad for your shoulders, it is considered a suboptimal sleeping position because it places strain on your spine.
It’s also important to factor in your preferred sleeping position when choosing a mattress. Side sleepers generally need a softer mattress that puts less stress on the shoulders, while back sleepers need a firmer model to keep the spine in alignment. Stomach sleepers need the firmest mattress of all positions to properly support the midsection.
What Is the Best Mattress Type for Shoulder Pain?
One of the first considerations when buying a bed for shoulder pain is the mattress type. Each type of mattress has a unique construction that influences how well it supports the shoulders during sleep.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are composed of specialty foams that slowly soften under body heat and pressure. Their firmer support core made with high-density polyfoam helps support the spine. Foam beds conform to your body, offering excellent pressure relief for shoulder pain. However, they can retain heat and may lose support over time.
Latex
Latex mattresses are constructed of layers of natural or man-made latex, a springy rubber that offers a balance of resilience and loose contouring. They’re durable and responsive but don’t conform as closely as memory foam, so they may not suit side sleepers with shoulder pain.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine top layers of foam or latex with a coil support core. The coils are usually individually wrapped, allowing them to move independently of one another to provide cradling support. Many people with shoulder pain choose a hybrid because these models balance support and cushioning. Hybrids can be great for shoulder pain, but they are often heavy to move.
Airbed
Airbeds are a newer type of mattress, designed with layers of foam or latex over chambers filled with air. The amount of air in the chambers can be adjusted using a remote or smartphone app, making it easy to change the level of firmness to reduce pain. However, they are among the priciest mattress types.
How to Choose a Mattress for Shoulder Pain
Choosing the right mattress is key to managing shoulder pain, so we’ve created a guide to break down the most important factors to consider when mattress shopping.
Firmness and Support
The right level of firmness depends on your sleep position, body weight, and what feels comfortable to you. For shoulder pain, we generally recommend medium (5) to firm (7) models that balance support and cushioning. Stomach sleepers and people over 230 pounds should go with a model on the firmer side, while side sleepers and people under 130 pounds can go with a softer model.
“A mattress with the wrong firmness level can intensify shoulder pain by failing to properly cradle the body,” says Dr. Guo. “Too firm, and it increases pressure on the shoulder; too soft, and it lacks the support needed to maintain alignment, leaving the shoulder strained during sleep.”
Pressure Relief and Responsiveness
Pressure relief describes how well a mattress reduces stress on your shoulders and other protruding areas of the body by cushioning or conforming to your shape. On the other end of the spectrum, responsiveness ensures the mattress quickly regains its original shape when pressure is lifted. This can make it easier to change sleeping positions, which may be helpful if you need to adjust frequently to accommodate a sore shoulder.
Mattress Quality and Durability
Quality and durability describe how well a mattress is made and how it holds up over time. A high-quality and durable mattress is constructed to maintain support and cushion for the lifetime of the mattress, reducing the risk that the materials will break down and exacerbate shoulder pain.
Trials, Returns, and Warranties
We always emphasize the importance of looking for long sleep trials, easy returns, and extended warranties, but this is especially important for people with shoulder pain. Sleep trials and returns ensure that you can send a new mattress back if it isn’t what you’re looking for or causes more pain, while warranties guard against defects and materials that break down sooner than anticipated.
Importance of Pressure Relief for Shoulder Pain – Video
A mattress with strong pressure relief can help avoid or alleviate shoulder pain. Watch the video below to learn more about pressure relief and to see how we evaluate this performance feature in our lab.
Tips for Relieving Shoulder Pain During Sleep
Buying the right mattress can make a huge difference in shoulder pain, but it’s not the only strategy to alleviate shoulder pain that gets worse during sleep. We’ve gathered some evidence-based tips for relieving nighttime shoulder pain.
- Use a pillow with the right loft: A pillow with proper loft, or height, improves posture during sleep by keeping your neck and shoulders in alignment. If you’re a side sleeper, a higher-loft pillow can support your head and neck to prevent your shoulder from digging too hard into the mattress. “A back sleeper may need more moderate-loft pillows,” says Dr. Guo.
- Change up your sleeping position: Try sleeping on your back or non-painful side to reduce pressure on your shoulder. “Placing a pillow under the arm for side sleeping can also reduce pressure on the shoulder,” notes Dr. Guo.
- Try a mattress topper: If a new mattress isn’t an option or you need even more cushioning, a mattress topper can add softness without sacrificing support.
- Practice light stretches: Depending on the cause of shoulder pain, your doctor may recommend light stretches to loosen and relax shoulder muscles.
- Add Support with body pillows: Dr. Guo recommends using a body pillow to support your arm and shoulder, especially if you sleep on your side. “This can help keep your spine aligned and reduce strain.”
“If shoulder pain persists,” writes Dr. Guo, “consult a healthcare professional or physical therapist to address underlying issues.”
How We Test: Your Comfort Is Our Science
Our industry-leading product testing team cares deeply about improving your sleep. Having a holistic understanding of a mattress’s role as part of a sleep system is paramount to our testing process. Since a bed’s comfort and feel depend largely on body weight and sleeping position, our testing team represents a wide range of body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences.
In our Seattle-based Test Lab, we use an objective, hands-on process to evaluate mattresses across performance categories. The following are the key guidelines that inform our performance ratings. Our ultimate goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best purchase decision for you.
Construction analysis:We begin testing each mattress by analyzing its design and making note firmness, height, individual layer composition, and sticker price. This allows us to evaluate qualities like support, durability, and value.
Product testing:Firsthand testing is crucial to our evaluation and ratings system. We use a wide range of tools and technology to test mattresses in six performance categories: motion isolation, pressure relief, temperature control, ease of movement, edge support, and odor potential.
Field testing: In addition to lab-based tests, we base our ratings on feedback from field testers who use the mattresses in their own homes. They spend several weeks collecting data — this gives us insights into how the mattress performs night after night for an extended period.
User testing:We curate feedback verified owners have provided in surveys, sleep stories, and product reviews. This helps us evaluate our initial findings and, if needed, tweak our ratings to reflect real-world experiences.
How We Determine Our Overall Scores
To determine a mattress’s overall score, we assign weighted percentages to performance categories based on how important they are to the individual sleep experience. For instance, areas like pressure relief and temperature control tend to matter more to people than something like off-gassing, and because more people sleep on their side and back than on their stomach, we weigh those positions more heavily.
Performance Categories
Motion Isolation
This criteria alludes to the amount of motion a mattress absorbs when a sleeper moves on the surface. We use two testers lying side by side to evaluate motion isolation, who each feel for transfer while the other person moves on the mattress.
Temperature Control
To determine how well a mattress regulates temperature, we perform temperature tests and look closely at its materials and construction. Many mattresses are designed with cooling components meant to reduce heat retention.
Pressure Relief
A bed with strong pressure relief excels at preventing pressure from building up in areas like the shoulders and hips. Beds with even contouring and weight distribution are top performers when it comes to pressure relief.
Off-Gassing
A mattress in a box may release unpleasant chemical odors for a short period after you’ve unboxed it. The initial smell may be strong but typically fades within 2 or 3 days.
Ease of Movement
This criteria reflects how easily a sleeper can move across a bed’s surface. Responsive surfaces made of latex typically perform better than foam surfaces, which can inhibit movement.
Edge Support
We perform sit tests along a bed’s perimeter to measure how well the edges push back against weight. Mattresses with strong edge support have minimal sagging when sleepers sit on or lie close to the perimeter.
Dive Deeper – Mattress Guides by Need
If you need further help deciding which mattress is right for you, check out our other mattress guides.
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Jackson leads editorial product recommendations at Sleep Foundation, transforming the data from our sleep product test lab into real world takeaways for consumers. He has spent over half a decade developing protocol to evaluate and measure the impacts of products on sleep quality. As a cited sleep product expert, Jackson helps guide millions of shoppers to find personalized recommendations for everything from pillows to bedding to mattresses.
Dr. Lulu Guo is a graduate of the prestigious Medical Scholars program at Michigan State University and was admitted into medical school at the age of seventeen after completing undergraduate studies in two years. She is double board-certified in Family and Sleep Medicine.
Learn more about our medical advisory board