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Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain in 2026
Expert Picks for Comfortable Sleep
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 $600 — Helix Midnight Luxe
$1,799(List Price $2,399) - 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
Full Bio

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
Full Bio

Colin Simpson
Product Research Manager
Full Bio
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.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
All four firmness options offer above-average motion isolation compared to other hybrids we’ve tested. The Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer models have polyfoam layers that significantly absorb vibrations, preventing motion from traveling across the surface. The Plus features latex, and does not isolate as much motion – though it still received high marks from our team. Although the coil core gives the mattress some bounce, the foam layers are substantial enough to dampen motion transfer.

Pressure Relief
Like with many hybrid models, the WinkBed’s strong contouring can help relieve painful pressure points. Using pressure-mapping sensors, we found the Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer versions of the mattress generously cradle your body and ease pressure off sensitive joints, thanks largely to the multiple foam layers. The Plus version uses polyfoam and latex layers, which offer gentle contouring as well.

Temperature Control
The WinkBed’s Tencel cover wicks heat and moisture away from the sleeper’s body. In the Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer models, polyfoam infused with cooling gel helps to minimize heat retention. The Plus version uses latex, a naturally breathable material that resists heat buildup.The coil core also promotes significant air circulation. All of these components make the WinkBed one of the best cooling mattresses on the market.

Edge Support
While many hybrid models have sturdy edges, the WinkBed’s perimeter is exceptionally strong . Thanks to extra reinforcement along the edges, our testers noticed minimal compression when sitting along the edge. Most sleepers should feel secure enough to sleep or sit on the full surface of the mattress without worrying about rolling off.The edge of the Softer model may not seem quite as sturdy as the Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus versions, due to its plusher design.

Ease of Movement
The three softest versions of the WinkBed Mattress feature polyfoam comfort layers. Polyfoam is more responsive than memory foam, so the WinkBed won’t hug your body as closely as hybrid mattresses made with close-conforming memory foam. The result is strong ease of movement across the surface.The Plus model features a very responsive latex layer, so this option shines when it comes to ease of movement.

Durability
As a hybrid mattress with a polyfoam comfort layer, the Winkbed should last slightly longer than the average bed. Hybrids tend to be durable because the inner coils last a long time, and polyfoam is more durable than memory foam. That being said, the foam comfort layer isn’t too thick on the Winkbed (2 to 2.5 inches, depending on the firmness you choose), so you might find the bed getting less comfortable after around eight or nine years when impressions and sagging start to set in.
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
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.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
As a medium firm mattress with thick foam comfort layers, it’s no surprise that the Midnight Luxe tested very well for motion isolation. Our testers could barely feel any movement across the surface of the mattress when fellow testers rolled around on it.

Pressure Relief
All of the Helix Luxe models have thick foam comfort layers and conform fairly close to the body. Consequently, they’ve all performed well in our pressure mapping tests, with notably less pressure in the hips and shoulders than many hybrids. With it’s 6 out of 10 firmness, The Midnight Luxe in particular performs average among other Helix Luxe beds.

Temperature Control
The Helix mattresses perform about average for hybrids when it comes to sleeping cool. Memory foam is well-known for its tendency to sleep hot, as it often traps and retains heat through the night, but the coil cores of these beds promote airflow to help balance out heat retention.

Edge Support
All Helix mattresses feature a reinforced perimeter, meaning the coils on the edges are thicker than the coils in the middle of the bed. When putting this to the test, we found significantly less sinkage on the edge than the middle while applying weight.

Ease of Movement
Helix Luxe mattresses tend to be somewhat responsive and bouncy, and all tested pretty well for ease of movement. The Midnight Luxe in particular had a middle-of-the-road performance in our tests, as the medium firm surface conforms a bit to the body, but doesn’t fully provide that ‘stuck’ feeling and inhibit motion.

Durability
The Helix Luxe collection of hybrid mattresses is built for durability, and the firmer options will likely extend the life even further. Each model is 14 inches thick and features three layers of foam (memory and poly), plus has 1,000 individually wrapped coils, including zone and perimeter support. It’s likely that you’ll be able to enjoy this mattress for close to a decade.
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
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.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
The CopperFlex Memory Foam provides great motion isolation, with our testers clocking almost no motion transfer across the bed during movement. This is due to the all-foam construction—with memory foam comfort layers and an all-foam base, there is little means for one side of the bed to affect the other.
Pressure Relief
This bed provides excellent pressure relief, which notably reduced pressure on the shoulders and hips compared to other beds. With a thick foam comfort layer and a foam base, the bed conforms close to the body and ‘hugs’ the sleeper quite a bit.
Temperature Control
As an all-foam bed, the CopperFlex is inevitable going to trap a decent amount of body heat. Luckily, the top layer of quilted polyfoam isn’t very dense, allowing for some airflow. We don’t find copper-infused foam to make too much of a difference in cooling.
Edge Support
Like most all-foam beds, the edge support of the CopperFlex memory foam is mediocre. The high density support core provides a bit of support, but there’s definitely some noticeable sinkage when sitting around the edges. Perhaps not the best choice for those with mobility issues.
Ease of Movement
As an all foam bed with a memory foam comfort layer, it’s no surprise that our testers found the CopperFlex Memory Foam a bit hard to move around on. The foam conforms close to the body, giving you that sinking sensation, and it definitely requires a bit more effort to roll around on the bed, especially for heavier sleepers.
Durability
The CopperFlex Memory Foam’s expected lifespan is about 5 to 6 years with proper use and regular rotations. This is average for an all-foam model. The topmost layers will eventually develop impressions and indentations that make the surface feel uneven, but the base layer is dense enough to provide several years of solid reinforcement.
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
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.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
Thanks to its thick polyfoam layers, the Nolah Evolution 15 Hybrid absorbs enough movement to prevent most sleep disruptions. However, there is still some motion transfer because of the bounciness of the coils. You can expect the most motion transfer on the firm (8) model and the least on the plush (5) option. Across the board, though, our testers noticed only light motion transfer across all three firmness levels.

Pressure Relief
The combination of zoned coils and multiple polyfoam layers, including zoned AirFoam, enable the Nolah Evolution Hybrid to cushion pain points and provide above-average pressure relief. Choosing the right firmness option can optimize pressure relief. While individual preferences vary, a plush (5) or luxury firm (6) model works best for most side sleepers under 230 pounds, while the luxury firm (6) or firm (8) are better suited to the majority of back and stomach sleepers.

Temperature Control
Like many hybrids, the Nolah Evolution 15 excels at temperature regulation. Cooling fibers in the cover are engineered to draw heat away from the body, and the aerated polyfoam layers help reduce heat retention. The coil layer also promotes steady ventilation.In our testing, all three models resisted heat retention. That said, compared to the firm (8) model, the plush (5) and luxury firm (6) permit more sink and allow slightly less cooling airflow around the skin.

Edge Support
The sturdy 8-inch coils gives the Nolah Evolution Hybrid a reliable level of edge support. While there can be some sink from the foam layers, resilient polyfoam prevents instability around the perimeter of the bed.Edge support does vary based on the firmness level. Our team noticed a reduction in edge support between the firm (8) and the luxury firm (6) and plush (5) models. Even on the softer models, though, you get solid edge support from this mattress.

Ease of Movement
The Nolah Evolution 15’s foam layers don’t sink or hug excessively, and the bounce of the coils facilitates movement on the surface. This makes this mattress a solid fit for combination sleepers or anyone who hates feeling stuck in place when lying in bed. With its softer surface, the plush (5) model restricts movement a bit more than the other two. The firm (8) model provided standout ease of movement to all of our sleepers.

Durability
With a stunning 15-inch profile, seven inches of which are polyfoam found in the comfort layer, the Nolah Evolution 15 is a highly durable mattress. Beneath that are 8-inch coils to give the bed more support. If longevity is your main concern, going with the firmer of the three options may extend the life a bit more. Otherwise, you can generally expect around eight or nine years of comfort.
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
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.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
As the softest model in the base Helix lineup, the Helix Sunset predictably tested really well compared to their other Helix models. Its foam comfort layers are thick and plush, and our testers noticed almost no motion transfer resulting from movement across the bed.
Pressure Relief
All of the Helix base models have somewhat thick foam comfort layers and conform fairly close to the body. Consequently, they’ve all performed fairly well in our pressure mapping tests, with notably less pressure in the hips and shoulders than many hybrids. The Sunset in particular relieves pressure better than other Helix beds, as it’s the softest model.
Temperature Control
The Helix mattresses perform about average for hybrids when it comes to sleeping cool. Memory foam is well-known for its tendency to sleep hot, as it often traps and retains heat through the night, but the coil cores of these beds promote airflow to help balance out heat retention.
Edge Support
All Helix mattresses feature a reinforced perimeter, meaning the coils on the edges are thicker than the coils in the middle of the bed. When putting this to the test, we found significantly less sinkage on the edge than the middle while applying weight. As a softer model in the Helix lineup, the Sunset provides slightly worse edge support than other Helix beds.
Ease of Movement
Helix mattresses tend to be fairly responsive and bouncy, and all tested well for ease of movement. The Sunset in particular tested a little worse, as the softer layers can cause sinkage and inhibit movement.
Durability
Overall, we anticipate that all of these Helix mattresses will hold up well over the years. While some boast average durability features — the Plus and Sunset, for instance, which have slightly softer designs — others may last up to nine, like the Twilight and the Dawn. In our research, we found that firmer Helix models would probably last longer with layers of coils preventing sinkage over the years.
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
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.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
In our tests, the Sapira Chill Hybrid’s foam-heavy comfort system absorbed most motion with ease. Even when one tester shifted positions or got up, the other hardly noticed — especially on the medium and medium firm models. For couples, this mattress is a standout in motion isolation for a hybrid.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief was a top-scoring category across the board. Our side sleepers noted significant cushioning in the hips and shoulders, and even our back sleepers experienced a nice balance of support and contouring. The plush top layers adapted closely without making us feel stuck.
Temperature Control
Though it contains multiple foam layers, the Sapira Chill didn’t trap as much heat as we expected. The open-cell construction and airflow from the coil core helped maintain a neutral sleep temperature for most of our testers — particularly on the firmer options where we didn’t sink in as deeply.
Edge Support
We were impressed with how well the Sapira Chill held up around the edges. The reinforced perimeter coils gave us a stable feel when sitting or lying near the sides of the bed, which is especially helpful for co-sleepers or anyone who likes to spread out.
Ease of Movement
Movement on the Sapira Chill felt smooth, especially for a hybrid with four foam layers. While the softer model had a bit of a “sink-in” feel, the underlying coil support and responsive transition foam made it easy to shift positions or get in and out of bed on all three firmness levels.
Durability
The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid earns high marks for durability. As a hybrid mattress that uses four distinct foam layers, two of which are high-density polyfoam, sleepers can rely on cradling support without sinkage. Add to that the pocketed coil layer with individually wrapped springs, and the mattress should provide at least eight years of comfort.
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
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.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
The Bear Elite Hybrid shows considerable ability to prevent vibrations from traveling across the surface of the mattress. Its memory foam layer only reacts where weight is directly applied, which helps keep movement from causing ripple effects that spread to the other side of the bed.However, the bounce of the coils can cause some motion transfer, especially on the firm model that has a reduced amount of contouring.
Pressure Relief
The Bear Elite Hybrid offers excellent pressure relief that stems from its comfort system and the zoned, pocketed coils in its support core. In our testing, it was side and back sleepers who tended to get the best pressure relief and support. That said, stomach sleepers liked the firm (8) model that maintained a flat, stable surface with just enough cushioning for the midsection.
Temperature Control
This mattress doesn’t feel overwhelmingly hot, but it also probably shouldn’t be the top choice for hot sleepers. The copper-infused foam makes it slightly cooler than some other memory foam mattresses, but heat can still collect in and around the foam. The risk of overheating is highest on the Luxury Plush model because it has the closest contouring around the skin, which may make it harder for heat around the body to dissipate during the night.
Edge Support
Reinforced edges in the support core help give this mattress a solid rating for edge support. While you’ll notice foam compression around the perimeter, it’s not so significant that you’ll feel like the mattress is giving out beneath you.Of the three different firmness options, edge support is clearly strongest in the firm (8) model and weakest in the one with a firmness level of medium (5).
Ease of Movement
When you need to switch your sleeping position or adjust your body’s alignment on the mattress, you generally won’t encounter much resistance. Sleepers over 230 pounds may find that there’s less ease of movement, especially on the softer models. But in most cases, the springiness from the thick layer of pocketed coils enables relatively easy movement on the surface of the Bear Elite Hybrid.
Durability
The Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress scores above average for durability thanks to its pocketed coils, reinforced perimeter, and memory foam and polyfoam layers. The mattress comes in three firmness levels, and going firmer will typically extend the life of the mattress a bit more. Overall, you should expect around seven to eight years of use.
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
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.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
Like a lot of hybrid mattresses, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid has considerable springiness from the coil-based support core. The memory foam layers aren’t quite thick enough to insulate this bounce, so motion can spread from one part of the bed to another.Our testing team didn’t find this to be a major problem, and it’s unlikely to bother most couples. But it may be a reason to look elsewhere if you are a really light sleeper and have a bed partner who moves around a lot.
Pressure Relief
Our testing team gave this mattress average scores for pressure relief. Most sleepers experienced little to no pressure points, but others wanted deeper conforming to really soften impact around sensitive areas.In the end, pressure relief is largely in the eye of the beholder since support needs vary based on sleeping position and body weight. We found that sleepers who like moderate contouring are most likely to be satisfied with the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid.
Temperature Control
The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid is a solid choice for people who want the feel of memory foam without overheating during the night.Several features, including a breathable cover, airflow channels through the coils and foam, and gel-infusions, are all engineered to reduce heat buildup. In our testing, we found those features helped deliver a comfortably cool night’s sleep.
Edge Support
You can count on dependable edge support from the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid. The foam layers compress lightly around the edges, but the steel coils and reinforced perimeter create a base that stays solid across the entire mattress surface.
Ease of Movement
The ease of movement on this mattress is powered by the responsive coils in the support core. The polyfoam quilted into the cover also has a degree of bounce, so you can easily adjust your sleeping position and avoid the “quicksand” feeling that can affect some memory foam mattresses.
Durability
The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid has mid-range firmness and combines memory foam and an 8-inch layer of pocketed coils. Saatva is known for using high-quality components and that, along with its construction, adds durability to the mattress. Even though it’s a memory foam mattress, there are also two layers of denser polyfoam, giving it more support. Users should expect around eight or nine years of mattress life.
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
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.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
Any mattress with springs inevitably transfers some motion, which is why all-foam models typically outperform hybrids in this category. Latex is bouncier than foam, so the Birch Luxe Mattress isn’t as effective at curbing movement when compared to hybrids with foam comfort systems.
Pressure Relief
The Birch Luxe offers a moderate amount of pressure relief. The latex contours somewhat, but the mattress is firm enough to help evenly distribute body weight and encourage a straighter spine. Side sleepers and those who weigh less than 130 pounds might prefer a softer model with more cushioning. People over 130 pounds of any sleep position should experience notable contouring and adequate support.
Temperature Control
Hybrids are typically better at regulating temperature than all-foam mattresses, as foam tends to trap heat. The Birch Luxe regulates temperature exceptionally well. The cover and comfort system use naturally breathable materials, including cotton and wool, to help draw heat and moisture away from the body. When compared to memory foam, natural latex has an airier structure that resists heat buildup. Plus, the pocketed spring support core also offers space for air to circulate.
Edge Support
The Birch Luxe features a hefty coil core that’s designed to minimize sagging throughout the mattress. Heavier gauge coils along the perimeter provide extra reinforcement, delivering above-average edge support.
Ease of Movement
The Birch Luxe’s construction makes it easy for sleepers to move around on its surface. Latex is notable for its responsiveness, which is helpful when changing sleeping positions. The coil support system also makes getting in and out of bed easier. The medium firm (6) feel of the bed doesn’t compress significantly, preventing the feeling of being trapped in the bed.
Durability
Thanks to its use of natural, durable materials, the Birch Luxe should perform for at least nine to 10 years, which is considerably longer than the average bed. Unlike foam, latex resists impressions and sagging, and the wool and cotton used throughout the construction should prove sturdy, too. Coils are generally more durable than polyfoam for support and should maintain their performance over time.
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
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.
SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:
Motion Isolation
The Signature isolates motion fairly well. Many hybrid models feel more responsive on the surface, and this can generate more motion transfer when someone changes positions or gets in and out of bed.The Signature’s thick foam layers absorb movement to eliminate a great deal of transfer. You may still notice some ripples of transfer across the surface on the medium soft and medium firm models. For the firm Signature, the transfer will be more noticeable.
Pressure Relief
All three of the Signature’s firmness levels offer great pressure relief. The most comfortable option for you depends on your sleep position and body type.The medium soft model reduces pressure for side sleepers with extra cushioning the shoulders and hips. The medium firm feel is more supportive for back sleepers up to 230 pounds. You won’t sink too much, but the foam still conforms and relieves pressure. Those over 230 pounds and stomach sleepers should consider the firm model.

Temperature Control
The Signature’s coil system promotes airflow to maintain a comfortable temperature. The TitanFlex foam is also quite breathable compared to foams found in other hybrids.The firm model provides the best temperature control because it sinks very little and you’ll feel more surface airflow. The medium soft and medium firm models conform more closely. Hot sleepers may feel a bit too warm on these models – but for most, the mattress should sleep cool regardless of selected firmness.

Edge Support
Hybrids generally excel at edge support, and the Signature is no exception. Coil support cores reinforce the perimeter better than latex or foam. This means less sinkage when you get on and off the mattress, and more stability if you like sleeping near the edges.The medium soft and medium firm models sink more than the firm because the foam conforms more closely, but they still maintain good overall stability if you weigh 230 pounds or less.
Ease of Movement
Polyfoam can be a responsive material, but the Signature’s latex-like TitanFlex foam is exceptionally bouncy. This allows you to move across the mattress rather easily. You won’t sink into the bed as you might on a mattress with memory foam.That said, the medium soft Signature can hinder movement on the surface. This model conforms the closest, so you’ll feel more sinkage when moving between the bed’s edges and interior. The medium firm and firm models provide more bounce-back.

Durability
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has an estimated lifespan of six to seven years. As with other hybrids, the pocketed coils provide a solid base that evenly distributes pressure to prevent excessive strain on any one area. The most vulnerable part of the mattress is the comfort system, particularly the quilted top. The softer foams used in the mattress’ top layers may eventually develop imprints that affect the cushioning, something that’s more prominent in the softer model.
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
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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