Is chronic pain in your shoulder disrupting your sleep? Your shoulder is made up of several different joints you use repeatedly throughout the day.¹ The risk of shoulder pain increases after age 50, according to research.² 

When it comes to the best mattresses for shoulder pain, the goal is to find a sleeping position that supports your body while easing discomfort, explains Christynne Helfrich, a doctor of physical therapy at Hinge Health in Lake Bluff, Illinois.

Helfrich said shoulder pain can feel worse at night. Movement during the day keeps the blood flowing to the area, which can prevent inflammation. “But at night when you’re lying still, that inflammation can build up, especially if you’re dealing with conditions like bursitis, a rotator cuff injury, or a frozen shoulder.”

Having a mattress that offers plenty of pressure relief and support can make a difference in your pain and sleep quality. We looked at mattresses that offered both of these features in order to choose the best mattress for shoulder pain.

Our Top Pick

Saatva Rx

Best Overall

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• Exceptional pain relief
• Relieves pressure on shoulders

• Cradles joints

Helix Midnight Luxe

Best for Back and Shoulder Pain

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• Excellent at relieving back and shoulder pressure 
• Promotes spinal alignment

• Great for all sleeping positions

Nectar Premier Hybrid

Best Hybrid for Shoulder Pain

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• Excellent pressure relief for side sleepers
• Soft pillow top for added comfort

• Supports back and shoulders

Best mattresses for shoulder pain in 2025

• Saatva Rx: Best Overall
• Helix Midnight Luxe: Best for Back and Shoulder Pain
• Nectar Premier Hybrid: Best Hybrid Mattress for Shoulder Pain
• The WinkBed Plus: Best for Arthritis and Shoulder Pain

Table 1 Comparing the best mattresses for shoulder pain

Top features of the best mattresses for shoulder pain

We looked for the following features when choosing the best mattresses for older adults who have shoulder pain:

Pain relief score

Unique to NCOA, our custom-calculated pain relief score indicates mattresses that help reduce pain due to a combination of pressure relief, support, and more, which can help soothe shoulder pain. 

Good pressure relief

We looked for mattresses with good pressure relief along the shoulders, as well as the back and hips in various sleeping positions for a comfortable night’s sleep. 

Spinal support

Mattresses that help keep your spine in a neutral position may help ease the strain on your shoulders and back.

Firmness

Medium to medium-firm mattresses are most effective in easing shoulder and back pain.³

Saatva Rx: Best Overall Mattress for Shoulder Pain

The Saatva Rx meets all the criteria for the Best Overall Mattress for Shoulder Pain. It showed exceptional pressure relief on the shoulders and earned one of the highest pain relief scores of any mattress we tested. That means the Saatva Rx has the right mix of pressure relief, support, and more to help ease many types of pain—including shoulder pain. 

Our Top Pick

Saatva Rx

Best Overall Mattress for Shoulder Pain

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• High pain relief score
• Relieves pressure on shoulders

• Cradles joints

Saatva Rx features

• Our pain relief score: 4.32/5
• Accessibility score: 4.04/5
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10

Why we chose the Saatva Rx as the Best Overall Mattress for Shoulder Pain

The Saatva Rx was our top choice for mattresses that can help with shoulder pain because it received near-perfect scores (4.5/5) for its ability to ease pressure on the shoulders. But the Rx didn’t help relieve pressure just on the shoulders. It earned 4.5/5 for relieving pressure in all sleeping positions (side, back, and stomach). 

It also has one of the highest pain relief scores of any mattress we tested (4.32/5). The Saatva Rx was specifically designed for people with back and joint pain. It cradles joints while offering good base support, which can help soothe inflamed shoulders at night.

Saatva Rx pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Saatva Rx

The Saatva Rx is a hybrid mattress with several layers of foam and a layer of 8-inch individually wrapped coils. It’s a great all-around mattress, with high scores in nearly every criteria we tested. You’d be hard-pressed to find a mattress with better overall performance than the Saatva Rx. 

Testers gave the Saatva Rx 4.5/5 for its ability to relieve pressure on their shoulders when lying on their sides. “I really love this mattress,” said one of our testers, Sheila, a 70-year-old average-weight combination sleeper. “I feel supported down my side, my legs, and my shoulder does not have pressure on it. My weight feels evenly distributed, the mattress is hugging my body gently and feels really good.”

When you have shoulder pain, experts told us it can help to sleep on the side that doesn’t hurt. “If you prefer sleeping on your side, try lying on the side that isn’t experiencing pain or discomfort, and use a pillow for support,” said Helfrich, the physical therapist in Illinois. “Hugging a pillow in front of you while resting your sore arm on top of it can help take the pressure off your shoulder and make the position much more comfortable.”

Back sleeping felt just as good on the Saatva Rx. “My back feels even because the mattress is hugging my legs and shoulders,” Sheila said. “I don't feel any pressure. My spine feels neutral and I would enjoy sleeping on my back on this mattress.”

Sheila was surprised to like the Saatva Rx even when lying on her stomach (which she never does). “Surprisingly I feel even on my stomach. Usually I feel more pressure in this position but this feels good. It feels even better with a pillow,” Sheila said. “My chest in this position usually feels more elevated but with this mattress it does a good job of contouring my body.”

As a combination sleeper, Sheila said it’d be less challenging to change positions on the Saatva Rx. “It feels good switching positions, and the pressure is even throughout my body,” she said.

Saatva also has other benefits including white glove delivery free of cost. It’s the only brand in our review that offers this service for free. It means they deliver your mattress right to your bedroom, set it up, and remove your old mattress. If you have mobility concerns or have shoulder pain, this can be a huge help. 

One downside is that testers would’ve liked for the Saatva Rx to have stronger edges. It scored just average in edge support. “Sitting on the edge of this bed I feel like I might fall forward. My bottom sinks extensively and I am at least halfway down the edge of the mattress,” Sheila said. “When getting off the bed it does not spring up fast or assist me either.” 

It’s worth noting that Saatva is the most expensive mattress on this list, so it might be out of budget for some. If you’re looking for a less expensive mattress that can help ease shoulder pain, we recommend the Nectar Premier Hybrid or The WinkBed Plus.

Who is the Saatva Rx right for?

The Saatva Rx can be a great fit for someone who needs extra pressure relief on the shoulder, or if they have back pain. In fact, anyone with chronic pain can feel supported on this mattress. Because of its bounce, support, and pressure relief features, it can fit a wide range of sleepers no matter their preferred sleeping position.

The Saatva Rx customer experience

• Trial period: 365 nights
• Shipping: Free
• In-home setup and mattress removal: Free
• Warranty: One-year limited

Customer service

You can contact Saatva customer service by:

• Phone: 860-452-3977, available 24/7
• Email: info@saatvamattress.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, 24/7
• Calling or visiting a viewing room

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Discover
  • American Express
  • Google Pay
  • PayPal
• Discounts? Yes, find more information here
• Financing: Yes, Affirm

Helix Midnight Luxe: Best for Back and Shoulder Pain

We chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as our Best for Back and Shoulder Pain because it did an exceptional job easing pressure on both testers’ backs and shoulders. No matter what position testers tried, they found the same high level of pressure relief and comfort. Its combination of support and comfort may help soothe your shoulder pain. We especially love the optional ErgoAlign layer ($249) that provides extra, targeted support to your lower back.

Helix Midnight Luxe

Best for Back Pain

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• Excellent at relieving back and shoulder pressure 
• Promotes spinal alignment

• Great for all sleeping positions

Helix Midnight Luxe features

• Our pain relief score: 4.21/5
• Accessibility score: 4.06/5
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Brand’s firmness rating: 6/10

Why we chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the Best for Back and Shoulder Pain

The Helix Midnight Luxe is our choice for Best Mattress for Back and Shoulder Pain because it earned high scores for relieving pressure on the back and shoulders—no matter the sleeping position. 

If you have back pain along with shoulder pain, you need a mattress that is both supportive of your spine and has enough pressure relief to hug your shoulder and ease pain. It can be a hard combination to satisfy. But we think the Helix Midnight Luxe fits the bill when it comes to responsiveness, support, and pressure relief. 

We also like the optional ErgoAlign layer, which is a top layer of ultra-dense foam beneath your midsection that provides extra support to your lower back. This promotes spinal alignment and helps cushion your shoulders.

Helix Midnight Luxe pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Helix Midnight Luxe

The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress with two layers of foam and a base layer of durable steel coils. The memory foam layers help with contouring, and coils help with spinal support. This spreads out the pressure over the low back and hips. Plus, experts say if you have shoulder pain, lying on your back might help with that pain as well. “Usually it’s best not to sleep right on top of a painful shoulder. Try sleeping on your back with a pillow under the forearm while resting it on your stomach. In this way, the shoulder and arm are supported,” said Kelly Bogowith, a physical therapist at OSF HealthCare in Alton, Illinois.

Testers said the Helix Midnight Luxe had a good balance of support and firmness from its two layers of foam on top of individually wrapped steel coils. It felt comfortable, and as one tester noted, “the extra firmness makes it easier to move about.” There’s plenty of bounce to the mattress. But this responsiveness also made it so movements from a bed partner could be felt easier than some other mattresses we tested. 

And when it came to testing pressure relief on the shoulder, the Midnight Luxe passed with flying colors. “My hips feel aligned nicely. I don't feel much pressure [lying] on my side, maybe a slight pressure on my hips but otherwise I definitely feel supported,” said one of our testers, Chris, a 66-year-old back sleeper with sleep apnea and spinal stenosis. “I don't feel like I'm lacking support in any area.” Chris felt the same level of pressure relief when lying on his back. “My butt and hips feel aligned,” he said. “I don’t feel any extra pressure in my lower back or hips. My body feels equally supported all over.”

Overall, Chris said the Helix Midnight Luxe was supportive but comfortable. “This mattress hugs me gently. It feels firm but not like I'm lying on a hard, flat surface. I feel the firmness, but I also feel support,” he said. Chris also said it was easier to change positions and get in and out of the Helix Midnight Luxe, an important consideration for anyone with mobility issues. “It's not hard at all to move,” he said. When testing how stable the edges were by lying on his back near the edge of the bed, he said, “I don’t feel like I’m going to slip off at all. Going closer to the edge I still feel supported.” 

The Helix Midnight Luxe scored well in most categories, but not motion isolation. Testers rated it 3/5, which means it doesn’t dampen the movements of a bed partner as well as some of the other mattresses we tested. The Helix Midnight Luxe offers white glove delivery for an additional fee (starting at $119). It may be worth it to save your back—and shoulder—when setting up your mattress. 

Who is the Helix Midnight Luxe right for?

We think the Helix Midnight Luxe could be a good option for most people who have chronic pain, like back or shoulder pain, or arthritis. Those who need some extra support in the low back and hips can also benefit from the Midnight Luxe’s solid pressure relief. 

The Helix Midnight Luxe customer experience

• Trial period: 100 nights
• Shipping: Free shipping
• In-home setup and mattress removal: $159
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Helix Sleep customer service by:

• Phone: 831-777-5976, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Email: help@helixsleep.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
• Contact form: https://support.helixsleep.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
• Calling or visiting a viewing room

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Paypal
  • Google Pay
  • Shop Pay
  • Amazon Pay
• Discounts? Yes, find more information here
• Financing: Yes, Affirm

Nectar Premier Hybrid: Best Hybrid Mattress for Shoulder Pain

We chose the Nectar Premier Hybrid as Best Hybrid Mattress for Shoulder Pain because of its high pressure relief scores for side sleeping. Testers said it provided a great mix of comfort and support without them feeling like they were “sinking” into the mattress. 

Nectar Premier Hybrid

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• Excellent pressure relief for side sleepers
• Soft pillow top for added comfort

• Supports back and shoulders

Nectar Premier Hybrid features

• Our pain relief score: 3.91/5
• Accessibility score: 3.8/5
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10

Why we chose the Nectar Premier Hybrid as the Best Hybrid Mattress for Shoulder Pain

The Nectar Premier Hybrid is our choice for Best Hybrid Mattress for Shoulder Pain because it provides the characteristic feel we like to see in a hybrid mattress: the right balance between support and joint-cradling comfort. It earned almost-perfect scores (4.5/5) from testers for relieving pressure on their shoulders and side and for keeping their spines aligned. 

Nectar Premier Hybrid pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Nectar Premier Hybrid

Like other hybrid mattresses, the Nectar Premier Hybrid offers multiple foam layers on top of a sturdy coil base, providing a balance of support and cradling for joints. This mattress received high scores in pressure relief and had a good bounce and motion isolation, which is a great combination for a hybrid mattress.

Testers were blown away by how comfortable this mattress felt. “Lying on my side I feel really aligned,” said one of our testers, Chris, a 66-year-old higher-weight back sleeper with sleep apnea and spinal stenosis. “This is one of the most comfortable mattresses I’ve tried. No pressure at all on the hips and shoulders.”

Chris had the same rave reviews when trying the Nectar Premier Hybrid on his back. “My shoulders and hips feel really aligned,” he said. “This is the best one all day. I feel great support in my lower back.”

Chris did say that, when lying on his stomach, the Nectar Premier Hybrid was too soft, which caused his spine to curve. “I’m sinking in too much in the stomach position,” he said. “My back is starting to arch and it feels uncomfortable.” Stomach sleeping is not the best position when you have pain, according to research.⁴ Testers felt the most support and pressure relief from side and back sleeping. 

Hybrid mattresses are known to be bouncier than memory foam mattresses, and while the Premier Hybrid had a great bounce, our tester also rated the motion isolation slightly above average at a score of 3.5 out of 5. “[Movement] disturbed me, but I wouldn't say I bounced. Personally, I don't think it would have woken me up.” 

When testing the stability of the bed’s edges, Chris said he felt more supported lying down at the edge of the mattress than when he was seated. When sitting at the edge of the bed, he noted, “It's really soft, no sliding, but it doesn't feel secure. It’s easy to get off of, but it doesn't help you stand up.” 

Nectar, like Saatva, also offers a generous 365-night trial period, so you can have plenty of time to test out the mattress before committing. Nectar offers white-glove delivery, but it costs $199.

Who is the Nectar Premier Hybrid right for?

The Nectar Premier Hybrid can be a great choice for those who want a hybrid mattress but want the pressure-relieving and movement-dampening features that are harder to find in this type of mattress. It may be a good fit for those who like to sleep on their back or side, but likely won’t work for stomach sleepers unless they’re lighter-weight.

Nectar customer experience

• Trial period: 365 nights
• Shipping: White-glove delivery for added cost, free shipping
• Warranty: Limited lifetime
• Financing: Yes

Customer service

You can contact Nectar customer service by:

• Phone: 888-863-2827, available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT
• Email: support@nectarsleep.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, 24/7
• Calling or visiting a store

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • American Express
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Discover
  • Splitlt
  • Amazon Pay
  • PayPal
• Discounts? Military members, first responders, and health care professionals take note: you can get a 5% discount, although it cannot be combined with other offers.
• Financing: Yes, Affirm. Nectar also offers a lease-to-own option through Acima.

The WinkBed Plus: Best for Arthritis and Shoulder Pain

We chose The WinkBed Plus as our Best for Arthritis and Shoulder Pain because it eased pressure across the body (including the shoulders) in every sleeping position better than almost any mattress we tested. Testers said it kept their spines straight, which helps relieve pain from arthritis. The WinkBed Plus has a plush feel that cradles joints and a supportive surface that makes it easier to move around. That can be good for conditions like arthritis, which can cause sensitive joints to flare up with pain at night.

The WinkBed Plus

Best for Arthritis and Shoulder Pain

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• Cradles joints to ease shoulder pain and arthritis pain/stiffness
• Great pressure relief in all sleeping positions

• Good bounce to help change positions

The WinkBed Plus features

• Our pain relief score: 4.78/5
• Accessibility score: 4.51/5
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Brand’s firmness rating: 8.5/10

Why we chose The WinkBed Plus as the Best for Arthritis and Shoulder Pain

The WinkBed Plus is our top choice for Best Mattress for Arthritis and Shoulder Pain. It demonstrated exceptional pressure relief in every sleeping position. The WinkBed Plus also earned one of the highest pain relief scores of any mattress we tested. That means it has the right mix of pressure relief, firmness, and more to help ease pain at night. Its plush feel helps cradle your shoulders and other joints that may flare up due to arthritis.

We also liked the bounce and responsiveness of the mattress, which makes it easier if you need to change positions at night due to shoulder or arthritis pain. 

WinkBed Plus pros and cons

Our testing experience with The WinkBed Plus

The WinkBed Plus is a hybrid mattress with two layers of foam on top of a layer of individually wrapped pocket coils. It’s specifically designed for higher-weight people, so it has the highest firmness on this list (8.5/10).

No matter what position testers tried, they reported great pressure relief. “I feel really good [lying on my side]. My bottom is sinking in more which allows my spine to feel neutral,” said one tester, Sheila, a 70-year-old average-weight combination sleeper. “The rest of my body is lying lightly on the mattress and feels really good. There isn't much pressure in any part of my body.”

Sheila loved the WinkBed Plus when lying on her back, too. “My body feels pretty evenly supported and my butt goes down in the mattress more but that feels okay. Even the curve of my spine feels good and my lower back feels supported,” she said. “Honestly this mattress feels so good I don’t even need my usual pillow under my legs. My body feels very nice and even.” Sheila gave the WinkBed Plus a perfect 5/5 for pressure relief when lying on her back and on her side.

Another tester, Patti, a 74-year-old lighter-weight combination sleeper, agreed with Sheila and said the WinkBed Plus relieves pressure while cradling her shoulders. “My shoulders are pretty even with the hips. I like this bed for lying on my side,” she said. “I don’t feel any pressure building at my shoulders and hips—but I still feel support.”

Testers agreed that the WinkBed Plus made it easier to change positions, which can be helpful if you need to move to ease shoulder or arthritis pain at night. “It’s really easy to roll around on,” Sheila said. “I don’t feel trapped in the pillow top at all. I feel a lot of soft cushioning and I feel more ‘on’ the bed than ‘in.’”

One place the WinkBed Plus didn’t hit the mark is motion isolation. Testers gave it one of the lowest scores (2/5), saying they thought the bed didn’t dampen motion. When testing how noticeable a partner’s movement is on the bed, one tester said, “I could definitely feel a ripple. There was no absorption of the movement—it moved all the way through the bed. I was definitely bounced since this is a bouncy bed. I think it would wake me up.”

But that bounce does help make the WinkBed Plus one of the most accessible beds we tested. Older adults with mobility issues can usually benefit from a bed with a little bit of bounce since it can assist them when standing or sitting up from bed. Testers also noted that the WinkBed Plus had very strong edges, so it could be a good fit for those who have mobility concerns or need a little help getting in and out of bed. “The edges feel stable and I don’t feel like I’d slide off,” said one tester. “The bed gently pushes you up and out. When I get out of bed I can easily stand without using my hands. The edges bounce back instantly from standing.”

Testers also pointed out that the bed’s firmness makes it not suitable for lighter-weight stomach sleepers. They’ll likely need a plusher surface to let their hips sink in and keep their spine straight.

Who is the WinkBed Plus right for?

Those who have arthritis and shoulder pain who like to sleep on their side might find the WinkBed Plus helpful for their pressure relief and comfort. People who need help getting out of bed or who feel hot at night will likely appreciate the WinkBed Plus. Because it’s on the firmer side (8.5 out of 10), it’s not suitable for lighter-weight stomach sleepers.

The WinkBed customer experience

• Trial period: 120 nights
• Shipping: Free
• In-home setup and mattress removal: No
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact WinkBed customer service by:

• Phone: 855-946-5233, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
• Email: info@winkbeds.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, same hours as phone
• Calling or visiting a viewing room

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Discover
  • American Express
  • Google Pay
  • Shop Pay
  • Apple Pay
• Discounts? Yes, military and first responders
• Financing: Yes, Bread

Our process testing the best mattresses for shoulder pain

Our team has spent thousands of hours researching and testing mattresses so you can feel confident in our reviews. We work with experts in sleep, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, so we know what features are most important when searching for a mattress to ease back pain. 

For this review, we personally tested 30 mattresses identified through our research to offer shoulder pain relief. Each mattress was put through a rigorous testing process by older adults with pain, to ensure we have real-world data about how they perform.

Pain relief

Our pain relief score is unique to our testing. In speaking with experts and surveying older adults, we learned the qualities a mattress should have to reduce shoulder pain. To determine our pain relief score, we created a weighted formula including our scores for pressure relief, mattress firmness, edge support, and bounce. 

Our combined pain relief score identifies mattresses with:

• Enough bounce to adjust positions freely
• Pressure relief so the body’s weight is evenly distributed
• A firmness level that supports spinal alignment
• Edge support for easier movement in and out of bed

Pressure relief 

To test pressure relief, we placed a pressure map on top of each mattress, then had our testers lie on top of the mats on their sides, backs, and stomachs. We recorded the average pressure rating for each sleep position and referred to pressure map test images to identify any areas of the body that had high or low pressure. We also used our testers’ feedback about any areas where they felt little or excessive pressure.

Spinal support

We tested for spinal support by having our testers lie on each mattress on their side, back, and stomach. We asked them for feedback about how well-aligned they felt, and we also looked for indications of poor alignment, such as if their hips were falling lower than their shoulders. We chose mattresses that helped support the spine to keep it in a neutral position, but still were able to relieve pressure and cushion joints, especially the shoulder while lying on the side.

Firmness

We tested how supportive each mattress is by having our testers lie in multiple positions on each mattress. We collected subjective data based on testers’ feedback on how supported they felt while sitting and lying on the mattresses. We also tested how difficult it was for testers to switch sleeping positions. 

Studies show that a medium-firm mattress may be the best fit for many people who have chronic pain, since a firmer mattress can make pain worse.⁵ But that doesn’t mean a softer mattress is the wrong choice for you. If you sleep on your side, have joint or muscle pain, or are a lighter-weight sleeper, you may prefer a mattress on the softer side. Check out our best firm mattress guide to learn more.

Understanding shoulder pain and sleep

The connection between shoulder pain and sleep quality 

Shoulder pain can lead to significant sleep disruptions, which can lead to waking up more often, waking up earlier than usual, and having difficulty falling or staying asleep. 

“People sometimes have pain at night for various reasons. They can frequently have fewer distractions at night, which makes them focus on the area of pain. Sometimes lying on a painful shoulder can make the pain worse,” said Bogowith, the physical therapist in Illinois. When you’re sleeping, you might not be aware of the position you’re in that may be uncomfortable for your shoulder. What’s more, a lack of sleep can worsen pain and inflammation, according to a 2019 study.⁷ 

Common causes of shoulder pain 

There are several conditions that can cause shoulder pain. These include:

• Arthritis: Arthritis is a general term referring to when joints, like the shoulder, become inflamed. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two common forms.⁸ Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage in joints wears away, which can cause pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is when the immune system attacks joints, leading to swelling, pain, and stiffness. It’s common to have pain at night, and it can make it more difficult to sleep. 
• Rotator cuff injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that cover your shoulder and keep it in the socket. A rotator cuff injury can cause an achy pain that gets worse at night. One study found those who sleep on their side have a higher risk of a rotator cuff injury.⁹ These injuries are also higher in people over age 50. 
• Bursitis and tendonitis: Bursitis is when the small fluid sacs in the shoulder get inflamed and irritated.¹⁰ Tendonitis is when the tendons in the shoulder that connect muscle to bone become painful. Both of these conditions are similar, and the symptoms can be worse at night. 
• Frozen shoulder: This condition causes the connective tissue in the shoulder joint to thicken, which can cause pain, stiffness, and limited movement, according to Helfrich. At night, you might experience a deep constant ache in the shoulder that can get worse when you lie on it. Stiffness in the joint might also make it harder to find a comfortable position. “Some people also notice that small movements during sleep, like rolling over or reaching out, can trigger sharp pain,” added Helfrich.

Consistent pain at night that’s waking you up is worth seeing your physical therapist or physician about, since it can be indicative of a more serious problem.”
—Kelly Bogowith, physical therapist in Alton, Illinois

How the wrong mattress can worsen shoulder pain

Mattresses that are too firm can create pressure points on the shoulder. But a mattress that’s too soft can cause your lower back to dip down into the mattress, which puts stress on your spine. 

Helfrich recommends sticking to a firmer mattress rather than one that’s on the softer side. “You can always make it more comfortable and soft with a mattress topper, but it’s hard to make a soft mattress more firm. By having a more supportive mattress, your body can still remain in a neutral position, but not sink so far down that your body is bending in uncomfortable ways.”

The best sleeping positions for shoulder pain relief

Our physical therapy and geriatric experts recommend sleeping on the non-painful side with a pillow between the knees to maintain spinal alignment. Try not to sleep on the shoulder that hurts. 

You can also sleep on your back if you’re having difficulty getting comfortable. According to Bogowith, use a pillow under your forearm while resting your hand on your stomach. “In this way, the shoulder and arm are supported.” You’ll also want to ensure your mattress is supportive and firm enough to keep your spine aligned.

Experts don’t recommend stomach-sleeping because of the significant strain it places on your neck and shoulders. 

My pain is in my right arm and shoulder area. As long as I sleep on my left side or flat, it does not hurt as much.” —A member of our chronic pain and sleep focus group

5 tips to manage shoulder pain at home       

Our experts provided five tips on managing shoulder pain at home:

1. Regular movement during the day can keep joints like the shoulder moving and getting blood flow. Sitting too long can cause stiffness. 
2. Gentle stretches and strengthening exercises under the supervision of a physical therapist can help with recovery and reduce pain and stiffness. 
3. Try icing the area if your shoulder pain is a recent injury. 
4. Use heat packs on the shoulder for more chronic conditions like arthritis. 
5. Try a self-massage using your hands, a foam roller, or a massage gun to loosen tight muscles and bring blood flow to the area. 

If your pain isn’t getting better, see your health care provider or a physical therapist, because it might be related to a more serious concern.

How much do the best mattresses for shoulder pain cost?

The mattresses we included in our best mattresses for shoulder pain range from $1,799–$3,295 for a queen-size mattress. Along with size, other factors that affect cost might include:

• Materials used
• Certifications
• Cooling pad or pillow top
• White-glove delivery (when a mattress is delivered directly to your bedroom)
• Free shipping
• Warranty length

Table 2 Comparing costs of the best mattresses for shoulder pain

*Shipping and set up of new mattress and removal of old bed

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Frequently asked questions