Dr. Barry Jarvis
Side sleeping consistently puts pressure on the hips, shoulders, and neck, which can lead to chronic pain over time. But the right mattress can help properly support and cushion pressure points, allowing side sleepers to wake up refreshed instead of achy. Below I’ll recommend the 6 best mattress options for alleviating shoulder and hip discomfort based on expert guidance and verified customer reviews. I’ll also summarize key features and real user opinions to help you select the ideal fit.
How Mattresses Impact Hip and Shoulder Pain
Choosing a mattress optimized for side sleeping benefits is crucial because:
- Shoulders and hips bear the brunt of body weight pressure in side sleeping position. This sinking effect can compress nerves.
- Insufficient cushioning leads to gaps forming between body and mattress, misaligning the spine.
- Firmer mattresses can push back too forcefully on protruding shoulder and hip joints.
- The best mattresses for side sleepers adapt to the body’s natural curves without pushing back.
- Ideal mattresses reduce pressure points, minimizing tossing and turning from discomfort.
The proper mattress allows you to fully relax into healthy alignment and wake up pain-free.
6 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers with Hip and Shoulder Pain
Based on expert recommendations and user reviews, these mattresses excel at relieving hip and shoulder pressure points for side sleepers:
1. Amerisleep AS5 – Best Overall
- Features 5-zone Active Flex layer adapts to shoulder and hip contours
- Soft feel cushions joints without sagging
- Open-cell Bio-Pur® memory foam enhances responsiveness
- Breathable plant-based materials sleep cool
- Reviewers mention excellent side sleeping pain relief
The Amerisleep AS5 tops experts’ lists and buyer reviews as the #1 mattress offering plush, tailored support for side sleepers. Its pressure-relieving memory foam design excels at minimizing discomfort in the hips and shoulders. Many reviewers comment the AS5 helped completely eliminate their nagging pressure point pain after switching from firm innerspring mattresses. It prevents the sagging and gaps that fail to support side sleepers’ alignment needs. The zoned Active Flex layer provides extra cushioning along the shoulders and hips with firmer support below. This cradling effect helps keep the spine properly aligned instead of skewed. The AS5’s advanced pressure relief, responsiveness and breathability make it the ideal pick for side sleepers seeking pain and tension relief.
2. Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Customizable
- Customizable layers match exact firmness preference
- Plush memory foam relieves shoulder and hip pressure
- Zoned lumbar support transitions to softer foam at shoulders
- Added pillow top increases cushy surface feel
- Reviewers mention hip pain improvement within weeks
Helix allows you to take a sleep quiz to input your body type, sleeping position and firmness preferences. They customize the layered construction of your mattress to meet your targeted firmness, support and cushioning needs. For side sleepers, they’ll recommend a medium soft to soft feel to sufficiently contour to curves without sagging. This custom-tailored mattress build maximizes relief potential in your unique pressure points like the hips and shoulders. Actual customers report that the Helix helped alleviate their side sleeping shoulder and hip pain problems better than generic mattress-in-a-box options. The mattress also earns strong reviews for spine alignment. Combining personalized components with zoned support transitions, Helix is a top niche pick for pain issues.
3. Nolah Signature – Best Cooling Mattress
- Proprietary foam 4x more pressure relieving than memory foam
- Plush feel cushions shoulders, hips and cools skin
- Strong edge support for full mattress surface use
- Durable construction maintains its shape long-term
- Many reviewers cite hip pain relief after switching to Nolah
The unique Nolah Signature mattress features the company’s proprietary Nolah AirFoam that provides superior pressure point relief along the hips and shoulders versus traditional memory foam. It molds closely without making you feel stuck. An added viscose cover wicks heat for cooler sleeping, avoiding sticky sweating in those pressure zones. Nolah’s sturdy edge support also maximizes the usable mattress surface so you can spread out freely. User reviews consistently cite relief from hip soreness and pain using the Nolah Signature. They mention better spinal alignment and improved freedom of movement thanks to the breathable cushioning effect of the proprietary foam. Those struggling to relieve hip tension on firmer mattresses should find the Nolah a winning foam option.
4. Plank by Brooklyn Bedding – Best Flippable
- Flippable design – firm and soft side to suit preferences
- Gel-infused memory foam adapts to side sleeper contours
- Highly responsive TitanFlexTM foam adds bounce
- Better pressure relief and fewer aches noted in reviews
- 25-year warranty demonstrates durability
With its unique flippable dual-sided construction, the Plank allows you to flip from one feel to another as your needs and preferences change. One side offers a firm surface ideal for back and stomach sleepers or those who need sturdy support. But flip it over for an ultra-plush soft side specially engineered to cater to side sleepers with 3 inches of contouring TitanFlexTM and gel memory foams. This softer feel allows even pressure distribution along the hips, shoulders and back. Many reviews say this dual-sided versatility helped resolve their nagging side sleeping aches and pains. And Brooklyn Bedding’s reputation for quality materials ensures lasting support and comfort. If you think a softer or firmer surface could benefit your pressure points, this 2-in-1 mattress allows customizing as desired.
5. Avocado Green Latex – Best Organic Materials
- Made from natural and organic materials
- Zoned ergonomic support layer
- Plush Euro-style pillow top added comfort
- Great for those sensitive to chemicals
- Users mention hips sinking in less and improved spinal alignment
The eco-friendly Avocado Green mattress appeals to those wanting to avoid synthetics and harsh chemicals in their bed. It’s handmade in California from natural and certified organic materials like organic latex, wool and cotton. There’s no polyfoam or toxic adhesives. The innovative support layer provides gentle contouring in the shoulders and hips, key for side sleepers. Adding the optional plush pillow top increases the luxurious cushioning. Many reviews say this chemical-free, gently conforming design relieved shoulder stiffness and hip soreness from other firm beds, especially when using the pillow top. The buoyant natural latex also prevents excessive heat buildup around pressure points. For those seeking an organic, non-toxic mattress that still caters to side sleepers, this is a worthy contender.
6. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt – Best for Personalization
- Adaptable TEMPUR memory foam softens in body heat
- Available in soft and medium feels to personalize
- Machine-washable, removable hypoallergenic cover
- Higher weight capacity for larger bodies
- Reviewers mention pain relief in the hips and neck
The TEMPUR-Adapt’s proprietary TEMPUR memory foam was originally developed by NASA to relieve G-force pressure on space shuttle occupants. Today it’s used to expertly adapt to your body’s contour needs – key for sensitive side sleepers. TEMPUR material softens and conforms most where warmth is highest around joints and pressure points. Reviewers suffering from hip arthritis and shoulder bursitis said this responsive “melting” sensation helped relax their pressure points and aligned their overall posture. With two firmness options, the ability to add TEMPUR toppers, and machine washability, TEMPUR-Adapt owners customize layers for their ideal cushioning. Combining renowned pressure relief with versatility lands this mattress on lists of best beds for side sleeping aches.
How to Choose the Best Mattress Type for Side Sleepers
Understanding how mattress materials impact support and pressure point relief will help you pick the best option tailored for side sleepers.
Memory Foam
Conforming memory foam adapts closely to the hips, shoulders and waist. Look for faster responsiveness, like latex and gel foams, to avoid feeling stuck.
Latex Foam
Natural latex gently contours while providing cloud-like buoyancy that makes moving easy. This prevents added pressure points from tossing and turning against resistance.
Adjustable Air Beds
Customized firmness for each sleep partner. Air chambers minimize pressure points in shoulders and hips by adapting to exact body shifts and weights.
Innerspring
Traditional spring mattresses can push back excessively on hips and shoulders. But zoned models with cushioning foam comfort layers maximize pressure point relief.
Hybrid
Combining conforming foams over an innerspring base isolates motion while allowing slight sink for pressure relief. Look for softer comfort layers.
No single mattress type universally works best for all side sleepers. Carefully assess your body type, sleeping position, firmness preference and support needs when researching options. Testing prospective mattresses can clarifying which feels most comfortable relieving tension at your shoulders and hips.
5 Characteristics of the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Whether foam, latex, hybrid or innerspring, excellent mattresses for side sleepers share these traits:
Pressure Relief
Cushioning top comfort layers that contour and adapt to the shoulders, hips and waist without causing misalignment or gaps.
Responsiveness
Immediate spring back after compression so you don’t feel stuck in awkward positions that overextend joints.
Targeted Support
Zoned construction that provides reinforced support along the lumbar spine and firmer foams under the hips prevents sagging.
Edge Support
Strong perimeter support allows you to use the entire mattress surface and not feel like you’ll roll off the side if you get close to the edge.
Minimal Motion Transfer
For couples, targeted motion isolation keeps you stabilized even if your partner moves. This prevents disturbance to already pressure-sensitive areas.
5 Tips for Choosing the Best Mattress for Hip and Shoulder Pain
Follow these expert tips for finding an ideal mattress if you experience frequent hip, shoulder or neck pain from side sleeping:
Know When to Replace your Mattress
Consider a new mattress if your current one is over 7 years old or you notice deep sags, poor support or increased aches.
Assess Your Firmness Needs
Medium soft to medium mattresses tend to provide the best pressure relief for side sleepers. But personalize based on your weight and preferences.
Don’t Skimp on Quality
This is an investment where cheaper often leads to poorer pain relief. Prioritize reputable brands using high-density foams and durable materials.
Try Before Buying
Test out mattresses by lying on your side for at least 10 minutes to accurately judge comfort, support and pressure relief.
Consider Adjustability
Look into adjustable bases, customizable firmness and removable layers if you want to tweak support as needs change.
Doing your homework instead of impulse buying will help identify the ideal mattress for maximizing comfort in your frequent side sleeping position. Prevent waking up in shoulder and hip discomfort night after night.
Common Questions About Mattresses for Side Sleepers with Pain Issues
Below I’ve answered some frequently asked questions about choosing an appropriate mattress for side sleepers struggling with pressure point pain:
Which type of mattress is best if you have hip bursitis?
Focus on conforming memory foams that cushion without excessive sinking around inflamed hip bursa. Additional dense foam at the hip region also reinforces support.
Are extra firm mattresses better for side sleepers with arthritis?
No – extra firm mattresses don’t conform closely enough and can worsen pressure points. Opt for a medium soft to medium mattress that gently sinks around arthritic joints while supporting the spine.
Can an adjustable base help side sleeper shoulder and neck pain?
Yes, raising the head slightly can correctly align the neck and improve shoulder comfort. Look for adjustable bases allowing you to customize incline positions on each side.
What’s the best mattress type for a combination sleeper with hip pain?
Combination sleepers do well with both conforming and responsive mattresses like quality latex, advanced memory foam and pocketed coil hybrids. This prevents added pressure from frequently shifting positions.
If you have spinal stenosis is a soft or firm mattress better for side sleeping?
Use a medium soft mattress that gently conforms to the hips and shoulders but avoid exaggerated softness that could over-compress joints and narrow the spinal canal.
If hip, shoulder and neck discomfort interrupt your side sleeping comfort, the information provided here should help guide you to a suitable mattress. Investing in the proper support helps restore restful sleep and wake up energized.
Comparing the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers with Pain:
To help summarize the top mattress recommendations, here is a comparison chart highlighting specifications and key benefits:
| Mattress | Type | Firmness | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amerisleep AS5 | Foam (memory foam) | Soft (4/10) | – Zoned support relieves shoulders/hips <br>- Plush memory foam cushions without sagging <br>- Breathable plant-based materials sleep cool |
| Helix Mattress | Hybrid | Customized | – Fully personalized for your firmness preference <br>- Zoned lumbar support with softer foam at shoulders <br>- Added pillow top for enhanced plushness |
| Nolah Signature | Foam | Medium soft (4.5/10) | – Proprietary foam 4x more pressure relieving <br>- Keeps you cool by wicking away heat <br>- Durable construction maintains shape |
| Plank by Brooklyn Bedding | Hybrid | Dual firmness flippable | – Flippable firm and soft sides to choose feel <br>- Gel memory foam adapts to contours <br>- Provides bounce and pressure relief |
| Avocado Green Mattress | Latex | Medium soft or medium firm (5-6/10) | – Made from organic and natural materials <br>- Zoned support gently contours at shoulders/hips <br>- Optional plush Euro-style pillow top |
| TEMPUR-Adapt | Foam | Soft and medium adaptable | – NASA-developed TEMPUR material adapts to body <br>- Available in 2 firmness levels to personalize <br>- Machine washable cover |
In Conclusion
The mattresses recommended above all suit side sleepers based on extensive analysis of expert guidance, product specifications, and verified owner reviews. Models from top brands like Amerisleep, Helix, Nolah, Avocado and Tempur-Pedic receive high marks relieving hip, shoulder and neck discomfort – common side sleeper pain points. Key advantages like zoned support, advanced pressure-relieving materials and customizable layers help properly cushion and align side sleeping body curves all night long. If waking up with aches and pains in your shoulders, hips or neck has become routine, investing in one of these mattresses tailored to side sleepers should restore comfort, support and restorative rest.
Author
Dr. Barry Jarvis
Dr. Barry Jarvis is a renowned sleep specialist, dedicating their illustrious career to the intricate world of sleep medicine. Holding a medical degree from a prestigious institution, Dr. Jarvis has cultivated a deep understanding of the complex mechanisms that govern sleep and its pivotal role in overall health and well-being. With a compassionate approach and a meticulous eye for detail, Dr. Jarvis has helped countless individuals reclaim restful nights and vibrant days. Beyond their clinical expertise, they have contributed to groundbreaking research in sleep medicine, unraveling the mysteries of sleep disorders and pioneering innovative treatments that stand at the forefront of the field.
