Which Mattress Firmness Is Best For Shoulder Pain
In most cases, a Medium or Medium Firm mattress is best for shoulder pain, but the ideal firmness level for any person depends on their sleeping position and body shape.
Firmness is ranked on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the softest. A mattress that is too soft may cause the body to sink out of alignment, but one that is too firm may create heightened impact on the shoulder.
Firmness is a subjective preference and should be considered along with other factors, such as mattress type, price, pressure relief, and motion isolation, to choose the best mattress for any individual.
How The Right Mattress Ease The Pain
Mattresses arent the sole solution to shoulder pain. If the cause of the discomfort is an underlying illness, a nice mattress would only support, but not cure. Still, its undeniable that switching to a mattress crafted for side sleepers will make a big difference.
The best mattress for shoulder pain will sink enough to conform to the shape of your shoulder. The good thing about this is that there wouldnt be an excessive sinking feeling. Memory foam is the Holy Grail for side sleepers as it sinks and conforms, thus reducing the weight that seems to crush the shoulder.
Like what I said earlier, you dont have to change your sleeping position . You just have to look for a mattress that caters your sleeping position.
Take note that shoulder pain is one proof that youre experiencing acute pressure. Soon, these pressure points will manifest on different parts of your body including your back, hips, and neck. What you need right now is a mattress that will ease this strain.
One thing that the right mattress does is aid body alignment. While its true that you cant achieve perfect body alignment when sleeping on the side, a conforming mattress will do the trick. It will help straighten the spine while releasing the pressure points.
Problems Associated With Side Sleeping
The number one problem with side sleeping is the force exerted to the shoulder below. Thats one major reason why many of us experience shoulder pain. And if the shoulder pain is caused by other reasons, the pain would be worse for side sleepers.
Another thing is that the hips are twisted for most side sleepers. This poses a threat to possible hip pain. The easy fix here, though, is a pillow paired with the best mattress for shoulder pain. That way, you can achieve body alignment, at least in your lower extremities.
One of the common issues about side sleeping is paresthesia or pins and needles. Since your other arm is buried on the weight of your body, the circulation is disrupted. Once, I woke up with a completely limp left arm enough to send me on a fit of panic. It disturbs the sleep cycle and the last thing youll know is you have a bad case of shoulder ache.
Sometimes, side sleeping isnt exactly the problem, but the mattress is.
Stiff mattresses that dont conform to the shape of the body are only a notch shy of being the same with sleeping on the floor. Although it cushions the body, it fails to support it entirely.
For women who are sleeping on their sides, one problem is it causes the breasts to sag on one side. This puts the strain on the ligaments that can possibly cause pain on the bust. Also, side sleeping increases wrinkles. So should you switch to a new sleeping position now? Nah.
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Whats The Best Mattress For Side Sleepers With Shoulder Pain
The best mattresses for side sleepers with shoulder pain are soft to medium. A softer mattress cradles the shoulder joint and protects it from pressure point and tension when side sleeping. Lightweight side sleepers often prefer a soft to medium soft bed, while average weight and heavier side sleepers typically need a medium mattress.
Mattresses For Back Pain
If you wake up with morning back pain, your mattress may be sagging or have lost its initial responsiveness. Alternatively, its possible that your mattress isnt appropriate for your body type.
For someone who has had a back-related injury, its important to choose stable, reliable support to prevent new pain or worsening chronic pain.
If you have frequent muscle and/or joint pain, normally increasing the degree of softness or cushioning on the mattress surface helps relieve pain. A mattress topper is a popular way to add a little extra pressure relief.
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Consider Buying A Mattress Online
A great way to score a deal on a new mattress is to buy online. While it might seem like a strange concept if youre used to going to a brick-and-mortar store, the truth is that buying online offers some huge advantages.
Most online mattresses are sold directly by the manufacturer. Eliminating the middle-man and the need for showroom space means lower prices, and the growing competition between retail and online storefronts has only generated more deals for shoppers.
But the benefits go beyond just price. Shopping online is convenient, allowing you to browse options from the comfort of your own home and without any salespeople eagerly pushing a sale to earn a commission. Having the time to research each mattress and compare it to others is a major contrast to the brick-and-mortar experience where youre limited to just whats available in that store.
When buying online you dont have the ability to feel out a mattress before purchasing, but almost all online retailers provide a sleep trial with no-hassle returns, offering you a full refund if you try out the mattress and dont like it. This gives you a no-risk opportunity to try out a mattress for weeks or months in your own bedroom as opposed to for just a few minutes in a store. Over the longer-term, virtually all online mattresses come with a warranty of at least 10 years to protect against future problems, which are rare in mattresses sold both online and in-store.
Other Factors To Consider
On top of the different types of mattresses ideal for side sleepers and taking into account the firmness level, potential buyers should also consider the cost, and if a mattress includes a sleep trial, warranty, and return policy. These factors can help you pinpoint the right mattress and protect your investment.
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Best Soft Mattress For Shoulder Pain: Amerisleep As5
The Amerisleep AS5 is slightly softer than the AS4this bed works well for lightweight sleepers and side sleepers with shoulder pain. The ultra-soft comfort layer offers more compression to keep sensitive shoulder joints cushioned and protected from pressure points.
Warranty
When resting on the AS5, sleepers will sink into the bedthis allows stiff, sore muscles to relax. Since Bio-Pur® is partially plant-based, it is also more responsive than most mattress foams. While sleepers will sink into this bed, the buoyancy of this material keeps the body lifted and aligned. When the spine is neutral, you will be less likely to experience tension in the back muscles.
To provide further spinal protection, Amerisleep includes their Active Flex transition foam. This material has a slight bounce, so the body doesnt sink too far into the bed and cause the spine to bow.
Beneath the Active Flex foam is a layer of Adaptive foam with HIVE® technology. This foam features hundreds of hexagonal cutouts that respond differently to each area of the body. Near the lumbar region, these cutouts are closer together and firmer to provide more stability to this vulnerable area. Near the hips and shoulders, cutouts are further apart and softer to alleviate muscle tension.
The base of the AS5 is made with Amerisleep long-lasting Bio-Core® foam. This layer ensures the mattress supports you correctly throughout many years of use.
Best Mattress Overall For Shoulder Pain: Amerisleep As4
The Amerisleep AS4 is a softer mattress made with side and combination sleepers in mind. This 12-inch, medium-soft bed provides thick cushioning to sleepers, ensuring your shoulders arent aggravated while you sleep.
The AS4 mattress has a lightweight and breathable cover over three layers of foam.
The top of the AS4 features 4 inches of Bio-Pur®, Amerisleeps plant-based memory foam. Not only is it excellent for relieving pressure, but Bio-Pur® is cooler and more responsive than traditional memory foam, so you wont overheat or feel stuck in this bed.
The AS4 features a 1-inch transitional layer called Affinity foam with HIVE® technology. Hexagonal cutouts in the foam boost the support around your back and hips while being softer around your head, feet, and shoulders. This evenly distributes your weight, relieving pressure around the most sensitive areas.
The base of the AS4 contains 7 inches of Bio-Core®. This durable foam prevents the mattress from sagging and developing soft spots.
Amerisleeps AS4 is made in the USA and CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning the mattress is free of harmful chemicals and wont off-gas. The mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.
AMERISLEEP AS4
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Firmness And Sleeping Positions
The best sleeping position for those with shoulder or back pain varies from one individual to the next. Medium to firm mattresses often work best for back sleepers. Pressure is more evenly distributed when you sleep on your back. Those who sleep on their side are more comfortable with medium to soft mattresses, as it helps relieve pressure on hips and shoulders. Stomach sleepers need medium firmness to avoid too much pressure on the knees. Too much softness can make it difficult to breathe if you have sunk deep into the mattress and may also cause neck pain.
Make Sure Youre Sleeping On The Right Mattress
Sleeping on your side can place additional pressure on your shoulder, causing irritation or pain if youre sleeping on a mattress that doesnt give you the support you need. It is quite possible your current mattress is making your shoulder pain worse or at the very least, not helping it. The shoulder you are laying on can press too hard into the mattress, creating misalignment and pain the next morning. You want to make sure youre supported all night long by sleeping on the right mattress. A firm mattress can help alleviate the risk of further injury to your rotator cuff. We have dozens of Firm comfort level mattresses to choose from, including the Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt Firm Mattress, Stearns & Foster Rockwell Luxury Firm Mattress, City Mattress Saguaro Firm Mattress, and many more.
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Other Tips To Relieve Neck And Shoulder Pain
Outside of sleeping, a few lifestyle tweaks can help reduce the chances of suffering from neck or shoulder pain. For instance:
- Practice proper posture. While standing or sitting, align the ears over the shoulders and the shoulders over the hips
- People who work at a computer should adjust the desk, chair, and computer to support proper ergonomics. The knees should be slightly lower than the hips, and the monitor should be at eye level
- Take frequent stretch breaks during the workday and while traveling
- When talking on the phone, use a headset or speakerphone. Avoid tucking the phone between the ear and shoulder
- Exercise regularly to strengthen the muscles around the spine and shoulder
- While texting or scrolling on the phone, hold it at eye level so the neck doesnt tip forward
- If possible, avoid repetitive motions such as lifting and throwing, as these can strain the shoulder joint
- Quit smoking, as its been linked to a higher risk of neck pain Experiment with hot or cold packs to see if they relieve the pain
If none of these tips are easing the pain , then its time to chat with a doctor or physical therapist. Theyll be able to suggest next steps, which might include taking over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or surgery. But hopefully, a few tweaks to a persons sleeping environment and lifestyle habits will make a world of difference.
Tips To Relieve Shoulder Pain
While a good mattress will do you a world of good when youre trying to sleep with shoulder pain, it isnt the only thing you should consider.
Mattress Accessories
If it doesnt look like buying a new mattress is in your budget, you can always utilize mattress extras such as a mattress topper or mattress pad. A good memory foam or latex mattress topper will go a long way in adding comfort and support to your old mattress.
Pillow Choice
Make sure you are using a pillow that promotes alignment. If you sleep on your stomach, pick a flat pillow, and use an additional pillow under your hips. If you sleep on your side make sure the loft isnt too high or too low. If you sleep on your back your pillow should also be a little flatter and another should be propped under your knees.
Sleep Position
The ideal sleep position for shoulder pain is back sleeping. If you decide to sleep on your side, sleep on the side of your good shoulder with a pillow between your knees.
Talk to Your Doctor
We would like to reiterate that, though we are sleep experts, were not doctors. If your shoulder pain persists at night or worsens, make sure you contact your doctor for further instructions or sleep tips.
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Should I Stretch Before Bed Will That Help
Stretching is one of the best things you can do before bed. Your chiropractor or physiotherapist can recommend exercises for you to do daily and in addition to the toe touching stretch mentioned above, a stretch called pigeon can be an effective hip opener.
You can do this exercise either standing, sitting or lying down. Here are instructions if youd like to try it lying down:
Supine Pigeon
Interested in exploring further? Follow our guide to Yoga for Better Sleep.
Best Bargain Mattress For Side Sleepers: Vaya Mattress
Vaya Mattress
Thick, plush mattresses for side sleeping dont have to come at a high cost. The 12-inch Vaya Mattress stays affordable by arranging quality materials in a simple two-layer design.
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Warranty:
- Side sleepers shopping on a restricted budget.
- People who are primarily side sleepers but may occasionally sleep in another position.
For side sleepers on a budget, the Vaya Mattress is the perfect fit. At only $599 for a queen size, the Vaya can help side sleepers get peaceful sleep without putting too much of a dent in your bank account.
The Vaya is designed for universal firmness and is medium in feel, but we love it for side sleepers because it has a 3-inch thick comfort layer to cushion the shoulders and hips. Apart from its 3-inch comfort layer, the Vaya also has a 9-inch base layer. Put together, the mattress measures 12 inches tall.
Vaya Sleep only makes and sells one mattress, and since theyre based online, they offer a 100-night sleep trial and free returns with every purchase. If the Vaya isnt a fit for you after a couple of months, theyll give you your money back.
While many are attracted to Vayas affordable price, what we really love about this mattress is its unique feel. Proprietary Vaya Foams blend the benefits of both memory foam and latex to contour to your body while feeling buoyant and responsive. Instead of sinking or feeling trapped in Vaya Foams, youll sleep on top of the mattress and be able to change sleeping positions freely.
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Is A Soft Mattress Good For Hip Pain
It makes sense to assume that a softer mattress is the best option for pain relief. After all, we all want a little coddling when were not feeling well! However, a mattress thats too soft can actually have negative effects on our bodies, as they can sink too much, distorting our alignment. According to Dr. Ghassemi, We all have the same skeletal system, but our daily lifestyle, health status, and body morphology are vastly different. I can conservatively say, a soft mattress is not suitable for the hip/hip condition it may cause more damage in the majority of people than help. Dr. Malayil adds, For individuals with hip pain, a foam mattress which conforms to your spine would be best. Many spring mattresses tend to apply too much pressure to the hip joint causing increased pain for many individuals. A foam mattress is helpful in this situation because it allows for the hips to lay in a comfortable position without applying overpressure to the musculature around the hip and to the hip joint itself.
If youre ready to improve your sleep and take some pressure off of your body, keep reading to find the best mattress for back and hip pain that will have you on your way to slumber town!
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How To Find The Best Mattress For Side Sleeping
For side sleepers, the right mattress can mean the difference between a good night’s sleep and waking up with sore shoulders and stiff hip joints. Generally, you can’t go wrong selecting one of the best online mattresses. But to better personalize your choice, we outline important factors to keep in mind as you shop for the best side sleeping mattress.
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