7 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers with Shoulder and Hip Pain

Waking up with aching shoulders and sore hips can turn your mornings into a struggle. If you sleep on your side, you know this pain all too well.

Your body weight concentrates on these pressure points all night long. The wrong mattress makes everything worse. But finding the right one can transform your sleep and your life.

Side sleepers need a special type of support. Your mattress must cushion your shoulders and hips while keeping your spine aligned. Too firm creates painful pressure points. Too soft lets your body sink in ways that strain your back. Getting this balance right matters more than you might think.

Key Takeaways:

• Medium to medium soft firmness works best for most side sleepers with shoulder and hip pain. This range allows proper sinkage at pressure points while maintaining spinal alignment. A mattress rated between 4 to 6 on the 10 point firmness scale typically delivers optimal results.
• Hybrid mattresses combine the best of both worlds. They pair pressure relieving foam layers with supportive coil systems. This combination provides contouring comfort where you need it and responsive support where you don’t. Most experts recommend hybrids as the top choice for side sleepers.
• Memory foam excels at pressure relief but may sleep hot. If you choose all foam construction, look for cooling features like gel infusions or breathable covers. These technologies help regulate temperature throughout the night.
• Your body weight influences the ideal firmness level. Lighter sleepers under 130 pounds need softer mattresses. Average weight sleepers between 130 to 230 pounds do best with medium firmness. Heavier sleepers over 230 pounds require firmer support to prevent excessive sinkage.
• Trial periods protect your investment. The best mattresses come with 365 night trials or longer. This gives you a full year to test whether the mattress truly relieves your pain. Never buy a mattress without a substantial trial period.

DreamCloud Premier Luxury Hybrid Mattress

The DreamCloud Premier brings luxury hotel comfort to your bedroom. This 13 inch hybrid mattress combines gel memory foam with a supportive coil system. The medium firm feel works well for most side sleepers who need pressure relief without sacrificing support.

The cashmere blend cover adds a premium touch. Underneath, multiple foam layers contour to your body shape. Gel infusions help dissipate heat. The individually wrapped coils provide targeted support and reduce motion transfer. Your partner’s movements will not disturb your sleep.

DreamCloud backs this mattress with a 365 night trial and a forever warranty. The fiberglass free construction means safer materials throughout. At this price point, you get features normally found in mattresses costing much more.

Pros:

• Excellent pressure relief for shoulders and hips
• 365 night trial period for risk free testing
• Forever warranty provides long term peace of mind
• Gel memory foam keeps you cooler than traditional foam
• Individually wrapped coils minimize motion transfer

Cons:

• May feel too soft for stomach sleepers
• Initial off gassing odor takes a few days to fade
• Edge support could be firmer for sitting

Signature Design by Ashley Limited Edition Pillow Top

This pillow top hybrid delivers plush comfort right out of the box. The 13 inch profile includes gel memory foam layers topped with an extra cushioning pillow top. Side sleepers sink into this softness while coils underneath provide essential support.

The Ashley brand brings furniture expertise to mattress design. Their Limited Edition model focuses on pressure relief and temperature regulation. The gel memory foam draws heat away from your body. The breathable cover enhances airflow. You stay comfortable all night long.

Edge support gets reinforced with foam encasement. You can use the entire mattress surface without feeling like you might roll off. The fiberglass free construction and CertiPUR US certification ensure safe materials.

Pros:

• Pillow top adds extra cushioning for pressure points
• Strong edge support maximizes usable sleeping surface
• Over 40,000 positive reviews show proven reliability
• Gel infusions help regulate sleeping temperature
• Arrives compressed in a box for easy setup

Cons:

• Pillow top may compress over time with heavy use
• Softer feel may not suit back or stomach sleepers
• Takes 48 to 72 hours to fully expand

Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress

The Nectar Premier focuses on maximum pressure relief through premium memory foam. This 13 inch all foam mattress contours precisely to your body shape. Side sleepers with significant shoulder and hip pain often find excellent relief with this model.

Five layers of foam work together to support and cushion. The quilted gel memory foam cover starts the comfort. Gel memory foam layers beneath provide cooling and contouring. A transition layer prevents you from sinking too deep. The high density base foam ensures durability and support.

Nectar includes a 365 night trial and a forever warranty. The medium firm feel suits most side sleepers perfectly. The memory foam isolates motion extremely well. You will not feel your partner moving during the night.

Pros:

• Superior pressure relief for painful joints
• 365 night trial lets you test thoroughly
• Forever warranty covers the mattress lifetime
• Excellent motion isolation for couples
• Multiple cooling layers combat heat retention

Cons:

• All foam construction may sleep warmer than hybrids
• Slow response time makes position changes harder
• May feel too soft for heavier individuals

Sleepmax Hotel Collection Hybrid Mattress

The Sleepmax brings hotel quality sleep at an affordable price. This 14 inch hybrid targets lumbar and hip support specifically. The extra thickness provides generous cushioning layers above a robust coil system. Side sleepers get pressure relief where it matters most.

The cooling gel layer sits near the top for temperature regulation. Memory foam below contours to your curves. Over 960 pocket springs work independently to support different body zones. This zoned support gives extra reinforcement to your hips and lower back.

At under $300, this mattress delivers impressive value. The 365 night trial removes purchase risk. CertiPUR US certification and fiberglass free construction provide safety assurance.

Pros:

• Exceptional value for a 14 inch hybrid mattress
• Zoned support targets hip and shoulder pain
• 365 night trial and forever warranty included
• Cooling gel layer regulates sleeping temperature
• 960 pocket springs provide responsive support

Cons:

• Some users report initial chemical smell
• May be too firm for very light weight sleepers
• Takes a few weeks to break in fully

BedStory Extra Firm Hybrid Mattress

BedStory’s Extra Firm model serves side sleepers who need more support than typical medium mattresses provide. This 12 inch hybrid uses seven zone technology. Each zone offers different firmness levels to match your body’s needs. Your shoulders get softer support. Your hips and lower back get firmer reinforcement.

The extra lumbar support helps side sleepers maintain spinal alignment. Many people with chronic back pain find relief with this targeted approach. The hybrid construction combines memory foam comfort with innerspring durability and breathability.

BedStory offers a 365 night trial to ensure the firmness level works for you. The fiberglass free design and CertiPUR US certification meet safety standards. Strong edge support lets you use the full mattress surface.

Pros:

• Seven zone technology provides targeted support
• Extra firm feel suits heavier side sleepers
• 365 night trial reduces purchase risk
• Strong edge support prevents roll off feeling
• Affordable price for quality construction

Cons:

• Too firm for average weight side sleepers
• May require break in period for optimal comfort
• Motion transfer slightly higher than all foam

Tempur Adapt Medium Memory Foam Mattress

The Tempur Adapt uses proprietary TEMPUR material developed from NASA technology. This 11 inch memory foam mattress adapts precisely to your body shape and weight. The pressure relief rivals any mattress on the market. Side sleepers with severe shoulder and hip pain often choose this premium option.

TEMPUR material responds differently than regular memory foam. It conforms more slowly and precisely. This creates a feeling of weightlessness. Your pressure points get cradled without feeling stuck. The medium feel suits most side sleepers who want balanced comfort and support.

Tempur Pedic backs this mattress with their reputation for quality. The price reflects the premium materials and construction. If budget allows, this mattress delivers exceptional pain relief and durability.

Pros:

• NASA developed TEMPUR material offers superior pressure relief
• Adapts precisely to individual body shape
• Excellent motion isolation for undisturbed sleep
• Premium brand known for quality and durability
• Medium feel works for most side sleepers

Cons:

• Higher price point than other options
• May sleep warm without additional cooling
• Heavy weight makes moving difficult

Purple GelFlex Grid Mattress

The Purple mattress uses unique grid technology instead of traditional foam. The GelFlex Grid creates a column structure that collapses under pressure points while staying firm elsewhere. This innovative design gives side sleepers excellent pressure relief and support simultaneously.

The 9.25 inch profile includes the gel grid layer over comfort foam and a support base. The grid stays temperature neutral because air flows freely through the column structure. You will not overheat like you might with memory foam. The responsive feel makes changing positions easy.

Purple mattresses have developed a loyal following. The grid technology works especially well for people who find traditional mattresses too soft or too firm. The Full size option shown fits most bedrooms and sleeping arrangements.

Pros:

• Innovative grid technology provides unique comfort
• Temperature neutral design prevents overheating
• Responsive feel allows easy position changes
• Excellent pressure relief without foam feeling
• Made in USA with quality materials

Cons:

• Higher price compared to foam mattresses
• Unique feel takes adjustment for some users
• May feel too firm initially before breaking in

How to Choose Your Perfect Mattress

Several factors determine which mattress works best for your needs. Your body weight plays a major role. Light weight sleepers need softer mattresses. Their lower body weight requires less resistance to achieve proper sinkage. Medium weight sleepers do well with medium firmness. Heavy sleepers need firmer mattresses to prevent excessive sinkage.

Consider your pain severity. Mild discomfort responds well to medium firm hybrids. Severe chronic pain often needs the deep contouring of memory foam. Some people need to try both types to discover which provides better relief.

Temperature preference matters too. Hot sleepers should prioritize cooling features. Look for gel infusions, breathable covers, and airflow channels. Hybrids naturally sleep cooler than all foam mattresses because air circulates through the coil layers.

Budget sets practical limits. The mattresses in this guide range from under $300 to over $1800. Higher prices often bring better materials and longer warranties. However, several affordable options deliver excellent pressure relief. The trial period matters more than the price. Make sure you can return the mattress if it does not relieve your pain.

Memory Foam vs Hybrid Construction

Memory foam mattresses excel at pressure relief and motion isolation. The foam conforms precisely to your body contours. This eliminates pressure points effectively. Memory foam also absorbs movement completely. Your partner’s tossing and turning will not disturb you. The main drawback is heat retention. Even with cooling features, memory foam sleeps warmer than other materials.

Hybrid mattresses combine foam comfort layers with innerspring support cores. The coil system provides better airflow, responsive support, and edge stability. Hybrids feel more traditional while still offering modern pressure relief. They cost more than all foam mattresses but deliver benefits many sleepers prefer. Most experts recommend hybrids as the best overall choice for side sleepers.

Your personal preference decides which construction suits you better. Some people love the enveloping hug of memory foam. Others prefer the bounce and airflow of hybrids. Take advantage of trial periods to test both types if you remain unsure.

Mattress Firmness Scale Explained

Mattress firmness gets rated on a scale from 1 to 10. One represents extremely soft. Ten represents extremely firm. Most side sleepers with shoulder and hip pain do best with mattresses rated 4 to 6. This medium soft to medium range provides enough give for pressure relief while maintaining support.

Lighter sleepers under 130 pounds should look at the 4 to 5 range. Average weight sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds fit the 5 to 6 range. Heavier sleepers over 230 pounds may need 6 to 7 firmness to prevent excessive sinkage.

These recommendations serve as starting points. Your personal comfort preference and specific pain patterns may require adjustments. Some people with hip pain need softer mattresses than those with shoulder pain. Testing different firmness levels during trial periods helps you find your ideal match.

Pressure Relief Features to Look For

Zoned support systems provide different firmness levels for different body areas. Your shoulders get softer support. Your hips and lower back get firmer support. This targeted approach helps maintain spinal alignment while relieving pressure points. Several mattresses in this guide use zoned technology.

Transitional foam layers prevent you from sinking too deeply. These layers sit between comfort foams and support cores. They create a gradual firmness transition. This design supports your body properly while still allowing pressure relief at contact points.

Thicker comfort layers generally provide better pressure relief. Look for mattresses with at least 3 to 4 inches of foam above the support core. The comfort layers should include memory foam or latex for optimal contouring. Polyfoam alone provides less pressure relief.

Cooling Technology Matters

Side sleepers press more body surface against the mattress than back or stomach sleepers. This creates more heat buildup. Cooling features become essential for comfortable sleep. Look for these technologies in your mattress choice.

Gel infusions in memory foam help conduct heat away from your body. The gel particles absorb and disperse heat more effectively than foam alone. Most modern memory foam mattresses include gel infusions in their top layers.

Breathable covers allow air to flow through more easily. Materials like Tencel, bamboo, or phase change fabrics actively manage temperature. Some covers use moisture wicking properties to keep you dry and cool.

Coil systems in hybrids naturally promote airflow. Air circulates through the empty spaces between coils. This ventilation helps regulate temperature throughout the night. Hybrids almost always sleep cooler than all foam mattresses.

Trial Periods and Warranties

Never buy a mattress without a substantial trial period. Your body needs weeks or even months to adjust to a new mattress. Initial impressions can mislead you. A proper trial period should last at least 90 nights. The best companies offer 365 night trials.

Return processes vary by brand. Some companies require you to try the mattress for a minimum period before allowing returns. Others charge return shipping fees. Read the trial period terms carefully before purchasing. Make sure you understand any costs or requirements.

Warranty coverage protects your investment. Look for at least 10 year warranties. The best mattresses come with lifetime or forever warranties. Understand what the warranty covers. Most warranties cover sagging beyond a certain depth and manufacturing defects. They do not cover normal wear, comfort preferences, or damage from misuse.

Setting Up Your New Mattress

Most mattresses in this guide arrive compressed in boxes. This bed in a box delivery makes setup easy. You can handle the box yourself without professional delivery. Unbox your mattress in the room where you will use it. The mattress expands quickly once freed from compression.

Allow proper expansion time before sleeping on your new mattress. Most mattresses need 24 to 48 hours to reach full height and firmness. Some may take up to 72 hours. Using the mattress too soon can affect its final shape and comfort.

Off gassing smells are normal for new mattresses. Foam mattresses especially release odors from manufacturing and compression. These smells are not harmful. They dissipate within a few days. Opening windows and running fans speeds up the process. If you are sensitive to smells, set up your mattress a few days before sleeping on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What firmness level works best for side sleepers with shoulder pain?

Medium soft to medium firmness works best for most side sleepers with shoulder pain. This translates to a 4 to 6 rating on the 10 point firmness scale. This range allows your shoulder to sink into the mattress enough to relieve pressure while still supporting your spine properly. If you weigh less than 130 pounds, go slightly softer. If you weigh more than 230 pounds, go slightly firmer.

Can a mattress topper help with hip pain instead of buying a new mattress?

A quality mattress topper can provide temporary relief if your current mattress is too firm. However, a topper cannot fix a mattress that has worn out or lacks proper support. Toppers work best when your mattress foundation remains good but you need additional cushioning. For serious hip pain, a purpose built mattress designed for side sleepers delivers better long term results.

How long does it take to adjust to a new mattress?

Most people need 2 to 4 weeks to fully adjust to a new mattress. Your body has adapted to your old mattress over years of use. Changing to different support and pressure relief requires adjustment time. Some initial discomfort is normal. However, your pain should improve within the adjustment period. If pain worsens or continues beyond 4 weeks, the mattress firmness may not suit your needs.

Do hybrid mattresses last longer than memory foam mattresses?

Hybrid mattresses typically last 7 to 10 years with proper care. All foam mattresses usually last 6 to 8 years. The coil systems in hybrids provide more durable support than foam cores. However, quality matters more than construction type. A premium memory foam mattress often outlasts a cheap hybrid. Look for high density foams and strong warranties regardless of mattress type.

Should I use a box spring with these mattresses?

Most modern mattresses do not require box springs. They work best on solid platforms, slatted bases, or adjustable bases. Check your mattress specifications for foundation requirements. Using the wrong foundation can void your warranty. Many manufacturers specify maximum slat spacing for proper support. If your bed frame has slats, make sure they meet the manufacturer’s guidelines.

What should I do if my new mattress does not relieve my pain?

Contact the manufacturer within your trial period to arrange a return or exchange. Many companies ask you to try the mattress for at least 30 nights before returning it. Document your experience and any pain issues. Some brands offer one time firmness exchanges during the trial period. Take advantage of these policies to find the right mattress for your needs. Do not wait until after the trial period ends.