Best Mattresses For Side Sleepers With Shoulder And Hip Pain

There are a variety of reasons why you could have pain while sleeping on your side. Sleeping on your side puts extra strain on your shoulder and hips, which can cause irritation or pain. Sleeping on a sore or damaged shoulder can exacerbate the discomfort.

Adjust your sleeping position if you have shoulder and/or hip pain at night. To keep yourself from rolling onto your shoulder, use cushions. OTC pain medications and healthy sleep habits may also be beneficial.

If you have shoulder or hip discomfort that is bothersome, severe, or chronic, make an appointment with your doctor. They can assist in the diagnosis of your problem and the formulation of a treatment plan that is appropriate for you.

Side Sleeping and Shoulder Pain

Although your sleep posture is so vital to your body’s health, sleeping on your side might cause shoulder pain. Similar to how our posture can create or increase joint pain or general discomfort while awake, our sleeping posture can induce a variety of aches and pains throughout the body.

Given that we sleep for about eight hours per night, certain sleeping positions may put a strain on our shoulders and bodies, causing stiffness and soreness over time. Some persons may get shoulder impingement or tendinitis as a result of their bone rubbing against the shoulder’s delicate tendons.

While your sleeping posture may cause shoulder pain, it’s also possible that it’s exacerbating an underlying medical problem like a frozen shoulder.

There are a variety of shoulder diseases that can cause pain or discomfort–

• Rotator cuff injury: A rotator cuff injury occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become irritated and inflamed, a condition known as tendinitis, or when they are partially or totally torn. Sleeping on your side can aggravate or worsen rotator cuff injury symptoms, such as dull pain or aches in the shoulder and stiffness that limits your range of motion. Sleep disturbances and increased pain when utilizing the shoulder are common symptoms of rotator cuff injuries.
• Shoulder bursitis: Bursae are fluid-filled sacs found all over the body that assist cushion the fragile tissues around joints. Shoulder bursitis occurs when the shoulder’s bursae become inflamed and irritated. Bursitis can occur where there are bursae, but the shoulder is one of the most typical places for it to occur. Symptoms of shoulder bursitis include redness, inflammation, and stiffness in the shoulder, pain that worsens with movement, localized tenderness, and increased pain from the pressure.
• Osteoarthritis: Shoulder osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones in the shoulder deteriorates and breaks down. Shoulder osteoarthritis can develop naturally as people age, but it can also develop as a result of earlier trauma or injury. Reduced range of motion, stiffness, and pain that worsens with activity are common symptoms of shoulder osteoarthritis. Shoulder osteoarthritis can result in clicking or grinding sounds inside the shoulder.
• Shoulder impingement: When the tissues around the rotator cuff begin to scrape or grind against neighboring tissue or bones, this is known as shoulder impingement. Tendinitis, bursitis, and bone spurs can all cause friction. Shoulder impingement most commonly causes pain on the outside or top of the shoulder, as well as a general feeling of weakening in the shoulder.

Solutions to Shoulder Pain for Side Sleepers

The length of time that shoulder discomfort from sleeping incorrectly lasts is determined by your sleeping posture and whether or not you have any underlying medical disorders. If you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of shoulder aches when you wake up, have a look at these options.

There are a variety of effective at-home shoulder pain treatments available to help relieve pain and strain. While at-home shoulder pain treatments can be useful, we recommend that you contact with your doctor before beginning any shoulder exercises or using any medicine. The following are a few of the most common treatments for shoulder pain–

• Exercises for the shoulders: Shoulder exercises and physical therapy can help relieve tension and pain by strengthening the tendons and muscles in your shoulder. Range-of-motion exercises, rotator cuff strengthening, and upper extremity strengthening are all common shoulder workouts.
• Packs of heat and ice: Applying heat and ice to the problematic areas, depending on your shoulder symptoms, is an efficient technique to relieve shoulder discomfort. Moist heat might help relax muscles and stiff joints if you have shoulder arthritis or osteoarthritis. If you have a shoulder strain, use an ice pack and a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. After the swelling has decreased, heat can be used to assist relieve stiffness. Ice packs can help with shoulder tendonitis by reducing inflammation.
• Medicines that reduce inflammation: Anti-inflammatory medicines and pain relievers sold over-the-counter can also assist to alleviate unpleasant shoulder symptoms.
• Choosing the right mattress: Last but not least, if you want to get relief from shoulder pain when sleeping on your side, you must purchase the right mattress. Look for mattresses with materials that are designed to relieve pressure. If you have shoulder pain, hybrid, latex, and memory foam mattresses are suitable options. A supporting coil system is combined with a large comfort layer in hybrid mattresses, which could be foam, latex, or another substance. The result is a mattress that provides all of the supporting benefits of coils, as well as improved pressure relief and motion isolation. Latex mattresses are incredibly long-lasting and moderately conforming, with just the right amount of bounce. They provide a soft “hug” around the shoulders without the “sinking in” sensation associated with memory foam. Due to the pressure relief it provides, memory foam can still be a decent option. Memory foam is notable for its deep contouring. Shoulder discomfort sufferers may discover that the contouring provides significant relief.

Side Sleeping and Hip Pain

Hip pain can keep you awake at night or make it difficult to fall asleep in the first place.

Your sleeping position or something else totally could be causing the soreness. When you sleep, for example, your joints enlarge because you don’t move much, producing stiffness and pain.

The following concerns may be the source of your hip while sleeping–

• Sleeping in an uncomfortable position: According to a 2012 sleep study, 74 percent of people sleep on their sides. However, this position might cause pain in both hips. The direct pressure on the hip you’re lying on can cause discomfort. When you lie on your side, the opposite hip can be pulled out of position and begin to hurt. Some people find that sleeping with a cushion between their legs helps them sleep better.

• Hip osteoarthritis:As we age, the cartilage in our hip joints wears away, resulting in hip osteoarthritis in some people. Side sleeping puts strain on an arthritic hip, which can cause nighttime arthritis discomfort. Long periods of inactivity have also been linked to an increase in arthritic discomfort.

• Hip bursitis:The trochanteric bursa is a pillow-like structure at the hip’s point of attachment. When the trochanteric bursa is inflamed, it is known as trochanteric bursitis. As a result, sleeping on either hip may cause nighttime discomfort.
• Dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint: At the back of your pelvis are the sacroiliac joints. They connect the lower spine to the pelvic girdle. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction refers to inflammation in these joints. The pelvis, buttocks, hips, and lower back are frequently affected by this condition. Sleeping on your side puts a greater strain on inflamed joints, which can cause more discomfort.

Solutions to Hip Pain for Side Sleepers

There are a number of ways that can provide comfort and pain relief throughout the night for those who suffer from chronic hip pain, allowing them to sleep peacefully and restfully–

• Sleep in a different position: The hip is a pressure point that is easily irritated. If you put too much weight on it, you can experience more stiffness or soreness. Side sleeping can be an excellent alternative for those who experience hip discomfort on only one side of their body; just make sure to sleep on the opposite side (thus, if your left hip hurts, place your weight on the right hip). Sleeping on your back is an even better alternative because neither of your hips will be overworked. To ensure good hip alignment, a knee pillow might be employed.
• Make Pillows Work for You: Pillow placement can be a crucial strategy to relieve the discomfort by easing the weight on painful, delicate hips. A wedge-shaped pillow can be positioned beneath the lower back or below the knees for back sleepers in particular. This elevates the hips slightly and relieves the pressure on them. A pillow can be positioned under or between the knees for side sleepers. Again, the goal is to avoid pressing the sensitive hip into the mattress or putting too much pressure on it. If you don’t have a pillow the right size, a folded blanket or towel can suffice.
• Stretch Before Going to Bed: Another technique to relieve hip discomfort is to stretch lightly before going to bed. Consider the following hip flexor stretch: Place your hands on your hips in a lunge position and drive your pelvis and body forward until you feel the muscles stretching down in your hips. The butterfly stretch is also good. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet’s soles touching. Place your heels as close to your body as possible, and push your knees down with your elbows. These are just a few stretches that can help relieve some of the tightness and tension in your hips, allowing you to relax before going to bed.
• Make Sure to Sleep on the Right Mattress: A mattress that relieves pressure is also beneficial. While there are a variety of mattresses available for pain relief, memory foam is frequently the ideal option since it allows the hip to sink into the mattress without becoming bunched up or pressed against by pressure. When searching for a pressure-relieving mattress, you can look for targeted or zoned support; mattresses with targeted ergonomic support are specifically designed to evenly distribute body weight, ensuring your sensitive hips don’t bear its brunt. If you’re unable to get a new mattress, a mattress topper can help, adding additional padding to your current bed. This can be a great way to rehabilitate an older, used mattress and make it more hip-friendly.

Ensure that your mattress is the source of the Shoulder/Hip Pain

It’s Too Old

Mattresses, like everything else, have a shelf life. A typical mattress may provide support and comfort for 7 to 10 years, but if you buy a cheap mattress, it will likely start to wear out even sooner. Sagging, flattened comfort layers and frayed edges are all signs of normal wear and use. And here’s how these problems could be causing your shoulder pain:

• Misalignment of the spine

A mattress with an uneven surface will not be able to respond to your body’s curves adequately. Instead, it may cause tension and stiffness by creating odd curves where they shouldn’t be – for example, in your shoulder area.

• Inadequate cradling

You may begin to feel the springs beneath the comfort layers if you have a hybrid or innerspring mattress. If you sleep on your side, the coils may put too much pressure on your hip and shoulder areas, causing pain. In this instance, foam mattresses are preferable, although they may lose resilience and become softer over time, contributing to spine misalignment and muscular injuries.

• A lesser level of ease

An outdated mattress can make it difficult to sleep in your preferred positions. As a result, you start tossing and turning more frequently and receive less restful sleep. If you already have health problems, not getting enough sleep can make things worse.

A mattress topper can refresh the feel of your old bed and possibly extend its life by a few years. Even yet, if you want to be fully pain-free, you should consider replacing your mattress at some point.

It’s either too soft or too firm

Along with the mattress’s age, the inappropriate firmness level might also disrupt your sleep.

Basically, all of the beds may be classified into three firmness degrees on a scale of one to ten, with one being the softest and ten being the firmest:

Soft (up to 5/10): Soft beds can offer you a decent amount of sinkage and cradle your body really well. But that’s only if you’re a petite or average-weight sleeper. Big guys and girls may simply dive through all the comfort layers and land onto the dense core of the mattress, which will resist the pressure, making their shoulders hurt.

Medium (5-7/10): This level of firmness is found in the majority of high-quality mattresses for side sleepers with shoulder problems. They are suitable for virtually every sleeper and adapt effectively to the body contour without causing excessive shoulder/hip pain.

Firm (7-9/10): For overweight sleepers, firm beds are usually an excellent choice. They are capable of coping with increased weight. A firm mattress might feel cradling rather than putting additional weight on the shoulders. It’s worth noting that heavier side sleepers should go for a firmness level that’s closer to the lower end of the range, i.e. 7-8 out of 10 rather than 9/10.

Waking up with Pain for several days in a row

If you’ve been waking up with shoulder aches for several days, you’re probably stumped as to what’s causing your problem. But the truth is that telling the difference between discomfort produced by a mattress and pain caused by a medical ailment isn’t that difficult.

To begin with, the pain caused by an improper mattress is usually subtle and subsides later in the day. Furthermore, if you do your morning stretching routine or a couple of yoga activities, it will go away much faster.

Second, if you go to a friend’s house or a hotel room and sleep on another bed, you are unlikely to experience any stiffness in your shoulders because the pain was caused by your mattress.

However, if your shoulder or hip pain worsens when you move it or doesn’t appear to go away during the day, you should see a doctor and get the correct treatment.

Shoulder and Hip Pain: What Mattress Types to Choose

Foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses are the four basic types of mattresses available on the market. However, not all of them will be ideal for a side sleeper who suffers from shoulder or hip pain.

Foam

The most popular alternative on the market is a foam mattress. Most manufacturers nowadays employ polyfoam or memory foam. You can also choose a mattress that combines both materials in various ways. So, here’s how each of these combinations will function:

Polyfoam: Polyurethane foam has a sponge-like texture and is more bouncy. Despite the fact that it isn’t as conforming as memory foam, this material can nonetheless cradle your body in any sleeping position and has fewer thermoregulation difficulties. Polyfoam doesn’t make it difficult to move during the night thanks to its high rebound. This sort of foam, on the other hand, may wear out faster than memory foam.

Memory foam: This material reigns supreme when it comes to cradling. It’s no surprise that memory foam is frequently used in hospital beds, and if you’re looking for a truly nice mattress for side sleepers with shoulder and hip pain, you’ll almost certainly end up with one. This material conforms to your body curves flawlessly and relieves pressure in the hip and shoulder areas. The biggest issue with memory foam is that it retains a lot of heat, which might disrupt your sleep.

Mixed foams: Mixed foam mattresses are supposed to provide a balance of cradling and rebound, but the reality is usually a little different.

Infused foams are frequently utilized as comfort layers in foam mattresses. They’re usually softer than non-infused foams and can cover up the characteristic foam odor.

Latex

Latex is technically a foam as well. It’s manufactured from rubber tree sap that’s been vulcanized. Latex foam, on the other hand, has smaller pores and is denser than synthetic foams, so you can expect a longer lifespan – and better responsiveness. For people who have mobility issues, the latter is crucial. Some people, however, dislike the feel of latex. Latex mattresses are typically more costly than other types of mattresses.

For side sleepers who tend to overheat during the night, a latex mattress may be a decent option. Since latex is so sensitive, it won’t hug the sleeper as tightly. Users who sleep on top of the mattress rather than being engulfed by its comfort layers don’t usually experience heat retention and can sleep cool. While having a temperature-neutral environment has nothing to do with shoulder or hip pain, it can assist side sleepers feel more comfortable and thus sleep better.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses come in a variety of foam, natural latex, and coil configurations. For shoulder and hip pain patients, this is both a gain and a disadvantage. The problem is that not all combinations of these materials will result in a mattress that is effective for shoulder or hip pain alleviation, so selecting the correct model can be difficult.

However, if you’re keen on getting a hybrid mattress, keep these pointers in mind:

• Look for variants with at least two comfort layers above the coil mechanism.
• Choose your stiffness carefully.
• In the store, try out your mattress (or choose brands offering longer trial periods).

When laying on one’s side, a hybrid mattress with substantial comfort layers can give appropriate cushioning for one’s shoulders and hips. A good hybrid, on the other hand, would prevent undesired spinal curvatures because to the responsive coils underneath. A hybrid mattress can assist ease tension in the shoulders and hips, and possibly alleviate discomfort by keeping the spine supported and shoulders cradled. Customers should keep in mind, however, that this is only feasible if they choose the right mattress firmness.

Innerspring

Innersprings may not be a good choice for someone who suffers from shoulder and hip pain. These mattresses allow you to move about freely on the surface, but they often only have 1-2 comfort layers above the coil unit, which is insufficient to cradle your shoulders and hips and relieve pressure.

That’s why side sleepers often experience unpleasant pressure points, particularly in the shoulders and hips, when resting on an innerspring mattress. Because the shoulders aren’t well cushioned, they press forcefully against the mattress surface rather than sinking into it. This, of course, can increase shoulder/hip pain.

A Buying Guide for Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers with Shoulder and Hip Pain

Helix Mattress

The hybrid mattress is made up of three separate layers of materials: a proprietary latex/memory foam blend on top, pocketed micro coils in the middle, and a polyfoam/memory foam blend at the bottom, all of which work together to provide excellent responsiveness, contouring, and deep support. The Helix mattress is unique in that you may tailor the thickness of these layers based on how you respond to an online quiz from the maker that determines your sleep preferences, including your sleep position and troublesome pressure spots like hips and shoulders.

If you and your partner have completely different sleep patterns, you can select for a half-and-half merging of two independent beds – few mattress manufacturers provide this level of flexibility, especially at such an affordable price range.

On the other hand, the product has a slow heat dissipation rate, poor edge support, and some off-gassing problems. Furthermore, after being pressed on, the thin cover tends to bunch up, but this can be readily straightened out.

None of these flaws, however, are deal-breakers, and if you want to tell your mattress exactly how to handle your shoulder and hip pain, this is the mattress for you. A ten-year limited warranty is included with the product, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Layla Mattress

The Layla features a copper-infused memory foam comfort layer that, according to the maker, enhances cooling and promotes pain relief by improving blood flow. As a result, it is advised for those who suffer from arthritis, a condition that causes hip and shoulder pain.

It’s even more unique because it’s dual-sided, with a 3-inch copper-infused memory foam layer on one side and a 1-inchcopper-infused memory foam layer on the other. A 6-inch convoluted foam layer sits in the center, with the egg crate formations facing the soft side to add to the sinking, hugging effect.

The soft side is better for side sleepers since it provides more contouring, whilst the firm side is better for back and stomach sleepers who don’t need as much plushness.

To enhance temperature dissipation, the mattress is coated in a cooling gel-infused cover, although it appears that only the firm side lives up to the manufacturer’s claims. In fact, if you’re a hot sleeper, the soft side can be too warm.

The product comes with a lifetime warranty – which, mind you, does not cover most cosmetic wear and tear – as well as a 120-day money-back guarantee.

Puffy Lux

The feel of the Puffy Lux is what makes it one of the best mattresses for side sleepers with shoulder and hip problems. Being one of the most well-balanced mattresses Puffy provides just enough hug to softly wrap projecting body parts while preventing the spine from curving painfully.

This model does not get heated while sleeping (which can be an issue for many side sleepers). The Puffy has a number of foam layers, all of which offer cooling effects.

Winkbed

Due to its supportive architecture, the Winkbed is one of the finest mattresses for side sleepers with shoulder and hip pain. The mattress comes in four firmness levels, with the Soft and Luxury Firm options being ideal for side sleepers.

Even if you’re a big guy, the bed’s hybrid construction can comfortably support your weight without causing too much resistance in the shoulder area. This means you won’t sink too far and can easily alter positions throughout the night.

Furthermore, the mattress’s pocketed coil technology improves ventilation and effectively absorbs your body heat, resulting in a more pleasant sleep.

Due to the coil system, the Winkbed can now be used by couples because it has extremely robust edges. However, due of the foam layers above the coils, it does not seem too bouncy.

Overall, the Winkbed may be a decent choice for you if you share a bed with a spouse, especially if they move about a lot when sleeping. It provides a consistent sleeping surface as well as ample cradling to relieve hip and shoulder strain.

AS3 by Amerisleep

The AS3 mattress by Amerisleep can be the correct solution if you want to get rid of shoulder and hip pain when lying on one side and lower your risks of developing environmental allergies. First and foremost, this all-foam mattress provides zonal support and close conforming. As a result, it can help to relieve shoulder and hip pain by reducing pressure points.

Additionally, the AS3 may provide you with a secure environment. The difference is that this model comprises of Bio-Pur foam, which is made from plants and is breathable. It is less prone to accumulate bacteria, moisture, dust mites, or mold since it allows for better airflow. Naturally, this mattress could be a fantastic choice for side sleepers who want to keep their bedroom free of allergens.

GhostBed Luxe

Apart from the basic pain alleviation functionality, the GhostBed Luxe keeps the body cool while sleeping. The Ghost Ice technology, which can be found in the mattress’s core and quilted cover, is patent-pending and is designed to repel body heat rather than retain it like other mattress kinds.

The mattress’s gel-infused memory foam allows it to mold to the shape of a user’s body, cushioning pressure spots and alleviating tension or pain not only in the shoulder, but also in the back, hip, and neck.

Despite the mattress’s medium-plush firmness level, its core and foundation layers are comprised of high-density foam, which provides support and longevity.

Loom & Leaf by Saatva

The Loom and Leaf by Saatva is another model that fits into the category of the best mattresses for side sleepers with shoulder and hip problems. This all-foam mattress is available in two firmness levels: Relaxed Firm and Firm. As a result, it may provide the best support for heavier side sleepers. The Loom and Leaf, although its slightly stiffer feel, may provide good contouring due to the cradling foams it employs, sleepers get enough of a hug when laying on this mattress without feeling trapped. As the top comfort layers are mild on the protruding shoulder, the Loom and Leaf has a chance to help you sleep better at night.

Dreamfoam Ultimate Dreams

The bamboo weave EuroTop cover on top of the Ultimate Dreams mattress gives ideal softness and breathability. This is followed by a three-inch layer of Talalay latex, which allows the mattress to swiftly adapt to your physical structure. The base is made up of 8 inches of 2 lb/cu.ft. HD polyfoam, which provides important general stability for the entire body while also helping to improve the bounce.

The effectiveness with which it provides comfort and support (to the point where many users have claimed excellent pressure point alleviation), as well as the fact that it does so while assuring rapid heat dissipation thanks to its breathable construction, are two appealing qualities of this product.

The product comes with a 10- to 20-year limited guarantee, as well as a 90-day trial period, depending on the model. If you opt to personalize the firmness at the time of purchase, you will be called by a company representative who will ask you a series of questions. If the firmness level you receive isn’t to your liking, you can exchange it for a model with a different firmness level.

The Last Words

There is no clear winner when it comes to choosing the best mattress for hip and shoulder pain. You should think about the type of pain you’re having, your sleeping posture, and your specific mattress preferences. Due to their conformance and pain-relieving properties, memory foam and latex are mostly the ideal choices for side sleepers with shoulder and/hip pain.