Do you often experience discomfort or pain in your shoulder which is made worse when you sleep at night? It could be due to a variety of reasons, but one thing that can help is finding the most suitable mattress to reduce any discomfort. The best mattresses are not only comfortable and offer support but also provide pain relief. Your choice of mattress could make all the difference between waking up refreshed or in pain.
With that said, here are the top features and tips to look out for when searching for the best mattresses for shoulder pain…
Causes of Shoulder Pain
There are many causes of shoulder pain which differs in severity from person to person, varying between chronic and temporary discomfort;
- An accident can cause a sudden injury to your shoulders, leading to chronic problems such as neck and back pains
- Carrying heavy objects on your shoulders for an extended period of time without resting them properly first and stretching afterwards can cause temporary muscle pain
- Poor posture and slouching while sitting or standing up straight and even sleeping with your arms outstretched in front of you can also cause pain in the shoulders
Different Types of Shoulder Pain
When looking for a supportive mattress, you first need to understand what type of pain you are experiencing. The best way to determine the kind of pain is by taking note of which area you feel discomfort in.
Here are the most common types of shoulder pain;
- Shoulder joint injury - if you have suffered an injury through sports or other activities, a mattress that can provide joint support will be best for you.
- Shoulder arthritis - in this case, it is recommended to look out for mattresses with a higher density to avoid sinking.
- Degenerative or inflammatory condition of the shoulder - when suffering from inflammation or degeneration in the shoulder, a firmer mattress is recommended as it offers the most support and relieves pressure.
Knowing What to Look For in a Pain-Relieving Mattress
The ultimate mattress should provide relief from all kinds of back pains, especially those that are related to the shoulders and hips. They should support both sides of your body so that there is no lopsided weight distribution amongst the spines and shoulders, as this will prevent additional pressure on already tensed muscles in these areas.
A good mattress should be able to align your spine while you are sleeping and be able to accommodate all sleeping positions, especially if you move around a lot during the night. A pain-relieving mattress will offer complete support by keeping your spine aligned properly and supporting both shoulders equally.
Types of Mattresses Available
Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints among people who have back problems. The best mattresses are those that provide relief from pain while also having many other benefits.
Let’s take a closer look at the different types of mattresses available and highlight the main advantages;
Memory Foam Mattress
You don't want to sleep on a bed that is too hard or too soft. You need something in between, and the best way to achieve this balance is with a memory foam mattress. Memory foam mattresses offer support for your back and shoulders by adjusting to your body shape without it feeling like you are sinking into the mattress when you lay down.
Memory foam is made up of polymer polyurethane, which is combined with hard-working chemicals to give it its viscosity. This is what gives it that soft, sinking feeling when you get into bed. Upon contact with heat, memory foam softens and moulds to the shape of your body for individualised comfort and support. Then, when you get out of bed, the foam springs back to its original shape after a short period of time.
They also absorb any pressure points so that there is no additional strain on already tensed muscles in these areas. Thanks to the individualised support memory foam bring, sufferers of joint pain can rest easy. Hips, shoulders and ankles are cushioned, spines are fully supported, and your weight is spread evenly.
Memory foam has a number of health benefits, providing a support system for multiple areas of your body.
It can also;
- Ease muscle pain
- Circulate air
- Relieve stiffness
- Provide lumbar support
- Contour your body
- Absorb shocks
- Remove strain
Orthopaedic Mattresses
Orthopaedic mattresses are also a great choice of mattress for relieving shoulder pain. Orthopaedic mattresses offer pressure relief and prevent spinal problems which can be caused by regular mattresses. Orthopaedic mattresses are designed with strategically placed grooves and channels to provide extra cushioning around joints and major pressure points. By distributing your weight evenly, natural spinal alignment is encouraged for a great night’s sleep.
These medically-inspired mattresses are best for people who have back and shoulder pain because they keep the spine and neck in proper alignment. Orthopaedic mattresses also provide excellent support to those suffering from chronic back pain.
Hybrid Mattress
A hybrid mattress is a mix of two or more types of mattresses, usually consisting of a memory foam layer with a spring system underneath. They offer maximum support for your back and shoulders and adjust to your body shape.
By covering a pocket sprung mattress with a memory foam comfort layer or mattress topper, you can enjoy the comfort and support of memory foam as well as the breathability of springs.
Spring Mattresses
A spring mattress, commonly known as an open coil mattress or innerspring mattress, is made up of interconnected pocketed coils to provide resistance and support, covered by a top layer of padding or pillow top. These mattresses are not always the best choice for sufferers of shoulder pain. When it comes to traditional bedding types, memory foam mattresses offer more support than spring mattresses because they adjust to your body shape.
Spring mattresses don't provide as much relief from pressure points and can cause additional strain on already tensed muscles in these areas due to their lack of supportiveness. Thick springs have less give and can cause discomfort around pressure points, so coil mattresses are best avoided for those with sensitive joints.
How Does Mattress Depth and Firmness Affect Shoulder Pain?
Mattress depth plays a big role when it comes to shoulder pain. The mattress should have adequate cushioning. If your mattress is too thick, your shoulders will sink further into it, putting more pressure on them when you're trying to sleep and will cause you to wake up with soreness.
But then again, if the mattress is too thin, your shoulders will be too close to the surface of the mattress, offering limited or no support. For sleepers with shoulder pain, we recommend choosing a mattress with a depth of around 7cm (50kg/m³ of memory foam).
When it comes to mattress firmness, an excellent mattress should be between 5 to 7 firm on a scale of 10. A medium-firm mattress adapts nicely to your body form and does not cause excessive shoulder strain.
How Does Your Sleeping Position Affect Shoulder Pain?
The best position for shoulder pain is usually on your back. If you prefer side sleeping, gently fold a pillow in half and lay it below your armpit that's further from the bed; this prevents tense shoulders. For stomach sleepers, another alternative is to lie on your front for intervals during the night. Always ensure you sleep on the opposite side of your body from your hurting shoulder, providing temporary relief to the sore joint.
Tips for Reducing Shoulder Pain When You Sleep
- Switch up your sleeping position to prevent tensed muscles in these areas.
- Try not to sleep on the same side all the time to lessen the strain on already tensed muscles in these areas.
- It may sound obvious, but reducing your stress levels can help to reduce shoulder pain.
- Pre-bedtime relaxation is key - avoid screens an hour before bed and eliminate all distractions that keep you from falling asleep.
- Have a mattress that has adequate cushioning and offers support to keep your spine aligned properly when sleeping.
- Keep your room well-ventilated to prevent overheating which can cause your body to tense up when sleeping.
- Try lowering the temperature in your bedroom by at least five degrees to reduce shoulder pain.
- Find a mattress that supports and shapes to the contours of your body.
The Key to Pain-Free Sleep: The Right Mattress
We’re here to help find the right mattress to eliminate shoulder pain regardless of your budget. Browse our extensive mattress collection to find the perfect one to help your muscle tensions melt away.