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If you’re having shoulder pain when you wake up in the morning, chances are you’re sleeping on an overly firm mattress. As most of you are aware, one great way of resolving this is to add a soft mattress topper on your mattress for extra pressure relief. To help you decide on the right model, we’ve tried and tested all the leading brands and narrowed it down to the top five best mattress toppers for shoulder pain. Our Editor’s Choice is the Leesa Mattress Topper.
Our Top Picks for Best Mattress Topper for Shoulder Pain
- Leesa Mattress Topper – editor’s choice
- Saatva Mattress Topper – best for all sleeper types
- GhostBed Memory Foam Topper – best for pain relief
- Lift by Amerisleep – best for heavyweight individuals
- Layla Memory Foam Topper – best cooling mattress topper
#1. Leesa Mattress Topper
Check Current Price | Editor’s Choice
Pros:
- Great pressure relief
- Responsive
- Cooling
- Machine-washable cover
Cons:
- Not suitable for individuals over 250 lbs.
- Moderate motion transfer
- Slight off-gassing
- Does not have corner straps
Our Experience with the Leesa Mattress Topper
The first mattress topper in our list is made by one of the most popular bed-in-a-box brands on the market. Made with proprietary foam, the Leesa Mattress Topper provides excellent body contouring and pressure relief. Aside from that, it’s also responsive and more breathable than traditional memory foam.
If you need to soften up your mattress, the Leesa topper is a great choice. It has a neutral foam feel and a quick response to pressure unlike slow-moving memory foam. The Leesa Mattress Topper can relieve pressure points making it ideal for side sleepers with shoulder pain.
We also recommend this mattress topper for strict back sleepers who need extra contouring for their lower back. On the other hand, stomach sleepers weighing more than 130 lbs. might not receive enough support from this topper. If you’re a heavier stomach sleeper, you should opt for a firmer topper such as the Dormeo Mattress Topper to prevent your hips from sinking into the bed.
Most memory foam mattress toppers tend to make you feel stuck in the mattress especially the thicker models. However, the Leesa topper’s responsive feel makes it a great fit for combination sleepers who like to switch positions throughout the night. And although it’s not an actively cooling mattress topper, it’s comprised of breathable foam for added airflow and ventilation.
The Leesa Mattress Topper is 2 inches tall and is comprised of the brand’s proprietary responsive foam. This material differs from memory foam in that it has a quicker response to pressure and it’s a bit more breathable and cool. It’s encased in a soft twill fabric cover that’s not only removable, but also machine-washable for easy maintenance.
Although I’ve mentioned many positive things so far about the Leesa mattress topper, it does have some drawbacks. The topper is not great at isolating motion which could be a dealbreaker for couples who don’t want to be disturbed by their restless partners. Moreover, it does not have corner straps which means you’ll be needing a fitted sheet to keep it secure on top of the bed.
The proprietary responsive foam used in the Leesa Mattress topper is CertiPUR-US certified for low VOC emissions. We did experience slight off-gassing with this topper but the new mattress smell faded after 48 hours.
Sizes
The Leesa Mattress Topper comes in all 6 standard mattress sizes.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
Warranty
Leesa offers a 30-night sleep trial as well as free returns for their mattress topper. The mattress topper is also backed by a 5-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects. In addition, the Leesa Mattress Topper ships for free in the contiguous United States.
#2. Saatva Mattress Topper
Check Current Price | Best for All Sleeper Types
Pros:
- Three construction options
- Excellent pressure relief
- Cooling
- Responsive
- Eco-friendly option available
Cons:
- Above average price point
Our Experience with the Saatva Mattress Topper
Saatva is one the few bed-in-a-box brands that offer three different types of mattress toppers. The Saatva Mattress Topper is available in a Graphite, Latex, and High-Density Foam model making it an incredibly versatile topper that’s suitable for all sleeper types. We included this mattress topper in our list because the Graphite version in particular is great for sleepers with shoulder pain, just like their mattresses.
- Graphite – Instead of traditional memory foam, this version features graphite-infused memory foam. This topper is ideal for side sleepers and some back sleepers because it gently cradles sensitive joints and offers soothing pressure relief. Additionally, the graphite infusion counteracts the heat-trapping tendencies of memory foam to help you sleep cool and fresh.
- Latex – If you’re looking for an organic mattress topper, this version could be the right mattress topper for you. Made with natural latex, this topper is bouncy and responsive making it an ideal choice for combination sleepers. It’s also both hypoallergenic and antimicrobial which makes it a great option for those who suffer from nighttime allergies.
- High-density foam – This final model is Saatva’s firmest and most supportive mattress topper. It’s ideal for heavyweight back and stomach sleepers who need a sleep surface with little to no give. The topper’s firmness and responsiveness allow them to keep their spine in a neutral alignment to avoid developing lower back pain.
Each Saatva Mattress Topper version is encased in identical organic cotton covers which protect its core and promote breathability. To reduce the risk of shifting and to ensure a snug fit, the topper can be secured to your mattress using the anchor bands that can be found on its corners.
Sizes
The Saatva Mattress Topper’s versions are 3, 1.5, and 1.5 inches thick respectively. All versions come in 7 sizes including a Split King.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split King
Warranty
The Saatva Mattress Topper comes with a 180-night sleep trial. Additionally, it’s also backed by a 1-year limited non-prorated warranty. Saatva offers free shipping for orders within the contiguous United States.
#3. GhostBed Memory Foam Topper
Check Current Price | Best for Pain Relief | 30% Off Coupon: SLEEPLINE | Review
Pros:
- Zoned support
- Relieves pain and pressure points
- Excellent motion isolation
- Great cooling properties
- Waterproof and machine-washable cover
Cons:
- Slight off-gassing
- Does not come with a sleep trial
Save 30% with coupon code “SLEEPLINE”
Our Experience with the GhostBed Memory Foam Topper
This next model is possibly one of the best mattress toppers for pressure relief available today. The GhostBed Gel Memory Foam Topper is an outstanding topper that features five support zones which provide targeted pressure relief for different areas of your body. While a classic memory foam mattress topper might trap body heat, this mattress topper is infused with gel beads to aid in cooling and heat absorption.
Similar to other memory foam toppers, the GhostBed topper conforms to the shape of your body and cradles your joints. Because of this we would recommend it for side sleepers with shoulder pain who need ample cushioning and pressure relief. Moreover, back sleepers will also love the zoned support and contouring that this topper provides.
On the other hand, most stomach sleepers might need to look for a more supportive topper that will keep their hips aligned with their spine. However, if you weigh 130 lbs. or less this mattress topper might provide adequate support for you. If not, an example of a firmer and more supportive model is the Zoey Mattress Topper.
Memory foam mattresses are known for having great motion isolation. The same can be said for the GhostBed Gel Memory Foam topper. It’s a solid option for couples who are looking for a mattress topper with low motion transfer to help them get uninterrupted sleep.
And if you tend to sleep hot, this mattress topper has cooling properties which will help you sleep cool all through the night.
The GhostBed Gel Memory Foam Topper is 3 inches thick and is made of convoluted gel-infused memory foam. This foam provides zoned support as well as excellent pressure relief. It also promotes additional airflow due thanks to the grooves and swirls on its surface. The topper is encased in a waterproof cover that’s made with proprietary Ghost Ice fabric.
GhostBed also uses CertiPUR-US certified gel memory foam for this topper meaning it has no ozone-depleting substances. We noticed some off-gassing from the topper but the smell dissipated after 48 hours.
Sizes
The GhostBed Memory Foam Topper comes in 7 sizes including a Split King option.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split King
Warranty
GhostBed does not offer a sleep trial for the Gel Memory Foam Topper. However, it is backed by a 5-year warranty that covers structural defects.
Buy: GhostBed Memory Foam Topper
#4. Lift by Amerisleep
Check Current Price | Best for Heavyweight People | 30% Off Coupon: SLEEPLINE | Review
Pros:
- Two firmness options
- Great pressure relief
- Relieves shoulder pain
- Zoned support
- Cooling
- Machine-washable cover
Cons:
- No sleep trial
- Slight off-gassing
Save 30% with coupon code “SLEEPLINE”
Our Experience with the Lift by Amerisleep
Coming up next is another model that’s been touted as one of the best mattress toppers available on the market. The Lift topper is made with Amerisleep’s high-quality proprietary foams which offer increased support and breathability. It’s offered in two firmness options which gives individuals the chance to select the best model depending on their body type and sleeping position.
- Comfort Lift – We recommend this version for side sleepers and some back sleepers who want a soft memory foam feel. The topper’s Bio-Pur™ foam offers full body contouring and pressure point relief due to its five support zones. This makes it an excellent mattress topper for relieving both shoulder and back pain.
- Support Lift – On the other hand, this version is more suitable for back and stomach sleepers. It’s made of Affinity foam which is firmer and more supportive to help sleepers maintain a neutral spinal alignment. It can accommodate most individuals as well as those who weigh over 250 lbs.
Both the Comfort Lift and the Support Lift version also feature Amerisleep’s proprietary HIVE technology. This technology is used in all Amerisleep mattresses and toppers for increased comfort and better air circulation. The Amerisleep Lift Topper is encased in a thin, breathable cover that’s also machine-washable for your convenience.
I should also mention that all the foams used in the Lift Topper are CertiPUR-US certified for low VOC levels and zero heavy metals. Although we experienced slight off-gassing upon unboxing the topper, the smell faded after 48 hours.
Sizes
The Lift by Amerisleep mattress topper is 3 inches thick and it comes in all 6 standard mattress sizes, including a California King.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
Warranty
The Lift by Amerisleep topper does not come with a sleep trial. But it is backed by a 5-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects. Amerisleep offers free shipping and returns for orders within the contiguous United States.
Buy: Lift by Amerisleep
#5. Layla Memory Foam Topper
Check Current Price | Best Cooling Mattress Topper
Pros:
- Relieves pressure points
- Low motion transfer
- Great cooling properties
- Responsive
Cons:
- Slight off-gassing
- Might be too thin for some
Our Experience with the Layla Memory Foam Topper
The last model in our list comes from Layla Sleep, a bed-in-box brand that gained popularity with their flippable copper-infused memory foam mattress. The Layla Mattress Topper, like the company’s flagship mattress, also features copper-infused memory foam. Unlike memory foam which has a tendency of trapping body heat, the copper-gel beads in the foam draw heat away from your body.
Since it’s made of memory foam, the Layla Mattress Topper offers a gentle hugging feel and a little bit of sinkage. It provides lots of contouring and pressure relief without impeding your movement like some other traditional memory foam toppers. This mattress topper is an ideal choice for side sleeper, some back sleepers, and hot sleepers. However, it might be too thin to provide adequate support for heavier individuals especially back and stomach sleepers.
If you tend to overheat at night, the Layla Mattress Topper is a great cooling option for you. It has some nice cooling properties such as copper-gel beads and Thermo-Gel technology to keep you cool and comfortable all night long.
Moreover, this mattress topper has low motion transfer which is important if you don’t want to be disturbed by your partner’s movements. This makes it a good choice for couples who are looking for a soft memory foam topper.
The Layla Memory Foam Topper is 2″ tall and is comprised of copper-infused memory foam. This material has a slightly slow-moving feel but it doesn’t make you feel overly stuck in the bed. The copper gel-beads are also antimicrobial meaning they minimize and kill bacteria to keep your bed clean and fresh.
The topper is encased in a removable cover that’s made of a thin and breathable fabric. To further aid in cooling, the cover is infused with Thermo-Gel which is a phase-change material that dissipates heat away from your body. The topper also features anchor bands on all four corners for a secure fit.
Sizes
The Layla Memory Foam Topper comes in 6 sizes:
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
Warranty
Layla offers a 120-night sleep trial for their Memory Foam Topper. The topper is also backed by a 5-year warranty that covers structural defects. Free shipping is available for orders in the contiguous United States.
Quick view and comparison
| Brand | Leesa Mattress Topper | Saatva Mattress Topper | GhostBed Memory Foam Topper | Lift by Amerisleep | Layla Memory Foam Topper |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 2 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Thickness (inches) | 6 | 3/1.5 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Feel | Medium | Soft to Firm | Medium | Medium/Firm | Medium |
| Sleeper Type | Side and Combination sleepers | All sleeper types | All sleeper types | All sleeper types | Side and Combination sleepers |
| Removable cover | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Trial (nights) | 30 | 180 | N/A | N/A | 120 |
| Warranty (years) | 5 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Link to buy | Buy Leesa Mattress Topper | Buy Saatva Mattress Topper | Buy Ghostbed Mattress Topper | Buy Lift by Amerisleep | Buy Layla Mattress Topper |
How to choose a mattress topper for shoulder pain
Since side sleepers make up most of the population, there are countless individuals who are experiencing shoulder pain due to sleeping on a mattress that’s too firm. Adding a soft mattress topper on your existing mattress can help resolve this problem by providing you with an extra layer of comfort. There are a few important factors to consider when choosing a mattress topper for shoulder pain.
- Pressure relief – This is probably the most significant factor to consider when choosing a topper for shoulder pain. When side sleepers sleep on a firm mattress, pressure builds up on their hips and shoulders which can lead to pain and stiffness. Selecting a mattress topper that offers great pressure relief helps you sleep comfortably and wake up pain-free.
- Thickness – The best mattress topper for side sleepers is one that offers ample cushioning and contouring. If a topper is too thin, chances are you’ll sink right into your current (and possibly overly firm) mattress. Depending on your body weight, a mattress topper should be 2-4 inches thick.
- Zoned support – Although not a necessity, a topper with zoned support can be very beneficial for shoulder pain sufferers. A zoned topper provides varying levels of support for the different areas of your body. This means some areas, like the shoulder, will receive softer cushioning, while areas like the lower back and hips will receive firmer support.
FAQs
Memory foam offers gentle cradling and pressure relief which can be beneficial for individuals with shoulder pain.
Yes. Sleeping on a mattress that’s too firm your comfort and needs can lead to pressure buildup on your shoulders resulting in pain and stiffness.
The ideal mattress firmness range for shoulder pain is 3-6 out of 10 depending on your body weight.
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