While I haven’t personally suffered shoulder pain in recent years, I still know how frustrating it can be to get a good night's sleep. If it seems like no matter what position you try to sleep in, your shoulder always ends up hurting then read on. I've done the research and tried a lot of these in showrooms to find the ones that take the most load off the shoulder. In the information below, I'll share my findings and give you all the information you need to find the best mattress for your shoulder pain.
Understanding the Causes of Shoulder Pain
Before we dive into the best mattresses for shoulder pain, it's important to understand what causes shoulder pain in the first place. There are several potential causes, including:
Rotator cuff injuries
Bursitis
Tendinitis
Frozen shoulder
Arthritis
Pinched nerves
Those are all medical conditions, and if your shoulder pain is new, severe, or waking you regularly, a GP or a physiotherapist is the first call rather than a new bed. What a mattress changes is comfort, and shoulder pain can make it difficult to get comfortable at night and can even wake you up in the middle of the night. That makes the surface you lie on worth getting right.
How your mattress changes shoulder comfort
A mattress will not treat any of those conditions, but it does decide how much load your shoulder carries while you are lying on it. A mattress that is too soft can cause your shoulder to sink in too much, putting pressure on your joint and exacerbating your pain. On the other hand, a mattress that is too firm can push against your shoulder, causing discomfort and pain.
The best mattresses for shoulder pain are typically those that provide a balance between support and comfort. Look for a mattress that is firm enough to keep your spine aligned, but also has enough cushioning to relieve pressure on your shoulder. Provided you sleep on your side, a medium should be ideal for this purpose. If however you sleep on your back then a medium firm should give you what you need by way of support to contour against your muscles.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mattress for Shoulder Pain
When shopping for a mattress to relieve shoulder pain, there are several factors to keep in mind. Here are a few things to consider:
Firmness : As mentioned, you want a mattress that is firm enough to keep your spine aligned, but not so firm that it puts pressure on your shoulder.Material : There are several types of mattresses on the market, including memory foam, latex, and pocket spring. Each material has its own pros and cons, so it's important to do your research and find the one that works best for you.Support : Look for a mattress that provides adequate support for your body. This will not only help with shoulder pain, but can also improve your overall sleep quality.Motion transfer : If you sleep with a partner, you'll want a mattress that minimises motion transfer. This will help you avoid being woken by their movements, which matters more than usual when rolling onto a sore shoulder is what wakes you.
Sleep Positions That Can Help with Shoulder Pain
In addition to finding the right mattress, your sleeping position changes how much of your weight the shoulder carries. Here are a few sleeping positions that can help:
Back sleeping : Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees can help keep your spine aligned and relieve pressure on your shoulder.
Side sleeping : If you prefer to sleep on your side, try placing a pillow between your legs to help keep your spine aligned. You can also try hugging a pillow to your chest to provide extra support for your shoulder.Stomach sleeping : Sleeping on your stomach is not ideal for shoulder pain, but if you must, try using a thin pillow under your chest to help alleviate some of the pressure on your shoulder.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mattresses and Shoulder Pain
Here are a few frequently asked questions about mattresses and shoulder pain:
Can a mattress really help with shoulder pain?
What sleeping position is best for shoulder pain?
How often should I replace my mattress?
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