Ask a sleep expert: BI's sleep reporter plays mattress matchmaker and answers reader questions

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Are you seeking the best mattress or other sleep products to solve your sleep woes? You're not alone. During Sleep Week 2025, Business Insider's Reviews team is tackling your toughest sleep questions. Our sleep experts have tested hundreds of sleep products and understand that quality rest is essential for mental and physical well-being.

From overheating to shoulder pain to partner disturbances, we've gathered your most pressing sleep concerns and matched them with personalized solutions to help you — and others like you — finally get the restorative sleep you deserve.

I'm a side/back sleeper who wakes up with shoulder pain and tends to sleep hot. My wife sleeps exclusively on her side and feels cold at night. What sleep products would accommodate both our needs while addressing my shoulder discomfort? - Spencer

Based on your shoulder pain and different sleeping preferences, I'd recommend the Tempur-Pedic Cloud mattress. Since you're a combination sleeper who runs hot, this memory foam mattress will supply outstanding pressure relief for your shoulders while adjusting to your position changes throughout the night. Read my full Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress review.

For your temperature differences, consider separate blankets — the Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter for you and something warmer for your wife, such as the Brooklinen All-Season Comforter or one of the best electric blankets. This simple solution can prevent thermostat battles while sharing the same bed. For more cooling options, check out our guide to the best cooling comforters.

If you're not ready to replace your mattress, addressing your shoulder pain might be as easy as improving your spinal alignment during sleep. The Coop Sleep Goods Eden Cool+ Adjustable Pillow allows you to customize the loft height, ensuring your head and neck are properly supported when side sleeping, which reduces pressure on your shoulder joints. This proper alignment can significantly reduce morning shoulder discomfort. The pillow's cooling properties will also address your tendency to overheat. Check out our guide to the best cooling pillows for more ideas.

Alternatively, consider adding a memory foam mattress topper to your existing bed. A 2-to-3-inch topper can supply the pressure relief your shoulders need by allowing them to sink slightly while supporting the rest of your body. The GhostBed Memory Foam Topper is your best bet since it keeps you cool. Visit our best mattress topper guide for more options.

I'm a hot sleeper constantly disturbed by my husband's movements in bed. I alternate between sleeping flat on my back without a pillow and curling up on my side with my soft pillow. What sleep product would minimize motion transfer so I can sleep undisturbed while accommodating my varying sleep positions and tendency to overheat? — Cori T.

A split king mattress would be perfect for someone sensitive to your partner's movements — essentially giving you two separate beds side by side. This virtually eliminates motion transfer while allowing you to share the bedroom space. Saatva and Purple are two top brands offering split king options for all mattresses.

If that's not appealing, I highly recommend the Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress. In my testing, it provides exceptional motion isolation while accommodating both your back and side sleeping positions. The hybrid construction supplies the ideal balance of support when lying flat and pressure relief when you curl up on your side.

The Leesa Sapira also features cooling technology in its top layers that address your tendency to sleep hot. The breathable foam and airflow through the coil system help dissipate body heat throughout the night, keeping you comfortable regardless of your sleeping position. Read my full Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress review.

I constantly sleep hot despite having a Sleep Number bed that I can adjust for body support. What solutions would help me stay cool overnight while using my adjustable mattress? - Kandy R.

While the Sleep Number Climate360 provides advanced cooling technology, its $10,000 price tag isn't practical for more people. Fortunately, you can transform your current Sleep Number bed into a cooler sleep environment with strategic bedding choices.

Start with the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow, which uses breathable shredded memory foam and a cooling cover to help dissipate heat from your head and neck area. You can also adjust the fill for a custom feel. Pair the pillow with the Buffy Breeze Comforter, which is designed specifically for hot sleepers and has temperature-regulating properties.

Complete your cooling system with high-quality cooling sheets. Look for alternatives made from natural fibers, like Tencel, cotton percale, or bamboo, which provide better breathability than synthetic materials. These sheets wick moisture away from your body and allow for better airflow throughout the night, helping you maintain a comfortable temperature while enjoying the customizable support of your Sleep Number mattress. Check out our guide to the best cooling sheets and our roundup of the best cooling products for better sleep.

Another option could be adding one of the best fans or air conditioners to your bedroom. The Midea U Inverter Window Air Conditioner is the quietest I've tested. It's energy-efficient, does an excellent job cooling, and its unique design allows you to open the window while it's installed. Read my full Midea U-Shaped Air Conditioner review.

Want more product help? Email me at jbrains@businessinsider.com.