The 12 Best Pillows for Shoulder Pain

A sound sleep is essential after a long, hectic day so that you may can wake up refreshed and rejuvenated. Sometimes, sleeping can be an uncomfortable experience when you’re dealing with issues like body pains or stress. If you’re a side sleeper that is suffering from shoulder pain, you’d know first hand how difficult it can be getting in some shuteye.

In fact, those who are suffering from shoulder pain required certain pillows that not only relieve the pain but also promote peaceful and comfortable sleep.

We’ve gathered 13 of the best sleeping pillows suitable for shoulder pain along with a comprehensive buyer’s guide to making your journey to the sleep of your dreams effortless. Read on to find the perfect pillow fit to relieve your shoulder pain while you sleep! 

The List

1. Idle Sleep Gel Memory Foam Pillow

Pillow Image 1

If you suffer with shoulder pain, this gel memory foam will help alleviate your pain while you get a good night’s sleep. The gel memory foam in this pillow keeps you cool throughout the night and provides a great platform to relieve your shoulder and neck pain at the same time. It is carefully engineered, making sure that the air flows in and out to keep the pillow ventilated.

The Idle Sleep Gel Memory Foam Pillow is made up of superior quality material that specially made for those recovering from shoulder and back pain.

This is the reason it is a bit expensive than the ordinary sleeping pillows, but the functionality makes it worth the price. It comes in two different sizes that are designed according to your mattress size and design. Moreover, they look extremely good on your mattress, along with giving you a soothing feel you always long for.

In addition, this pillow has a removable bamboo velour cover that is easily washable so you can remove the cover on and off in order to wash it. It is a high-quality and durable pillow that lasts long. In addition, it is quite affordable, making it a worthwhile purchase.

Pros

  • Designed with a ventilation system
  • Contoured design fits your shoulders and neck comfortably
  • It has a Bamboo velour changeable cover

Cons

It is a bit expensive.

2. The Purple® Pillow

Screen Shot 2020 07 21 at 12.10.05 AM

The purple pillow is surely a considerable choice for those who are looking for a solution to relieve strain on their muscles while sleeping. It is made up of Hyper-elastic polymer and moisture-wicking material that is super-lofty and eco-friendly.

The fluffiness of this pillow is adjustable, assisted by the two zippers located on the long side of the pillow. You can adjust its firmness and loftiness according to your need. 

This pillow is highly recommended for the back and side sleepers because of its plush feel and adjustable firmness. It easily conforms to your back and neck and provides greater support alleviating your shoulder to a greater extent than any other ordinary pillow.

The pillow is super-lofty, and people who love to hug teddy bears would love to buy such pillows because they are huggable.

It has enhanced breathability, so it is a great choice in summery weather because it does not run hot. It has a traditional shape and durable built that offers a great response to pressure.

However, this pillow becomes flat easily, so you should frequently adjust its fluffiness so that it may be able to maintain its loft and shape.

Pros

  • Super-lofty and adjustable fluffiness
  • Traditionally-shaped huggable Pillow
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Breathable material

Specifications

  • Not suitable for stomach sleepers
  • Gets flat every so often

3. MedCline Shoulder Relief Wedge and Body Pillow

If you’re looking for an all-in-one flannel sheet set, this set from Stone & Beam is for you. The set comes with a drawstring bag to store the sheets away in during warmer months, plus it includes all the necessary pieces to help you get a great night’s sleep.

Perfect for winter months when the air is cold, this flannel sheet set is made with a double-napped finish for extreme softness. Just be sure to wash your sheets before you use them!

Pros

  • It is a complete relief system that aids sleep.
  • Made up of high-quality foam
  • Adjustable stuffing
  • It has a good lifespan

Cons

  • It is not suitable for petite people

4. The Ecosa Pillow

Screen Shot 2020 07 21 at 12.15.49 AM

This next pillow had all of the right features that are bound to relieve your shoulder pain while you get the rest you need. The Ecosa Pillow features adjustable height pads, a removable cover, a breathable 3D structure, and activated charcoal memory foam.

Keeping up with the cleanliness of this plush pillow is effortless, as its removable cover allows for simply a quick cycle in the washing machine to refresh it. Not only that, but the activated charcoal memory foam promotes odor control and antibacterial protection.

If you’re a hot sleeper, this pillow might be your perfect match as its breathable design encourages heat and moisture to disperse from the pillow’s surface. This pillow is sure to be worth the price when you purchase it.

Pros

  • Removable Cover
  • Includes adjustable height sliders
  • Activated charcoal memory foam
  • Breathable design

Cons

  • It May be too soft for some sleepers
  • High price

5. Cosium Cervical Pillow

71bHSzXGRsL. AC SL1500 1 1

The Cosium Cervical Pillow is another high-quality pillow for side and back sleepers. The pillow uses first-class memory foam offering a firm platform to place your head upon.

It alleviates the soreness of muscles and tendons by providing a hard surface under your head. It is a very suitable choice if you are suffering from neck and shoulder pain.    

Those with cervical issues can use the higher side to sleep while those who sleep at the back or side can use the lower side to sleep comfortably. 

In addition, this pillow comes with a removable pillowcase that is easily detachable and washable. It has a breathable fabric and stuffing that let the air flow inside to offer a cool night throughout the summer. 

In addition, the Cosium Cervical pillow is made up of safe and non-toxic material. The company uses no harmful chemicals that are usually used in the making of ordinary memory foam pillows.

Pros

  • Made up of breathable material
  • Safe and non-toxic Pillow
  • They are specially designed for back and side sleepers.
  • Removable and washable pillowcase

Cons

  • May be too firm for some

6. MALOUF Z Shoulder Zoned Dough Memory Foam Pillow

61rqkR1buL. AC SL1500

The MALOUF Z Shoulder Zoned Dough Memory Foam Pillow is a good choice for those who want to buy a breathable pillow at an affordable price.

This pillow uses a cool gel that keeps you cooler, unlike the ordinary memory foam pillow that absorbs heat and runs hot. It is equipped with a zoned technology that offers great support to your neck and shoulders.    

This pillow has a breathable pillowcase that is made up of Tencel. It offers better temperature regulation and moisture, creating a favorable environment to sleep.

The pillow lets the air flow in to provide ventilation for a cooler feel. It is made up of a high-quality memory foam that is not only durable and long-lasting but also free from all the toxic chemicals usually found in ordinary pillows.

As far as reliability is concerned, the pillow is Certi-Pur-Us certified and backed by a five-year warranty, confirming its durability.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Equipped with a cooling technology
  • Best for people having neck and shoulder pain
  • Certipur-Us certified for non-toxic material

Cons

  • No drawbacks reported

7. Technogel ContourGel Side Sleeper Pillow

61vt6Tt7ynL. AC SL1024

The Technogel ContourGel Side Sleeper Pillow comes with two pillow covers that are made up of high-quality cotton. The covers are dust-resistant and mites-resistant and are easy-to-wash.  These pillows are designed for those who are the side sleepers or sleep on their back. 

The pillow is also contoured according to your head and shoulders to offer you a comfortable feel during the night. The ergonomic design helps  reduce pressure and pain on your neck and shoulders as well.

The pillows are neither hard nor soft, so they offer an adequate balance of comfort and support to your body.  

Another notable feature is the triple action cooling system that is super-soothing during the hot summery nights. The gel utilized in this pillow ensures that your head and back do not heat up.

This pillow is designed with gel towers and air holes to keep it ventilated even in extremely hot weather. Moreover, this pillow is made with a medical-grade material absolutely free from toxic chemicals, harmful to your body. The gel is odorless, and Oeko-Tex certified, making it a favorable choice.

Pros

  • The efficient triple-action cooling system
  • Contoured design utilizing medicated gel
  • Provides ventilation
  • Oeko-Tex certified
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Adhesives are not used to bind memory foam and gel.

Cons

  • No drawbacks made

8. Kanjō Acupressure Cervical Traction Wedge Pillow

71yEox tvyL. AC SL1500

This next pillow is unique, as it is designed to target acupressure meridian points to reduce strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. It is a wedge-shaped pillow filled with a high-quality memory foam that offers stability and relief to your aching body parts.

The outer material is made up of cotton linen material that is very soft and breathable. It offers great ventilation in the hot and humid weather and lets the air flows in to keep you cool throughout the night.

The most notable feature is its plastic stimulators that activate several acupressure points of your cervical and back.

These simulators are made up of BPA free plastic that is not harmful to the human body. Moreover, this unique pillow has a washable pillowcase that can be removed conveniently to clean it.

Pros

  • Equipped with a unique Chinese technology
  • Washable pillowcase
  • Breathable material
  • BPA-free plastic stimulators

Cons

  • No drawbacks reported

9. Leesa Hybrid Pillow

The Leesa Hybrid Pillow is well-known for its remarkable cooling technology. It is designed to offer a cooling effect all night long to keep you chilling on hotter nights. It is stuffed with a ventilated gel that lets the air in and maintains a chilling environment.

This pillow is equipped with a zipper and a down-like stuffing that feels super-lofty. The pillow is lightweight and fluffy and offers a plush feel.

It is designed to provide maximum traction and support to your muscles and ligaments and alleviate your pain like it will be no more.

Pros

  • Offers great support to your body while sleeping
  • Lightweight and fluffy
  • Filled with a ventilated gel

Cons

  • High price

10. Layla Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

71EACvOFr3L. AC SL1500

The Layla Shredded memory foam pillow is another considerable choice for those who are tired of trying ordinary pillows to alleviate their shoulder pain. This pillow uses Kapok that is breathable and super-lofty. It is loftier than the traditional woolen or cotton material, which lasts long.

The most notable feature is its pillow cover that is made up of a Copper-infused yarn named CuTEC. This material makes sure that your pillow remains harmless and odorless. 

The material is 100% organic and extracted from the Kapok tree. It is free from toxic chemicals that are used in the manufacturing of ordinary pillows.

The pillow cover has a zipper that can be used to shape up the Pillow according to your need, so if you are a stomach sleeper, then you can remove the fill to make it thinner, which compliments your sleeping position. The pillow also forms to cradles your head, neck, and back which provides great support and traction.

Pros

  • Made up of all-natural Kapok
  • Copper-infused yarn is used for hygiene.
  • Adjustable fill
  • Breathable

Cons

  • The pillow cover is not removable.

11. LUXEAR Bed Pillow, Adjustable Pillow for Sleeping

61P557gRJqL. AC SL1000

Here is another extremely adjustable pillow perfect for your back and shoulder pain. This pillow is neither too soft nor too hard to cradle your head and back. It is designed with foe partitions that are stuffed with TPE hoses.

You can conveniently adjust the TPE hoses according to your sleeping style and convenience. You can also adjust the height and firmness of the pillow according to your need.

The pillow can be used by all types of sleepers. The design conforms to your natural body shape that reduces stress on your back, neck, and shoulders.

It is a perfect combination of comfort and support that improves your sleep time and quality. It is designed in a way that it always keeps the fresh air in, The outer is made up of Sorona 3D vegetable cotton that is highly elastic.  

The pillow comes with two pads that are used to adjust the height (or loft) of the pillow. In addition, the pillow is machine washable, so just put this pillow in your washing machine, and there you get it cleaned just in few minutes.

Pros

  • Extremely adjustable pillow
  • Breathable filling
  • Machine washable pillow
  • Comfortable and supportive skin-friendly pillow

Cons

  • No drawbacks reported

12. Coop Home Goods – Eden Adjustable Pillow

61W ml2ZcL. AC SL1000

The Eden adjustable Pillow is an incredible combination of comfort, support, and functionality featuring a soft gel-infused memory foam that keeps you cool all night long. Its ergonomic design offers great support to your sleeping position alleviating your pain and relieving stress.

The Pillow is not made for a specific user. It is versatile because of its adjustable filling that can be added or removed in order to adjust the height and weight according to your sleeping position and convenience.

The pillow is made up of a highly comfortable and safe material that is green guard gold certified and Certipur-US for the non-toxic and hypoallergenic material it contains. The material is free from harmful chemicals and bad odor. Moreover, it is a vegan product free from animal products.

The pillow cover is made up of Lulltra fabric and a combination of rayon and viscose that Is lofty and dust-resistant. Moreover, the Pillow is breathable made using a high-grade fabric.

In addition, Eden adjustable pillow is reliable for its durability and greater lifespan, so it is a considerable choice if you are looking for a pillow for your shoulder pain.

Pros

  • Breathable material
  • Super loft, dust, and mite resistant
  • Non-toxic and odorless
  • Vegan product
  • Adjustable filling

Cons

  • No drawbacks report

13. MittaGonG Shredded Memory Foam Home Pillow

71moyUFqFNL. AC SL1001

The MittaGonG pillow is a considerably affordable pillow if you are looking for a pillow that won’t cost you a fortune. It is made up of viscose and polyester containing memory foam that conforms to your natural body shape.

The fabric is very soft and breathable and provides great ventilation. The cover is machine washable and easily removable.

This pillow is more comfy and cozy than the normal pillow. However, it efficiently lets the air in to keep you cooler throughout the night.

The filling is adjustable, so you can remove it according to your convenience. It is uniquely designed for all sleepers due to its adjustable filling.  

It also has a side 4D mesh design that is equipped with efficient heat-dissipation technology maintaining a comfortable sleeping environment.

Moreover, the Pillow is made up of non-toxic and odorless material. It has a durable and long-lasting design that makes it a reliable choice for all sleepers.

Pros

  • Comfortable contoured design
  • Breathable and non-toxic material
  • Equipped with an efficient heat dissipation technology
  • Affordable
  • Made for all type of sleepers

Cons

  • Some may find it too firm

Buyer’s Guide

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Shoulders are a sensitive part of the body, and when you feel tension or pain in them, it can be nearly impossible to get a good night’s sleep. There are several causes for shoulder pain. It may be a serious injury or a medical issue like the dislocation of the disc or a broken collarbone, These bones are surrounded by a lot of tissues and muscles, so you need a medicated solution for relaxed sleeping if they are inflamed or sore.

Those with diabetes have shoulder pain that also worsens the injuries and affects the blood circulation of the body. Some even develop arthritis that stiffens your joint and does not let you sleep. All these problems can be addressed through the treatment, but a reasonable sleeping aid is inevitable if you want to ease the pain while you sleep.

How Can This Pain Be Addressed?

Sleeping with shoulder pain is never easy but there are certain ways to reduce or relieve your pain by incorporating certain bedding essentials into your nightly routine. High-quality pillows, mattresses, and sheets can bring remarkable results to alleviate your pain.

Head and Neck Alignment

Your comfort largely depends upon the position of your body while sleeping, especially upon your cervical alignment. If your cervical and spinal cord are not appropriately supported, then you will be able to sleep well because it not only increases the blood circulation but also reduces the body temperature and blood pressure. Such a posture is highly recommended if you are suffering from any injury, disability, or disease we mentioned earlier.

Sleep Position and Pillow Comfort

Unfortunately, a pillow for shoulder pain cannot completely eliminate the pain, but it can alleviate it so you can get some proper rest. If you have afflicted with a disease the affects your shoulders, then you should choose a pillow that reduces strain on your back, hips, and head.

Such pillows use certain technologies and medicated materials that compliment your body posture while sleeping. There are certain sizes and shapes that better suit your position and a solution to your ailment, so you should make a choice considerately by doing adequate research and checking ratings and reviews to end up getting a reliable one.

Best Shoulder Pain Pillows for Back Sleepers

If you are a back sleeper, then a thin pillow will work wonders for your shoulder pain. A thin pillow not only provides support to your head and back but also to the neck reducing strain on the back. Take a look at our detailed list of the best pillows for back sleepers here

Best Shoulder Pain Pillows for Stomach Sleepers

When you sleep on your stomach, your back and spine face more strain than normal. This is why the stomach sleeper should buy a pillow that is super-thin. This kind of pillow will reduce stress on your shoulder as well as the head and spine. Take a look at our detailed list of the best pillows for stomach sleepers here.

Best Shoulder Pain Pillows for the Side Sleeper

Side sleepers should look for the contoured pillows that support the painful shoulder and head appropriately. The side sleepers may end up hurting their shoulder more due to additional pressure on the affected shoulder, but the contoured pillows would provide adequate support and also alleviate the strain that could be causing the pain. 

Factors to Consider Before Purchase

Determine the Sleep Position

Your sleeping position is the a significant factor that influences your choice of pillow. If you do not buy a pillow according to your sleep position, then you may experience more discomfort rather than reducing it, so it is suggested to take this factor seriously into account.

The Material of the Pillow

The material of the pillow also matters when it comes to buying a pillow that alleviates your shoulder pain. The pillows are available in different material types. These types are discussed below in detail so that you may be able to make the best decision for a comfortable sleep.

Buckwheat Pillow

The buckwheat pillows are firmer than the ordinary pillows. They are filled with buckwheat hulls and provide greater support to the side sleepers, especially when they are suffering from shoulder pain. However, sometimes they prove to be too firm and heavy, causing discomfort. 

Down Pillows

The down feather pillows are filled with the soft and lofty feathers of duck and geese. They are soft, lightweight, and ventilated. However, they are not firm like the former one. The firmness is adjustable, and after a certain period of time, they become flat. Such a pillow is suitable for those who are back sleepers or stomach sleepers.

Down Alternatives

Alternative down pillows are filled with polyester or fiber that feels like down. The filing is super-lofty and lightweight. They are quite inexpensive, so you can easily buy one if you have a budget constraint. However, it is suggested to buy a high-quality down alternative pillow because the cheap fiber has a very short lifespan and breaks down in some time.

Feather Pillows

Such pillows are made up of feathers, but the inner filling is fluff. These pillows are lightweight and lofty and have a greater life span than the ordinary pillows. You can easily adjust the loft fluffiness according to your convenience. Moreover, these pillows are suitable to support the position of the back and stomach sleepers but do not support the side sleepers because they are not firm.

Latex Pillows

These pillows have a firm filling extracted from rubber trees. The notable feature is that it does not flatten easily, so it is suitable for the people suffering from shoulder pain.  However, they are relatively heavy and those with a latex allergy should obviously avoid.

Memory Foam Pillows

Such pillows contain memory foam and offer great value. They are lightweight and closely conform to your body parts, providing greater support while sleeping. However, they can become hot in the summers.

Polyester Pillows

These pillows are filled with polyester. They are lightweight and flatten easily. They are not firm, and the filling may shred. However, they are quite affordable, so you can consider this type of pillow if you have a low budget.

FAQ

Shoulder Pain Pillow Questions

What type of pillow is best for shoulder pain?

Choosing the best pillow for shoulder pain depends upon several factors, including your sleeping position, the disability or disease you encounter, the type of the Pillow, and so on. So, you should consider all these factors before deciding which pillow fits best for your needs.

Can a bad pillow cause shoulder pain?

Yes, choosing the right pillow is important. If you don’t choose the right pillow, you may end up increasing your pain rather than alleviating it. For example, if you are a side sleeper and buy a firm pillow that is not contoured, then it would cause more strain to your shoulders, worsening the pain.

Final Words

The pillows above will help relieve your stress and shoulder pain along with offering you a relaxing bedtime that you need. Keep in mind all of the features to look for when going about the purchasing process, and you’ll be on your way to less shoulder pain while you sleep!

Sheep Square 512
Rory Parry