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Shoulder pain can occur due to a variety of reasons. Here is our best pillow for shoulder pain reviews and ultimate guide. Before you jump to conclusions, it is recommended that you consult doctors other than Google and get a proper diagnosis.
However, major causes include tendinitis, arthritis, dislocated shoulder or tearing of the rotator cuff.
Among several home remedies to treat shoulder pain, getting a contoured pillow is at number one.
Sleeping with pillows keep your spine in its natural alignment, taking pressure off your joints and pressure points.
Here are the reviews of 6 best pillows that can help you recover from shoulder pain:
Below are the pillows that made our top picks for best pillow for shoulder pain. We did extensive research, conducted interview with sleep subjects, tested the pillows for ourselves and received input from our readers as well.
This is the ultimate guide for shoulder relief pillows along with our expert reviews. We are done the heavy lifting and narrowed down the choices for your consideration.
Another clinically proven solution for perfect sleep is the MedCline Wedge which uses its advanced positioning technology to provide relief from shoulder and neck pain.
However, the support is not confined to the upper half of the body, but the entire torso is catered with it.
Not only that but the wedge shape has proven to be effective against heartburn, coughing, choking, nausea and regurgitation, after multiple clinical trials.
Before you confuse it with a pillow, you need to know that it is only a supporting base for you to place your pillow on, provided you aren’t comfortable sleeping on the wedge alone.
This makes it a whole lot easier for people who are accustomed to sleeping on their own pillows.
If you’re worried you might slide down the wedge during the night, the patented arm pocket provides a great deal of support. By letting you place your arm and sleeping comfortably through the night.
Without putting any pressure on your shoulder, it allows your elbow and forearm to rest comfortably on the mattress. While you wake up magically refreshed the next morning.
Unlike other wedge shaped foams which only consist of a single type of foam. MedCline pillow is made using four different types of foam to provide you the perfect blend of comfort and contoured support.
The top layer being memory foam to provide you the cushion you need. Relieving you of the chronic shoulder pain you experience from sleeping on the side.
I have interviewed a friend of mine who was having shoulder trouble and the pain was keeping him up at night.
A physical therapist recommended the he look into this MedCline pillow system.
This pillow is expensive but in my friends own words well worth the cost. After a couple of weeks, he was getting full nights sleep. He was able to pay for this out of his HSA.
MedClines states it may take up to 30-nights to see a change in the way you feel and sleep. I recommend hanging in there and try this pillow out for a month Fear not you have a 100-day trial period.
Since then my friend recommended this pillow to three other persons who tried out this pillow. All three of them also loved the pillow.
One of three took longer to see results than the others. She saw some improvement up front but took longer to see the desired results, but glad she kept sleeping with the MedCline.
All of them said a strong odor from the new foam was present for the first 2-3 days. One of them recommended if the odor is too strong for you leave it in another room for 3 days prior to using.
The MedCline shoulder relief Wedge is one of our top picks for best pillow for shoulder pain in these reviews. The MedCline is designed for those suffering with chronic pains in the shoulder while sleeping.
This wedge pillow props you up in just the right amount to take the pressure off your shoulder on the side that you are laying on.
The wedge pillow comes with a full size body pillow that is made from memory foam, a small insert pillow, and removable covers as well.
In addition to the above the pillow is set at the proper incline that gradually slopes up to a six inch height.
Now, here’s the really cool part of this pillow. MedCline as this patented design that allows your arm to tuck neatly into the pocketed area.
This design allows you to find the most comfortable position for your body. This pillow has shown to be helpful for tendonitis, bursitis, rotator cuff injuries and chronic shoulder pain.
The MedCline has four types medical-grade foam layered with longevity and support in mind. It also is constructed with a memory foam topper for that extra comfort you need while sleeping.
The pillow is a generous size of 30 inches wide by 45 inches in length and that 6 inches at the top of the include (see picture).
If you read any of my other articles, you will know that I always look closely at the return policy and any trial period.
I believe this is the best way to judge whether a pillow is high quality by the way the company stands behind their products.
This is another reason why the MedCline made the best pillow for shoulder pain reviews.
They offer a 100-night return policy. MedCline states that adjusting to a new sleeping position may take up to 30 nights depending on the person and their sleep habits.
MedClines asks that you give it a try for 30 nights before trying to return to allow the memory foam to break-in. They have trained sleep specialist to help during that time, give them a call.
I admire companies like this that believes in their product enough to give the consumer a trial period to test the pillow risk free.
I love this pillow system and rate it it top on the list for best pillow for shoulder pain.
This is the best pillow for side sleepers who have shoulder issues. This pillow comes highly recommend by users and offers great comfort.
It has a solid list of features that makes this a quality pillow including this is an approved medical device and can be purchase with FSA funds.
Make sure this is the pillow you want because they do charge a restocking fee for returns.
One of the most comforting pillows you could get your hands on to provide relief for shoulder pain. Meet the Malouf Z Shoulder Zoned Dough pillow.
With its zoned dough technology, it ensures that you get the perfect balance of cushioning and contouring. This provides for a good night’s sleep, making it ideal for side sleepers.
The memory foam used in its manufacturing relieves pressure off the pressure points. Catering the strenuous shoulder pain you wake up with every morning.
Neither too firm, nor too soft, this shoulder pillow is composed of both latex and memory foam. This provides you with the support of latex and the perfect contouring you expect from memory foam.
You can choose from two sizes of the pillow (king and queen) to best suit your needs. Your head is elevated at the most comfortable position when you lay down to rest.
Designed with a unique recess for shoulder support, this pillow perfectly cradles your head. While supporting the shoulder and neck. Providing an un-matchable sleep quality experience.
This pillow also helps improve your sleep quality by using aromatherapy to create a calm and soothing sleep atmosphere. With its natural lavender oil, included in the pillow casing.
To keep you from flipping pillow sides several times during the night, the pillow comes with a TENCEL cover. Offering great breathe-ability, making it perfect for all seasons alike.
It doesn’t block the lavender scent rather enhances its fragrance through the small holes present in the pillow.
If you’re allergic to certain chemicals, your worries are taken care of with the CertiPUR-US certification. Ensuring no harsh chemicals are used in its manufacturing.
The rich in features designs is why this product made this list of best pillow for shoulder pain.
A quality pillow loaded with features that you would expect to pay more, this pillow sleeps cools while offer great support, alignment and comfort.
The cutout on this pillow is ideal for side sleepers and this feature is critical in providing proper alignment and support of your head and neck.
Searching for a reasonably priced supporting pillow for your neck pain?
This ergonomically designed pillow is designed to rest your head in its natural curvature. Alleviating pressure off your neck and shoulders.
The pillow is made from natural organic bamboo which keeps it from getting too cold in the winters and too hot in summers.
This is accomplished without having to to toss and turn during the night.
This is a high quality specialty pillow that is designed for better spine alignment, the pillow sleeps cool and is adjustable.
It's a great pillow for side and back sleepers and keeps you head, neck and shoulders in alignment throughout the night.
If you have have chronic shoulder issues I would recommend you talking with your doctor and asking about the Medcline pillow list in this review.
When choosing the right pillow for shoulder pain relief, you need to weigh in a lot of factors, most importantly your health.
The price, dimensions, firmness and loft of the pillow as well as the comfort it provides have a key role to play.
There is no better way to select a pillow for yourself than to bring it home and sleep on it for at least a week.
This is why you should always get one with money back guarantee or an exchange/refund policy.
This Sleep Yoga pillow is designed specifically for side sleepers to benefit as much from sleep as they do from Yoga. Flexibility, good posture and a refreshed body once you wake up from a restful night’s sleep.
But how does it do that?
By improving your posture, it keeps your shoulders in their naturally aligned position. Providing sufficient support to your forearms, wrists and elbows.
This best shoulder pillow provides considerable relief from shoulder pain, the biggest cause for which is the wrong posture. When additional pressure exerted on them while you sleep on your side.
The right thickness and loft support your shoulders well. Even if you’ve recently undergone a surgery or are experiencing some shoulder pain due to an injury.
This is because these medical conditions call for keeping your arm in an elevated position. Which are made easier with the Sleep Yoga Side sleeper pillow.
That too, with exceptional value for money.
If you love snuggling in your pillow as you sleep, this shoulder pain pillow is the perfect choice for you.
Why’s that?
It comes with a cozy side arm rest allowing you to rest your arm comfortably while you sleep. Preventing it from slouching forward, which is responsible for neck and spinal pain.
Say goodbye to neck and joint pain. Since the two over filled sections of this pillow provide the required contour and support along your body’s natural curve.
This is another good choice in the search for the best pillow for shoulder pain.
The pillow is designed by a chiropractor, keeping in mind the variable dynamics of our bodies. All of them working to give you the perfect body posture while you sleep.
Not only that, but it looks after improving your posture while you sit, stand, bend, all of it while you enjoy your sleep.
However, the pillow isn’t as breathable as some of you might like it to be.
If you experience night sweats and episodes of hot flashes, there are better, more breathable options out there for you.
This is a quality pillow that is right for any budget and has scored will with our sleep subjects that have shoulder issues.
The Sleep Yoga works great for side sleepers and offers a cool night's sleep while provide support, alignment and comfort.
If you’re looking for something small and handy to provide support at home and during traveling alike, this pillow is probably the best value you can find for your money.
By properly resting your head and neck in its U-shaped design, the pillow relieves pressure off your neck and shoulders.
Helping with shoulder pain that may develop as a result of sleeping in an uncomfortable position.
This multipurpose pillow can be used literally anywhere and everywhere you desire, making any place perfect for sleep, replacing the need of any more pillows.
If you’re looking for something small and handy to provide support at home and during traveling alike, this pillow is probably the best value you can find for your money.
By properly resting your head and neck in its U-shaped design, the pillow relieves pressure off your neck and shoulders. Helping with shoulder pain that may develop as a result of sleeping in an uncomfortable position.
This multipurpose pillow can be used literally anywhere and everywhere you desire, making any place perfect for sleep, replacing the need of any more pillows.
Although the pillow contours perfectly according to your head and neck, it regains its loft once you get up.
Given its petite size, it is perfectly suitable for traveling. Which means you won’t have to worry about discomfort, whether you’ll be sleeping in the plane or on a bus.
You will also need to cover the pillow with its casing (comes with it), so that it can be taken off and washed often to maintain hygiene.
The pillow is hypoallergenic and keeps you safe from allergies of all sort.
To improve your sleeping posture and keep your back aligned during the night. This pillow is shaped in a way that adjusts to your neck with the right firmness and comfort.
However, given its price, the loft doesn’t retain itself for a very long period of time.
Neither does the pillow live up to its claims for ” ideal side sleeping” since the supporting arm is very short in length.
Check out the MedCline review above it is the clear choice in the search for best pillow for shoulder pain.
As you read this comprehensive review on this pillow, you will clearly see why this is similar to the top contender for the best pillow for shoulder pain reviews.
However, please read carefully as this is a good comparison to the MedCline.
I will point out at the end of the review of the SRSS pillow the big differences between these two pillow and companies.
SRSS offers relief for those with shoulder pain and post surgical sleeping issues. The SRSS shoulder support system relieves pressure off your shoulder and provides you a soothing sleep for the night.
However, this isn’t just a rotator cuff pillow but a complete sleep support system that is recommended for a comfortable sleep by chiropractors and surgeons.
Shoulder pain in many individuals is experienced because of undue pressure exerted on the shoulder joint while you’re asleep. The pain is bound to worsen if you are a side sleeper.
Specially designed keeping side sleepers in mind, this support system is a wedge shaped device that elevates you at the perfect angle. Fitting your shoulder in the pocket, distributing it evenly across the upper body instead of concentrating it on the shoulder joint solely.
By sliding you in the right position, it also keeps your neck upright, and keeps it from sliding down.
Regardless of how much you weigh, this sleeping device cradles your head and shoulders comfortably in it.
The SRSS design allows you to place own pillow on it, making the transition to sleep on the new device easier.
Although it is a welcome change for those facing difficulty sleeping at night, it might take you around 5-6 days for you to adjust to it.
You can even take it with you while you’re travelling as it is easily portable.
Ideal for arthritis patients and those of you with sinus issues, this sleeping support system is all you need to bring an end to sleepless nights.
The device comes with a removable custom case that can be washed whenever needed. People with torn rotator cuffs have also reported to have seen a considerable improvement in their sleep quality. The was reported after shifting to SRSS shoulder support system for a few weeks.
This company does not supply any information on whether or not this pillow can be paid for out of your flexible spending account or health savings account.
Bottom line, no information on a risk free trial or returns. Even if you are on a tight budget I would recommend waiting and save your money for the MedCline, which is the clear choice in the best pillow for should pain.
I wanted to review this pillow because it is similar in design to the MedCline. It is about one-half the cost of the MedCline. I didn’t want you to see this pillow and not have the facts.
You need to be able to try out a pillow for at least 30 days to see if it works for you. I always recommend when buying a pillow to go with a company that offer a rick free trail or returns.
If you really think this is the pillow then please check on the current return policy before purchasing.
However, let’s really look at why it’s lower in cost. The first big red flag that you should be worried about is there is no trail period stated.
Additionally, there is no mention if returns are accepted. This should halt you from bringing out your credit card to make the purchase.
However, let’s continue to paint the full picture. This doesn’t come with the additional body pillow or insert pillow at the top of the incline like the MedClines provides.
We have to review the fact closely in the research for the best pillow for shoulder pain.
The Coisum Cervical pillow is up next in are reviews of best pillow for shoulder pain.
This is another memory foam pillow that offers contours provides head and neck support. The contour design provides indentions for the arms in side and back sleeping positions.
So what makes this pillow special enough to be review for best pillow for shoulder pain?
The Coisum offers superior support to the head and neck. My head felt like it was lying in a cloud and the same time aligning my spine.
It did enjoy the feeling of having my neck cradled in just the right spot. The arm indention offers ergo-friendly places to place your arms while on your back or side.
Constructed of slow rebound memory foam this pillow rebounds in 3-5 seconds to it’s original shape.
It’s cover is removable and Coisum recommends that you hand wash it only in warm water and soap.
Pillow case is made of a skin-friendly hypoallergenic polyester fiber to promote airflow allowing for a cooler night sleep.
The Coisum caters to back and side sleepers who are looking for neck and shoulder pain relief.
A great pillow that offered me plenty of head and neck support. I feel if your shoulder pain is originating for the head and neck area then this pillow might be right for you.
I didn’t feel that it gave my shoulder the support the MedClines wedge provided.
However, they do offer free returns. Providing you follow the return policy to the tee then this could be a risk free pillow to trial.
This is an important feature in the best pillow for shoulder pain.
The Cervical Memory Foam pillow is of unique design that offers cervical support in side, stomach and back sleeping positions.
Let’s dig into this pillow and see what it has to offer the person looking for the best pillow for shoulder pain.
First, we will take a look the design to see how it would help relieve shoulder pain. The memory foam is describes as soft to medium firmness. I would rate it more on towards the
The contours of this pillow provide indentions for your arms to rest in different sleeping positions. While lying on your back there are contours that allow you to place your arms above your shoulders.
The Cervical Memory Foam pillow is of unique design that offers cervical support in side, stomach and back sleeping positions.
Let’s dig into this pillow and see what it has to offer the person looking for the best pillow for shoulder pain.
First, we will take a look the design to see how it would help relieve shoulder pain. The memory foam is describes as soft to medium firmness. I would rate it more on towards the
The contours of this pillow provide indentions for your arms to rest in different sleeping positions. While lying on your back there are contours that allow you to place your arms above your shoulders.
I have included pictures of this sleeping position, as words may not be sufficient in description.
When lying on your back on this pillow you will feel the support than your head and neck receive.
Slide sleeping offers great support for your head and neck and also provides a place for your arm.
The Cervical pillow is made of a high-grade memory foam and is a wide pillow of 23 inches by 13 inches by 5.3 inches thick.
Weighing in at 2.7 pounds makes this pillow feel a little heavy for myself.
This high density memory foams provides fast rebound to it’s original position and is made of anti-allergic materials.
In my opinion, I would say without a doubt this pillow offers cervical support for your head and neck.
But, feel that if your should pain is originating from your head and neck alignment then this pillow might help.
Personally, I didn’t feel the support on for my shoulder in the side sleeping position with this pillow.
I did enjoy lying on my back with the support that this pillows gives your head and neck.
For myself I did not like lying on my stomach with this pillow at all. I felt really awkward lying on stomach making it difficult for me to find a comfortable position for my arms.
Also, I felt like it didn’t offer the support for my head and neck as in the back and side positions.
I feel this is a great pillow for head and neck support and if that is where your shoulder pain is coming from then this could be the pillow could work.
My major concern is there is no risk free trial period and I could not easily find their return policy.
This is a red flag and I ask that if you want to try this pillow then please check the return policy before buying.
It’s always my goal in writing reviews for our readers to ensure they have the important facts in making a risk free purchase.
This is not the type of review that we can call out a single winner as we all have a favorite sleep position and that will determine the pillow you need.
We will call out a clear winner for the sidle sleeping position and back sleeping position in the best pillow for shoulder pain review.
Recap of Best Pillow for Shoulder Pain:
There you have it a comprehensive review of 9 different best pillow for shoulder pain reviews.
Base your decision on where is the pain in your shoulder originating. What sleeping position do you have or do you have more than one.
Is the construction of the pillow best for you? If you are a hot sleeper then make sure you choose a pillow that will keep you cool.
Recap of Top Pick for Best Pillow for Shoulder Pain:
Here are our top picks for best pillow for should pain. First the MedCline is the clear winner if you need relief from should pain.
It is the most versatile pillow on this list and is risk free to trial.
Secondly, if you shoulder problems stems from your head or neck then certainly check out the Coisum Cervical pillow.
Lastly, please don’t forget always check the add to ensure what the current policy is for trial periods and returns before clicking buy.
This is a difficult question to answer as there are many causes of shoulder pain and also sleeping positions themselves can be the root cause as well.
A lot of people struggle with finding the right sleeping position that allows them a peaceful night’s sleep. Ultimately the best sleeping position for you is the one that brings you the most comfort that allows you to get that great night sleep.
In a Northwester Medicine article entitled “Pick a Side for Sleep” they state for shoulder pain a hug pose will be your best friend for shoulder pain as hugging a pillow in front of your chest helps support your upper arm.[1]
There are a majority of people with shoulder pain that prefer to sleep on their sides for best sleeping results.
There are several great choices for side sleepers with should pain and the most popular one is the MedCline.
But remember the best pillow for shoulder pain will be the one that works best for you. With that in mind I recommend you pick the pillow from the above list based on your sleeping position.
Along with its best to pick a pillow from a company that offers a free trial period and or free returns. The only way to find the right pillow for shoulder pain for you is to try it out for at least 2-4 weeks.
The most popular sleeping positions for people with shoulder issues are usually side and back, however there are also people that sleep on their stomach.
There are choices for shoulder support pillows for all three sleeping positions and I would recommend following this approach when choosing a shoulder support pillow.
First, pick a pillow that is designed for your primary sleeping position as that will give you the best night’s sleep possible.
Secondly, make sure that you choose a pillow that offers a free trial period and or free returns as you will need to test sleep a new pillow for at least 2-4 weeks.
You want this to be a risk free opportunity when ordering a shoulder support pillow as you won’t know for sure if it’s the right pillow for you until you sleep on the pillow for a while.
There is no one pillow that is right for everyone, these reviews are mean to be a guide to narrow down your choices by supply you a list of the best pillows for shoulder issues.
With this list you can read the reviews and pick a pillow that is right for your sleeping position and supports the issues you are experiencing.
According to Penn Medicine sleep is a critical component to good health and tossing and turning throughout the night can cause you to be less active and mentally exhausted during the day. It can even reduce the time it takes your body to recovery from injuries.[2]
The best shoulder pillow for side sleepers is the pillow that works best for your issues and sleeping habits.
These reviews are designed to narrow down your choices and give the most important information you need to make a risk free decision on which pillow works best for you.
Sleeping positions are always debated for every type of issues for neck, back, and shoulders. In this article from the National Library of Medicine on sleep position and shoulder pain presents a hypothesis to propose that shoulder pain is caused by postural immobility in the side position during sleep.[3]
It’s not uncommon for a person to suffer from more than one issue that keeps them from getting them be best night’s sleep possible.
Choose a pillow that will keep the neck aligned with the chest and lower back. Your pillow should be adjustable to allow you to sleep in different positions and pillow that will work for you.
Sleeping position can be critical to getting the rest you need which is a double edge sword, as getting proper rest is necessary for your body to recover.
In a Cleveland Clinic article they recommend starting out sleeping on your side, avoiding the sore shoulder if you have one with a pillow between your legs.[4]
It’s important to test sleep a new pillow at least 2-4 weeks and that’s why I always recommend that you choose a pillow with a free trial period and or free returns, making it a risk free opportunity.
I am always telling everyone there is no one right pillow for everyone, you must take into consideration your sleeping position, any neck, back, or shoulder issues you have along with other comfort needs like are you are hot sleeper.
The right neck and shoulder pillow will be the one that best supports and aligns your spine.
In this University of Rochester Medical Center article they state “Choose a pillow that will keep the neck aligned with the chest and lower back.”[5]
Pillows are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to shoulder pain, and the underlying issues are best addressed by your doctor.
However, the right pillow can make you more comfortable and allow better sleep which your body needs to recover from issues.
But do not overlook your sleeping position as a possible issue or aid as it can be either one or the other.
In this article from Hackensack Meridian Health they list sleeping position as one of seven possibilities for shoulder issues.[6]
A good shoulder support pillow might give you the comfort you need to get the proper sleep you want and need.
Use these reviews above to narrow down your choices and pick a pillow that meets your wants and needs.
Material choice in the right neck and shoulder pillow should be the one that offers the best support and alignment for your body.
Sleeping position plays a key role in your choice of pillows as indicated in this article from Harvard Health which states, the two easiest sleeping positions for your neck and back are side and back sleeping positions.[7]
They only way to know this is to read the review above and pick the pillow that meets your needs and test is for two to four weeks.
Now in order to make this a risk free venture for yourself, please ensure that the company offers a free trial period and or free returns.
Now getting back to materials there are two good choices one is memory foam and the other is down.
There is no one sleeping position that will work for everyone or all shoulder issues. Finding the best sleeping position will depend on the person and the issues they are experiencing.
The best place to start is advice from your doctor on the recommend sleeping position. With that information in hand the next step is to read the above reviews and choose a pillow that meets those requirements.
If you doctor does recommend that you try and sleep on your side CORA Physical Therapy recommends that you place pillow behind your back to prevent you from turn over into another position.[8]
Robert Frontier
Getting quality sleep is important to people of all ages and is just one of many areas of our health we need to be maintaining. When I was younger, I didn’t understand that my health was my greatest asset and took it for granted. I have spent the last twenty years of my life in the pursuit of a healthier life style. I am a parent, grandparent, author, and entrepreneur. My desire is for you and your family to get the best possible sleep and that starts with quality sleep products. Welcome to VJ Pillow.
↑1 Northwestern Medicine. (2021). Pick a Side for Sleep. Retrieved April 17, 2021, from Northwestern Medicine:
↑2 Kuntz, A. F. (2015, October 7). When Shoulder Pain Disrupts Sleep. Retrieved April 18, 2021, from Penn Medicine:
↑3 Zenian, J. (2009, December 24). Sleep position and shoulder pain. Retrieved 19 2021, April, from National Library of Medicine:
↑4 Cleveland Clinic. (2015, January 15). How to Keep Sore Hips, Knees, Shoulders from Ruining Your Sleep. Retrieved April 17, 2021, from Cleveland Clinic:
↑5 Health Encyclopedia. (2021). Good Sleeping Posture Helps Your Back. Retrieved April 14, 2021, from University of Rochester:
↑6 McCabe, B. (2020, May 11). 3 Ways to Fix the Neck & Shoulder Pain You Feel While Working from Home. Retrieved April 10, 2021, from Hackensack Meridian Health:
↑7 Harvard Health. (2019, September 10). Awareness of sleeping positions and proper pillows can minimize neck pain. Retrieved April 17, 2021, from Havard Health Publishing – Harvard Medical School:
↑8 CORA Development Team. (2019, March 15). Sleep Positions to Ease Pain. Retrieved April 18, 2021, from CORA Physical Therapy:
