We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more here.
Written by
Logan Foley
We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more here.
Chronic shoulder pain is an unfortunately common condition. Some people with shoulder pain require surgery, physical therapy, and other forms of formal treatment to address their condition. However, you may be able to alleviate some of your day-to-day shoulder pain symptoms by replacing your pillow. Many pillows sold today are specifically designed to support the head and neck in order to reduce pain and pressure in the shoulders and surrounding areas.
Below, you’ll find our top picks for pillows sold today that alleviate shoulder pain. These selections are based on reviews and feedback from verified owners, as well as our own product research and analysis. This best pillow for neck and shoulder pain guide also discusses causes and treatments for different types of shoulder pain, pillow options for people with shoulder discomfort, and some frequent questions from first-time pillow buyers.
Available in three loft and density options, the Parachute Down Alternative Pillow is an affordable option for sleepers who prefer a softer feel – as well as those with allergies to authentic down.
Our best pillow for shoulder pain selections begin with the Parachute Down Alternative Pillow. Cushioned with plush microfiber fill, this pillow provides the padding and support of authentic down but is sold at a more affordable price-point compared to down/feather pillows. The microfibers are also hypoallergenic, making this pillow suitable for anyone with down or feather allergies.
You can choose from three pillow densities that affect the loft, or thickness, as well as how supportive the pillow feels. The soft option features the lowest loft and is a good choice for stomach sleepers who’d rather not sleep face-down on a thick pillow. The medium feel is a mid-loft option, and should be most comfortable for back sleepers. The firm pillow offers the thickest loft. We recommend this feel for side sleepers because more fill can help to promote even spinal alignment – a common concern with this position.
The fill is encased in smooth and breathable cambric cotton. The loft shouldn’t absorb or trap too much body heat, so we recommend the Down Alternative Pillow for hot sleepers. Thanks to its synthetic fill, you’ll be able to wash and dry the pillow in any household machine. Although the price-point depends on loft, this pillow is highly affordable regardless of which density you choose. Shipping is also free to all 50 states and the pillow is backed by a three-year warranty.
The Comfort U Deluxe from Sleep Moonlight is a 60-inch body pillow suitable for sleeping, sitting, or bolstering. Choose from four cover fabrics.
Measuring 60 inches long and filled with plush down alternative microfibers, the Comfort U Deluxe from Sleep Midnight provides excellent shoulder pain relief for side sleepers who lie with the pillow curled around their head and neck. The pillow can also be used as a cushion for sitting, or a bolster between the knees for pregnant women and other types of sleepers who prefer this type of added support.
The down alternative fill is hypoallergenic, making the Comfort U Deluxe a good option for people with allergies to authentic down. The material is also designed to resist clumping, so the pillow won’t flatten easily and you don’t need to fluff it too frequently. You can wash and dry the entire pillow in a household machine if you wish, or the cover can be unzipped and removed for cleaning. You can choose between polyester fleece, organic cotton, or a cotton-polyester blend for your cover composition. A fourth option, the Dermotherapy cover, is composed of synthetic fabric that does not absorb too much moisture, making it optimal for menopausal women, pregnant women, and people with skin conditions such as eczema.
The Comfort U Deluxe has a reasonable price-point compared to other body pillows with similar designs. Sleep Moonlight also backs the pillow with a lifetime warranty. Standard ground shipping is free for all orders in the contiguous U.S.
A three-piece pillow system designed to reduce pain from rotator cuff injuries and other painful conditions, the Medcline Shoulder Relief Pillow is composed of dense memory foam components and specifically designed for side sleepers.
The innovative Medcline Shoulder Relief Pillow consists of three components that can be used together or separately, depending on your needs. An inclined shoulder wedge provides support for the head, neck, and shoulders; a pillow insert fits inside the wedge for a space to rest your arm comfortably; and a body pillow can be placed on top of the wedge to cushion the body and alleviate shoulder pain. The Medcline Shoulder Relief Pillow is primarily designed for side sleepers, but back sleepers may also be able to use one or more of the pillow’s components.
All three pillows are cushioned with dense memory foam, which is considered one of the best materials for reducing shoulder pain. The pillows are especially well-suited for people with rotator cuff injuries, as well as arthritis, bursitis, and/or nerve impingement around the shoulder area. A symmetrical design enables any side sleeper to use the pillow, whether they prefer the left or right side.
The pillows include cases that can be removed for washing and drying in a household machine. While the Medcline Shoulder Relief Pillow may be a bit expensive, this product can be a valuable investment if shoulder pain is negatively affecting your sleep. The pillow is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a one-year warranty.
The Lumia Wellness Cervical Traction Wedge Pillow is constructed from dense memory foam to provide support and pain relief for back sleepers. The pillow can also alleviate tension and migraines.
The Lumia Wellness Cervical Traction Wedge Pillow is constructed from a solid piece of dense memory foam. It is designed with an inclined wedge shape with a cutout in the center to support the head and neck. By design, this pillow is geared toward back sleepers, but some side sleepers may also find it comfortable. The removable cover – which can be washed and dried in any household machine – has a soft felt texture.
Measuring 4.5 inches tall and 6 inches long, the pillow supports the head, neck, and shoulders on a fairly steep grade. The foam is highly durable and the pillow should maintain a supportive shape and firm feel over time. We also recommend this pillow to people who experience migraines or chronic headaches because it promotes even spinal alignment and can reduce tension at the back of the neck. As dense as the memory foam feels, the pillow itself is not very heavy and most people won’t have any difficulty lifting or adjusting it.
Priced at less than $30, the Lumia Wellness Cervical Traction Wedge Pillow is very affordable given its durability and performance. Standard ground shipping is also free to all 50 states. You can also opt for expedited shipping for a small surcharge.
Featuring shredded memory foam fill encased in a breathable rayon from bamboo cover, the Triple Clouds Adjustable Pillow offers customizable loft – simply add or remove the fill to change the pillow’s thickness.
Many people with shoulder pain benefit from using an adjustable pillow. These models feature shredded fill – typically shredded foam – that can be added or removed to change the loft and overall support level. One example is the Triple Clouds Adjustable Pillow, which offers easy and convenient customization. To change the loft of the pillow, simply add or remove the shredded memory foam fill. Adjusting the volume can make the pillow feel fuller and more supportive for when you’re sleeping on your side, or flatter for back and stomach sleeping.
The pillow’s case is made of rayon from bamboo, a breathable synthetic fabric that promotes temperature regulation for cooler sleeping. The shredded fill also circulates air better than solid foam. For these reasons, we recommend the Triple Clouds Adjustable Pillow for anyone who tends to sleep hot. The cover can be removed for washing and drying in any household machine, but you’ll never need to launder the foam – nor should you, as this can damage the material.
This pillow has a reasonable price-point compared to other adjustable models with shredded memory foam. You can also save some money by ordering the two-pillow bundle. Standard ground shipping is free for all contiguous U.S. orders and the pillow comes with a five-year “never flat” warranty.
The Purple Plush Pillow is filled with interlocking microdenier material that can be added or removed to increase or decrease the loft. The pillow’s breathable cover offers excellent cooling and moisture-wicking.
If you have persistent shoulder pain after using a standard-size pillow, we suggest trying a pillow with an ergonomically friendly shape. The Cradling Sleeper is a solid memory foam pillow constructed for a gently inclining wedge shape. If you sleep on your side, simply place the pillow beneath the arm you sleep on; it will act as a supportive bolster that promotes spinal alignment and less pain around your head, neck, and shoulders. This pillow is optimal if you have a lingering rotator cuff injury.
Those who experience acid reflux can also benefit from using this pillow while sleeping on their side. Acid reflux is often exacerbated by back sleeping or lying at an unsupported angle, so this pillow can reduce symptoms associated with this condition. Pregnant women can receive much-needed support, as well. And thanks to its dense memory foam construction, the Cradling Sleeper holds up well over time and shouldn’t flatten excessively until it nears the end of its lifespan.
This pillow does not come with a cover, but you can purchase a protector to keep the foam hygienic. Avoid leaving the pillow exposed to light as this can cause discoloration. Ground shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. and very affordable for customers in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam. You’ll also receive a full refund should you decide to return the pillow.
The Gel Memory Foam Pillow from Idle Sleep features solid memory foam divided into different firmness zones to ensure targeted support for the head, neck, and shoulders.
The Idle Sleep Gel Memory Foam Pillow joins the other memory foam pillows on our list. This one is a standout for a few reasons. For one, the pillow provides exceptional temperature regulation. The solid memory foam is ventilated to promote airflow throughout the pillow while the cover is crafted from a smooth, bamboo-based velour that also sleeps very cool. If you tend to feel too warm using a memory foam pillow, this model might be a good option.
The foam is also zoned to feel a bit firmer around the shoulders, with softer cradling for the head and neck. This design can alleviate aches and pains around the shoulders from previous injuries. Due to its medium feel, the Gel Memory Foam Pillow is best suited to side and back sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds. The cover, which can be removed and washed in a household machine, has a tightly constructed design that helps the pillow maintain an even shape without feeling bunched in some places and flatter in others.
This model costs a little more than most of our other top picks, but its sticker price is reasonable compared to other solid memory foam pillows. The solid foam is also quite durable, and the pillow shouldn’t flatten too much over time.
“Shoulder” is the shorthand term for the ball-and-socket joint that allows both of your arms to move freely. Recent statistics indicate that roughly 15 out of every 1,000 medical patients sees a physician about shoulder pain, and some studies suggest 70 percent of adults will experience shoulder pain at least once during their lifetime.
The shoulder joint consists of three bones: the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder bone), and humerus (upper arm bone). According to the Mayo Clinic, shoulder pain can also develop from a wide range of injuries and medical conditions. These include the following:
If you experience other symptoms along with the shoulder pain, such as shortness of breath or an uncomfortable tightening sensation in the chest, you should call 911 immediately – these could be signs of a more serious condition. Sudden pain, swelling, warmth, and/or loss of movement may necessitate a visit to the emergency room or your physician’s office.
The Cleveland Clinic also notes several treatment methods for ongoing shoulder pain. Less invasive options include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications or injections, or simply resting until the pain subsides. You may need to undergo certain medical procedures if the pain persists or worsens over time. Surgical treatments for shoulder pain include arthroscopy, open shoulder surgery, shoulder resurfacing, and replacement.
Please note: The information and tips in this guide should never replace the advice of a credentialed medical professional. Please contact your physician or another certified healthcare provider to learn more about diagnosing and treating shoulder pain.
According to Ruben Gobezie, M.D., founding director and chief of surgery at the Cleveland Shoulder Institute, discomfort in bed and sleep problems are common issues for people with shoulder pain. Patients frequently feel discomfort regardless of which sleep position they employ. Some also feel numbness, tingling, and muscle spasms.
While any of the conditions listed above could contribute to shoulder pain-related sleep problems, Dr. Gobezie notes three specific conditions are the most common culprits:
Before seeing medical attention for any of these conditions, Dr. Gobezie recommends taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can also try sleeping in a recliner, applying ice or heat to the pain-affected areas, or wearing a compression sleeve.
While replacing your pillow is not always effective, this measure may mitigate some of the nightly shoulder aches and pains that accompany these and other conditions. Dr. Gobezie notes that a large pillow to support the entire body or a smaller pillow behind the upper arm can also reduce discomfort after shoulder operations.
Finding a new pillow to reduce shoulder pain might seem like a straightforward task, but there are several factors to consider based on your body type, normal sleep position(s), firmness and thickness preferences, and level of pain. Below, we’ll list some of the most important variables to take into account when choosing a pillow and discuss the most common pillow types based on fill material.
If you take pillow manufacturers at their word, then every pillow on the market today will reduce shoulder pain and deliver nightlong comfort regardless of your needs or preferences. However, very few pillows are designed to specifically target and alleviate shoulder pain. Furthermore, a pillow that is not soft, firm, thick, or thin enough can cause added discomfort based on your body type, head size, shoulder dimensions, and sleep position.
Before buying a pillow for shoulder pain, check the following specs – and reach out to the manufacturer if you can’t track down any of these details.
The best pillow materials include memory foam, buckwheat hulls, latex, and other fills that provide sufficient support to keep the head and neck upright and aligned with the spine. If a pillow sinks too much or loses shape quickly, the potential for more shoulder pain increases.
Memory Foam
Viscoelastic polyurethane foam – memory foam for short – is engineered to soften when exposed to body heat and return to its former shape when the heat is removed. By contouring close to the body, memory foam can alleviate pain and pressure around the neck and shoulders.
Solid memory foam is used to construct many wedge and specialty pillows for neck pain, including a few of our top picks listed above. Shredded memory foam does not provide the same level of support, but many models with this fill offer adjustable loft.
Buckwheat:
Buckwheat pillows are filled with hulls, the hard outer casings of buckwheat kernels. They tend to be quite firm but also highly supportive, so your head and neck won’t sink too deeply into the surface. Buckwheat pillows also offer adjustable loft. By adding or removing the hulls, you can make the pillow more comfortable for different sleep positions.
Latex
Latex is a naturally resilient material derived from the sappy extract of rubber trees. It provides gentle contouring and won’t conform as closely as memory foam, but latex is also highly durable and won’t flatten as easily.
Down
Down refers to the soft inner plumage of ducks and geese located beneath their outer feathers. It is exceptionally soft and light, so resting your head and neck on a down pillow can alleviate tension and pressure to some degree. At the same time, down is not particularly supportive and won’t be suitable for sleepers who want more firmness from their pillow.
Down Alternative
Made from polyester microfibers, down alternative is a very soft and light material designed to mimic authentic down. Down alternative is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for people with down allergies, and these pillows tend to be much cheaper than their authentic counterparts. However, they don’t offer many advantages over regular down for sleepers with shoulder pain.
Feather
The outer feathers of ducks and geese are slightly more supportive than down, but they still provide minimal levels of support. Unless you prefer a softer pillow, a feather-filled model may not keep your head and neck upright.
Polyfoam
Like memory foam pillows, polyfoam pillows may contain solid or shredded fill. Polyfoam doesn’t contour too closely and feels somewhat responsive foam, so these pillows may be a good alternative to memory foam models if you find the latter too adaptive.
If you experience chronic shoulder pain, it’s entirely possible that no sleep position will feel totally comfortable. However, certain angles and pillow configurations may reduce some types of shoulder pain better than others, depending on specific condition and symptoms. Four useful pillow positioning arrangements are outlined below:
Side with Pillow in Armpit: A good rule of thumb for side sleepers with pain in one shoulder is to avoid lying on the affected side. With the sore shoulder upright, place one pillow under that shoulder’s armpit, another between the legs, and cuddle with a third pressed against your stomach. With a fourth pillow beneath your head, this configuration should promote even spinal alignment and help alleviate your shoulder pain.
Back with Pillow in Armpit: Since back sleeping promotes even spinal alignment without putting added pressure on either shoulder, this is often the best position for people with shoulder pain. If you notice soreness or stiffness in one or both shoulders, try placing a pillow in the armpit beneath the shoulder(s).
Side with Pillow Between Knees: Often the chosen pillow position for pregnant women, a pillow between the knees can improve spinal alignment for side sleepers by reducing pressure in the lower back and hips.
Side with Pillow Under Back: Side sleepers with broad shoulders often experience uneven alignment because their hips and lower back don’t receive the same level of cushioning. A thin pillow placed under the back and hips can even out the spine and alleviate pain throughout the body – including the shoulders.
Stomach sleeping is generally associated with more aches and pains than back or side sleeping. Neck and shoulder pain from craning the neck to avoid lying face-down on the pillow is a common issue for stomach sleepers. For this reason, we don’t recommend stomach sleeping for people with shoulder pain.
In addition to using a pillow that offers adequate support, sleepers with shoulder pain can try one or more of the following strategies in order to find relief.
Choose the Right Mattress: As with pillows, a mattress can help reduce shoulder pain or exacerbate your discomfort – and again, this usually comes down to support level. A mattress that feels too soft and sinks excessively can worsen shoulder pain.
Generally, side sleepers feel more comfortable on softer mattresses because they cushion the shoulders and hips while supporting the lower back, leading to better spinal alignment. The back position already promotes proper alignment on its own, so these sleepers need more firmness and support to prevent excessive sinkage beneath the shoulders.
Engage in Physical Therapy or Stretching: Physical therapy and stretching are commonly prescribed to medical patients with shoulder pain. The nature of these treatments largely depend on the nature of your injury and severity of symptoms, so please consult your doctor or another credentialed medical provider for more information.
Practice Good Posture: Slouching while sitting can greatly exacerbate shoulder pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, certain exercises can not only improve posture but also reduce pain in the process. These include “rolling the shoulders up and back, then letting them relax down, tucking chin down slightly, and sitting up from the hips.” You can also try standing against a wall by resting your head, lower back, and hips against the surface with your shoulder blades down and close together.
Can the wrong pillow make shoulder pain worse?
Absolutely. If a pillow does not provide enough support for the head and neck, then you’re more likely to feel new or worsening shoulder pain. A less durable pillow that flattens or loses shape over time can mean more pain, as well. The best pillow for shoulder pain should properly support the head and neck, promote spinal alignment, and stabilize the affected shoulder(s).
What is the most important consideration when choosing a pillow for shoulder pain?
The most important factors when choosing a pillow for shoulder pain include loft (or thickness), firmness, shape, and fill material. Since everyone has different pillow preferences, we suggest trying different models to see which ones alleviate pain. As you’re starting out, consider pillows that offer sleep trials with free or mostly free returns. You’ll be able to test out these models without financially committing to them at first.
What is the worst pillow type for shoulder pain? Down, down alternative, and feather pillows are generally considered the worst pillows for shoulder pain because they provide the least support and tend to flatten during the night.
Can a mattress topper help with shoulder pain?
A mattress topper is a thin layer of cushioning material that rests on top of the mattress surface. Toppers are intended to change the firmness of the mattress – either softer or firmer – so using one can definitely reduce shoulder pain if your mattress sinks too much or feels excessively stiff. However, make sure the pillow you’re using also suits your needs; otherwise the topper on its own may not provide much pain relief.
