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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.
Best Overall
The TEMPUR-Cloud Pro Pillow from Tempur-Pedic is a premium memory foam pillow available in three different firmness levels. While exact specifications vary between models, they all include proprietary TEMPUR Material that is designed to cradle your neck and shoulders to relieve pressure build-up. This pillow’s price-point is on-par with other luxury models and users should find it quite durable, thanks to its high-quality materials.
The three versions of this pillow are called Lo, Mid, and Hi — which have soft, medium soft, and medium feels respectively. Stomach sleepers will prefer the Lo, which features a micro-cushion core surrounded by two thin layers of memory foam. The micro-cushions feel plush and have enough give that stomach sleepers shouldn’t have to crane their necks to find a comfortable resting position.
The Mid has a similar construction — the only change being that the memory foam layers are different thicknesses, increasing its loft and making it more suitable for back sleepers. The Hi is crafted from a solid piece of memory foam that is designed to support side sleepers’ heads and necks. Each model includes a removable knit polyester cover that’s machine-washable.
Addresses within the contiguous U.S. qualify for free shipping and each purchase is backed by a 5-year warranty.
Best Value
Toronto-based mattress and bedding company Silk & Snow designed The Pillow with adjustable comfort in mind. Value-seeking side sleepers may want to consider this pillow both for its customizable design and its fair price-point.
The Pillow features a breathable cotton cover that is also removable and fully-machine washable for easy cleaning. The fill is made of shredded memory foam and down-alternative microfiber, providing the plush feel of real down without the high price-tag. The Pillow comes stuffed with shredded memory foam, and sleepers can remove the fill to find the most comfortable feel. Two sizes are available, standard and king.
Silk & Snow offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and all Canadian provinces. You can try out The Pillow with its 100-night sleep trial, and purchases are also backed by a 3-year warranty.
Best Luxury
The Saatva Latex Pillow features an adjustable design that should appeal to people across different sleep position groups, including combination sleepers who switch between two or more positions over the course of a single night. The pillow’s core contains shredded Talalay latex, a material that contours to the head and neck without hugging too closely and also feels fairly responsive.
The outer chamber is cushioned with down-like microdenier fibers that create a plush feel. You can separate the inner pillow from the outer chamber to adjust the pillow’s thickness and overall feel, depending on how much loft you need at any given time. Side and back sleepers will probably prefer the pillow at full volume, whereas stomach sleepers may feel comfortable with just the inner pillow.
The outer cover is made of organic cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, a leading authority on sustainably grown materials. The cover and outer microdenier chamber are both fully machine-washable, so you should have no trouble keeping the pillow hygienic. Customers can choose to add a pair of cotton-sateen pillowcases to their order for an added charge.
Saatva provides free ground delivery throughout the contiguous U.S. The pillow comes with a 45-night sleep trial that includes complimentary shipping on all returns, and those who keep it receive a 1-year warranty.
Most Comfortable
Side and back sleepers who experience shoulder pain can alleviate their discomfort by using a pillow with high or medium loft. Thicker pillows that provide more cushioning for the head and neck may improve spinal alignment and help you wake up without achiness or soreness in your shoulders. The GhostBed GhostPillow – Memory Foam contains a single piece of memory foam that measures 6 inches thick, making it a high-loft pillow. The foam contours closely, but without trapping too much body heat – a common issue people have with these types of pillows.
The foam is ventilated to circulate air throughout the interior and infused with phase change material, which absorbs and releases body heat to help the pillow maintain a cool surface. An inner mesh liner offers additional breathability. The cover is made of proprietary Ghost Ice fabric that feels cool to the touch. This material is machine washable, so you’ll be able to clean the cover in any household machine.
For an extra fee, you can add a pair of mulberry silk pillowcases to your order. All customers in the contiguous U.S. receive free ground shipping with their order, as well as a 101-night sleep trial for testing out the pillow.
Best for Side Sleepers
Constructed for an ergonomic shape that promotes even alignment for side sleepers, this pillow from Eli & Elm contains a latex and fiber fill blend that can be added or removed to adjust the loft and overall feel.
Uneven alignment is a common source of shoulder pain, especially for side sleepers. The Side-sleeper Pillow from Eli & Elm remedies this problem thanks to its specialized design. The pillow features a notch at the bottom edge where your shoulders can rest comfortably without sacrificing head and neck support. Sleeping with your shoulders on the mattress and neck elevated can improve your overall alignment and reduce aches and pains along the spine.
The pillow is also adjustable. Its fill – which consists of shredded latex and plush polyester fibers – can be added or removed to adjust the loft, making the pillow optimal for most people regardless of their preferred thickness. Changing the volume can also make the pillow more comfortable for other sleep positions, though it is generally intended for side sleepers.
Temperature regulation is another strength of this pillow. The latex and fiber fill shouldn’t retain too much body heat – a frequent complaint about foam – and the cotton-blend cover is also fairly breathable. You can wash and dry the cover in any household machine, but the fill should never be laundered.
Considering its composition and design, the Side-sleeper Pillow is very reasonably priced. Eli & Elm also offers free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. You can return the pillow and receive a full refund within 45 days of your purchase, even if you’ve used it.
Best Cooling
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Many sleepers enjoy the adaptive, pressure-relieving qualities of memory foam pillows – but others find that this material retains heat to an uncomfortable degree. The Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow from Brooklyn Bedding is designed to minimize heat buildup. The solid foam core is infused with copper and graphite, both of which have natural cooling properties, and the circular-knit cover is engineered to dissipate heat on contact. The result is a pillow that offers the deep contouring and pressure relief people have come to expect from memory foam without excessive warmth.
Customers can choose between two loft levels. The 6-inch profile should be thick enough to cushion the neck and promote even spinal alignment for side sleepers. This loft may also be suitable for back sleepers prone to snoring who need more volume to sleep comfortably. Other back sleepers – as well as stomach sleepers – will likely prefer the lower 4.5-inch profile. Queen and king sizes are available. The cover can be removed and machine washed for easy care, but owners should only spot clean the foam is stains or smudges occur.
An approachable price-point and free shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. make the Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow a solid choice for shoppers with tight budgets. Each purchase comes with a 30-night sleep trial, and those who choose to keep their pillow also receive a 3-year warranty against structural defects.
Best for Neck Support
The key to reducing shoulder pain is to ensure the neck and head are aligned with the spine. Without proper alignment, aches and pressure points can build where your shoulders make contact with the pillow. The Layla Kapok Pillow contains a blend of shredded memory foam and downy-soft fibers from the kapok tree, so you can expect close contouring. You may add or remove as much of the fill as you wish to achieve an ideal loft for shoulder pain relief, making the pillow suitable for both side and back sleeping.
Cooling is another strength of the Kapok Pillow. The memory foam has an open-cell composition while the kapok fibers retain very little warmth, so bothersome heat retention is unlikely to occur. The cover is also made from a blend of polyester and breathable viscose. Copper – which has natural cooling properties – is infused into the yarn blend for added temperature control.
The cover can be washed and dried at home, saving you time and money whenever the fabric needs to be cleaned. You can also wash the entire pillow at once. Layla recommends multiple drying cycles if you go this route to ensure there isn’t any remaining moisture when you return it to your bed.
An approachable price-point and free shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. makes this pillow a great pick for shoppers on a budget. Layla backs each order with a 120-night sleep trial, giving you ample time to test out the pillow and determine if it meets your needs, as well as a 5-year warranty against structural defects.
Best Adjustable
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An adjustable pillow can be a worthwhile investment for people who prefer a firmer feel one night and a softer feel the next. Combination sleepers who frequently change positions in bed can also benefit from this type of design. The Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow offers more adjustability than many of its competitors. The pillow comes with three inserts, each with a distinct firmness level. Owners can experiment with the inserts to find their ideal configuration.
One insert contains plush down alternative fibers that provide a soft, adaptive feel. Another is cushioned with shredded memory foam that contours to the head and neck, creating a medium feel. The third insert features two blocks of solid memory foam, one measuring 1 inch thick and the other measuring 2 inches thick. Both of these components feel firm and supportive. Sleepers can arrange the inserts to their liking. Using all of the inserts should provide adequate loft for side sleepers, whereas back and stomach sleepers may feel more comfortable using one or two of the inserts.
The pillow’s cover is composed of viscose derived from bamboo, a breathable fabric that also has moisture-wicking properties. Ventilated side panels promote airflow throughout the interior and minimize heat retention, which can be helpful for those who use the foam inserts. Each inert is encased in a liner. You can machine wash the cover and all three liners whenever a cleaning is needed.
The LAYR Customizable Pillow is affordably priced, and Luxome offers a 50% discount on the second pillow for customers who purchase a two-pack. Shipping is also free of charge for orders within the contiguous U.S. Those who need the pillow in a hurry can also pay an additional fee for expedited delivery. Pillows in like-new condition may be returned within 30 days of the delivery date.
Best Pressure Relief
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MedCline’s Shoulder Relief System is a sophisticated three-piece pillow set designed specifically for people who feel pain or pressure points in their upper body. Your system includes a body pillow filled with shredded foam that runs 50 inches long, ensuring most side sleepers regardless of their height can tuck the bottom between their legs. You’ll also receive a firm wedge pillow made of dense foam with a slot near the top, in which a foam pillow insert is designed to fit.
To use the pillow, place the wedge pillow on your mattress and lie on your preferred side while snuggling with the body pillow. Tuck your downside arm into the slot next to the pillow insert – this will reduce pressure and minimize the “pins and needles” sensation many side sleepers experience. The wedge pillow has a gradual inclination of 10 degrees designed to take pressure off of your shoulder. Thanks to its symmetrical design, the Shoulder Relief System is suitable for left and right side sleepers.
Each component comes with a machine-washable case, so you shouldn’t have any trouble keeping the items clean. For an extra checkout charge, you can add an extra pillowcase for all three items. MedCline allows returns after you have tested out the pillow for at least 30 nights. Your purchase also includes a manufacturer’s warranty that covers structural defects in the pillow for up to one year.
“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.