Best Pillow for Shoulder Pain Relief [2022 Review and Guide]


Let’s go back to managing shoulder pain – one good way to have this done is the use of any of the best pillows for shoulder pain relief.

A good night’s sleep is highly essential for anyone who wants to have a great day at work the following day.

Experiencing insomnia once in a while is something that many people go through. However, one of the reasons for sleepless nights is shoulder pain.

When you have chronic pain in your shoulder, it can prevent you from enjoying your sleep. To avoid this occurrence that will affect your productivity, you need to get your hands on a useful pillow for shoulder pain relief.

But first, what causes of shoulder pain?

Many people around the world experience shoulder pain, thereby making it one of the most common health complaint globally.

Shoulders are part of the human body that is susceptible to injury. Rotator cuff tendinitis is the primary cause of pain in the shoulder at night.

Rotator cuff tendinitis can occur as a result of aging, poor posture, or repetitive work. Unrelieved tension and stress that has been building up throughout the day can result in shoulder pain at night. A bad pillow can also be the culprit.

When engaged in strenuous work, your shoulder is usually active. Gravity works on the body and pulls the tendons downwards, thereby creating spaces between muscle layers.

This position boosts blood flow and relieves any stiffness or pain that may exist within.

However, this is not the case when you are asleep at night. When you are lying on your bed, your entire body is in a horizontal position.

There will be a decrease in blood flow because your shoulder muscles can’t relax properly, resulting in shoulder inflammation.

Pain in the shoulder can also occur as a result of the following:

  • Structural changes that occur as you age
  • Posture problems
  • Saggy mattress
  • Neck problems
  • Too soft or firm bed

And you may even lie right on your shoulder while sleeping, which further compresses it. This is where a good pillow for shoulder pain relief comes in.

If you don’t have the right pillow to help your body achieve the proper posture, the pain in your shoulder may keep aggravating.

The right pillow provides adequate support for your head and neck, thus relieving the extra pressure on your shoulder. This is important if you are a side sleeper or have had a traumatic injury that has torn off the rotator cuff.

You need the best pillow for shoulder pain relief. If you truly want to alleviate that nagging pain in your shoulder that makes you lose concentration at work, then you need to pick any of the following top pillows for shoulder pain relief.

Best pillow for shoulder pain relief

To help you relieve your aching shoulders, we’ve compiled five (5) of the best pillows that are designed to help calm your shoulders. You can pick any of the best pillows for shoulder pain relief below:

Cushy Form Bed Wedge Pillow

Cushy pillow for shoulder relief

Cushy Form Bed Wedge Pillow does not look like the conventional pillow that you know. This shoulder pain relief pillow slightly elevates your upper body. This aligns your entire body and spine perfectly so you can enjoy your sleep throughout the night.

Your sleeping time will improve drastically because the position is also therapeutic and comfortable. The Cushy Form Bed Wedge pillow transforms the way you sleep by helping to relieve shoulder and neck pain. It is also recommended for people with acid reflux and sinus issues.

This wedge pillow is medically optimized at a height of 12 inches. It is made with high-density memory foam, which contours accurately to the neck and shoulder for optimum pain relief. Elevating your upper body also improves your chances of preventing orthopedic health issues. It is breathable, and its washable cover is removable as well.

What we liked

  • It is breathable, thereby giving room for maximum airflow
  • Has the correct height which suits body posture and shape
  • Made from dense memory foam for optimum comfort and shoulder pain relief
  • It is firm, and its cover is machine-washable.
  • Never collapses under body weight
  • 100 percent risk-free purchase according to manufacturers

What we didn’t like

  • It is not too suitable for every type of sleeping positions
  • It may be too firm for some users

The Cushy Form Bed Wedge Pillow gets the job done as it guarantees more comfortable sleep for users.

MALOUF Z Natural Talalay Latex Zoned Pillow

Malouf Z Best PILLOW FOR SHOULDER PAIN

MALOUF Z Natural Talalay Latest Zoned Pillow offers a pretty solid latex pillow that comes with zoned sections for improved support. It is available in two firmness levels and two loft configurations, allowing users to choose the suitable one.

MALOUF Z Zoned Pillow is filled with Talalay latex brick with big holes in the central part and perforations on its entire surface.

These holes and perforations aid air circulation and make the pillow feel cool. However, the zoned perforations offer better cradling and enhanced support for the neck and shoulder in any sleep position.

The MALOUF removable pillow cover is breathable and made of natural cotton. This makes it easy to wash. The only downside with this pillow is that it is pretty expensive.

But as long as it gets the job done, it shouldn’t be a problem for users.

What we liked

  • Has zoned support
  • Made with natural materials only
  • Conforms to the head and assists in relaxing the shoulders, thereby alleviating should pain
  • Comes with washable cover

What we didn’t like

  • It is expensive

Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow

Therapeutica Shoulder Relief Pillow

If you are looking for a pillow for shoulder pain relief and perfect for any sleep position, look no further than the Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow.

This pillow comes in five different sizes: Child, Petite, Average, Large, and XL. This means that getting the right size will not be a problem for you or your loved one.

The pillow is also firm and supportive. It may not look anything like the regular pillow you are used to due to its different design. But it does the remarkable job of alleviating shoulder pain extensively.

The Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow has several support levels, which is vital for finding the right position that will work best for you. It is made with dense memory foam that conforms to the human body.

When you sink into the pillow, you will get a supportive nook for your head, neck, and shoulders, thereby relieving any pain at night.

The breathable and highly durable cover is made with a combination of cotton and polyester.

The only issue with it is that the pillow is not machine-washable. The pillowcase is machine-washable, however, and the pillow itself comes with a five-year warranty, which also covers the replacement of the pillow.

What we liked

  • It comes with a five-year warranty
  • It is perfect for any sleep position
  • It comes in several sizes and offers a custom support system
  • The product is specially designed for shoulder support
  • Washable cover

What we didn’t like

  • Pillow is not machine-washable

This pillow is truly remarkable, and its firmness and support is one that you would love any day anytime.

UTTU Sandwich Pillow

UTTU Sandwich shoulder relief pillow

The UTTU Sandwich Pillow contours to and supports your head, neck, and shoulders, thereby offering the best sleep position.

This posture helps to alleviate your shoulder pain when you sleep. The pillow is also customizable, meaning you can remove some of the paddings inside it for a perfect firmness level.

This sleeping pillow is pretty thick, thanks to its three-pound dynamic foam. The materials used in making this pillow re hypoallergenic and safe.

The machine-washable cover is made with 40 percent bamboo-derived rayon and 60 percent polyester. It is suitable for any sleeping position.

The UTTU Sandwich Pillow has received multiple certifications, proof of its high-quality design, and remarkable ability to relieve shoulder pain.

What we liked

  • Adjustable loft
  • It comes with an extended warranty
  • The firmness of the product is adjustable
  • It is CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEK, and ISPA certified

What we didn’t like

  • Pillow is not washable

MedCline Advanced Positioning Pillow

MedCline Shoulder Relief Pillow

MedCline Advanced Positioning Pillow is one of the sought-after pillows for shoulder pain relief.

If you experience shoulder pain due to bad sleeping posture or side sleeping awkwardly, this is the best pillow for shoulder pain relief.

MedCline Advanced Positioning Pillow has been tried, tested, and proven to be highly effective in shoulder pain relief.

When you sleep at an angle offered by MedCline, your entire torso will be inclined such that your shoulder is relieved from pain.

MedCline is engineered with four different types of foam support, which enhances comfort.

The patented arm support or pocket at the top will prevent you from sliding down as you sleep during the night. You won’t even notice that your body is inclined when using the pillow.

MedCline Advanced Pillow is made from 20 percent polyester CVC velour and 80 percent cotton, and 100 percent polyester dimpled mesh.

This shoulder pain relief pillow has a washable, removable cover that you can machine-wash to maintain the cleanliness of the pillow.

It is somewhat pricey, but if you consider its durability and functionality, you will agree that the price is well worth it.

What we liked

  • It offers four types of foam for enhanced comfort and support
  • The foam contains no harmful or toxic chemicals
  • Highly effective for shoulder pain relief
  • Provides relief from different forms of acid reflux like chocking and nausea

What we didn’t like

  • Individuals with big arms may find it somewhat uncomfortable

The MedCline Advanced Pillow is also helpful for people with sinuses issues and comes highly recommended.

How to Select the Best Pillow for Shoulder Pain Relief

Selecting a pillow for shoulder pain relief can be challenging and a pain in the neck in itself. It is also an indication that one pillow is not the best for everyone.

For instance, the best pillow for shoulder pain relief for a side sleeper may not necessarily work well for a back or stomach sleeper. This is why several pillows for shoulder pain relief are on the market today.

Here’s what to look out for when choosing a high-quality pillow for shoulder pain relief:

Pillow type

Several types of pillows for shoulder pain relief are in the market today. But you need to know these types of pillows so that you can make the best choice.

Standard: This is the everyday pillow you see on nearly every bed out there. Most of them have sloping sides and higher middle area.

Multi-level: A multi-level pillow does not look much like a pillow but more like a small sofa cushion. It comes with some little nooks and crannies that provide support, thereby giving you much better support that works when you are in bed.

Contour: This type of pillow slopes up from the bottom and right up to the top. The way the pillow is shaped allows users to get into different positions compared to a standard pillow. This makes it possible for you to relieve your shoulder pain.

Size of the Pillow

The size of the pillow you choose depends on your size as well as where and the amount of support required. Getting a pillow that props you up may result in a different type of pain.

Therefore, you should only choose and utilize the right size of the pillow that will work best for your situation.

Pillow fill materials

The materials used in filling up your pillow can make or break the amount or level of support you need at night. This means that your pillow will not last very long if it is not made of quality materials.

Here are the common pillow fill materials:

  • Latex: Latex is a highly durable material, making it an excellent choice for pillows, especially if you use them often. Latex pillows come with quilted cushion layers that add to the softness when touched.
  • Memory foam: Pillows filled with memory foam are thicker and larger than conventional pillows. Such pillows condense a lot when you lay on it, thereby creating a cushion that readily contours to your body, which gives it optimal support.

Pillow cover materials

Pillow covers materials are usually thin and don’t offer any significant support to alleviate shoulder pain. Some of them, however, are made of more durable and hypoallergenic materials than others.

Cotton is commonly used as a pillow cover material, though the strongest, according to research, is the bamboo-derived versions.

Sleep position

Most people don’t know this, but your sleep position can also influence the type of pillow you go for if you experience shoulder pain.

Sleeping on your stomach is considered the worst way to sleep, according to research. This is because that position can put your neck, shoulders, and spine out of alignment.

Since you experience shoulder pain, the best position to assume for relief is on your back.

Firmness

The firmness level of the pillow you choose for shoulder pain relief is also crucial. Your goal is to choose a pillow that provides as much support as possible for your aching shoulder.

However, make sure that the pillow is not too firm but has a small give to it. If the pillow is too soft or too firm, you will not get the right amount of support required to alleviate your shoulder pain.

Wrapping Up

If you truly need a pillow for shoulder pain relief, you should only go for one that is made with high-quality and durable materials. Your sleep position also plays a crucial role when it comes to the type of pillow you select.

Get a pillow with lots of contouring and supportive edges that will contribute significantly to reducing your shoulder pain.

So, go out there and get the best pillow for shoulder pain relief right away!

Leave a Comment