This may seem like an obvious question and a certain no brainer if you are a long time sufferers of shoulder pain, or really any kind of joint pain or body aches, but for some of us, it may be a mystery. There are many causes of aches and pains to our bodies from how we lay on it, to major sports injuries to everyday activities that seem innocent enough.
If your shoulder pain is caused by an obvious reason like a fall, a sprain, muscle tearing or any other major injury we strongly suggest you have a doctor look at it and advise you on what is best for you. He or she may decide that a special pillow and avoiding laying on that side will be very good for you for some time but it is important for you to get an expert opinion first.
Quick Look At Our Top 5 Picks
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
 | Best of the Best
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 | Best for Budget
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 | Best Runner Up
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 | Best for Side Sleepers
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 | BEST DURABLE
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
Once you have been advised you are welcome to search this page further and get your feel for the pillow you need. Though the list has been narrowed down to five of our top choices you will still have your pick of what is the best for you.
If your shoulder pain is not a sports injury or related to physical activity whether new or old, then you may be trying to figure out where it came from. Of course, it may be from stress and strain on the joints at work or in your daily routine, but it’s likely the problem is deeper.
You may be experiencing shoulder pain simply from how you sleep each night and how your rest the weight of your body when you sleep. You may feel like you’re in a comfortable position when you lay down each night but you have to remember you’re shifting most of your weight onto only a few places and that can cause a lot of soreness.
But what are you supposed to do if sleeping on your side is the most comfortable way for you to sleep and they only way you can get to sleep? You don’t have to abandon your favorite sleeping position and relearn and adjust to a new sleeping style, you can try packing pillows around you or you can try out a pillow made specifically to help you deal with shoulder pain.
How Can A Pillow Affect Your Shoulder Pain?
Pillows designed specifically to combat shoulder pain are handy for many reasons but the main one may be that you can get the support and pressure relief in one pillow rather than packing three or more around you. I mean if you’re a fort builder and enjoy finding the perfect angle to set the pillows and how to fluff them up in order to get adequate support then be our guest and keep with that method.
Obviously, a pillow is not the solution everyone would choose for this but it is one that can usually be a simple, cheap and relatively easy fix. Before going for pain killers or tossing and turning through a miserable night’s sleep you may find it worth the pocket money to invest in a pillow that was created with your needs in mind.
The pillows for shoulder pain are a bit firmer to take the impact of your body and keep you supported throughout the night. This will keep you from carrying the heavy weight but instead shifting it off of you.
The pillows are designed to allow you to comfortably sleep on your side and still be elevated and supported. You do not have to worry about learning a new sleeping position you just find that yours becomes more comfortable.
While you are dealing with a shoulder injury or soreness you are probably going to sleep on the other side for awhile. To protect and prevent you from creating a second problem the pillow will keep you supported.
Special Considerations For Creating This List
- Firm: We chose pillows that have a level of firmness to keep you supported throughout the night without worries. They are not all selected to be overly firm but enough that keeps you from shouldering the weight throughout the night, pun intended.
- Durable: This pillow is not just an investment in your sleep which affects your overall health and well-being, but it invests in your immediate healing. While shoulder healing can be a process it starts to heal with rest and rest means actually getting the pressure off and being serious about taking it easy.
- Because of this, we find that the pillows need to be durable and keep form and shape regardless of how long you use them. They should hold up nightly and through the weeks and months as well.
- Machine washable: Pillows get dirty rather easily whether we like to admit that or not, we as humans sweat through the night and make messes. As we just mentioned the pillows are investments they should be an investment that is easy to clean without damaging the form or quality.
- Great for side sleepers: The pillows are designed to be good for people who sleep on their sides. Many times when you have issues with your shoulder you are advised not to sleep on your injured side and to rotate to the other side, which means you need a pillow that supports you on your side.
- Comes with a warranty: While we highly recommend the pillows we’ve selected we understand that many people don’t know until they try them out. These pillows come with warranties to return them and either get your money back or have a new pillow sent to you without a hassle.
Top 5 Pillows For Shoulder Pain
Cosium Orthopedic Memory Foam, Ergonomic Bed Pillow for All Types of Sleepers
As far buying a specific pillow goes, this one does not cost you a whole lot though as it is still a pillow to invest in, you should be prepared to see a fifty dollar price tag. This pillow is designed specifically to support and alleviate pain and stress on your shoulders, though it is not just for side sleepers but for all.
This is an ergonomic pillow that is made with a memory foam that is slow to rebound meaning that it will better keep shape and support. These pillows are hypoallergenic and on top of that you can remove the zipper cover and wash them as often as you need to.
You will see a lot of pillows specifically recommended for side sleepers but with this one you do not have to worry as it is comfortable for all types of sleeping and available in a variety of sizes. The company only notes that the temperature of your room greatly affects the density of the pillow and how firm or soft it will be, so make sure you factor in the temperature of your room.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic
- Great for all types of sleepers
- Machine washable
- Slow-rebound memory foam
Cons:
- Some report flattening quickly
- Some say it needs extra support
TMJ Relief Pillow Best Neck and Shoulder by Accutrig
This one is more of a device than a pillow but acts as a support and comfort just as a pillow would. It is a small pillow and does not allow for wiggle room or turning over in the night but instead keeps your head in place and your shoulders supported.
This pillow is not for nightly sleeping but for you to rest your head on it for a short time each day. It is great for training your muscles and spine to lay in a manner that better supports and comforts your head.
The pillow is easy to spot clean if you happen to get it dirty in the time you use it. There is a money back guarantee if you do not see the results that you are hoping for in this pillow.
Pros:
- Money back guarantee
- Great for realignment
- Supportive
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Not for nightly sleep
- Small
Z Gel Memory Foam L-Shape Pillow for Side Sleeping Comfort
Z Gel memory foam pillow is ergonomically shaped as an L to allow you the optimal side sleeping experience. You can stretch out on the pillow and use it not only for side sleeping though it is designed for you to rest your body on either your left or your right.
Gel dough memory foam is used which is a cooling memory foam and keeps the temperature regulated and you cooler throughout the evening. If you are a hot or sweaty sleeper you may find that this is perfect for you.
The pillow is machine washable and you do not have to fret about losing the fluffiness or shape of the pillow after a wash. There is a five year warranty to allow you to return the pillow without hassle if you have issues with it.
Pros:
- Ergonomic
- Cooling memory foam
- Easy to clean
- Five year warranty
Cons:
- Some report it being very hard
- Some reported it being stiff and bulky
AmazonBasics Deluxe Down-Alternative Pillow with Cotton Shell for Side Sleepers
If you are looking for a pillow that will keep you cool this is a great idea for you as the pillow is made with perforated punctures throughout the foam to allow for better airflow. The pillow is light yet still extremely supportive and provided structure for your body.
You can purchase the pillow in the standard queen size and find that it will give you enough wiggle room throughout the night. The cover of the pillow is microfiber and if you choose to use it without a pillow case that is fine because it is completely washable.
Pros:
- Washable
- Microfiber cover
- Increased airflow
- Supportive
Cons:
- Some reported issues with washing the cover
- May flatten quickly
Coop Home Goods – Eden Shredded Memory Foam
You may choose which size you want this pillow to come to you in, either standard, queen or king size for whichever bed you want to put it on. The pillow itself is made from memory foam and microfiber that allows it to be not only comfortable but cooling as well.
Coop prides itself on creating pillows that are not too firm and not too soft but the perfect firmness level that allows most every sleeper to be comfortable. The pillow is durable, hypoallergenic and the best part is it is free of harsh chemicals and heavy metals.
Pros:
- Size options
- Hypoallergenic
- Without harsh chemicals and heavy metals
- Durable
Cons:
- Some found it less comfortable than other options
- Perhaps not enough foam
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons why you may have shoulder pain and there are precautions your doctor can speak with you about in order to alleviate the pain. If you have decided on getting a pillow that better supports you and keeps your shoulder free from tension, strain and stress then we advise the ones on this list.
Make sure that the pillows are durable, easy to clean and actually remove stress from your body while you sleep. A pillow specifically for shoulder pain may be the cheapest, most simple way to help you relieve the pain and begin the healing process through rest.
