Sleep quality is pivotal for your overall well-being, and if you’re a back sleeper with shoulder pain, finding the right pillow is crucial in reducing your pain. Chronic shoulder pain can ruin a good night’s sleep and affect your daily activities. That makes your choice of pillow an important factor in bettering your sleep. A pillow that properly supports your head, neck, and shoulders can help align your spine, relieve pressure points, and ultimately, ease the shoulder pain during your slumber.
When looking for a sitting pillow for back pain, you’ll want to consider the materials used, its contour to your body, and the level of support it provides. That’s what we’re here for: to help you choose the right pillow for your specific needs.
But to know which pillow is right for you, it’s important to understand your preferred sleeping position and the nagging pain in your shoulder first.
Overview: Shoulder Pain and Sleep
When you’re a back sleeper experiencing shoulder pain, the discomfort can greatly mess up with your sleep quality. Your sleeping position directly impacts your muscles and tendons, particularly around your shoulders. If your mattress doesn’t support your spine’s natural curve, or if your pillow doesn’t provide adequate neck support, the resulting strain can exacerbate shoulder pain.
Sleeping on your back can be beneficial because it helps maintain a neutral spine position. However, if you toss and turn, finding yourself on your side, this can add pressure to your shoulder joints. This is especially problematic if you have a pre-existing condition like arthritis, which affects the joints and tissue surrounding them.
Types of Pillows and Materials
Research suggests that ergonomic pillows can significantly reduce neck pain and improve sleep quality. In this study, three pillows were compared, and the researchers found that ergonomic pillows led to significant decreases in neck pain levels and increased satisfaction with sleep.
When you’re dealing with shoulder pain, choosing the right pillow can make a world of difference for a good night’s sleep. Let’s check out some of your best bets when it comes to materials and types of pillows.
Memory Foam
Memory foam pillows provide firm support and contour to your body, helping align your neck and shoulders. The viscoelastic properties of memory foam allow it to compress under pressure and return to its original shape, offering consistent comfort. Look for memory foam that’s labeled as hypoallergenic if you’re sensitive to allergens. These pillows often come with removable covers made of breathable materials like organic cotton, making them easy to keep clean.
Natural Latex
Latex pillows are another excellent choice for back sleepers with shoulder pain. Made from the sap of rubber trees, natural latex pillows offer a bouncy, resilient feel and they’re naturally hypoallergenic and breathable. They resist dust mites and mold, which is great if you’re allergic or just want a cleaner sleep environment. Plus, you can often find them in a variety of firmness levels to suit your personal preference.
Down and Down-Alternatives Pillows
If you love the soft, plush feeling, check out down or down-alternative pillows. Down pillows are filled with feathers from geese or ducks and are typically very soft and luxurious. If you’re allergic to feathers or looking for a more affordable option, down-alternative pillows are filled with polyester fiber or microfiber, mimicking the feel of down but are non-allergenic. They often feature a gusseted design which can offer extra support around the edges for your shoulders and neck.
Top Picks for Pillows That Ease Shoulder Pain for Back Sleepers
Wake up refreshed and ready to tackle your day. Your perfect pillow buddy is out there, one that cradles your head just right while offering enough support to keep those shoulders feeling good all night long.
Let’s dive into the best pillows on the market that are not only cozy but also tailored to relieve your shoulder pain.
Coop Crescent Queen Pillow
- Versatile for all sleep positions: Back and side sleepers love the proper loft for all shapes and sizes. The adjustable support of side sleeper pillow makes it easy to roll from side to back.
- Fully adjustable fill: Same Oomph! technology as all Coop pillows. Add or remove fill for proper alignment, Coop Home Goods neck support pillows for sleeping are optimal loft for all shapes and sizes.
- Best materials: Polyester/Rayon Lulltra pillowcase promotes airflow. Oomph cross-cut memory foam and microfiber fill for ultimate comfort. GreenGuard Gold and Certipur-US certifications ensure safe materials.
| Pros: | Cons: |
Customizable firmness through adjustable fill Crescent shape supports neck and shoulders well Breathable, washable cover enhances comfort | Initial adjustment period required for optimal fit Might be too firm for some preferences A higher price point than basic pillows |
Waking up without the usual shoulder pain, the Coop Home Goods pillow immediately strikes you with its unique crescent shape designed to cradle your shoulders. The adjustable fill allows for a personalized sleep experience, letting you fine-tune the loft to support your back-sleeping posture perfectly. The first night’s sleep felt different, but by the end of the week, it’s like the pillow has been custom made for you.
As evening falls and bedtime approaches, the smooth, breathable fabric of the pillowcase promises a cool night’s rest. That’s for sure a pleasant feature for anyone tired of waking up searching for the cool side of the pillow. The just-right mix of memory foam and microfiber fill blends support with comfort seamlessly, making you wonder how you ever managed with your old, unyielding pillow.
With its machine-washable ease and durability, this Coop pillow seems like it’ll be part of your bedtime routine for a long time. Resting your head at the end of the day has become something to look forward to, knowing you’ll be supported correctly, helping keep that bothersome shoulder pain at bay.
Tempur-Pedic Cloud ProHi King
- HIGH-PROFILE BED PILLOW: Medium feel and traditional shape designed especially for side sleepers and larger frames, providing the perfect balance of luxurious, personalized comfort and optimal support
- PRESSURE-RELIEVING MEMORY FOAM: Signature TEMPUR material and added micro-cushions effortlessly adapt to your unique shape for superior head, neck, and shoulder support
- ULTRA-ADAPTIVE MATERIAL: Cradles your neck and shoulders then quickly returns to its shape in the morning and retains its shape over years, offering superior support at night and alignment after a year
| Pros: | Cons: |
Customizable comfort with TEMPUR micro-cushions Alleviates shoulder and neck pressure Durable and retains shape over time | Higher price point can be a deterrent May be too firm for some preferences Limited to king-size beds due to dimensions |
Sleeping soundly shouldn’t be a luxury, and for back sleepers with shoulder pain, the right pillow is a necessity. Upon laying your head on the Tempur-Pedic Cloud ProHi, you feel an instant sense of relief as it cradles your neck and shoulders. The high-profile build specifically targets pain points, making it feel as though the pillow was customized just for you.
Waking up without the usual stiffness in your shoulders feels like a small miracle. TEMPUR material’s reputation for adjusting to individual contours proves to be more than just talk as you experience its supportive embrace. It’s not every day that you find a pillow which makes you believe in the power of a great product’s ability to improve your quality of sleep.
The pillow comes with a machine-washable cover.. Even after consistent use, it springs back to its original shape every morning. While it may be a splurge, your rejuvenated mornings might just validate the investment in this standout pillow from Tempur-Pedic.
Sidney Sleep Queen Pillow
- MASTER YOUR COMFORT: Are you a side or back sleeper? Our adjustable shredded memory foam bed pillow gives you the power to shape your sleep. Simply add or remove filling to adjust the pillow's firmness and height.
- ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT: Too firm, too high, too soft, too low? Customize it your way! Our curved cervical neck pillow with extra filling included, makes it easy for you to adjust the loft to your liking. Sidney Sleep, one pillow, multiple comfort possibilities.
- PERSONALIZE YOUR SLEEP: Unlike traditional down pillows, our pillow is designed especially for side and back sleepers to achieve the best sleep possible. Fully customizable to find the perfect blend of support and comfort that suits your unique sleeping preferences.
| Pros: | Cons: |
Personalizable support and comfort Easy to maintain and clean Luxuriously soft and breathable | Initial off-gassing odor May require adjustment period Extra filling could be cumbersome |
Waking up with no shoulder pain for the first time in months, the Sidney Sleep Pillow seems to understand the plight of back sleepers. The adjustable shredded memory foam lets you find that sweet spot of comfort and support. It’s delightfully easy to fit the amount of filling to your preference.
The plush outer case feels gentle against the skin, contributing to a serene slumber. A quick toss in the washer, and it’s as good as new. This maintenance convenience is ideal for anyone with a busy routine. The breathable material keeps you cool through the night.
Though superbly comfortable, there’s a caveat: The pillow comes with a distinct foam smell at first, which dissipates after some airing out. Be prepared to spend some nights tweaking the fill to perfection. And if you’re not keen on storing the extra memory foam, it could be a bit of a hassle. However, once you’ve dialed in the ideal loftiness, you’re likely to appreciate the tailored sleep experience this pillow offers.
Mediflow Water Pillow
- CLINICALLY PROVEN: Our Water base technology has been clinically proven by an independent Johns Hopkins study to reduce neck pain and improve overall quality of sleep, bringing you the best night's sleep you have ever experienced
- IDEAL FOR ALL SLEEPING POSITIONS: -If you are a side, back or stomach sleeper or switch in between - the water will move with your head, so you will never have to adjust or fluff this pillow
- CUSTOMIZE TO YOUR COMFORT: Our Water based Pillow can be customized to your liking! Adjust the water level for make your pillow soft, medium, firm or even medium-firm
| Pros: | Cons: |
Custom firmness offers personalized support Helps alleviate neck pain for better sleep Highly regarded by healthcare professionals | May take time to adjust to water filling Requires maintenance to keep water level optimal Hand wash only limits easy care |
The Mediflow Water Pillow contours to your neck, constantly adapting whether you flip from back to side during the night. The fine balance between the soft fiber top and the responsive water base combines comfort with the support you need to ease shoulder pain.
Maintaining the pillow involves checking the water level and adjusting it to find that “just right” firmness. Despite the initial fiddle to get it set up, the pay-off in pain relief and sleep quality can be significant.
Healthcare pros often recommend a pillow like this for its therapeutic benefits. Even if you’ve never considered a water pillow before, the Mediflow might convince you with its ability to soften the impact on your shoulders and neck. Remember, though, you’ll need to handle it with care; the only cleaning method is a gentle hand wash.
DONAMA Cervical Pillow
- 🌙【QUALITY SLEEP STARTS WITH A GOOD PILLOW】Are you always waking up with neck cramps or back pain? Our proven ergonomically designed, contoured memory foam pillow supports your head, neck, shoulders and back perfectly. The innovative design allows our pillows to naturally fit your curved spine perfectly, providing proper support for spinal alignment,makes you to shift between positions comfortably.So you will wake up relaxed and start a more energetic day.
- 🌙【2 HEIGHTS AND ARMREST DESIGNS】When you are still troubled about not finding the right height pillow, our cervical pillows have 2 different heights on both sides for you to choose, so you can choose the right one which is more suitable for your sleeping posture. And there are specific grooves that allows your arms to go under for comfortable sleep.This orthopedic pillow is suitable for all kinds of sleeping posture,such as stomach ,back ,side sleeping.
- 🌙【SLOW REBOUND HIGH QUALITY MEMORY FOAM】The neck support pillow is made of high quality CertiPUR-US certified rebound memory foam. Premium quality firm and not too soft for maximum comfort and great relaxation of your head, neck, shoulders and back muscles when you lie on your back or side.
| Pros: | Cons: |
Alleviates neck and shoulder strain Customizable heights and armrest Breathable, washable cover | Middle button prone to undoing Might require adjustment period Limited washing convenience |
The DONAMA Cervical Pillow’s contoured shape felt like a soothing retreat for my shoulders, too. Its dual-height design proved especially valuable for fine-tuning my sleeping posture. The difference in waking up free from the usual cricks and aches was astonishing.
The pillow’s snug armrest groove became a fast favorite, subtly allowing a more relaxed shoulder position throughout the night. Alongside this, the cooling effect of the breathable pillowcase contributed to a consistently refreshing sleep, warding off any discomfort from overheating.
Yet, a practical snag occurred with maintaining the pillow’s hygiene. The removable case, while sleek to the touch, presented a challenge. The middle button sometimes came undone, leading to a tad bit of a wrangling session after a wash. A slight learning curve was evident in getting accustomed to my new sleep companion, but the initial perseverance paid off with night after night of improved slumber.
Sleep Innovations Versacurve Pillow
- Multi Position Memory Foam Pillow: Curved for comfort and shaped for support this memory foam pillow offers therapeutic support for the shoulders and neck in a comfortable, low profile design
- Therapeutic Support: Ideal for stomach back, and side sleepers, this curved memory foam pillow is designed to help you experience less tossing, less turning, and deeper, more satisfying sleep
- Pillows With A Purpose: Whether you want a classic memory foam pillow a huggable body pillow, a cooling gel memory foam pillow for hot sleepers, or a curved pillow for therapeutic support, weâ€ve got you covered
| Pros: | Cons: |
Tailors to all sleeping positions Maintains coolness overnight Durable and retains shape | May not suit all firmness preferences Cover is hand wash only Might be too low for some sleepers |
When you rest your head on the Versacurve Pillow, the first thing you notice is the personalized feel it offers. It cradles the neck and shoulders just right, whether you’re on your side or back. The cooling memory foam is a standout feature, making it ideal for those who tend to overheat through the night.
Transitioning from side to back sleeping feels seamless. The pillow’s curve provides a natural alignment, assisting in reducing the common tossing and turning that can accompany shoulder pain. It’s reassuring to know that the materials used are hypoallergenic which adds a layer of confidence for those with sensitivities.
And it’s not just about the support. The pillow’s endurance is also impressive. It springs back to its original shape after each use, which speaks volumes about its long-term resilience. However, keep in mind if you prefer a higher loft for your head, you may need to adjust to the Versacurve’s lower profile.
How to Choose the Right Pillow for You
When you’re dealing with shoulder pain, finding the right pillow is key to a restful sleep. It’s about the perfect combination of comfort and support to keep your spine aligned and pressure off your shoulders.
Firmness is personal. You want enough support to ease pressure on your shoulder, but it’s also gotta feel right for you. Here’s a quick guide:
- Soft: You dig a pillow that’s more like a cloud? Soft pillows can be cozy, but they may not offer the pressure relief you need.
- Medium: The middle ground. These pillows are all about balance, giving you a mix of comfort and support.
- Firm: Need something that doesn’t give way too easily? Firm pillows are here to keep your neck in a neutral position, helping relieve shoulder pain.
Let’s talk about size and shape.
- Standard Size: These are your go-to pillows, and they do a solid job for most back sleepers.
- Queen and King: Got a bigger bed or love to toss and turn? Larger pillows give you extra room to find that sweet spot for your shoulder.
Shape matters, too.
- Contour: These pillows have a groovy dip that cradles your head.
- Even: A level surface keeps things consistent and can be better for spinal alignment.
Remember, your pillowcase matters just as much – look for ones that are gentle on your skin and easy to clean. Your comfort is key, so pick something that speaks to your personal preference and helps you get that much-needed relief.
Try before you buy.
Because the best pillows for your needs often don’t come in cheap price tags, it’s preferable that you get to test the pillow first to check if it suits your need and doesn’t exacerbate existing discomfort. If possible, test pillows in-store or look for ones with a trial period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pillow should side sleepers with shoulder pain choose for a better sleep?
For side sleepers with shoulder pain, a pillow with a higher loft and firmer support that aligns the neck and spine is ideal. This helps reduce the strain on your shoulder.
How do orthopedic pillows ease shoulder pain for back sleepers?
Orthopedic pillows provide targeted support to maintain spinal alignment, often including contours for neck support and cavities to minimize pressure on the shoulders, thereby reducing pain.
Can a wedge pillow help relieve shoulder pain, and if so, how?
Yes, a wedge pillow can help by elevating your upper body, which reduces pressure on your shoulders and can improve circulation and reduce inflammation that may be contributing to your pain.
Does sleeping position affect shoulder pain, and what adjustments can be made for improved sleep?
Your sleeping position can greatly impact shoulder pain. For back sleepers, keeping a neutral spine is key. Consider placing a small pillow under your knees to better align your spine and reduce shoulder strain.
Disclaimer: Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
This content is provided solely for educational reasons and should not be seen as medical guidance. It’s important to consult with a healthcare expert prior to making any changes to your health regimen, including dietary adjustments or the use of supplements.
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