Out of every 1000 people, 62 of them suffer from shoulder pain every year. And with that, there are a lot of reasons why you can experience shoulder pain. It can be due to an accident, causing a rotator cuff injury, osteoarthritis, or even a frozen shoulder. Even with that, sleeping with this kind of pain is a hassle and can keep you up at night if it’s not dealt with well.
If you’re a side sleeper with shoulder pain, you know how difficult it can be to get a good night’s sleep. The wrong pillow can exacerbate your pain and leave you feeling stiff and sore in the morning. Fortunately, pillows are designed to alleviate shoulder pain and provide a comfortable sleeping experience.
When choosing a pillow for side sleepers with shoulder pain, it’s important to consider the type of pillow filling. Memory foam pillows are popular as they conform to your body shape and provide excellent support. Latex pillows are also a good option as they are naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and bacteria. Down pillows can be comfortable but might not support those with shoulder pain enough.
Sleeping Positions and Pillow Placement
Choosing the right pillow and placement can help alleviate discomfort if you’re a side sleeper with shoulder pain. Here are some tips to help you find the best position and pillow for your needs:
Pillow Height
When you sleep on your side, your pillow should be high enough to align your head and neck with your spine. This helps reduce pressure on your shoulder and neck. A pillow that is too high or too low can cause discomfort and pain.
Pillow Firmness
The firmness of your pillow is also important. A pillow that is too soft can cause your head to sink too far into the pillow, causing your neck to bend unnaturally. A pillow that is too firm can cause pressure points and discomfort. Look for a pillow that is firm enough to support your head and neck but soft enough to be comfortable.
Pillow Placement
In addition to choosing the right pillow, the placement of your pillow can also affect your comfort level. If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees to help keep your hips aligned. This can help reduce pressure on your lower back and hips.
Side Sleeping
Experts recommend that side sleepers with shoulder pain sleep on their non-painful side. This can help reduce pressure on the affected shoulder. If you must sleep on your painful side, try placing a small pillow or rolled-up towel under your waist to help support your shoulder.
By following these tips, you can find the best pillow and placement for your needs as a side sleeper with shoulder pain. Remember to choose a pillow that is the right height and firmness and place it in the right position to help reduce discomfort and pain.
Top Recommended Pillows for Side Sleepers with Shoulder Pain
If you are a side sleeper experiencing shoulder pain, choosing the right pillow can significantly affect your comfort level and quality of sleep. Here are some top recommended pillows for side sleepers with shoulder pain:
1. Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow
- Ergonomic Design: Unlike traditional pillows that push on your head at awkward angles, the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow offers a unique ergonomic U-shape designed specifically for side sleeping. Its curved shape allows the shoulders to rest naturally into the contour of the pillow while your neck rests in alignment. This cutout fills the gap between your head and mattress, keeping your spine straight and supported throughout the night.
- Adjustable Loft: There is no one size fits all pillow, which is why we included a removable cover and zipper liner so you can add or remove fill to adjust the exact firmness that matches your needs. Whether you need extra support to keep your spine aligned or a lower profile for a softer feel, the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper can adapt to your unique sleep style and body composition.
- Cooling and Breathable: The side sleeper pillow uses open cell latex noodle with temperature control properties that promote airflow and breathability, making them a dream for hot sleepers. The ultra fine down-like polyester fiber creates an airy chamber dissipating heat so you can sleep cool all night long.
The Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow is an excellent choice for side sleepers with shoulder pain. It is designed to provide proper support to your head, neck, and shoulders, helping to alleviate pain and discomfort. The pillow is filled with a blend of down alternative and microfiber, which provides a soft and comfortable feel. Additionally, it is made with 100% cotton, which is hypoallergenic and breathable, ensuring a cool and comfortable sleep.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Customizable Comfortable Easy to clean Chemical-free: The pillow is OEKO-TEX certified, meaning it’s free of any harmful chemicals. | Firmness Price Limited availability |
2. Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow
- EMBRACE COMFORTABLE NIGHTS: Dive into the soft embrace of our pillow, designed especially for side and back sleepers. The unique dual-density structure wraps you in gentle comfort while providing firm support, ensuring you wake up rejuvenated and free from neck discomfort.
- VEGETABLE CASHMERE: Filled with vegan plant-based down also know as vegetable cashmere. Better than down in feel with no allergies or cruelty. Better than synthetic down alternative because it is vegan and natural.
- BREATHE AND RELAX: Let go of your day and sink into a cool and refreshing sleep. Our pillow, with its enhanced air circulation and pure cotton cover, offers a hypoallergenic oasis, ensuring that every breath you take is as comforting as a gentle night breeze.
The Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow is another great option for side sleepers with shoulder pain. Crafted from natural and environmentally friendly components, such as plant-based foam and organic cotton, this pillow is meticulously engineered to ensure optimal alignment for your head, neck, and shoulders. By diminishing pressure points and addressing discomfort, it enhances overall comfort. Additionally, the pillow features a breathable cover, contributing to temperature regulation and ensuring a cool and pleasant sleep experience throughout the night.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Comfortable and Soft Vegan Plant-based Down Fill Hypoallergenic Sustainable Risk-free Purchase | Not suitable for those who want a firmer pillow Price |
3. Layla Kapok Pillow
- Premium Fill for the Perfect Pillow: Kapok pillow fill consists of all-natural fibers harvested responsibly by hand from the seed pods of the Kapok tree. These fibers are extraordinarily light and airy, so much so that Kapok is often referred to as “silky cotton”. We mix the Kapok fibers with premium shredded memory foam for a plush and airy pillow that is ultimately moldable to the perfect shape and loft that will bend to the will of all - Side, back, stomach, and combo sleepers.
- Adjustable Moldable Loft: Because we’ve mixed highly reactive shredded memory foam in the fill with the kapok fibers, this pillow is moldable to any shape to support you just the way you like it for all sleeping positions. Our Kapok Pillow is shipped overstuffed, meaning you’ll have all the loft in this pillow that you could ever want. If the loft out of the box is too much for you, simply unzip the pillow cover and remove the exact amount of fill you’d like to set the perfect loft for your unique self. Because our fill is directly accessible, it’s unlike many other adjustable pillows with preset “loft layers” that restrict the amount of adjustability.
- Feels like Floating on a Cloud: The mix of Kapok fibers and shredded memory foam is a perfect recipe for a pillow that supports proper neck and spine alignment but does not compromise on comfort. So many pillows support well, but feel firm and ungiving under your head. The Layla Kapok Pillow does its core job of supporting the proper sleep position while cradling your head and neck so gently that it feels like you’re off to dreamland with your head in a fluffy cloud.
The Layla Kapok Pillow is a versatile pillow that can be used by all types of sleepers, including side sleepers with shoulder pain. It is filled with a blend of kapok fibers and memory foam, which provides a soft and supportive feel. The pillow is designed to contour to your head and neck, providing proper alignment and support to alleviate pain and discomfort. Additionally, it has a breathable cover, which helps to regulate temperature and keep you cool throughout the night.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Cooling Comfort 100% Natural Fill Adjustable Comfort: The Layla Sleep Pillow is made to accommodate all types of sleepers. The Best Comfort: Kapok fibers feel like laying down on a plush, airy cloud. | Insufficient Fill: Some reviewers have complained that the pillow is not as stuffed as they would like. If you prefer a firm pillow, this may not be the best option for you. Price: The Layla Adjustable Fill Kapok Pillow is a bit pricey compared to other pillows on the market. However, the quality of materials used and the adjustability of the pillow may make it worth the investment. |
4. 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（Lower Side-3.54",Higher Side 5.51"）, 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.The entire pillow size is 24.8"Lx14.96"Wx5.51"H, and it can keep your head smoothly on the pillow even you roll when you sleep.
- 【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.When you get the memory foam pillow for the first time, it is recommended to unpack and place it for more than 24 hours. After the pillow core rebounds completely and restores support, it will have a better sleep effect.
The DONAMA Cervical Pillow offers two different heights on both sides for you to choose from, making it suitable for all kinds of sleeping postures, such as stomach, back, and side sleeping. Additionally, the specific grooves allow your arms to go under for comfortable sleep. Made of high-quality CertiPUR-US certified rebound memory foam, this neck support pillow is 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.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Ergonomic design Adjustable height Armrest design High-quality memory foam Breathable and removable pillowcase: | Not for medical use May take some getting used to |
Features to Consider When Choosing a Pillow
If you are a side sleeper with shoulder pain, choosing the right pillow can make a big difference in your sleep quality. Here are some features to consider when choosing a pillow:
Pillow Firmness
The density of your cushion holds significance as it influences the support your neck and head obtain. Should your cushion be excessively pliable, your head and neck may submerge too profoundly, leading to misalignment of your spine. Conversely, an excessively rigid pillow can exert excessive pressure on your neck and shoulders.
Pillow Height
The height of your pillow is also important because it affects the angle of your neck and spine. If your pillow is too high, your neck will be at an angle all night, causing neck pain. If it is too low, your head will not be properly supported, causing shoulder pain. The ideal pillow height for side sleepers with shoulder pain is 4-6 inches.
Material and Hypoallergenic Properties
The material of your pillow can affect your comfort, and the hypoallergenic properties can affect your health. Pillows made from memory foam, latex, or down alternatives are good for side sleepers with shoulder pain as they provide good support and comfort. Additionally, hypoallergenic pillows are recommended for those with allergies or asthma.
Pillow Shape and Contour
The shape and contour of your pillow can also affect your comfort and support. A pillow with a contoured shape can help support your neck and head in a natural position, reducing pain and discomfort. Some pillows are specifically designed for side sleepers and have a curved shape to provide extra support for the neck and shoulders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a pillow to alleviate side sleeping shoulder pain?
When choosing a pillow to alleviate side sleeping shoulder pain, look for a pillow that provides adequate support and alignment for your head, neck, and shoulders. A pillow with adjustable loft and firmness may be beneficial as it allows you to customize the support based on your specific needs.
Can orthopedic pillows help reduce shoulder pain for side sleepers?
Orthopedic pillows are designed to promote proper spinal alignment and reduce pressure on the shoulders and neck. These pillows can be beneficial for side sleepers experiencing shoulder pain, as they are specifically engineered to provide targeted support and alleviate discomfort.
How does memory foam benefit side sleepers with shoulder pain?
Memory foam pillows contour to the shape of your head and neck, providing personalized support and relieving pressure points. For side sleepers with shoulder pain, memory foam pillows can help distribute weight evenly and maintain proper spinal alignment, potentially reducing discomfort.
What type of pillow supports both neck and shoulder pain for side sleepers?
A pillow with a contoured design that supports the natural curvature of the neck and shoulders can be effective in addressing both neck and shoulder pain for side sleepers. Look for a pillow that offers adequate support and cushioning to alleviate discomfort in these areas.
What are the best pillows for managing rotator cuff pain during sleep?
Pillows with a supportive yet gentle construction, such as those made from memory foam or with adjustable loft, can assist in managing rotator cuff pain during sleep. Additionally, pillows designed specifically for side sleepers may provide the necessary support to reduce pressure on the rotator cuff.
How should a pillow be positioned to minimize shoulder pain for side sleepers?
Position the pillow to ensure that your head and neck are properly aligned with your spine while allowing your shoulder to rest comfortably. Placing a pillow between your knees can also help align your hips and reduce strain on your shoulders while side sleeping.
Claim Your Rights: The Personal Injury Center for Shoulder Pain Relief
Suffering from shoulder pain due to someone else’s actions? The Personal Injury Center is your ally. Their expert legal team is ready to guide you through personal injury cases, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. Connect with them today, and let The Personal Injury Center be your advocate for a pain-free future.
Disclaimer: Last update on 2026-02-12 / 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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