The Best Pillows for Shoulder Pain of 2021 – Wake Up Refreshed

Most people see their bedtime as the escape from the day’s trials and tribulations. Their mind is thinking about how cozy that bed is – to sink into and fall asleep. However, individuals with shoulder pain don’t feel the same way. For these folks, going to bed is torture. Their reprieve is buying a pillow that will ease their shoulder pain entirely. 

These pillows were created solely to target the problems that lead to shoulder pain, such as pressure on both the spinal column and shoulder joint. Though pressure is typically the cause of shoulder pain, injuries to the shoulder, and the pressure placed on it only worsens the pain. The pillows have various ergonomic designs and can be adjusted so that you can get the right fit as needed. 

However, before you buy any kind of shoulder-pain pillow, you need to know what to look for in one.

The Best Pillows For Shoulder Pain 

Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow Review

One of the most well-known sleeping aids providers on the market is Coop Home Goods (especially for their mattresses and pillows). One of their more popular products is the Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow. And for good reason: there are so many worthwhile things to enjoy about this product.

• It's far more comfortable for use than latex pillows.
• It can be adjusted to your height by adding to or removing the filling (each person has their own feeling of comfort, which is why this pillow is ideal).
• It's great for people who suffer from shoulder pain.
• There is a five-year warranty with every purchase.

While all of that is good, what really lures people's attention to this pillow is the proprietary mix of shredded Visco elastic CertiPur-US certified memory foam. The certification designates that the foam has passed (or exceeded) durability and safety standards. The product doesn't contain the following: flame retardants, ozone depleters, and heavy metals (lead and mercury).

This type of foam is hypoallergenic, meaning even individuals with very sensitive skin can use it without problems. Enjoy a good night's sleep without the worry of dust mites, as it's also dust mite resistant. The cover of the Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow is made of 60 percent polyester and 40 percent rayon derived from bamboo. The fabric ensures the pillow feels so much softer and luxurious. It's also breathable, which means you remain cool all night even when the temperature rises.

With the right amount of support and the ability to adjust the height, it's the biggest reason people consider the Coop Home Goods to alleviate their shoulder pain for many years now.

Coisum Cervical Contour Pillow Review

The Coisum Cervical Contour Pillow, which is made of high-quality mid-firm memory foam, was specifically designed to relieve chronic neck and shoulderpain. A sloped shape keeps your head from rolling out of its stable position during the night. The pillow adapts to your neck contour and cradles your head while you sleep.

Cutouts under both sides, perfectly fit your shoulder when you side sleep. The cutouts beside the sleeping area were created to help relax your arm. When used as a side sleeper pillow, it doesn't press on your shoulders, which would cause undue pain and suffering. Since it's also a back sleeper pillow, your spine will remain in its natural curve due to the proper neck support. Back sleepers are urged to sleep on the higher side with two horns, but it may be that the lower side is better for you.

The Coisum Cervical Contour Pillow uses a 60-density slow rebound foam that takes no more than five seconds to return to shape. Each time you move while sleeping, the pillow gets acclimated to it. The foam includes a temperature sensing feature that ensures the pillow fits perfectly into your neck.

The pillowcase is hypoallergenic, which will protect users from dangerous allergens, and boosts air circulation. The cover can be removed, and machine washed for easy cleaning.

Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow Review

Body pillows were initially designed for pregnant women, but they are ideal for anybody who has shoulder pain while they sleep. Pregnant women tend to have a difficult time finding a position that will make sleeping comfortable. Thus, it's not unusual for the expectant mothers to use several pillows to get to sleep while ensuring their unborn babies are protected. However, the Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow eliminates the need to purchase several pillows.

The C-shape design can be twisted and bent to a shape that provides users with the best possible support while alleviating neck and shoulder pain during their sleep. The head pillow is horseshoe-shaped, meaning users can attain the position and height that's best for them. Thanks to the extra-long midsection, your back or stomach will be completely supported. The slightly curved end tucks snugly between the knees as it conforms to your shape staying cool as you sleep.

The height is also adjustable – done by folding the pillow over. The Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow was created to follow the body's natural shape and contour from head to toe, so you feel relaxed all night long. You can remove and wash the cover, which ensures it stays free of allergens, dirt, and smells. Plus, it's made of breathable fabric, so it stays cool during use.

MedCline Wedge and Body Pillow System Review

Aside from neck and shoulder pain, another problem people have during the night is acid reflux. Acid Reflux happens when stomach acid comes back up the esophagus while sleeping. This causes a burning, sour sensation in the mouth and leads to sleep disruption.

However, MedCline has developed a product that addresses both problems. The MedCline Wedge and Body Pillow System is an amalgamation of a pillow and wedge. For the wedge part, you need to be slightly upright while sleeping. It works against acid reflux because your head and throat are higher than the stomach, which means the stomach acid is unable to move up the esophagus and into the mouth.

The wedge includes a pocket where you can place your arm, thus ensuring no pressure is applied to it and alleviating the risk for shoulder pain. However, this pillow is not great for people who have suffered an injury in their hip or lower back and for those who sleep on their stomach since the incline of the wedge may make sleeping difficult.

The great aspect of the MedCline Wedge and Body Pillow System is its stability and sturdiness. It can be used without having to worry about disturbing your partner or the need to make adjustments to your bed. The wedge's stability is also great for pregnant women. The MedCline comes with the Advanced Positioning Bed Wedge, a full-length body pillow in three different sizes and a plush washable 80/20 percent Cotton-Poly pillowcase.

Mediflow Original Water Pillow Review

A Johns Hopkins study looked at the Mediflow Waterbase technology and found that it could decrease neck and shoulder pain and improve overall sleep quality. Just as the name suggests, the Mediflow Original Water Pillow comprises of water to provide support to both the neck and head while sleeping. No matter how you sleep – on your back, stomach, or side – the water moves with your head. No pillow fluffing ever again!

On top of that, the Mediflow Original Water Pillow can be adjusted to fit your preferences. The pillow features a completely-sealed and insulated water pouch that includes a hypoallergenic cotton shell and resilient Dacron Hollofill fiber layer providing exceptional comfort for the head. Be sure to adjust the water level to get the kind of firmness or softness you want.

At the same time, we should note that water-based pillows can be exceptionally heavy, which isn't total negative experience since the pillow remains still while you sleep. Mediflow offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a three-year warranty. According to reviews, users have seen an improvement in their shoulder pain as well as a comfortable experience after using it for sleep.

Bluestone Contour Pillow Review

Bluestone has come up with the pain-relieving U-shaped pillow to help people sleep better while also promoting healthy sleep posture and alleviating strains on the back, neck, and shoulder. The Bluestone Contour Pillow has a built-in ear pocket on both sides, which means you can get amazing comfort while you sleep because your head and neck are positioned properly.

The longer edge of the pillow works as a backrest, which offers your shoulder a chance to relax and lets your head rest within the upper edge. It's an all-in-one pillow that will cradle your body, replace the need for multiple pillows, and eliminate tossing and turning. It can also keep your back, shoulders, and neck properly aligned during the night.

The Bluestone Contour Pillow comprises of a firm and hypoallergenic poly-fiber filling, ensuring soft compression when you lie on it. It can breathe and stays cool and comfortable thanks to the cotton pillow cover with wrap-around design. Plus its size is conducive to travel if needed. There are three key aspects of this product: it can keep the spine aligned, it offers whole-body support, and it's unique for use in various ways. All of this helps reduce, neck, back, and shoulder pain.

CradlingSleeper Shoulder Pain Pillow Review

Side sleeping pillows offer amazing support for your back and head, but your back still has a curve to it, and the weight of your torso rests mostly on the shoulder socket. This can lead to both shoulder and middle-back pain when you wake up.

However, the CradlingSleeper Shoulder Pain Pillow will elevate the torso to align the spine better and relieve the pressure on your shoulder. With the curved design, your body is cradled to offer great support. With the cutouts, there is more room for the female shape.

The pillow is made of low-density memory foam that will adapt to your weight and shape. With a straight back, there is less stress on the spine, and the elevated torso means less pressure is placed on the shoulder. For proper use of the CradlingSleeper Shoulder Pain Pillow, put it with the logo up three to four inches from the pillow, then lie down with your upper arm and shoulder nestled right in the middle of the CradlingSleeper and your pillow.

The Cradling Sleeper increases the amount of sleep you get by 20 percent (or an additional hour of sleep!). It can be purchased in different sizes to fit the various needs of different body shapes better. You can use it in the car, office, or a plane as a lumbar support if need be.

UTTU Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow Review

The UTTU Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow uses the Dynamic Foam to help contour to your body's natural curvature while also giving support to your head and neck. Its therapeutic design was crafted to do the following:

• Promote muscle relaxation
• Improve alignment of your spinal column
• Relieve shoulder stiffness
• Alleviate neck and back pain

The company came up with a unique adjustable-height design that allows it to be perfect for all kinds of sleepers. It measures 4.7 inches for high contour and is 3.9 inches for low contour. If you take out the middle layer of foam, you get a 3.5-inch high contour and a 2.8-inch low contour.

The UTTU Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow won't harden in cold weather. Instead, it maintains its firmness and stays comfortable all year long. According to the manufacturer's claim, their pillow ensures people wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready to face their day.

The cover is made of 40 percent bamboo and 60 percent polyester, which is also dust-mite resistant and hypoallergenic. It will stay cool all night long thanks to its air circulation design. The pillowcase can be removed and washed in a machine. The product has been fully tested for performance, quality, and durability by CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX and ISPA and contains no dangerous chemicals. 

TRANZZQUIL Hypoallergenic Bed Pillow Review

The TRANZZQUIL Hypoallergenic Bed Pillow offers a great deal of support for the neck and back, helping to alleviate chronic pain and insomnia. Due to the ergonomic design and high-density foam, it can stop back, neck, and shoulder pain before it starts, which is great for any side, stomach, or back sleeper.

Another great thing about this pillow is that its stuffing can be removed to adjust the thickness to your preference. The Tranzzquil offers a breathability feature, so the surface stays cool throughout the night. This medium-firm pillow comes with two soft white fabrics (60/40 percent polyester/rayon blend), which can be washed in your washer machine. More so, it can also protect against pet dander and allergens.

The TRANZZQUIL Hypoallergenic Bed Pillow is packed with CertiPUR-US certified memory foam, making sure it meets the standard test for durability, safety, and performance. It contains no toxic substances – formaldehyde, mercury, and other heavy metals. Tranzzquil offers a 100-day satisfaction guarantee for people who don't find it comfortable.

What Leads To Shoulder Pain During Sleep?

The chief complaint of pain when waking up is shoulder pain. Due to the numerous range of motions it can go through, it’s the one body part that is highly susceptible to injury. For example, your rotator cuff tendinitis may be due to overnight shoulder pain. 

The pain may be the result of many issues:

• Aging
• Health problems
• Poor posture
• Repetitive moments
• Workplace injuries 

Of course, that begs the question of why the pain occurs at night only. There are several reasons for this:

• It could be unalleviated tension and stress that built up during the day
• Terrible pillow or mattress 

When working, your shoulder stays active and remains in a vertical position. The gravity will pull tendons down that leads to a space between the layers of muscle and allows blood to flow through. However, when sleeping, you stay horizontal and no gravity is at work.  This means the muscle cannot relax and the reduction in blood flow will cause inflammation in the shoulders. 

Can A Pillow Really Alleviate Shoulder Pain?

How your overall health is is a big factor in whether or not a pillow will help alleviate your pain and help you to sleep better. If a bad pillow is the cause of your pain, then the right pillow can help you out. If the pain is the result of an injury, then chances of a pillow helping lower dramatically. 

If the pillow is the cause of your pain, you need to find a pillow that will alleviate the pain both day and night. Be sure you do your homework here and find an option that’s best for you. You want a pillow that keeps your back aligned with your neck. When you do this, you will see a huge difference in your sleep quality. 

What Kind of Pillow Do You Need To Look For?

The reason for your pain will dictate what kind of pillow you should be using. However, there are all kinds of pillows on the market that can alleviate shoulder pain. The easiest solution would be to use a neck pillow if you sleep on your side to alleviate the pain. 

Every shoulder pillow will work to give your shoulders and neck the room they need without causing undue pain. There are some shoulder pillows that come with an elevated angle. This is where you put your arm under it, and your shoulders will completely relax. 

Contour pillows are one option for people who have shoulder pain. Contour pillows will cup the body’s shape, and some of them were created to keep the neck up and the shoulders padded while sleeping. 

6 Reasons You Need To Purchase A Shoulder Pain-Relieving Pillow

If you ever had shoulder pain, you know how debilitating it can be if you don’t address it. The first thing you need to do is find out why the pain is occurring in the first place. Then you need to find a therapy that will work and the measures you have to take. Pillows are one of the best solutions you can take without costing you a lot of money or taking dangerous pills.  

Shoulder-pain pillows can improve your overall sleeping experience and alleviate your shoulder pain. How else can a shoulder pain-relieving pillow help you improve your life quality?

• Fights Insomnia – Insomnia is the result of either physiological or psychological reasons, and if you have problems sleeping from the pressure, a shoulder pain pillow can help you tremendously. 
• Save Money – Rather than spending money at the doctor’s office and pharmacy, you can choose a pillow that helps with shoulder pain and save yourself a lot of cash. 
• Spinal Cord Complications – If you have problems with your spinal cord, getting to sleep can be difficult. After all, the sleeping position you choose to lay in can affect your back, neck and shoulders. The best course of action is to get a pillow that alleviates the aches and pains and can address the complications of the issue. 
• Alleviates Nerve Tension – A shoulder pain-relieving pillow can help reduce nerve tension that is caused by vigorous activities. 
• No Need for Pain or Sleeping Pills – Using pain or sleeping pills is not a good thing, as they can become addictive if used for an extended period of time. However, using a pillow for your shoulder pain offers a permanent solution to the problem.
• No Need To Wrap Your Shoulders or Head – Sleeping position aches and pains are often debilitating, and even though wraps can be useful, creating them can be complex and may do more harm than good.  With a head pillow that can alleviate shoulder pain, you can get the most comfort possible without any complications at all.

5 Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Buy Your Pillow

While all of the above information is important to helping you find a pillow that’s right for you, you still need to answer to questions you ask yourself. While spinal alignment is one of the most important things to factor in for your pillow purchase, there are other important things to weigh in too. What are the questions you should be asking yourself?

What Is My Preferred Sleeping Position?

When you choose a pillow for your shoulder pain, the biggest consideration is what your typical sleeping position is. The goal is to align your spine and keep it that way all night. If you’re a side sleeper, you want your head and neck to remain level. If not, you place pressure on the shoulder. 

Side sleepers need a firmer, taller pillow while back and stomach sleepers could benefit from a softer and thinner pillow. 

Is Circulation Being Cut Off To My Arms?

When your shoulders are not in alignment or you have poor blood circulation, a pillow that gives you some elevation may be just what you need. This means you don’t sleep right on your shoulders and you get the support necessary for good sleep.

Do I Have Any Back Problems?

If you have stiff shoulders because of a back issue, you just need a simple neck pillow that allows you to sleep on your side. This ensures your posture stays right, and there is no pain on the shoulders because they stay in the proper angle.

Do I Have Any Chronic Disabilities?

If you suffer from chronic pain as the result of a disability or disease, you need to talk to your doctor first. They can give you advice on how to best alleviate your pain and help you choose the right pillow for your needs.

Did I Suffer An Injury That I Am Currently Recovering From?

When you have a muscle injury or tight muscles, you need a soft pillow that will hold the neck at certain points to ensure proper elevation. Choose a pillow that comprises of shredded memory foam (or intact foam) as they meet the standards that ensure it meets your shape.

8 Additional Things To Take Into Consideration For Your Shoulder Pain Pillow

When you’re in the market for a shoulder pain-relieving pillow, it’s important to remember that a pillow that works for you may not work for your spouse and vice versa. Your choice of pillows is based on several factors, such as:

• Sleeping position
• Preferences

You may even find that more than one pillow is useful for your situation.  As you look at the above-mentioned pillows, consider the aspects noted below. 

Sleeping Position 

The most important aspect of your buying a pillow for shoulder pain is the sleeping position you sleep in. Some people are side sleepers while others are back sleepers and others are stomach sleepers. It may be that you sleep in more than one position in the night. Be sure to look at pillows that are created for your particular sleep position or ones that can work in any sleep position. 

Support

When it comes to support, people focus on firmness. And, that’s great, as it is a reference to how much give the pillow provides when you lay down on it. Some give for comfort, but too much of a give won’t provide your body with the support it must have.
Be sure to stick with pillows that maintain their firmness, so you retain the support you need all night long. You don’t need a really firm pillow, but you do want one that can handle your weight without putting undue pressure on your shoulder.

Height 

Height (or loft) is a consideration most people overlook. While this factor plays a role more for back sleepers, it’s also important to have regardless of the sleep position. Back sleepers need a lower loft than side sleepers. Why? The key is to keep the neck straight with the spine. 

Fill Material

When you go to purchase a pillow, you may find a plethora of pillow fill material. Each material provides its own firmness level. They also come with other unique features like hypoallergenic. While no material is bad for one’s shoulder pain, the decision to go with one fill material over another is personal preference. 

Adjustability 

Adjustability is not a necessity but more of a benefit. This being said, many people like it so they can customize the pillow to fit for them. There are a limited number of pillows that are completely straight. If you decide to go with an adjustable one, you can mess with it until it’s just the way you like. 

Durability 

Don’t see a pillow as an investment for sleep, but an investment for your healing. This will help you to find a pillow that’s best for you. You need to look for durable pillows that will retain their shape and form for however long you use them for. You want them to hold up for months after the purchase. 

Cleaning 

Pillows will get dirty… very easily, in fact. After all, you will sweat at night and make a mess. Since pillows are an investment, you want an investment that allows you to easily clean it without undue damage to the quality and form. 

Guarantee

It’s important to look for pillows that offer a guarantee or warranty such as a money-back guarantee or replacement pillow if necessary. 

5 Tips To Avoid Pain In Your Shoulders

Don’t Front-Sleep

You may think that sleeping on your front side will alleviate the pressure on your shoulders. However, front-sleeping will actually cause the shoulders to pull forward out of alignment and unsteady the position. It’s better to sleep on your back, so your shoulders stay aligned.

Sleep On The Good Shoulder

If you can’t sleep on your back, sleep on the shoulder that doesn’t hurt. You should also use a pillow that can help with the shoulder pain. Put it under the arm area of the shoulder that hurts.

Use A Good Head Support Pillow  

You want a pillow under your head to ensure upper body support and to keep your body properly aligned. Your shoulders will also stay comfortable as much as they can. You can also roll up a towel to give your neck area some additional support. 

Make Use Of A Body Pillow 

If you move in your sleep and it hurts, you need to consider a full-length body pillow to keep a good night’s rest. A body pillow will keep you from moving onto your sore shoulder and keep you comfortable all night long. 
Try Out Various Sleep Positions and Tips 

If you’ve been sleeping in one position for some time and it no longer works for you, it’s time for you to try something else. Be sure to use the above tips to start with. Constantly sleeping in one position can actually lead to shoulder pain, as it can compress nerves and cramps. It can also result in postural imbalance that will also lead to pain. 

Once you have your sleep position for the shoulder, stick with it. Only try new positions when you no longer feel comfortable in that one position. 

What You Need To Remember…

Most people view sleep as a luxury. Don’t do that! It’s a necessity. When you don’t get enough sleep or good sleep, you will end up hurting yourself – physically and mentally.  A lack of good sleep means a decrease in performance and an increase in accident rates. Sleep deprivation is a bad thing… all the way around. 

This is why, if you have shoulder pain, you need to use a pillow to alleviate the pain and give you the quality sleep you long for. It’s the most inexpensive method of treatment you can use without any dangerous side effects you could get with anti-inflammatories or whatever. A pillow gives your body part the rest it needs to heal up.

The choice of pillow to use for your shoulder pain will be personal – based on personal preferences and sleep position. The pillows mentioned above can help you rest your shoulder regardless of the sleeping position you partake in most. Isn’t it time for you to get better sleep and heal up?