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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. The shoulder is a complex joint consisting of bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Pain in this area is common, and having the wrong type of pillow may trigger or exacerbate it. Share on PinterestShoulder pain is often worse at night and can interfere with sleep. However, finding a more suitable type of pillow may ease discomfort and encourage a restful sleep. In this article, we look at nine pillows that may help alleviate shoulder pain. Qualities to look for in a pillow A quick look at 7 of the best pillows for shoulder painBest for a firm pillow Therapeutica Orthopedic Sleeping PillowBest for a cooling pillow The Scrumptious Side Sleeper PillowBest for traveling Ecosa Memory Foam PillowBest for side sleepers Sleep Artisan Side Sleeper PillowBest for a cervical pillow ZAMAT Adjustable Cervical Memory Foam PillowBest for a hypoallergenic pillow Dream Rite Shredded Hypoallergenic Memory Foam PillowBest for a water pillow The Mediflow Fiber Water Pillow Overall, pillows that keep their shape and do not require frequent fluffing may be a better choice for people with nighttime aches and pains. However, the right choice ultimately depends on a person’s sleeping position and preference. The following sleeping styles may benefit from particular pillows:Back sleepers: A person who sleeps on their back may benefit from a thinner pillow that does not position the head too far forward.Stomach sleepers: An individual who sleeps on their stomach should opt for the thinnest pillow available to maintain head and neck alignment. A thicker pillow can extend the neck and cause pain.Side sleepers: Someone who sleeps on their side should use a firm pillow with sufficient thickness to fill the gap between the ear and shoulder. A gusseted pillow with rectangular panels along all four sides may be most suitable. How we choose products Medical News Today chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria where possible: Certifications: MNT will choose products that feature CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that these products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds. Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes. Materials and fill: MNT selects products comprising different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles. Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets. 7 pillows for shoulder pain People seeking relief from shoulder pain can choose from a wide range of pillows. Some of these options are below. Best for a firm pillow Therapeutica Orthopedic Sleeping Pillow This is a molded memory foam pillow with a head cradle for back-sleepers and a wedge for upper back support. Additionally, it features raised pillow edges to support the shoulders, so it may be especially helpful for those who sleep on their side. The pillow is available in various sizes and two firmness levels. It also comes with a 5-year warranty. Price: The Therapeutica Orthopedic Sleeping Pillow has a list price of around $108.SHOP NOW Best for a cooling pillow The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow This pillow’s curved shape reportedly supports the shoulders and neck and promotes spinal alignment. The copper-infused memory foam may also help sleepers stay cool. Price: The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow has a list price of around $100.SHOP NOW Best for traveling Ecosa Memory Foam Pillow This product’s ergonomic design reportedly supports the curvature of the neck. It also has adjustable pads that allow for varying heights. The pillow also comes with two types of compression bags, making it a convenient option for people who travel. Price: The Ecosa Memory Foam Pillow has a list price of $100.SHOP NOW Best for side sleepers Sleep Artisan Side Sleeper Pillow This pillow features adjustable firmness, which means people can adjust its fill for more support for their neck and shoulders. The pillow cover contains cotton, hemp, and poly blend, while the filling consists of latex. While this pillow is reportedly suitable for side sleepers, reviewers also state that it is comfortable for back sleepers. Price: The Sleep Artisan Side Sleeper Pillow has a list price of around $99.SHOP NOW Best for a cervical pillow ZAMAT Adjustable Cervical Memory Foam Pillow This cervical pillow contains CertiPUR-US memory foam and may help ease neck and shoulder pain. People can adjust the height of this pillow to suit different sleeping styles. Its maker claims that this pillow will rebound into its original shape after each sleep. Price: The ZAMAT Adjustable Cervical Memory Foam Pillow has a list price of around $56.SHOP NOW Best for a hypoallergenic pillow Dream Rite Shredded Hypoallergenic Memory Foam Pillow This pillow contains shredded memory foam and polyester fiber. People can add or remove filling to reach their desired loft. The pillow’s maker states that this pillow provides total body support. The cover and fill are hypoallergenic and machine washable. Price: The Dream Rite Shredded Hypoallergenic Memory Foam Pillow has a list price of around $26.SHOP NOW Best for a water pillow The Mediflow Fiber Water Pillow This pillow consists of a sealed water pouch and a layer of resilient polyester fiber. The maker of this product highlights that this is a unique design. The water within the pillow shifts to accommodate the sleeper’s position, and a person can adjust the amount of water to adjust its firmness. The company also claims that its water-based technology has undergone clinical research to show that it reduces neck pain and improves overall sleep quality. Price: The Mediflow Fiber Water Pillow has a list price of around $70.SHOP NOW Comparison chart The below table compares the pillows in this article.FillSleeping styleList priceTherapeutica Pillowmemory foamall sleeping stylesaround $108The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillowmemory foamside sleepersaround $100Ecosa Memory Foam Pillowmemory foamall sleeping stylesaround $100Sleep Artisan Side Sleeper Pillowlatexside sleepersaround $99ZAMAT Adjustable Cervical Memory Foam Pillowmemory foamall sleeping stylesaround $56Dream Rite Shredded Hypoallergenic Memory Foam Pillowshredded memory foam and polyester fiberall sleeping stylesaround $26The Mediflow Fiber Water Pillowwater and polyester fiberall sleeping stylesaround $70 When to speak with a doctor Shoulder pain may go away with rest and home care, which might involve:performing gentle shoulder stretchesapplying ice to the areataking over-the-counter pain relief medication However, a person who experiences any of the following symptoms should speak with a doctor:severe or persistent paina limited range of motion in the shoulder weakness in the shoulderpain following a shoulder injury Frequently asked questions Below are some common questions and answers about pillows for shoulder pain. What filling type makes a good pillow The best filling for a pillow depends on a person’s preferences. For example, if someone prefers a more supportive pillow, memory foam or latex fills may be preferable. How can I use a body pillow to relieve shoulder pain A recent small study of eight people found that using a body pillow to sleep on their left-hand side reduces body pressure on the hips, shoulders, and across the body. However, this was a small-scale study, so more research is necessary to investigate the benefits of body pillows for relieving shoulder pain. Summary Shoulder pain is common and often worsens at night, disrupting sleep. The right type of pillow may help relieve pain, and the choice may come down to a person’s preferred sleeping position. If shoulder pain does not improve with rest and care at home, an individual should seek medical advice. Last medically reviewed on May 8, 2022Back PainPain / AnestheticsSleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia 2 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Longo, U. G., et al. (2019). Sleep disturbance and rotator cuff tears: A systematic review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723368/Park, I., et al. (2021). Effects of body pillow use on sleeping posture and sleep architecture in healthy young adults.https://www.sleepmedres.org/journal/view.php?viewtype=pubreader&number=174FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Gregory Minnis, DPT, Physical Therapy — By Danielle Dresden — Updated on May 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageSleeping without a pillow: Does it help?Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN Sleeping without a pillow may benefit people who mainly sleep on their stomach. However, it may not suit everyone, as it can contribute to back and…READ MORE8 of the best body pillows: What are their benefits?Medically reviewed by Chris Young, DNP, RN, NE-BC, NPD Body pillows may help people with back pain or who are pregnant sleep more comfortably. Here are eight of the best body pillows available.READ MOREBest mattresses for side sleepersMedically reviewed by Raj Dasgupta, MD People who sleep on their sides may benefit from softer or medium-firm hybrid, gel, or latex mattresses. Find eight options and learn more here. READ MORE