The 9 Best Pillows For Shoulder Pain Relief Based On Your Sleep Style

Fill: Shredded natural latex, microdenier fibers | Sizes: Standard/queen, king | Firmness: Medium | Loft: 4 to 5 inches (standard), 6 to 7 inches (high) | Trial period: 45 days | Warranty: 1 year | Certifications: GOTS and Fair Trade

Pros:

• Balance of plushness and support makes it versatile
• Cover and outer fill layer are machine washable
• Made with natural, hypoallergenic and breathable materials

Cons:

• Some users report regularly having to fluff the latex layer to even it out

If you tend to sleep better in hotels because of their distinctly plush but supportive pillows, Saatva’s Latex Pillow can help you experience that feeling at home. The key to its balance is in its two fill layers: a shredded latex core that offers responsive support and an outer layer of fluffy poly fibers that mimic down but are hypoallergenic. We like that the inner fill is made with natural latex, which, unlike its synthetic counterparts, is longer lasting, more breathable and resistant to dust mites and mildew. The Saatva’s medium-soft firmness is one of the reasons it’s our top pick. “Too-soft pillows like those filled with feather/down often lack support and can worsen shoulder discomfort,” says Acevedo; the latex inner fill here offers just the right amount of support without too much sinkage.

This option is available in standard/queen and king sizes, as well as two lofts: a standard loft primarily for back and stomach sleepers (four to five inches) and a high loft (six to seven inches) designed for side and combination sleepers—though several side-sleeping reviewers say the standard size provides enough height for their needs. The Saatva also features thoughtful design details like a machine-washable cotton cover and outer layer, as well as gusseted sides that help keep the pillow’s structure and add an interesting visual flair.

Fill: Memory foam, down-alternative fibers | Sizes: Standard, king | Firmness: Medium-firm | Loft: 2 to 6 inches | Trial period: 100 days | Warranty: 1 year | Certifications: CertiPUR-US

Pros:

• Customizable loft and firmness is great for combo sleepers
• Lyocell blend cover is breathable and machine washable
• Features long-lasting, durable materials

Cons:

• You may need to massage the fill to find your comfort level
• Not the best for hot sleepers

Acevedo recommends adjustable pillows for combination sleepers with shoulder pain. Mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon, who’s a stomach-leaning combination sleeper, recommends Sleep Number’s ComfortFit Ultimate for this scenario: “I needed a pillow I could adjust to my specific preferences and keep my head propped without falling flat. This fits that bill. I removed one of the inserts for a more moderate loft and it’s perfect. It’s ultra soft and cushy, too, like a down pillow, but more supportive.” Indeed, the adjustable inserts, which contain a blend of memory foam (which Acevedo prefers over down for its contoured support) and a down alternative, should appeal to those with shoulder issues who like a plush pillow that doesn’t compromise support and proper alignment.

According to Dillon, each insert is about two inches; having all three inserts inside the case proved a bit too lofty for her build and sleep style. “But three inserts [a 6-inch loft] may be great for a dedicated side sleeper,” she adds. Note that while Sleep Number says one or two inserts (a loft of two to four inches) would be ideal for stomach sleepers, Acevedo discourages sleeping on your stomach at all because it twists the neck and strains the shoulders. The Ultimate’s cover is made with a breathable Lyocell blend (which mimics cotton) and is removable and machine washable, unlike the Classic and Curved versions of the ComfortFit, which are spot-clean only.

Fill: Polyester fibers, Dunlop latex | Size: Standard/queen | Firmness: Medium | Loft: Up to 5 inches | Trial period: 45 days | Warranty: 5 years | Certifications: Oeko-Tex 

Pros:

• Fill is adjustable (with option to buy additional fill)
• Blend of microfibers and latex offers balanced support
• Breathable for hot sleepers
• Accommodates many body types

Cons:

• Only available in one size
• Standard pillowcases may not properly fit

Individuals who struggle with both shoulder and neck pain face an extra challenge. “They must find ways to minimize stress on the shoulder and maintain the neck in neutral alignment at the same time. Sleeping on the back with the appropriate-height pillow has traditionally been the most predictable way to achieve this,” says orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Hinson. But for side and combination sleepers who find this task tricky, Hinson recommends a specialty or contoured pillow specifically designed for side sleepers. Our recommendation for the job: Eli & Elm’s Side Sleeper Pillow. Dillon notes, “Thanks to the polyester fluff and small noodle-shaped latex foam filling, it’s the perfect blend of support and comfort. You can almost squish and morph it like a down pillow, but it never falls flat. My shoulder fits snugly within the U-shaped opening, and it can accommodate most body types because of its adjustable fill.” 

The curved shape, combined with the adjustable fill, makes this option particularly beneficial to side sleepers. The U-shape on its bottom edge offers enough space for your shoulder to rest without putting a lot of pressure on it, all while properly supporting the head and keeping the neck in a neutral alignment. Plus, the interior liner has a zipper that makes it easy to remove or add fill based on your build, or to customize the support in different areas of the pillow if you also sleep on your back. In addition to being more supportive, the latex fill is shredded and mixed with cooling gels to promote airflow. This combined with the cotton-blend removable cover makes the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow particularly breathable—a nice perk for hot sleepers.

Fill: Memory foam | Sizes: Standard, king (deluxe) | Firmness: Medium-firm | Loft: 5 inches | Trial period: 60 days | Warranty: 5 years | Certifications: CertiPUR-US

Pros:

• 5-inch loft and memory foam properly supports neck and shoulder
• Microfiber cover and inner foam core are both temperature regulating
• Shell is machine washable
• One of the more affordable picks on our list

Cons:

• Smaller individuals may need the 4-inch Side Cube Deluxe instead

Side sleepers naturally put more pressure on their shoulder joints than other types. For those individuals, Hinson recommends a firmer, more substantial pillow to better minimize pressure on the shoulder you’re sleeping on. He adds, “A person who sleeps on the unaffected shoulder will want a pillow with some height to support the head and keep it from pulling on the painful shoulder.” Hinson adds that while he advises side sleepers not to sleep on their affected shoulder, this type of pillow should also help relieve pressure from it if you do.

Designed specifically for side sleepers by a side sleeper, the Pillow Cube is one such option that fits the above criteria with its high loft, memory foam fill and cube-like shape. Regarding what he thinks of the Side Cube, Hinson notes, “Their design does make sense for this group; they promote that their product will provide support for the head that traditional pillows do not offer but still be soft enough to be comfortable.” To be exact, the pillow’s 5-inch height relieves pressure from your shoulder joint, while the memory foam—the fill material Acevedo strongly prefers for its contouring, responsive support—adequately props up the head and keeps the neck in a neutral alignment. Further, the brand’s proprietary memory foam fill and the pillow’s soft cover are both temperature regulating; the latter is also machine washable.

Fill: Cooling gel, copper-infused memory foam | Sizes: Queen, king | Firmness: Medium-firm | Loft: 4 inches (low), 5 inches (high) | Trial period: 30 days | Warranty: 3 years | Certifications: CertiPUR-US

Pros:

• Doesn’t trap heat like traditional memory foam pillows
• Firm but responsive
• Cover is machine washable and adds to breathability

Cons:

• Not for those who like plush pillows

If you’ve historically avoided memory foam pillows because you tend to sleep hot, Brooklyn Bedding’s Cooling Foam Pillow was designed for you. Unlike traditional memory foam pillows, this one uses open-cell foam that promotes airflow; it’s also infused with both a cooling gel (which is designed to pull excess heat from the pillow’s surface) and copper, a natural mineral that also contributes to breathability. Plus, the latter is naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, protecting sensitive users from irritants like mold and dust mites. This pillow is available in two lofts: a 4-inch loft that’s ideal for back or side sleepers with a smaller build; and a 5-inch loft that’s conducive for most side sleepers.

Its cooling nature isn’t its only trait that sets it apart from other memory foam pillows; it’s also beneficial for combination sleepers. Acevedo says that these types of sleepers should choose “an adjustable or adaptive pillow to accommodate movement during the night.” Brooklyn Bedding’s foam pillow is one such choice: Its foam fill is designed to be more quickly responsive to pressure changes throughout the night compared with traditional options. What’s also nice: The cotton-blend knit cover is cooling in addition to being machine washable, though note that the inner foam fill is spot-clean only. 

Fill: Foam | Size: Small, large (for those over 5 foot 10 inches); left, right | Firmness: N/A | Loft: N/A | Trial period: 30 days | Warranty: None | Certifications: Patent pending

Pros:

• Hex Fabric (breathable knitted polyester) is cooling and machine washable
• Designed by a physical therapist with input from orthopedic surgeons
• Recommended by one of our experts

Cons:

• Meant for one side of the body only

Hinson says that sleep disturbances are incredibly common among his patients with rotator cuff tears or related issues. For those individuals, and especially for those up to six weeks post-surgery, he advises the following: “The best way to ensure a sleeper stays on their back is to sleep in a semi-reclined position; this will limit their ability to roll over onto their back.” That said, he admits it is hard for many of his patients to change their preferred sleeping positions. If you need to sleep on your side, sleep on the unaffected shoulder and have the injured shoulder supported by either a body pillow (which we recommend at the end of this list) or a specialty pillow designed for this purpose.

Acevedo’s recommendation in the latter case is the Shoulder Sleeper Pillow. This option provides direct relief to the rotator cuff during sleep using specially designed cutouts to support the affected arm. He says, “The Shoulder Sleeper Pillow is a superior option for many because it comes in two sizes to fit different body types and conforms to the arm and body, reducing pressure points; its ergonomic design specifically helps alleviate shoulder pain.” Several features help achieve this: an arm bar to stabilize the affected arm while on your back or side, contoured foam to relieve nerve compression, a specialized strap that extends behind the pillow to secure your arm to your body (as well as a waist strap for extra security), a contouring foam material to accommodate various body types and a wrist strap to reduce external rotation. While this pick is marketed specifically toward post-op patients, Acevedo says he recommends it in non-operative cases, too. 

Fill: Cooling gel-infused memory foam, poly fibers | Sizes: Standard or king | Firmness: Medium to medium-firm | Loft: Adjustable | Trial period: 365 days | Warranty: 2 years | Certifications: None listed

Pros:

• The longest return policy on this list
• Two zippers make it adjustable to fit your needs
• Made with cooling and hypoallergenic materials

Cons:

• Spot-clean only

Highly recommended by both deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala and Dillon for side sleepers in particular, the Marlow is a standout among Brooklinen’s line of pillows for its combination of firmness, loft and plushness. (Read Dillon’s full review of the Marlow Pillow for more details on her experience.) Sala, a left-sided sleeper who’s tried “literally dozens” of pillows to find the right support for her neck and shoulder, says, “Everyone always recommends super-lofty or firm pillows for side sleepers, but those leave me with aches and pains. The Marlow has been working beautifully for me for nearly a year now, and I have very little pain in my left shoulder—often none at all.” Thanks to the pillow’s blended fill (80% memory foam and 20% polyester fiber), the pillow has some fluffiness but keeps its structure—a crucial feature for side sleepers, specifically. It’s also quite hot-sleeper friendly: The foam is infused with cooling gel, while the pillow’s mesh gussets and cotton sateen shell add to its breathability.

Another (arguably bigger) reason the Marlow stands out is its adjustability. This is due to its two zippered sides, which allow you to adjust the loft and firmness of the pillow depending on your sleep style—without the mess of loose stuffing. Sala notes, “I typically sleep with one side unzipped, but when I want to fluff it back up, I zip both sides. My daughter, who sleeps on her side and stomach, prefers this pillow with both sides unzipped.” Having both sides unzipped provides the most softness (though it still maintains considerable loft and structure), while both sides completely zipped is the most firm.

Fill: Proprietary Purple MicroFlex Moon Foam | Sizes: Standard, king | Firmness: Adjustable | Loft: Adjustable | Trial period: 100 days | Warranty: 1 year | Certifications: CertiPUR-US

Pros:

• MicroFlex Moon Foam fill can be molded to support specific sleep styles
• Comes with optional neck roll chambers for additional neck support
• Hyper-elastic polymer shell is both temperature balancing and pressure relieving
• Made with nontoxic, hypoallergenic materials

Cons:

• Shell has a distinctly responsive honeycomb texture that some may not like

Both Hinson and Acevedo emphasized proper neck alignment when it comes to pillows for predominantly back sleepers. Ideally, Acevedo recommends “a mid-loft, medium-firm pillow with a slight neck curve to help keep the spine neutral [and] support the natural curve of the neck, without forcing it too far forward or back.” The Purple Freeform essentially lets back sleepers create this “ideal” pillow, thanks to the company’s proprietary moldable foam fill and the pillow’s uniquely textured shell, which contours to your face while offering pressure point relief. For starters, this means you can find the right loft for your specific sleep style; but further, the optional neck roll chambers on the pillow’s long sides let you fine-tune neck support to find neutral alignment.

The Freeform is also another foam option hot sleepers might opt for; the shell is made of Purple’s Honeycomb GelFlex Grid (a hyper-elastic polymer) that also functions as a cooling gel, drawing heat away from the surface. (The stretchy knit cover is cooling, too.) We also appreciate the quality and thoughtfulness of this pillow’s construction: The fill pieces are made with premium, CertiPUR-US Certified (read: nontoxic) foam, the cover is antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, and it comes with a throw pillow case to store excess fill (and function as an additional pillow). Note that while the Freeform is named our pick for back sleepers, Hinson does say that “this has the flexibility to cater to both back and side sleepers.”

Fill: Memory foam, microfiber | Size: One size | Firmness: Medium-firm | Loft: Up to 9 inches | Trial period: 100 days | Warranty: 5 years | Certifications: Greenguard Gold, CertiPUR-US

Pros:

• Made with breathable, nontoxic and hypoallergenic materials
• Adjustable enough for various body types
• Just-right firmness provides both support and pressure relief

Cons:

• There may be off-gas odors the first few days

According to both Acevedo and Hinson, body pillows can helpfully complement your main pillow, especially if you’re a side sleeper and need to stabilize the shoulder experiencing pain. For instance, if someone has a rotator cuff injury on their right side and sleeps on their left, Hinson says, “I encourage a body pillow in front of their body to rest the arm of the painful shoulder on. This supports it and helps minimize the strain on the shoulder that the weight of the arm produces as they sleep.” For this purpose, we chose the Original Body Adjustable Pillow by Coop Sleep Goods, the company whose Original Pillow won the title of best pillow in Forbes Vetted’s Best Product Awards for its adjustability and breathability. These characteristics are also true with its body pillow, which uses a shredded blend of certified nontoxic memory foam and microfiber fill, giving the pillow its medium-firm feel that walks the line between support and pressure point relief. The latter is particularly important if you hug the pillow between your knees and want to reduce strain there.

The pillow’s zippered cover allows you to add or remove fill as needed based on your sleep style and body type, and how supported or lofty you need the pillow to feel when you hug it. This personalization is great for fine-tuning the “settings” that keep your spine, hips and shoulder optimally aligned. Plus, the adjustability makes it suited to a wide range of body types; you get enough fill to modify the pillow with up to nine inches of loft. Another highlight: While the Original Body Adjustable Pillow isn’t advertised as a cooling option, its construction makes it a viable choice for hot sleepers, too. The fill is shredded to allow for more airflow (a feature solid memory foam notoriously lacks), and the pillowcase is made with a breathable, moisture-wicking poly-bamboo blend. One note: Though the pillow itself is machine washable, it’s quite bulky, so you likely need to use a commercial washer. To keep the pillow fresh for longer, the company advises grabbing the corresponding pillow protector.