As a side sleeper, writer, and CrossFitter, preventing and alleviating shoulder pain is constantly on my “things to do” list, and I am not alone. Around a quarter of the population experience some type of shoulder pain or injury annually, making it one of the most common localized pain syndromes[1]. Fortunately, using one of the best pillows for shoulder pain is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to start your day pain-free. These pillows can relieve pressure, keep the head and neck supported, and provide proper spinal alignment.
Considering this is a problem that affects me personally, I was excited to cover a variety of pillows in this comprehensive roundup of 10 of the best on the market. I’ll not only give you the ins and outs of the construction and materials of each one, but I’ll also share the type of sleeper that they should work best for and why they should work well for those looking to eliminate or prevent shoulder pain.
Best Pillows for Shoulder Pain
- Saatva Latex Pillow – Editor’s Pick
- Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – Best Cooling Pillow for Shoulder Pain
- Luxome LAYR Pillow – Best Adjustable Pillow for Shoulder Pain
- Coop Sleep Goods Cut Out Pillow – Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Shoulder Pain
- Layla Kapok Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Shoulder Pain
- Brooklinen Marlow Pillow – Best Budget Pillow for Shoulder Pain
- Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow – Best Pillow for Side Sleepers and Shoulder Pain
- Boll & Branch Down Chamber – Best Down Pillow for Shoulder Pain
- Purple Harmony™ Pillow – Best Latex Pillow for Shoulder Pain
- Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow – Best Eco-Friendly Pillow for Shoulder Pain
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our product reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs.
Our team of testers evaluates the firmness, materials, and construction of pillows to see how they help alleviate shoulder pain. We also test how these pillows perform in different sleep positions. However, given that side sleepers typically experience the most shoulder pain, we paid close attention to how these pillows performed when we were sleeping on our sides.
Saatva Latex Pillow – Editor’s Pick
Saatva Latex Pillow
A pressure-relieving pillow made with natural latex.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewWhy the Saatva Latex Pillow Earned Editor’s Pick
I tend to do some of my best sleeping in hotel rooms. A big reason for this is that hotels often supply fluffy, but supportive pillows. We love that the Saatva Latex pillow allows you to bring that same kind of luxurious feel to your own bedroom.
The Sleep Advisor team found that this is especially true if you are a side or back sleeper. Furthermore, the manufacturer implemented several cooling elements such as a breathable cover and shredded filling. Considering that side sleepers can put a lot of pressure on their shoulders, we like how the fairly high loft of this pillow can keep sleepers’ spines aligned, which can take pressure off the small joints of your shoulders.
What’s the Saatva Latex Pillow Made Of?
This pillow has a soft cover made from organic cotton and side gussets that not only add an elegant touch but provide support to help this pillow maintain its shape without constant fluffing. This is beneficial to those with shoulder pain because the shredded Talalay latex that makes up the core shouldn’t compress too much throughout the night.
For more details on this pillow, visit our full-length Saatva Latex Pillow review or check out our Best Pillow options here.
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – Best Cooling Pillow for Shoulder Pain
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow
A pillow with dual-action cooling for hot sleepers.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.60 / 5
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow Earned Best Cooling Pillow for Shoulder Pain
Pressure-relieving memory foam pillows are certainly popular. However, many people have shied away from them because they tend to sleep hot. This pillow from Brooklyn Bedding is firm but responsive, and it is also very cool thanks to Brooklyn Bedding ventilating the foam and a soft and cool-to-the-touch cover. Furthermore, the Sleep Advisor team appreciated how this pillow comes in both a high profile, which is ideal for side sleepers, and a low one, which is better for those who sleep on their stomachs.
What’s the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow Made of?
Brooklyn Bedding infused the memory foam with gel and copper, both of which help keep you cool. In addition to drawing heat away from you, the copper also provides antimicrobial benefits. Back sleepers with shoulder pain are likely to benefit the most from this pillow’s materials and design, but it should also provide great spinal alignment and head and neck support for side sleepers who have issues around their shoulder.
Find more pillow options on our Best Cooling Pillows page.
Luxome LAYR Pillow – Best Adjustable Pillow for Shoulder Pain
Why the Luxome LAYR Pillow Earned Best Adjustable Pillow for Shoulder Pain
When a company known for their high-end bedroom accessories has an adjustable pillow, it doesn’t take much convincing to get someone to try it out. With three levels of adjustability, this pillow’s versatility is off the charts. In addition to providing shoulder pain relief, we appreciated that this plush, cooling pillow made us feel that we were sleeping in the lap of luxury.
What’s the Luxome LAYR Pillow Made of?
When your Luxome LAYR pillow arrives, it will be pre-configured with the pillow’s most popular combination, which means that you basically have two pillows in one. There is one side that is made of fluffy down alternative while the other has a cooling gel-infused memory foam that provides additional support.
You’ll also receive a soft, medium, and firm insert. With these three firmness inserts, you can create a multitude of loft and firmness configurations that best fit your preferred sleep position and help alleviate pain.
Coop Sleep Goods Cut Out Pillow – Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Shoulder Pain
Coop Sleep Goods The Original Cut-Out Pillow
A specially designed pillow for side sleepers that features a cut-out for your shoulder to take strain off the neck.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.60 / 5
Why the Coop Sleep Goods Cutout Pillow Earned Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Shoulder Pain
Have you ever experienced a series of sneezes when your shoulder is sore? Did you say some non-printable words? If you are someone who is trying to combat both shoulder pain and allergies at the same time, you will want to try out the hypoallergenic Coop Sleep Goods Cut Out Pillow.
This pillow has the soft, fluffy feeling of down, but without those pesky feathers that can cause many of us to have allergic reactions. Instead, this pillow is made with shredded, gel-infused memory foam and microfiber. It’s also specially cut to avoid bunching under the shoulders, with a gusset on the side to help take the strain off the shoulders and neck.
What’s the Coop Sleep Goods Cutout Pillow Made of?
This pillow has an adjustable loft, which means that you will be able to add or take away the memory foam filling to give it a personalized height. The memory foam in this pillow has a medium-firm feel that should benefit a variety of sleepers. Microfiber is also blended into the fill. This fill is also both GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning they should be free from harmful chemicals.
The Lulltra™ cover swaddles the Cut Out Pillow, and a mesh tape gusset is included to help promote a more even distribution of the fill.
Layla Kapok Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Shoulder Pain
Layla Kapok Pillow
The shredded inner materials of the pillow effectively reduce heat during the night.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewWhy the Layla Kapok Pillow Earned Best Memory Foam Pillow for Shoulder Pain
Memory foam is a popular choice for a pillow’s fill, whether it comes in the form of a huge rectangular block or a bunch of pieces. For shoulder pain, it can be one of the best options for cushioning and cradling this sensitive area. The Layla Kapok pillow combines this iconic materials with breathable Kapok fibers for an all-around comfortable pillow.
This pillow should work for a variety of sleepers wanting a memory foam pillow. It’s got a few bonus features to sweeten the deal: it’s hypoallergenic, cooling, and adjustable.
What’s the Layla Kapok Made Of?
A hexagonal quilted cover keeps the surface of the pillow soft and cooling, thanks to its inclusion of copper fibers. The fill of the pillow itself is made up of shredded memory foam and Kapok fibers, which are naturally derived from rainforest tree seed pods. This fill can be removed or added to create the desired loft, but Layla touts this pillow as having a loft of 6.5 inches.
For more information, read our Layla pillow review or check out the best memory foam pillows.
Brooklinen Marlow Pillow – Best Budget Pillow for Shoulder Pain
Elite Rest Ultra Slim Sleeper
Why the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow Earned Best Budget Pillow for Shoulder Pain
If you’re on a budget, it can be tempting to grab the cheapest pillow out there, but it’s important not to sacrifice your comfort when facing shoulder pain. Thankfully, we’ve found a value pillow that brings all the comforts of luxury, three-figure pillows at a more reasonable price.
The Brooklinen Marlow Pillow is touted as “the best pillow for the most people,” as it’s designed to please a plethora of different sleepers. For one, it’s filled with fully adjustable memory foam so you can mold the shape to your liking. This foam is also cooling, to benefit hot sleepers, and hypoallergenic.
What’s the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow Made Of?
The Marlow’s cover is made from 100% cotton with a sateen feel, which we found super cooling. Next up, the inner lining of the pillow is made up of a breathable mesh to keep air flowing as it protects the fill. Said core consists of a mix of cooling memory foam and polyester fibers, aiding in the pillow’s cool feel while also providing cushioning and support.
Find more pillow options on our Best Cheap Pillows page or check out our Brooklinen Marlow Pillow Review.
Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow – Best Pillow for Side Sleepers and Shoulder Pain
Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow
A contoured designed pillow for side and back sleepers.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.30 / 5
Why the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow Earned Best Pillow for Side Sleepers and Shoulder Pain
Side sleepers can put a lot of weight on the relatively small shoulder joint, which can lead to pressure and pain. The uniquely-shaped Eli & Elm Side Sleeper pillow, though, should support and contour your neck and head, while also keeping your spine aligned. However, what we really like about this pillow when it comes to side sleepers with shoulder pain is that the U-shape design provides enough space to help prevent pressure buildup.
What is the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow Made Of?
The hypoallergenic Eli & Elm Side Sleeper pillow has an adjustable loft that allows you to find the perfect height for your body type. We liked how soft and smooth the cotton, polyester, and spandex blend cover was against our hand and face.
The interior liner that sits directly below the cover consists of a polyester blend. It has a zipper that stretches about a third away and this is where you can add or take out the pillow’s natural latex noodles and polyester fiber.
Looking for more pillow options? Check out our Best Side Sleeper Pillows.
Boll & Branch Down Chamber – Best Down Pillow for Shoulder Pain
Why the Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow Earned Best Down Pillow for Shoulder Pain
Down pillows are typically softer and fluffier than those made with memory foam or latex, and this sometimes means that they may not offer the kind of support or pressure relief needed to relieve shoulder pain. However, the eco-friendly Boll & Branch Down Chamber is offered in three different firmness levels. The soft level makes it a great fit for stomach sleepers who need pillows that are lower to the ground, and the medium and firm make excellent choices for those who sleep on their back and sides.
What is the Boll & Branch Down Chamber Made of?
The softest Boll & Down Chamber pillow is made from adjustable down, whereas the medium and firm options consist of a supportive inner pillow that is made of feathers and down, and an outer chamber that is made up of U.S.A. down. The down and feathers are covered by an organic cotton shell. These materials are machine washable and can be tumbled dried on low heat.
Looking for more pillow options? Check out our Best Down Pillow picks here.
Purple Harmony™ Pillow – Best Latex Pillow for Shoulder Pain
Why the Purple Harmony™ Pillow Earned Best Latex Pillow for Shoulder Pain
Purple first implemented their unique, proprietary grid design in mattresses. However, it didn’t take long for them to realize that their technology could also work well in pillows.
We were fans of how the combination of latex and the Purple Grid Hex combined to give it a squishy, supportive, albeit non-traditional, feel. Additionally, we loved that this pillow is offered in three heights: low, medium, and tall. These varying heights allow those with shoulder pain to find a loft that works best for their preferred sleep positions.
What’s the Purple Harmony™ Pillow Made of?
The removable and machine-washable cover is made from a blend of moisture-wicking nylon and spandex. Purple also perforated the cover to provide additional breathability. The hexagonal, honey-comb patterned gel pad that is made from Purple’s hyper-elastic polymer is sewn into the cover.
Underneath the cover is a core of Talalay latex that is also perforated to allow for additional airflow. This material is cooling and responsive as well.
For more on this pillow, visit our Purple Harmony™ Pillow review or check out more pillows on our Best Latex Pillow page.
Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow – Best Eco-Friendly Pillow for Shoulder Pain
Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow
A plant-based down fill pillow with pressure relief and support for side sleepers.
Why the Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow Earned our Pick for Best Eco-Friendly Pillow for Shoulder Pain
If you experience shoulder pain and want to look for a pillow that is eco-friendly, we recommend the Sweet Zzz pillow. It uses a plant-based fill along with a design that offers contouring pressure relief and support, which is particularly important for side sleepers.
We like that there are two layers and that the inner layer, the firmer of the two, keeps the head and neck aligned with the spine while the softer outer layer provides soft, gentle contouring.
What’s the Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow Made of?
The first material that you will come into contact with on the Sweet Zzz Plant-Based pillow is natural cotton. Its cooling and breathing properties will welcome you as you settle into a layer of plush natural plant based down, before finally coming to a rest on the final layer of denser, firmer plant-based down. The breathable and cooling cotton cover is soft on the skin and allows for plenty of air circulation. It is also safe for those with sensitive skin.
Looking for more? Check out more pillow options on our Best Organic Pillows page.
What to Look For in a Pillow for Shoulder Pain
When shopping for a pillow to help alleviate shoulder pain there are a variety of possibilities that should allow you to find one that addresses your issue while still meeting your personal preferences. Given the multitude of choices available, it may get overwhelming. Therefore, we have created this guide to help you know what to look for when you’re shopping for a pillow that will help your shoulder pain.
Materials
Some of the most popular materials that are used in pillows for shoulder foam are memory foam and latex. Memory foam is slow moving and this allows you to gently sink into the pillow and experience incredible pressure relief. It is easy to accumulate pressure around your shoulders, but memory foam has a fantastic ability to gently contour around your head, neck, and shoulders while also being firm enough to keep these areas elevated and aligned.
Latex is a superstar when it comes to maintaining its shape. This is helpful for those who experience shoulder pain because it means that they will receive constant and steady support from lights out to the morning alarm. Latex is also responsive. Therefore, if you are a combination sleeper, you can likely rely on this material to quickly regain its shape as you reposition throughout the night.
Generally, you will want to steer clear of down or down-alternative pillows if you have shoulder pain. Although these pillows can be fantastic for many people, they don’t offer the kind of support needed to alleviate or prevent most shoulder pain.
Support
It is imperative to find a pillow that offers plenty of support when tracking down one that is good for shoulder pain, particularly for back and side sleepers. This is because without proper support your head can sink and put your neck and spine in a compromising position. According to Cleveland Clinic[2], in general, side sleepers need a supportive pillow that will keep their head and neck from sinking, and back sleepers need something that keeps their head in a neutral position.
Sleep Position
Shoulder pain can affect the comfort of every sleep position. However, certain angles and tendencies, such as side sleeping, can exacerbate your pain while sleeping on your back may help alleviate your pain. If only one side of your shoulders hurts, side sleepers should make every accommodation not to sleep on that side if they are experiencing pain. Furthermore, if you sleep on your side, you will want to look for a pillow with a higher loft as this will fill the space between your shoulder and head and thus keeping your spine aligned.
Back sleeping is typically the position that is considered best for shoulder pain and the right pillow can definitely help with this. You will want a pillow with good support, medium firmness, and a mid-range loft as this will promote optimal spinal alignment and keep your head neutral.
Stomach sleeping can create discomfort for the neck and lower back, which is why stomach sleeping isn’t typically recommended2. However, as someone who has a tendency to go from my side to my stomach, I understand that avoiding this position is easier said than done. If you sleep on your stomach, look for a pillow with a low loft to keep your neck from being under stress.
Firmness
How firm you prefer your pillow can vary from person to person, but when looking to manage your shoulder pain, medium-firm pillows are likely to be the most beneficial. This level of firmness should provide the right around of support for your head and neck.
Pillows that are too soft may not keep your head and neck elevated enough for side and back sleeping, while those that are extremely firm could cause too much pressure to build up. That being said, stomach sleepers are often a better fit with softer pillows because they don’t require as much support.
Feel
Different people prefer different feels for their pillows. When it comes to dealing with shoulder pain, you will likely want to avoid an overly soft pillow like the ones filled with down or down alternatives, with the exception of stomach sleepers. The contouring nature of memory foam and the supportiveness of latex typically offer the feel that works best for those with shoulder pain.
Temperature
Sleeping in a cooler environment has been shown to improve sleep quality as it stimulates melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep[3]. Pillows play an important part in keeping your head cool. While latex doesn’t typically retain heat, memory foam can.
To avoid overheating, look for pillows that use shredded materials instead of solid blocks as these promote airflow. Also, we recommend that people who want memory foam pillows get ones infused with gel or other cooling elements like copper or graphite to help combat heat buildup.
Loft
Loft, which is how tall or thick a pillow is, is an important feature when it comes to preventing shoulder pain. Side sleepers typically need a thick pillow that fills in the space between the shoulders and neck and promotes spinal alignment and pressure relief. Back sleepers should use a pillow with a medium loft, and those who sleep on their stomachs tend to best on pillows that are low to the bed. These respective lofts help keep your spines aligned when sleeping.
Comfort
Although you can follow all the guidelines for pillows that should work best at alleviating your shoulder pain, if you don’t find it comfortable, you aren’t likely to continue to use it. Therefore, it is helpful to decide on the type of materials and characteristics of a pillow that you find comfortable and work from there. Furthermore, many manufacturers offer no-risk sleep trials so you can try them out and then send them back if you’re not a fan.
Budget
Your budget is always a consideration when making purchases. Considering that most of the pillows that are going to help with your shoulder pain are going to be made with high-quality materials, you should expect to pain more than you would for pillows that are easily available in retail stores. Although prices will fluctuate, most of the pillows in this category are going to cost between 100-200 dollars.
Off-Gassing
Some of the pillows for shoulder pain may contain materials that produce off-gassing. This is a chemical scent that is sometimes noticed when foam pillows expand. The smell usually dissipates in a few hours but could take up to several days. You can place the pillow in a well-ventilated area to speed up the process.
Cleaning & Care
The cleaning and care for pillows for shoulder pain can vary greatly. Therefore, it is important that you read the care and cleaning instructions for any pillow you’re interested in. There are some pillows that are completely machine washable, while some only have covers that can be washed, and others still that should only be spot cleaned.
Types of Pillows for Shoulder Pain
- Adjustable Pillows – Adjusting the loft of the pillow by adding or taking out the fill or by placing inserts into the core can be great for those with shoulder pain as it will allow sleepers to get the height of the pillow to the level that allows them to feel most comfortable.
- Memory Foam Pillows – Memory foam pillows generally provide excellent support and pressure relief. This material is beneficial for those with shoulder issues because it’s able to keep the sleeper’s neck and head supported while still providing some cushioning to reduce pressure.
- Body Pillows – Body pillows are long pillows that run the length of your body. These could be good for side sleepers with shoulder pain as well as pregnant people.
- Down Pillows – These pillows are soft, fluffy, and lightweight. Although they can be very cozy, they are generally not supportive enough for side or back sleepers experiencing shoulder pain. However, they could work for stomach sleepers.
- Down Alternative Pillows – Down alternative pillows are a great substitute for those who are allergic to down or ethically against using the material. They offer the softness of down but are typically cheaper in price, which is great for budget shoppers. As with down, these pillows aren’t going to provide much support and lifting though but could be good for stomach sleeping.
Tips to Alleviate Shoulder Pain
- Stretch – Performing simple shoulder stretches[4] two to three times a week can provide flexibility and help reduce pain.
- Improve your sleep hygiene – Implementing good habits that foster better sleep can help because getting good sleep can reduce pain sensitivity[5].
- Consider a new sleeping position – Side sleepers are the most prone to shoulder pain because of the amount of weight they put on a relatively small joint. If you are a side sleeper, you may want to try sleeping on your back or your other side.
- Try a mattress topper – Mattress toppers are a relatively inexpensive way to change the firmness and feel of your mattress. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, check out mattress toppers that can help with pressure relief.
- Consider a new mattress – It may just be time for a new mattress. If you have tried pillows for shoulder pain and mattress toppers and are still not getting enough relief, a new mattress for shoulder pain could go a long way.
- Talk to your doctor – If you are having prolonged or severe shoulder pain, it is important that you talk to your doctor. Doctors can evaluate your symptoms and provide medication, therapy, or a combination of the two.
Our Final Thoughts
Shoulder pain can lead to disrupted sleep, as well as being detrimental to your overall well-being. Adjusting your pillow to one that may help alleviate this pain can be an easy and effective way to alleviate nagging shoulder pain. Many of the pillows on our list will work for a variety of sleep positions, but side sleepers, in particular, will want to make sure they invest in a good pillow since they’re more susceptible to shoulder pain due to excess pressure being placed on a smaller area.
Best Pillows for Shoulder Pain FAQs
Do pillows help with shoulder pain?
Certain pillows can help alleviate shoulder pain. Side sleepers put a lot of weight on their shoulders and this can cause pressure buildup. By selecting a pillow that works well for this preferred sleep position and helps reduce pressure, you can potentially alleviate some shoulder pain.
What is the best pillow for shoulder pain?
If you experience shoulder pain, there are several pillows on the market that may help alleviate shoulder pain. However, the best pillow for shoulder pain for you may be different from the best pillow for shoulder pain for your partner. Therefore, you should determine your sleep position, body type, and the types of pillows that you like, and then decide on a pillow for shoulder pain based on these personal factors.
Can a pillow cause shoulder pain?
A pillow might not necessarily cause shoulder pain but sleeping on one that doesn’t provide enough support for the head and neck could create extra tension that might worsen shoulder pain. Also, not sleeping well can create more sensitivity to pain, and certainly, a bad pillow could make it harder to rest well, resulting in worse shoulder pain[5].
References:
- Linaker, Catherine H., Walker-Bone, Karen. “Shoulder Disorders and Occupation”. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology. 2015.
- “Best Sleeping Positions for Pain”. Cleveland Clinic. 2024.
- Xu, Xiaoying., et. al. “Association of Melatonin Production with Seasonal Changes, Low Temperature, and Immuno-Responses in Hamsters”. Molecules. 2018.
- “Ouch! Shoulder pain and how to treat it”. Harvard Health. 2022.
- “Sleep and pain”. Government of Western Australia Department of Health. Last modified July 19, 2021.
Sosha Lewis
Content Writer
About Author
Sosha Lewis is a staff writer for Sleep Advisor. Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing.
Combination Sleeper