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Best Pillows for Shoulder Pain

Last Updated on January 11, 2024

Written by Sosha Lewis

Transparency Disclosure – We may receive a referral fee for products purchased through the links on our site… Read More.
Disclaimer – Nothing on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment… Read More Here.

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

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.

On Sleep Advisor, we test each and every pillow to determine who they might be best suited for depending on your sleeping position and sleep preferences.
Testing pillows and creating YouTube videos in our mattress facility.

Editor’s Pick

Saatva Latex Pillow

Saatva Latex Pillow

A pressure-relieving pillow made with natural latex.

Sleep Advisor Score
4.80 / 5 starstarstarstarstar
Read Full Review

Accessories Details

Material
Material

Latex

Trial Period
Trial Period

45 nights

Warranty
Warranty

1-year limited warranty

Financing
Financing

Available

Shipping Method
Shipping Method

Free shipping

Return Policy
Return Policy

Free returns

Why 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.

Our Take: We appreciate that the Saatva Latex pillow not only provides a luxurious hotel-like feeling but that the relatively high loft can help with proper spinal alignment, which should alleviate shoulder pain.

What We Liked

  • Cooling elements – To provide additional comfort, Saatva implemented several cooling elements into the design of this pillow. The soft cover is made from breathable organic cotton that will help dissipate body heat. Also, the shredded latex filling allows for easier air circulation.
  • Hypoallergenic – Latex is naturally hypoallergenic. This material does a great job of preventing the accumulation of mildew, dust mites, mold, and other allergens. However, those with latex allergies may want to find an alternative to pillows made from this material or at least verify that the latex has been treated so that it won’t trigger an allergic reaction.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers

  • Not ideal for stomach sleepers – Those who prefer to sleep on their stomachs typically do best with a pillow with a low loft. Considering that this pillow doesn’t compress much, the height is likely to put too much strain on a stomach sleeper’s neck.
  • Not a great option for budget shoppers – Saatva uses premium materials in their latex pillow. Additionally, it is made with top-of-the-line craftsmanship and attention to detail. Although these are admirable qualities, the price may make this pillow too expensive for some budgets.

For more details on this pillow, visit our full-length Saatva Latex Pillow review or check out our Best Pillow options here. 

Best Memory Foam Pillow for Shoulder Pain

TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow

TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow

Featuring the brand’s famous TEMPUR® Material, this pillow adapts to the pressure from your head and neck to deliver soothing comfort.

Sleep Advisor Score
4.50 / 5 starstarstarstarstar

Accessories Details

Material
Material

Polyester, Memory foam

Warranty
Warranty

5-year limited warranty

Financing
Financing

Available

Shipping Method
Shipping Method

Free shipping

Return Policy
Return Policy

No returns

Why the TEMPUR-Cloud® Pillow Earned Best Memory Foam Pillow for Shoulder Pain

When it comes to memory foam pillows, one of the characteristics that we like best is how the foam conforms around the head throughout the night, and the TEMPUR-Cloud® was a Sleep Advisor crowd-pleaser in this category.

This pillow earned high marks from our testing crew thanks to its firmness since this pillow should keep your neck and head elevated and spine aligned, especially if you sleep on your side or back. The crew at Sleep Advisor also liked that the TEMPUR® foam used in this pillow is slow-moving and should relieve pressure around your shoulders. While Tempur-Pedic’s website states that its good for stomach sleepers, we didn’t really find this to be the case because of the medium loft.

What’s the TEMPUR-Cloud® Pillow Made Of?

The core of the TEMPUR-Cloud® is made from a single block of firm proprietary TEMPUR® material. We liked the soft and cozy cover that provided comfort from the first touch. The cover is made from polyester knit. Additionally, this cover is hypoallergenic, and you can remove it to clean it in the washing machine.

Our Take: We feel that fans of memory foam should greatly enjoy how the single block of TEMPUR® material provides support and gentle contouring that should aid in reducing uncomfortable shoulder pain.

What We Liked

  • Machine-washable cover – The soft, polyester knit cover is removable. Once it is removed, you can throw it in the washing machine, making this pillow easy to clean.
  • Slow-moving and moldable foam – Tempur-Pedic uses a single block of TEMPUR® material, their proprietary memory foam. This product is slow-moving, contouring, and supportive. This combination should provide pressure relief around the neck and shoulders.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers

  • Doesn’t regulate temperature well – Hot sleepers can have a rough time getting good sleep if they don’t have a good cooling pillow. Unfortunately, the single block of proprietary foam traps heat more than other pillows. However, if you’re not someone who sleeps hot, this shouldn’t be an issue for you.
  • Only comes in one size – Many consumers like to have pillows that match the size of their beds. Unfortunately, this is only offered in a Standard size. Therefore, if you have a Queen or King-size bed, these may not be the best fit.

Find out more in our in-depth TEMPUR-Cloud® Pillow review or check out more Memory Foam Pillows here. 

Best Adjustable Pillow for Shoulder Pain

Luxome LAYR Pillow

Luxome LAYR Pillow

A pillow with adjustable firmness levels for all types of sleepers

Accessories Details

Material
Material

Bamboo, Memory foam

Trial Period
Trial Period

30 nights

Financing
Financing

Available

Shipping Method
Shipping Method

Free shipping minus HI and AK

Return Policy
Return Policy

Free returns

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.

Our Take: We were big fans of the Luxomer LAYR’s two-in-one pillow design. This luxurious pillow comes with three different inserts so that those sleeping with this pillow can adjust their loft and firmness to eliminate shoulder pain.

What We Liked

  • Comes with three additional inserts – Luxome provides additional inserts that are slated as soft, medium, and firm. These inserts allow the users to create several combinations of firmness and loft, which makes this pillow incredibly versatile.
  • The two-in-one pillow design – One side of this pillow should feel soft and fluffy, and the other side is made up of supportive memory foam, giving you two pillows in one.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers

  • Expensive – Given that this pillow has two distinctive feels and comes with three additional inserts, it is understandable that it might not be the cheapest pillow on the market. Therefore, it may not fit in everyone’s budget. However, if it does, we think it could be worth it if you’re looking for a great adjustable option.
  • The customizations can be confusing – The inserts are a valuable add-on. However, figuring out the combination that works best for you may be confusing. Luxome does provide a video on their website to help with this process, though.

Best Budget Pillow for Shoulder Pain

Silk & Snow Pillow

Silk & Snow Pillow

Accessories Details

Material
Material

Memory foam, Microfiber

Trial Period
Trial Period

100 nights

Warranty
Warranty

3-year warranty

Financing
Financing

Not Available

Shipping Method
Shipping Method

Free shipping

Return Policy
Return Policy

Free returns

Why the Silk & Snow Pillow Earned Best Budget Pillow for Shoulder Pain

For the vast majority of consumers, budget is always a consideration when shopping for most products, and pillows aren’t an exception. Pillows made with high-quality materials and a thoughtful design can be seen as expensive, especially when compared to standard pillows found in retail stores. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get a solid pillow that will help with your shoulder pain without breaking the bank.

When looking for a budget pillow for shoulder pain, the Sleep Advisor team recommends the soft and cozy Silk & Snow pillow.

What’s the Silk & Snow Pillow Made of?

The Silk & Snow’s 100 percent cotton cover holds the soft outward layer of down-like microfiber and an adjustable inner core made of recycled scrap memory foam securely in place. The manufacturer air blows the microfibers, which gives the material the fluffy softness of down while also leaving it resistant to clumping. We particularly appreciate that the core can be adjusted so that sleepers are able to find an ideal height for their body weight and preferred sleep position.

Our Take: Budget is typically a big factor for most of us when making a purchase. We love that Silk & Snow offers a pillow that can help eliminate some shoulder pain without eliminating your bank account.

What We Liked

  • Two distinct layers – This pillow combines the softness of microfibers with the supportiveness of memory foam, providing sleepers with both coziness and security. The outer layer can be fluffed to achieve optimal fluffiness.
  • Adjustable fill – By being able to add or take out the shredded memory foam filling in the core, sleepers can adjust this pillow to an ideal height for their body type and sleep position. This allows side sleepers, in particular, to achieve a loft that will help alleviate pressure from their shoulders.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers

  • Clumping – Although Silk & Snow blows out their microfiber to keep it from clumping, there were still quite a few complaints about this occurring. Clumping can make a pillow uneven. It can also make it uncomfortable for those looking for a supportive pillow to alleviate shoulder pain.
  • Can sleep hot – Some sleepers may find that the combination of memory foam and microfiber may lead to this pillow sleeping hot. These materials don’t necessarily lend themselves to dissipating heat. However, you will get a lengthy sleep trial so that you can decide if this pillow sleeps too hot or not.

Find more pillow options on our Best Cheap Pillows page.

Best Cooling Pillow for Shoulder Pain

Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow

Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow

A pillow with dual-action cooling for hot sleepers.

Sleep Advisor Score
4.60 / 5 starstarstarstarstar

Accessories Details

Material
Material

Memory foam

Trial Period
Trial Period

30 nights

Warranty
Warranty

3-year warranty

Financing
Financing

Available

Shipping Method
Shipping Method

Free shipping minus HI and AK

Return Policy
Return Policy

Free returns

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.

Our Take: Sleeping hot can exacerbate the shoulder pain that you may be feeling by making you uncomfortable. The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam pillow not only provides pressure relief and responsiveness, but it is also exceptionally cool.

What We Liked

  • Cooling properties – To ensure that this pillow sleeps exceptionally cool, Brooklyn Bedding uses gel and copper in the foam. The gel provides a cool-to-the-touch feel while both materials work to draw heat away from the pillow. This should allow people to be both cozy and cool when sleeping with this pillow.
  • Offered in two profiles – A pillow’s loft helps determine if it is a good fit for different preferred sleep positions. Offering this pillow in two different heights makes it an excellent pick for all back, side, and stomach sleepers.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers

  • Fans of classic memory foam pillows – Although this pillow is made with memory foam, it does not have the classic, slow-moving feel of most memory foam. Rather, this pillow responds quickly to movement, which means you should feel as if you are sleeping on top of the pillow and not down in it.
  • Can only spot clean the interior foam – If you are someone who likes a pillow that you can toss in the washing machine, this is not the pillow for you. You can remove and machine-wash the cover. However, the interior can only be spot-cleaned.

Find more pillow options on our Best Cooling Pillows page.

Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Shoulder Pain

Coop Eden Pillow

Coop Eden Pillow

A gel-infused memory foam pillow with a hypoallergenic design

Sleep Advisor Score
4.60 / 5 starstarstarstarstar

Accessories Details

Material
Material

Memory foam, Polyester, Rayon

Trial Period
Trial Period

100 nights

Warranty
Warranty

5-year limited warranty

Financing
Financing

Available

Shipping Method
Shipping Method

Free shipping minus HI and AK

Return Policy
Return Policy

Free returns

Why the Coop Sleep Goods Eden 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? Therefore, 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 Eden.

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.

What’s the Coop Sleep Goods Eden 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 is infused with gel to help keep the material from becoming too warm. Microfiber is also blended into the fill.

The Lulltra™ cover surrounds the Eden, and a mesh tape gusset is included to help promote a more even distribution of the fill.

Our Take: Back and side sleepers should enjoy the mixture of sturdy support and plush comfort. This combination should provide coziness while keeping your head and neck supported and your spine aligned. While stomach sleepers can take out some of the memory foam for a low loft that benefits them, I think that the memory foam will still be too firm for this to provide much shoulder pain relief for them.

What we liked

  • Hypoallergenic – Although this pillow has a soft, fluffy feel that is similar to down pillows, unlike those, it uses hypoallergenic memory foam and microfiber. This will allow those who experience allergy symptoms to enjoy the plush softness of down but without the worries of it activating their allergic reactions.
  • Cooling properties – To help keep you cool as you sleep, the Coop Sleep Goods Eden Pillow has infused the memory foam with gel. This will help draw heat away from the sleepers and provide a comfortable night’s rest.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers

  • Not great for stomach sleepers – This pillow has a fairly high loft. This will mean that stomach sleepers may find that their neck is in a compromised position. It could also mean that this pillow pushes too close to the nose of those who sleep on their stomach.
  • Can only spot clean the interior foam – The cover of this pillow can be washed, but the interior should not be. This means those who like to wash their entire pillow may not be satisfied with this as they can only spot-clean the interior.

Best Eco-Friendly Pillow for Shoulder Pain

Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow

Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow

A plant-based down fill pillow with pressure relief and support for side sleepers.

Accessories Details

Warranty
Warranty

1-year warranty

Financing
Financing

Available

Shipping Method
Shipping Method

Free shipping

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.

Our Take: Along with having two different firmness options that can help you dial in the loft that will help you eliminate shoulder pain, we love that this pillow is 100 percent vegan and eco-friendly.

What We Liked

  • Vegan and eco-friendly – The pillow is completely vegan-friendly. It uses plant-based down to create a pillow that is comfortable and contouring. By using two different density levels, this creates a feel that is both soft and supportive.
  • Naturally cooling elements – By using natural materials such as cotton and plant-based down, this pillow provides excellent breathability and air circulation. It also wicks moisture away so that you don’t have to worry about waking on a sweaty pillow.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers

  • Needs fluffing – The Sweet Zzz pillow does require a good bit of fluffing. Therefore, if you don’t like to have to mold your pillow through the night or even after each use, you may want to check out some other options.
  • Not for those who like firmer pillows – If you prefer firmer pillows, such as those made from memory foam or latex, the Sweet Zzz will probably not check all of your boxes.

Looking for more? Check out more pillow options on our Best Organic Pillows page.

Best Down Pillow for Shoulder Pain

Boll & Branch Down Pillow

Boll & Branch Down Pillow

Sleep Advisor Score
4.60 / 5 starstarstarstarstar

Accessories Details

Material
Material

Down, Cotton

Trial Period
Trial Period

30 nights

Financing
Financing

Available

Shipping Method
Shipping Method

Free shipping

Return Policy
Return Policy

Free returns

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.

Our Take: If you are someone who loves the fluffy softness of down pillows, we recommend that you give the Boll and Branch a go.

What We Liked

  • Three firmness levels – This pillow is offered in three different firmness levels. The varying firmness options allow sleepers to choose which one best suits their preferred sleeping position for more tailored comfort.
  • Eco-friendly – Boll & Down is dedicated to bringing eco-friendly products to consumers. As such, their down and feathers are ethically sourced. They also use organic cotton in the cover.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers

  • Expensive – This pillow is made with high-quality, ethically-sourced materials. It is also made with fine craftsmanship, and as such, the price is fairly steep. This may mean it’s out of range for some people’s budgets.
  • Lengthy dry time – This pillow is machine washable, and it can be tumble-dried. However, this may take several drying cycles. You will need to make time for this.

Looking for more pillow options? Check out our Best Down Pillow picks here.

Best Pillow for Side Sleepers and Shoulder Pain

Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow

Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow

A contoured designed pillow for side and back sleepers.

Sleep Advisor Score
4.30 / 5 starstarstarstarstar

Accessories Details

Material
Material

Polyester, Spandex

Trial Period
Trial Period

45 nights

Warranty
Warranty

5-year warranty

Financing
Financing

Not Available

Shipping Method
Shipping Method

Free shipping

Return Policy
Return Policy

Free returns

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.

Our Take: Side sleepers generally experience more shoulder pain than stomach or back sleepers. The side-sleeper-specific design of the Eli & Elm provides space for side sleepers to put their shoulders to curb pressure buildup.

What We Liked

  • Unique U-shape design – The Eli & Elm’s U-shaped design makes it a great fit for side sleepers with shoulder pain. Not only does this shape help with proper spinal alignment, but it also provides additional space that helps relieve pressure.
  • Adjustable loft – The ability to adjust the height of this pillow by adding or removing some of the filling provides a customizable experience. This will help side sleepers of varying body types to get their ideal height.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers

  • Non-traditional shape – Although the unique shape of this pillow can be beneficial for side sleepers, those who prefer a more traditionally-shaped pillow may not like this design. Additionally, if you plan to put a pillowcase on these, standard ones may be hard to get on and may not look that appealing once you do.
  • The inner pillow can only be spot cleaned – For those looking for a fully machine-washable pillow, you may not be satisfied with the Eli & Elm. The cover can be removed and put in the washing machine, but the rest of the pillow should not be. If you get the interior dirty or stained, you will have to spot-clean it with a mild detergent.

Looking for more pillow options? Check out our Best Side Sleeper Pillows.

Best Latex Pillow for Shoulder Pain

Purple Harmony Pillow

Purple Harmony Pillow

Sleep Advisor Score
4.40 / 5 starstarstarstarstar
Read Full Review

Accessories Details

Material
Material

Gel Fiber, Polyester, Latex

Trial Period
Trial Period

100 nights

Warranty
Warranty

1-year warranty

Financing
Financing

Available

Shipping Method
Shipping Method

Free shipping

Return Policy
Return Policy

Free returns

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.

Our Take: We feel the unique internal design combined with quality latex makes the Purple Harmony™ an excellent choice for latex pillow fans with shoulder pain.

What We Liked

  • Sleeps cool – If sleeping hot prevents you from getting a good night’s rest, the Purple Harmony™ could be a great solution to this problem. The cover and the Talalay latex core are perforated to promote airflow, and the Purple Grid has more than 1,500 open-air channels to further assist in dissipating body heat. If you happen to get sweaty through the night, the cover is moisture-wicking.
  • Responsive – Those who change positions when they sleep can sometimes deal with pillows that don’t bounce back to their original shape quickly. This should not be an issue with the Purple Harmony™ as the latex and grid work in tandem so that this pillow quickly regains its shape and you don’t have to worry about fluffing it or sleeping on an unsupportive pillow.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers

  • Expensive – The Purple Harmony™ is made with quality materials, and it has a thoughtful design, which means that this pillow comes at a high price point. However, given the durability and quality of the materials, this pillow should last you a long time.
  • Not moldable – If you are someone who likes the traditional feel and moldability of down or down alternative pillows, this is probably not for you. The Purple Harmony™ is responsive and quickly snaps back to its original shape. You won’t be able to fluff it up or make it change shape.

For more on this pillow, visit our Purple Harmony™ Pillow review or check out more pillows on our Best Latex Pillow 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 hip and 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:
  1. Linaker, Catherine H., Walker-Bone, Karen. “Shoulder Disorders and Occupation”. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology. 2015.
  2. “Best Sleeping Positions for Pain”. Cleveland Clinic. 2024.
  3. Xu, Xiaoying., et. al. “Association of Melatonin Production with Seasonal Changes, Low Temperature, and Immuno-Responses in Hamsters”. Molecules. 2018.
  4. “Ouch! Shoulder pain and how to treat it”. Harvard Health. 2022.
  5. “Sleep and pain”. Government of Western Australia Department of Health. Last modified July 19, 2021.
Sosha Lewis

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