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Top 5 Best Pillow for Shoulder Pain

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedAugust 22, 2024

It is true that shoulder pain can be very inconvenient, particularly when it comes to having a good night rest. A good pillow helps support and comfort to reduce pain and stiffness.

In this article, we have reviewed some of the best pillows for shoulder pain to assist you in making a favorable decision. For this review, our team has conducted a review of the available pillows and evaluated the best options on the market.


Gadole Pillow for Shoulder Pain Relief

Editor's Choice

Gadole Pillow for Shoulder Pain Relief

The Gadole Pillow is extremely comfortable and supportive, particularly when it comes to shoulder pain. Its unique curved shape helps regulate blood circulation and the mobility of the shoulder joint. The 15° golden ratio ARC neck traction relieves daily stress and the non-temperatured memory foam provides proper support all day through. It may take some time to get accustomed to it and be comfortable with the pillow. On balance, recommended for shoulder support, accommodated by a 100-night trial period and a 5-year warranty program.

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If you want a new and comfortable pillow for your shoulder pain issues, the Gadole Pillow is one of them. With a 100-night trial and a 5-year warranty, you can buy with peace of mind.

Pros

  • The crescent-shaped and butterfly design cradles your shoulder perfectly without the feeling of being pressed, aiming to maintain good blood flow and promote shoulder flexibility.
  • The 15° golden ratio of ARC neck traction effectively counters the stress and strain of the day by stretching the muscles and restoration of the neck's natural curves.
  • The pillow is made of non-temperatured memory foam that provides your neck the most even and true support from spring to winter.

Cons

  • Some users may find the pillow too firm.
  • The pillow may have a slight chemical odor when first opened.
  • The pillow may take some time to get used to.

The crescent-shaped and butterfly shape fits the shoulder neatly without the sensation of being pinched, to improve blood circulation and shoulder mobility. By increasing your armrest space, memory foam pillows eliminate the feeling of numbness in your arms, which makes sleeping almost painless. The specific 15° golden ratio of ARC neck traction helps reverse the day’s stress and strains on the neck muscles and helps restore the neck’s natural curvature. This is made from non-temperature memory foam that brings your neck the most even and true support from spring to winter.

However, some people can find the pillow too firm for their comfort. There might be a tiny chemical smell when unboxing the pillow, but the smell fades away in a short while. Some people might take a while to get used to the pillow especially if one is used to flatter the pillow.


HOMCA Pillow for Side Sleeper Body Pillow for Adults Memory Foam Pillow

HOMCA Pillow for Side Sleeper Body Pillow for Adults Memory Foam Pillow

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If you are interested in a pillow that will assist you in reducing your shoulder pain, you should consider the HOMCA Pillow for Side Sleepers.

Pros

  • The unique U-shaped side pillow conforms to the ergonomic design, effectively adjust and correct the side sleeping posture.
  • The arm contour design conforms to the side sleeping habits, quickly find a comfortable arm position to relieve pressure on shoulders and arms.
  • Equipped with a widened ear hole pressure relief design on both sides, reduce ear friction and pressure, no toss and turn due to uncomfortable ears.

Cons

  • The curved part, where your head/neck rests needs to be softer.
  • The pillow cover is white and it started to fade after a few washes.
  • The pillow is only good if you roll with it, it may not be a win for those who move a lot while sleeping.

The HOMCA Pillow for Side Sleepers is one of the most effective pillows for people who have shoulder pain. It also aids in the positioning of your neck, buttocks, and body properly to obtain a correct joint fixation. The arm contour design also satisfies the side sleeping posture, immediately seeking an appropriate arm posture to alleviate the pressure on the shoulders and arms.

Furthermore, the pillow has enhanced right and left ear hole pressure relief to help remove ear friction and pressure to ensure that you do not change positions frequently because of uncomfortable ears.

Nevertheless, we could have made the curved part, where your head/neck rests, softer. We also realized that the pillow cover was white and began to wear out after several washes. Lastly, the pillow is only good if you roll with it so it will not be good for people who switch from one side to the other.


Bespillow Neck Pillow

Bespillow Neck Pillow

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If you need a pillow for the removal of neck and shoulder pain, it will be wise to go for Bespillow Neck Pillow. It is a comfortable, safe, and efficient pillow that is easy to create. Also, it has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can test it without any risk.

Pros

  • The personalized customized shape of the memory foam pillow perfectly fits your head, neck, and shoulders, offering comfort and edge-to-edge support.
  • The pillow is made of CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex certified memory foam, which is safe and odorless.
  • The sleeping pillow comes with an ice silk pillowcase, which is soft, comfortable, and machine-washable. The pillowcase is made of COLD SILK TECHNOLOGY FABRIC, which keeps you cool all night long.

Cons

  • The pillow may be too firm for some people.
  • The pillow may have a chemical smell at first, but it goes away after a few days.
  • The pillow may not fit everyone's sleeping preferences.

The memory foam pillow is therefore soft and firm at the same time and has a way of molding itself in the various body contours. We also really appreciate the ice silk pillowcase, which, being airy and cooling, would be great for hot summer nights.

It is also important to point out that the pillow may be too hard for some users, particularly those who prefer a softer pillow. But the truth is that the pillow gets hard at first but it is comfortable once used for some time. Additionally, the first thing one may notice is that the pillow has a chemical smell, but this disappears within a few days.


Kaattop Neck Pillow

Kaattop Neck Pillow

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We highly recommend the Kaattop Neck Pillow for those struggling with shoulder pain. It is portable, comfortable, practical, and efficient.

Pros

  • The thickened ARC Cervical Traction Area and the Hollow Concave Surface naturally forms the perfect 15° angle of cervical traction, cradling your neck and spine in a way that's both comfortable and supportive.
  • The crescent contour design perfectly matches the natural curve of your shoulders, and it offers ample space for your shoulders without feeling cramped or constricted.
  • The pillow features 5 zones tailored to relieve individual pain. For back sleepers, the unique neck support area of the pillow aligns the cervical vertebrae, effectively relieving back pain, while the wider shoulder contour area eases pressure.

Cons

  • The memory foam should never be laundered.
  • The pillow may take some time to get used to.
  • The pillow is not suitable for stomach sleepers.

The Kaattop Neck Pillow is unique, and users can modify it according to their preferences. undefined Additional 0 Arc-Chill cooling pillowcase is a great addition and provides a cool and refreshing night’s sleep. The pillow is also made of high quality and has been tested and certified by OEKO-TEX, CertiPUR-US, and ISPA to be non-toxic and odorless.


Bespillow Neck Pillow

Bespillow Neck Pillow

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If you are in need of a pillow that can ease shoulder pain and enhance sleep quality, then the Bespillow Neck Pillow is one to consider. Its ergonomic patented design, advanced memory foam, and adjustability to individual height make it a worthy investment in better sleep.

Pros

  • The patented ergonomic design helps relieve neck pain by holding your neck at the right height and offering excellent support during sleep.
  • Made of high-quality CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex certified rebound memory foam, the pillow is soft but supportive and won't lose its shape or density over time.
  • The pillow comes in two personalized height options, making it suitable for multiple sleeping positions and preferences.

Cons

  • The memory foam may have a slight smell of polyurethane when first received, but it will dissipate after a few days of ventilation.
  • The pillow may feel a bit too firm for those who prefer a softer pillow.
  • The pillow may not be suitable for those who prefer a flatter pillow.

The butterfly shape design offers armrests as well as maintaining the neck in the correct position while supporting the head which enhances sleep. The memory foam is comfortable yet firm, and it does not degrade in the long run to become less dense. We also like the two adjustable height settings that enable it to suit different sleep postures and individual inclinations.

The pillowcase also deserves attention. It is made of COLD SILK TECHNOLOGY FABRIC – the fabric is soft, cooling, and breathable for the skin. It has a zipper that allows removal of the pillowcase so that it can be washed in a washing machine thus keeping it clean and fresh.

Buying Guide

Certain things need to be taken into account when it comes to selecting the right pillow for shoulder pain. Based on the information provided above, the following features should be considered when choosing a pillow.

Pillow Material

The material used on the construction of the pillow also plays a major role when it comes to comfort and support. Memory foam and latex pillows are ideal for people with shoulder pain because they mold to the shape of the head and neck for support and comfort. However, some people may use down or feather pillows as they are softer and can be easily shaped.

Pillow Height

Another consideration is the height of the pillow. A pillow that is too high or too low can lead to discomfort and even worsen the shoulder pain experienced by the patient. Also, consider the height of the pillow that will suit the sleeping position and your physique. Side sleepers require a high stack of pillows to support the cervical spine while back sleeping requires a low pile of pillows.

Pillow Shape

Another aspect related to the convenience and the quality of the pillow is its shape. Contour pillows provide neck and spine support and wedges help to raise up the upper part of the body and relieve the shoulders. Cervical pillows are shaped like a curve so as to match the natural curve of the cervical spine.

Pillow Size

Another consideration is the size of the pillow. A small sized pillow can be incapable of offering the right support while a large one can be likened to a stone. Choose a pillow that should be in proportion to the size of your body and the way you sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of pillow for side sleepers with shoulder pain?

The best type of pillow to use while sleeping on the side with shoulder pain is a pillow that sufficiently supports the neck and shoulders. Memory foam pillows are common as they are contouring to form a shape and offer sufficient support. A pillow which has an uneven surface may also be of benefit in reducing pressure on the shoulders.

Are orthopedic shoulder pillows effective for relieving shoulder pain?

Orthopedic shoulder pillows are useful for managing shoulder pain because they are specifically designed for shoulder and neck support. Such pillows are typically designed from memory foam or another similar product that conforms to the body’s contour. But, the best pillow should be of the right size and shape for your body to maximize the benefits of having the pillow.

What are some recommended pillows for neck and shoulder pain?

It is suggested that those people who want to reduce their neck and shoulder pain should use memory foam pillows, contoured pillows, and pillows with adjustable firmness. These pillows offer reasonable support to the neck and shoulders so they might help to reduce pain and discomfort.

How do you properly position a pillow to alleviate shoulder pain?

When positioning a pillow to help with shoulder pain, the pillow should be placed under the neck and shoulders. It must ensure that the neck and shoulders of the body remain in a neutral position, which is adjustable by the pillow. Another factor one needs to consider is the size and shape of the pillow he/she intends to use.

Is a hard or soft pillow better for those experiencing shoulder pain?

It is difficult to determine which type of pillow is more suitable for shoulder pain sufferers since it varies from person to person. There are some individuals who may feel that a firm pillow is more suitable for them than a soft one. Take a pillow that will give you the support that you require and also one that makes you comfortable at night.

Do neck pillows provide relief for shoulder pain?

Neck pillows may be beneficial if one has shoulder pain since the position of the neck and shoulders are well aligned. However, it is advisable to use a neck pillow that fits properly in your body size and shape for proper support.

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