The 9 Best Pillows For Shoulder Pain Relief, According To Experts

Fill: Shredded latex | Sizes: Standard/queen or king | Firmness: Plush downlike fibers | Trial/warranty: 45-day return policy/1-year warranty

Pros:

• Excellent return policy and warranty
• Cover and outer layer are machine-washable

Cons:

• Expensive
• Loft might be too high for stomach sleepers

Saatva boasts hotel-quality comfort when you rest your head on this plush latex pillow. The inner core is comprised of shredded latex, which is known for its contouring properties that support the neck and shoulders. However, this pillow is also designed with an outer fill layer (which is machine-washable) of certified organic cotton and downlike microdenier fibers that provide the plush feel. Together, the two materials offer the best of both worlds while wrapped in a machine-washable 100% organic cotton cover.

It’s available in two loft options, so you can customize how thick or thin you want it. The standard loft is roughly five inches and recommended for back and stomach sleepers. Side and combination sleepers might prefer the high loft, which is about six to seven inches in height. You also have the choice of a standard/queen size or a king size. Plus, all allergy-causing proteins in the latex are removed during the washing process to ensure the pillow is entirely hypoallergenic.

What the reviews say: “I have spent a lot of money on trying to find the right pillow over the past few months,” writes a customer. “I would wake up every morning with shoulder and neck pain from not being able to sleep comfortably on my pillows [because] they were either too soft or too firm and would go flat very quickly. I must say, since having my Saatva pillow, I am having the best night's sleep. I would usually need about 2-3 pillows to get comfortable, but with the Saatva Pillow, one pillow does a very good job.

Fill: Memory foam and microfiber | Sizes: Standard or king | Firmness: Adjustable | Trial/warranty: 100-night trial/3-year warranty

Pros:

• Budget-friendly price tag
• Adjustable filling accommodates a wide range of sleeper types

Cons:

• Reviews note slight off-gassing
• Additional fill is not available for purchase

You don’t have to spend much to get quality sleep products, and this hybrid pillow is proof. In addition to the memory foam being CertiPur-US certified for safety and quality, this pillow is also OEKO-TEX certified, meaning it’s produced without harmful chemicals. As a hybrid pillow, it’s stuffed with both shredded memory foam for support and microfiber fill for plushness. Moreover, the microfibers go through an air-blowing process, making them feel fluffy and reminiscent of down while also resisting clumping. It’s then encased in a 100% cotton cover that is machine-washable to keep it hygienic and looking like new.

One appealing feature of this pillow is its customizable design, which allows you to adjust the loft to your comfort preference. However, even when some filling is removed, the individual pieces of memory foam continue to provide tailored support and alignment that’s ideal for neck and shoulder pain.

What the reviews say: “I really like this pillow for side sleeping,” says a five-star review. “I toss and turn a lot and can squish and reorient the pillow to exactly how I need it with every turn. I have also had a lot less neck and shoulder pain since switching to this pillow. I've only had it for about a month, so I cannot speak to its durability, but so far, it has been well worth the cost. I am going to purchase another one soon.”

Fill: Memory foam | Sizes: Queen or king | Firmness: Medium | Trial/warranty: 30-day return policy/3-year warranty

Pros:

• Available in two loft heights
• Completely hypoallergenic
• Good at regulating temperature

Cons:

• Some reviews note that the pillow seems small
• Cannot exchange for a different loft height

Those who sleep hot and have shoulder pain shouldn’t settle for a subpar pillow that does one or the other when this memory foam model helps in both areas. For the cooling effect, this pillow offers two features—the knit cover, which actively feels cool to the touch while dissipating heat, and the memory foam, which is infused with cooling gel and copper particles. Copper also has natural antimicrobial properties to help resist bacteria and dust mites, along with the other high-quality materials that make this pillow entirely hypoallergenic. The cover is also machine-washable to ensure you can keep it clean.

This pillow is engineered to cradle you at your head, neck and shoulders, thanks to the contouring memory foam designed to quickly respond to every movement. You can also ensure the pillow is a perfect fit by selecting your ideal loft height between the four-inch or five-inch models. The company recommends the low profile for those who sleep on their back or stomach and the higher profile for side sleepers.

What the reviews say: “This pillow is a perfect accessory. It is low and stays cool, providing a perfect nights sleep,” writes a customer. “There is no neck pain after sleeping for 8 hours on this pillow.” Another review says, “[It’s] one of the best pillows I have ever slept on. It is comfortable and supportive and it stays cool. It has [also] helped lessen my neck pain and stiffness.”

Fill: Latex noodle and polyester fiber | Size: Standard | Firmness: Adjustable | Trial/warranty: 45-night return policy/5-year warranty

Pros:

• Adjustable firmness
• Unique design specifically for side sleepers
• Generous warranty policy

Cons:

• Only available in one size

Avid side sleepers know the burden of scrunching up a flattened pillow to provide enough loft to support their necks and shoulders. Well, Eli & Elm has the solution with its unique pillow, providing side sleepers with the perfect shape and loft for a quality night of sleep without tossing and turning. The U-shape design promotes proper spinal alignment to alleviate aches and pains, while the loft is adjustable to suit all sleepers. To find your preferred firmness, unzip the cover and remove or add filling to your desired comfort level. You can also purchase additional fill.

The pillow is stuffed with 75% latex noodle and 25% polyester fiber designed to offer both conforming support and plushness without going flat. While it may seem daunting to find a pillowcase to fit the unique design, the brand also offers a custom-fit case at an additional cost.

What our editors say: Mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon tested the Eli & Elm side sleepers pillow and says, “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.”

Fill: Foam | Size: Small/medium or large, based on height | Firmness: Adjustable | Trial/warranty: 60-day return policy/1-year warranty

Pros:

• Machine-washable covers
• Purchase includes a consult with MedCline sleep specialist

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not ideal for those who change positions often at night

As an entire shoulder relief system, it considers many factors that could be causing pain and addresses each with a unique feature. For instance, the pillow sits on a wedge that elevates your body at a 10-degree angle designed to eliminate pressure from your arm and shoulder. Plus, this gradual incline creates an arm pocket that allows your arm to sit at the ideal angle without falling asleep or feeling weight from your head.

Also, you can use the symmetrical design for both left and right-side-sleeping positions with the same benefits. Sitting atop the wedge is a J-shaped pillow stuffed with gel-infused foam for both cooling and comfort. Plus, the stuffing is adjustable, allowing every sleeper to find their ideal firmness level. This system also comes in two sizes based on height to ensure every person receives the proper support. The company recommends this system for rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, nerve impingement, tendonitis, general shoulder pain and more.

What the reviews say: “This has greatly improved the sleep I'm getting and drastically reduced the amount of back and shoulder pain I have,” writes a customer. “I used to toss and turn constantly all night and wake up periodically to severe shoulder pain. That is almost all gone. I noticed improvement after just one night.” Another review adds, “I have nerve impingement in my shoulder that physical therapy didn’t alleviate. I was having a hard time sleeping and was waking up with a painfully numb hand every morning. This pillow saved the day. It’s comfy, well-made and has allowed my shoulder to heal quite a bit in just a couple of months. I’m thrilled.”

Fill: Memory foam and premium down-alternative fibers | Sizes: Standard or king | Firmness: Adjustable | Trial/warranty: 100-night trial/1-year warranty

Pros:

• Generous trial and warranty
• Available in two sizes with adjustable firmness

Cons:

• Inserts aren’t machine-washable
• The curved model for side sleepers isn’t adjustable

Finding the best pillows for shoulder pain depends on personal comfort, preferred sleeping position and type of injury or pain, which makes adjustability an essential factor. This Sleep Number Ultimate ComfortFit Pillow has three removable inserts, allowing you to individualize the firmness and loft to ensure the proper support. The company recommends one or two inserts for stomach sleepers and two or three for back and side sleepers.

The inserts are stuffed with a blend of CertiPur-US–certified memory foam pieces and down-alternative fibers. Together, these materials are designed to contour to your head and neck, offer soft support needed by those with shoulder pain and continue to hold their shape. Plus, the lyocell-blend cover is hypoallergenic and breathable, making it suitable for those with allergies. While the cover is machine-washable, the individual inserts are spot-clean only.

What the editors say: Dillon sleeps with this pillow and says, “As a stomach-leaning combination sleeper, I needed a pillow I could adjust to my specific preferences and keep my head propped without falling flat. The Sleep Number Ultimate ComfortFit 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.”

Fill: Memory foam blended with natural Kapok fibers | Sizes: Queen or king | Firmness: Plush | Trial/warranty: 30-night trial/5-year warranty

Pros:

• Adjustable filling
• Designed with cooling properties

Cons:

• Short trial period
• There could be an off-gassing odor

If you want to go to bed and feel like your head is resting on a cloud, you might love this pillow. The plush, airy feeling is due to the Kapok fibers, which are softer than cotton or wool and provide a longer-lasting loft. When the fibers are mixed with premium memory foam, you get a pillow that molds to your head and neck, holds its shape all night long and delivers that soft, dreamy feeling. Another benefit, according to Annis and Sonntag, is that a pillow that keeps the head and shoulders in alignment can help ease shoulder pain.

While memory foam is known to retain heat, this pillow contains shredded memory foam that lets the hot air escape. Additionally, the smooth cover is made of a breathable polyester blend with hexagon stitching that allows for even more airflow. So, it should be a suitable option for those who normally sleep hot.

What the reviews say: One five-star review says, “I tried the pillow for the first time last night and slept through the night without neck or shoulder discomfort for the first time in months.” Another adds, “Prior to the Layla pillow I had tried so many different pillows trying to ease my chronic neck pain. The Layla has been wonderful. I sleep better and have virtually no neck pain. I love it.”

Fill: Proprietary Tempur memory foam | Sizes: Small, medium or large | Firmness: Extra firm | Trial/warranty: 5-year warranty

Pros:

• Extra firm is beneficial for certain sleep types and conditions
• Multiple sizes with two sides to each pillow

Cons:

• No returns allowed
• It might be too firm for some sleepers

All the experts we talked to recommended a firmer pillow to maintain proper alignment throughout the night. The company says this Tempur-Neck Pillow has an extra-firm feel to maintain its shape and help neck and shoulder muscles. However, the firmness and loft might be too hard and too high for some sleepers.

It’s available in three sizes, and you find your ideal pillow by measuring the distance from the base of your neck to the outside edge of your shoulder. Plus, the shape of this ergonomic pillow allows you to choose from the thicker to thinner edge of the pillow to find your ideal comfort level. It’s made using one-of-a-kind Tempur foam explicitly designed to hold its shape, adapt to your weight and provide comfort for side and back sleepers.

What the reviews say: “I tried a few pillows of the same shape from other brands online, but none of them even came close to this one,” writes a customer. “It kept its form and held up so much better. It was pretty firm the first few nights but didn’t smell, and it settled into the perfect amount of comfort and support. I also move around a lot and switch sides through the night, and with this pillow, I am comfortable on my side, stomach and back. I have some chronic shoulder pain, and I don’t feel it at all while I sleep.”

Fill: Gel-infused memory foam and microfiber | Sizes: Queen or king | Firmness: Adjustable | Trial/warranty: 100-night trial/5-year warranty

Pros:

• Adjustable, hypoallergenic filling
• Generous trial and warranty
• Save when you bundle two or more pillows together

Cons:

• Complicated instructions to wash the inner pillow
• May take experimentation to find the ideal fill level

With its adjustable filling and cooling properties, the EdenCool+ Pillow is a must-have for combination sleepers who can’t use firm or specially-shaped pillows but still need relief from shoulder pain. It’s filled with a hypoallergenic blend of microfiber and cross-cut, gel-infused memory foam. This makes the pillow soft, supportive and temperature-regulating. Not only is the filling adjustable, but you also receive an extra half-pound of filling in case some gets lost or you need more loft. While the outer cover and inner pillow are machine-washable on the delicate cycle, ensure you follow the instructions for the inner pillow. Additionally, you can feel good that it’s Greenguard Gold and CertiPur-US–certified.

What the reviews say: “I love this pillow,” raves a five-star review. “I am so happy I gave it a try. It contours to your neck and head so nicely. I love that I feel like I’m sinking into soft sand, and I haven’t had a stiff neck since I’ve been using the pillow. I also plan to purchase the Eden Cool+ for my husband because we’re currently battling it out for the Eden Cool I purchased for myself. Also, my dog loves the pillow as well, so it’s very much a hot commodity at my house.”