Best Pillows for Shoulder Pain

The Saatva Latex Pillow features an adjustable design that should appeal to a wide variety of sleepers with different sleep preferences. Our team found this versatile model was especially suitable for combination sleepers who switch between two or more positions over the course of a single night.

How It Performs

When our testers lay their head on the pillow, it contoured to their heads and necks without hugging too closely. It also felt fairly responsive. You can separate the inner pillow from the outer chamber to adjust the pillow’s thickness and overall feel, depending on how much loft you need at any given time. Side and back sleepers preferred the pillow at full volume, whereas stomach sleepers felt more comfortable with just the inner pillow. Thanks to the natural cooling properties of latex, this pillow runs cool at night. The shredded composition also enables air to flow between the latex pieces, compared to a solid piece of latex that offers less ventilation.

Construction Breakdown

The cover is made of organic cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, a leading authority on sustainably grown materials. The outer chamber is cushioned with down-like microdenier fibers that create a plush feel, and the inner chamber is composed of shredded Talalay latex. The cover and outer microdenier chamber are both fully machine-washable, so you should have no trouble keeping the pillow hygienic.

Saatva provides free ground delivery throughout the contiguous U.S. The pillow comes with a 45-night sleep trial that includes complimentary shipping on all returns, and those who keep it receive a 1-year warranty.

Uneven alignment is a common source of shoulder pain, especially for side sleepers. The Side-Sleeper Pillow from Eli & Elm remedies this problem thanks to its curved design. The adjustable fill also allows you to create a firmness and loft that feels just right.

How It Performs

The pillow features a notch at the bottom edge where your shoulders can rest comfortably without sacrificing head and neck support. Our testers found that sleeping with your shoulder on the mattress and neck elevated improved overall alignment and reduced aches and pains along the spine. Temperature regulation is another strength of this pillow. The fill shouldn’t retain too much body heat — a frequent complaint about foam — and the cover was fairly breathable when we lay on the pillow.

Construction Breakdown

The fill consists of shredded latex and plush polyester fibers — and you can add or remove the fill to adjust the loft. The adjustable design made the pillow optimal for most people on our team regardless of their preferred thickness. Changing the volume also made the pillow more comfortable for other sleep positions, even though it is generally intended for side sleepers. The cover is made of a soft cotton-blend cover. You can wash and dry the cover in any household machine, but the fill should never be laundered.

Considering its composition and design, the Side-Sleeper Pillow is very reasonably priced. Eli & Elm also offers free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. You can return the pillow and receive a full refund within 45 days of your purchase, even if you’ve used it.

MedCline’s Shoulder Relief System is a sophisticated three-piece pillow set designed specifically for people who feel pain or pressure points in their upper body. The system is thoughtfully designed to offer cushioning and support in all the right areas.

How It Performs

Your system includes a body pillow that runs 50 inches long. We found that most side sleepers regardless of their height could tuck the bottom between their legs. You’ll also receive a firm wedge pillow with a slot near the top, in which you put the foam pillow insert. Place the wedge pillow on your mattress and lie on your preferred side while snuggling with the body pillow. Tuck your downside arm into the slot next to the pillow insert – we found this reduces pressure and minimizes the “pins and needles” sensation many side sleepers experience. The wedge pillow has a gradual inclination of 10 degrees designed to take pressure off of your shoulder. Thanks to its symmetrical design, the Shoulder Relief System is suitable for left and right side sleepers.

Construction Breakdown

The body pillow component is filled with shredded foam, which gives it a fluffy feel with contouring properties. The wedge pillow is made of a dense foam to give it firmer support. Each component comes with a machine-washable case, so you shouldn’t have any trouble keeping the items clean. For an extra checkout charge, you can add an extra pillowcase for all three items.

MedCline allows returns after you have tested out the pillow for at least 30 nights. Your purchase also includes a manufacturer’s warranty that covers structural defects in the pillow for up to one year.

While latex pillows tend to carry higher price-points than other pillow types, the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow is reasonably priced compared to models made with similar materials.

How It Performs

The pillow is composed of 100% latex with a medium firm feel. You can choose between a low and high loft option. The low option has a 4-inch loft that’s slender enough to avoid lifting the head too high off the bed. While this model offers strong support, the latex has a responsive quality that gently conforms to your head and neck. The high-loft option is 5 inches thick, for sleepers who need or prefer something a bit taller.

The loft and moderate contouring together make this pillow a good fit for side and back sleepers. Side sleepers in particular will enjoy the firm support to fill the space between their neck and bed surface. The pillow is probably too thick for most stomach sleepers, though some may find the low-profile model is thin enough to avoid neck strain.

Construction Breakdown

Latex is a naturally breathable material that helps keep the pillow cool and comfortable. The cover is made of Tencel lyocell, which has natural breathability as well. The perforated design of the latex further enhances airflow, so hot sleepers should find this pillow very comfortable at night. You may machine wash the cover but the pillow insert should be spot cleaned only.

Brooklyn Bedding offers a 30-night sleep trial with this pillow, and a 3-year warranty. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S.

Lack of neck support may be partially to blame for recurring shoulder pain. The Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow offers an exceptionally high loft to keep your head and neck elevated throughout the night. The thick profile and plush fill are particularly well suited to people who enjoy exceptionally soft pillows.

How It Performs

Our hands-on tests show the pillow is thick enough for side sleepers, filling the space between their head and downward-facing shoulder. This helps promote even alignment and reduce pressure buildup that commonly occurs when lying in the side position. Back sleepers on our testing team also felt comfortable on the pillow. If you sleep on your stomach, the pillow will probably be too thick.

Both the shell and fill are highly breathable, so overheating — a common issue with real down — shouldn’t be an issue with this pillow. You may need to fluff the pillow fairly often, as noticed some shifting during our shape retention tests. By the same token, the pillow is very moldable and perfect for snuggling.

Construction Breakdown

The fill consists of soy-based fibers that mimic the softness and fluffiness of real down without potentially triggering allergy symptoms or relying on animal-based materials. A natural cotton shell encases the fill. The fabric has a smooth hand-feel. You can wash and dry the entire pillow in your household machines for quick and easy care. Standard and king sizes are available.

An approachable sticker price and free shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. make the Plant-Based Pillow a good option for shoppers with limited budgets. Your purchase includes a 50-night trial period, during which returns are also free of charge.

Many people with shoulder pain can benefit from an adjustable pillow — particularly combination sleepers who frequently change positions during the night. The Noble Head Pillow is one of the most customizable models our team has tested. A design consisting of nine different chambers lets you add or remove fill in various compartments to optimize cushioning levels for specific areas of your head, neck, and shoulders.

How It Performs

Our hands-on tests resulted in positive ratings across the board for our team, though the best loft depended on each tester’s sleep position. Our stomach sleepers preferred a lower loft to minimize neck strain, back sleepers felt most comfortable with a mid-range profile, and side sleepers needed a thicker loft to cushion the area between their head and downward-facing shoulder. We recommend experimenting with different loft levels to nail down your ideal profile. If you’re a combination sleeper, the chambers are easy to adjust during the night — just make sure to have a receptacle nearby for removing fill.

All of the fill types are fairly plush, making the pillow moldable and snuggly regardless of which material you choose. Temperature control was another strong performance area for the pillow, especially when we used the latex and wool fills. You may need to fluff the pillow from time to time, but the nine-chamber design also helps maintain a mostly full shape.

Construction Breakdown

Depending on the size you choose, you may adjust the loft anywhere from 1 to 10 inches. Noble offers three fill types, each with a distinct firmness and contouring level. The shredded memory foam fill is the softest and most adaptive, resulting in a close hugging sensation. If you’re looking for a firmer feel that still provides some cushioning, the shredded latex should meet your needs. The wool fill is the firmest option and designed to create a sink-free surface for your head and neck. Wool also has natural moisture-wicking properties, which can come in handy if you’re prone to night sweats.

The cover is made of organic cotton, a breathable material that can also help you sleep cool. You may remove and launder the cover in household machines. GOTS certifications for the cotton cover and wool fill and a GOLS certification for the latex ensure these materials have been sustainably sourced. Noble also allows customers to opt for plastic-free shipping containers in order to further lower their order’s footprint.

Standard ground delivery is free of charge for all customers in the U.S. and Canada. While the Noble Head Pillow’s sticker price is somewhat expensive, you’ll receive a trial period with your purchase that runs for 30 nights. You may also exchange your initial pillow for a different size or fill type during this time frame. All pillows are additionally backed by 5-year warranties.

Toronto-based mattress and bedding company Silk & Snow designed The Pillow with adjustable comfort in mind. Value-seeking side sleepers should consider this pillow both for its customizable design and fair price-point.

How It Performs

The pillow’s hybrid design balances fluffiness and support, which our testers found suitable for side and back sleepers. The pillow cradled our heads and necks to prevent pressure from building up, while the foam core generated enough support to keep the head elevated. You can also add or remove the foam fill to achieve your sweet spot in terms of firmness and loft.

Construction Breakdown

The Silk & Snow Pillow features a breathable cotton cover that you can remove and machine wash for easy cleaning. The fill is made of shredded memory foam and down-alternative microfiber, which gives you the plush feel of real down without the high price tag. The pillow comes fully stuffed with foam, but you can remove the fill as needed. Two sizes are available, standard and king.

Silk & Snow offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and all Canadian provinces. You can try out the pillow with its 100-night sleep trial, and purchases are also backed by a 3-year warranty.

Inadequate neck support and shoulder pain often go hand in hand, and the pillow you use can make a world of difference. The Bear Pillow contains a single piece of LOFT-X foam, a proprietary material that molds to your figure without the close hug often associated with traditional memory foam. Small perforations in the foam allow air to circulate, so the pillow shouldn’t trap too much heat, and a breathable cover provides additional cooling and temperature control.

How It Performs

Standard size pillows measure 5.5 inches thick, while king pillows are 5 inches thick. Both are considered mid- to high-loft, and this range is best suited to side and back sleepers. Stomach sleepers may also find the pillow comfortable if they prefer thick cushioning for their head, neck, and shoulders. The LOFT-X foam is more responsive than memory foam. Our testers noticed a light bounce when their head hit the pillow, followed by even contouring as they sank into the foam.

Many foam pillows trap heat, but the LOFT-X is aerated to promote air circulation — this helps the pillow stay cool, as does the breathable cover with mesh corner panels. As a result, this pillow earned high marks during our temperature control tests. The solid foam core also means you’ll never need to fluff the pillow.

Construction Breakdown

LOFT-X is engineered to contour evenly, much like memory foam, but the hole-punched design reduces heat buildup. The solid foam makes this pillow somewhat heavy, but most people won’t have any trouble moving and rearranging it. A cover made of proprietary Double Ice fabric encases the foam. This material is engineered to dissipate heat instantly and feel cool to the touch at all times. Mesh panels at opposite corners increase airflow even further.

The pillow’s sticker price is low compared to the competition, and Bear offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. This is a final-sale item, so returns are not accepted at any point past the purchase date, but you’ll receive a two-year manufacturer’s warranty with your order that covers workmanship defects.

Choosing a pillow firmness based on your primary sleep position is crucial for alleviating shoulder pain. With the Brooklinen Down Pillow, you can choose from three density levels, each of which has a distinct feel and compresses differently beneath the weight of your head and neck. Brooklinen allows you to test the pillow for up to one year before the return period expires, giving you ample time to determine whether the firmness you’ve selected meets your needs.

How It Performs

Side sleepers on our team preferred the firm design. This is the densest option, and dual-chamber construction means the pillow won’t compress too much and put your head and neck out of alignment with the rest of your spine. Back sleepers should find the medium density comfortable — it provides deep cushioning without elevating your head. If you’re a stomach sleeper, we recommend the soft pillow. This non-chambered design contains pure down and compresses deeply, so you shouldn’t feel any neck strain when lying face-down.

Although the down and feather fill retain some heat, none of our testers felt uncomfortably warm on the pillow. We’ve attributed this to the cotton shell, which is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. Our team also found the pillow quite moldable. You may need to fluff it regularly to maintain a full shape, though.

Construction Breakdown

The firm and medium density pillows are constructed with down in their outer chambers and a core filled with feathers. This creates a nice balance of plushness on the surface and sturdy support. Since the soft pillow isn’t chambered and only contains down, it compresses much more deeply than the other two designs. All pillows are encased in cotton shells with double-stitched edges to prevent rips and tears.

Brooklinen does not recommend machine-washing the pillow. If stains occur, you can either spot clean the shell with a soft towel or arrange for the pillow to be dry cleaned. Standard and king sizes are available.

The Down Pillow’s sticker price is below average compared to competing models made from the same materials. Standard shipping is free within the contiguous U.S., and you’ll receive a 10% discount when you buy two pillows and a 15% discount when you buy four. If you choose to keep the pillow after the 365-night trial ends, Brooklinen further backs your purchase with a year of warranty coverage against manufacturing defects.

Your sleep position should factor into the pillow you choose, so combination sleepers may have a hard time finding a pillow that feels comfortable for each of their preferred positions. The Helix GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is available in two profiles to create a comfortable surface for your head and neck regardless of how you sleep. We recommend the thicker 5.25-inch loft if you’re a combination side and back sleeper — this profile creates ample cushioning between your head and downward-facing shoulder — while the 4.75-inch pillow is ideal for back and stomach sleepers.

How It Performs

Our team tested both of the pillow’s profiles. Side sleepers on our team felt most comfortable on the higher-loft design, while back and stomach sleepers preferred the lower profile. Since the pillow is somewhat soft, no one on the team complained of excessive neck strain or shoulder pressure. We also enjoyed how plush and moldable the pillow felt.

Other performance areas where the pillow excelled include shape retention and ease of cleaning. You may notice some off-gassing odor when the pillow is new, but these smells should clear out in a day or two.

Construction Breakdown

The core is composed of solid memory foam, giving the pillow a plush and adaptive feel. The foam responds slowly to movement for a cloud-like cradling effect as your head and neck settle into the pillow. Since solid foam is used, shape retention is a major strength. You should never need to fluff the pillow. A cover made of GlacioTex phase change fabric encases the foam. This material is engineered to feel cool to the touch at all times and release body heat on contact. You may remove and machine-wash the cover whenever it needs to be cleaned.

Standard and king sizes are available. The Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is reasonably priced, and Helix offers free ground shipping to shoppers in all 50 states. Your order includes a generous sleep trial that runs for 100 nights, giving you plenty of time to test the pillow and decide whether it’s right for you. Returns are free if you aren’t satisfied, but you’ll receive a one-year warranty against material defects if you choose to keep the pillow.