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The Best Pillows for Shoulder Surgery Recovery (Wedge, Body & Support Picks)
- Dawn Chambers, PT, DPT
- Dec 2, 2022
- 11 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Recovering from shoulder surgery often means dealing with pain, stiffness, and interrupted sleep. The right pillow can make a big difference in how you rest—and how quickly you heal. Whether you're looking for a supportive wedge pillow to keep you elevated, a body pillow for side sleeping, or a compact cushion to stabilize your arm, this guide covers the best pillows for shoulder surgery recovery. Each one is carefully selected to help reduce pressure, improve alignment, and protect your healing shoulder while you sleep.
Best Pillows for Shoulder Surgery Recovery (Wedge, Body & Support Picks)
Recovering from shoulder surgery can be challenging, especially when it comes to getting a good night's sleep. Finding the right sleeping position and supportive pillow can make all the difference in reducing pain and promoting healing. In this guide, we’ll cover essential sleep tips and review the best pillows for shoulder surgery recovery, so you can rest more comfortably and wake up feeling better.
Whether you’re searching for the best wedge pillow after shoulder surgery or a supportive rotator cuff pillow, the right choice can ease pain, improve sleep, and speed recovery.
How to Sleep Comfortably After Surgery
So, you just got your rotator cuff repaired, and your shoulder pain is keeping you up at night. How are you supposed to get a good night’s sleep? Here are seven tried and true tips.
1. Wear Your Sling
First and foremost, it’s important to wear your sling. This is critical; wearing a sling is key to your surgery recovery.
Wearing Your Sling in the Daytime
Following your surgery, your surgeon will outfit you with a shoulder sling that you need to wear for a period of several weeks. The most important function of the sling is to support your arm, reducing the strain on your shoulder joint. It also limits your arm’s motion[*], which helps to speed healing.
Wearing Your Sling at Night
Your surgeon may or may not tell you to wear your sling at night, but unless they’ve specifically said not to, it’s usually recommended—especially during the first 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. This helps keep your shoulder stabilized and prevents unconscious movements that could disrupt healing while you sleep.
This is more important than you might think since you aren’t consciously controlling your motions while you’re sleeping. It’s easy to twist your arm into an awkward position and exacerbate your shoulder pain.
With all of that being said, always follow your doctor’s advice and the advice of your physical therapist.
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2. Sleep in a Reclined Position
If possible, skip your bed altogether and sleep in a recliner for the first few weeks.
If you don’t own one, you can always improvise. Stack up pillows on the couch or, better yet, invest in a good-quality wedge pillow for your bed. Ideally, you should do this for 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery.
The benefit of reclining as opposed to lying down is that you’re not putting as much pressure on your shoulder. More of your body weight will be on your hips, eliminating the potential for pressure points on your joint capsule.
Make sure you have plenty of lumbar support.
3. Sleep on Your Back or Non-Surgical Side
If reclining doesn’t work for you, try sleeping on your back in a slightly elevated, semi-reclined position. This spreads your weight more evenly across your body while keeping pressure off your shoulder. You can simulate this with a wedge pillow or by stacking pillows behind you to raise your upper body.
Make sure to support your surgical arm by placing a small pillow or rolled towel under your upper arm or elbow. This keeps your shoulder in a neutral position and prevents internal rotation while you sleep.
As you recover, you can slowly lower the angle over time until you’re lying fully flat—usually around 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery, depending on your specific procedure and surgeon’s guidance.
You can also try sleeping on your non-surgical side, which shifts all your weight to your healthy shoulder. Be sure to place a pillow in front of your body or between your arms to keep your surgical arm from falling forward.
4. Support Your Arm With a Pillow
Use a small pillow or rolled towel to support your surgical arm while you sleep. This keeps your shoulder in a natural position and helps reduce strain on the healing tissues.
If your sling includes an abduction pillow—a firm cushion that sits between your arm and your body—it may already offer this kind of support. But if you're not wearing the sling at night or your arm feels uncomfortable, placing a pillow under your upper arm or elbow can make a big difference.
You can also position a pillow between your arm and your torso to prevent your shoulder from turning inward while you sleep. These small adjustments can ease discomfort and help you stay in a safe, supported position overnight.
5. Listen to Your Doctor and Physical Therapist
Following your shoulder surgery, your doctor will have explicit instructions for post-surgery care. Follow them to the letter
Always take your medication as directed, but if possible, try to schedule your last dose of the day right before bedtime. That way, you (hopefully) won’t have to wake up in the middle of the night for your next dose.
Along the same lines, follow any instructions from your physical therapist. They know your situation inside and out and can give you much better advice than any website.
6. Ice Your Shoulder Before Going to Bed
About 30 minutes before you go to bed, apply an ice pack to your shoulder. This will help reduce pain, which makes it easier to fall asleep.
Applying an ice pack also reduces blood flow[*], which in turn reduces inflammation. This helps cut down on swelling and stiffness.
When you apply an ice pack, don’t put it directly on your skin – it might give you frostbite. A thin towel or layered pillowcase will provide enough of a barrier to prevent this.
7. Practice Good Sleeping Habits
Healthy habits, sometimes called “sleep hygiene,” can make all the difference between a restless night and sleeping soundly. Here are some tips[*] to start with:
Give yourself a bedtime, and set your alarm at the same time every day. Sleeping in on weekends feels good, but it throws off your circadian rhythm in the long term.
Create an environment conducive to sleeping. Turn off your lights and set the thermostat at a comfortable level.
Get some exercise during the day. You’ll feel less restless at night.
Avoid caffeine before sleeping – as well as alcohol.
Put your electronics in the other room. If you use your smartphone as an alarm, flip it over on your nightstand and leave it that way.
Discover the Best Pillows for Recovery From Shoulder Surgery
We’ve looked at ways to sleep well after shoulder operations and how to sleep with shoulder pain. But what’s the best pillow for shoulder surgery? Here are 10 excellent choices.
Top-Rated Wedge Pillows for Post-Shoulder Surgery Relief
If you're looking for the best wedge pillow after shoulder surgery, these two options stand out for support, comfort, and recovery. Whether you're dealing with rotator cuff pain or just need elevation, both offer unique features.
The MedCline system is both a wedge pillow and a candy-cane-shaped body pillow all in one. It’s a complete shoulder relief system.
Unlike other wedge pillows, this one has a cutout in the bottom. You can sleep on your side, with the injured arm holding the candy-cane pillow on top.
All in all, this system is ideal for recovering from shoulder surgery. However, it comes at a price. Here are the unique benefits that make it worth it!
Cooling Comfort: Immerse yourself in cooling comfort with the gel-infused foam, ensuring a soothing and relaxing sleep environment.
Comprehensive Three-Component System: Benefit from a holistic sleep system that eliminates the need to stack pillows at night. Enjoy optimal support and alignment with every use.
Versatile Symmetrical Design: Embrace the freedom to sleep on either the right or left side with the symmetrical design, catering to your unique sleeping preferences.
Flexible Arm Positions: Find your perfect sleep posture with the flexibility to position your arms comfortably. Say goodbye to tossing and turning during the night.
Effective Relief for Various Conditions: Whether it's rotator cuff injuries, arm numbness, arthritis, bursitis, nerve impingement, tendonitis, or general shoulder pain.
FSA/HSA Approved: Your path to relief is financially accessible. The MedCline Shoulder Relief Wedge and Body Pillow System is approved by most FSA/HSA plans, making it a smart investment in your health.
The InteVision Foam Bed Wedge Pillow is a two-piece system designed for comfortable elevation after surgery, especially during the early recovery period when sleeping flat can be painful.
It features a firm base layer topped with memory foam, along with a detachable headrest that allows you to adjust the angle of your upper body. This can help reduce pressure on the shoulder, promote better alignment, and make sleep more comfortable when lying on your back. The adjustable headrest is particularly helpful for customizing your setup as your pain level and mobility improve.
If you’re looking for a high-quality wedge that doesn’t slide around or collapse under pressure, this is a solid option—especially if you prefer a simple, supportive design without the bulk of a full wedge system.
A wedge pillow can be an excellent aid for those recovering from shoulder surgery or dealing with chronic shoulder pain. The Kolbs Bed Wedge Pillow features a dual-layer construction, combining a supportive base foam with a 1-inch plush memory foam top layer for added comfort. This design provides a gentle contour while maintaining a firm incline for optimal positioning.
With a 12-inch elevation, this wedge helps reduce pressure on the shoulder, improve circulation, and promote better sleep posture. The soft jacquard cover is breathable, removable, and machine washable, making it easy to maintain.
For enhanced neck and upper body support, consider pairing it with a small cervical pillow. If you need a high-quality wedge pillow for sleep and recovery, this is a top-rated option.
Best Body Pillows for Shoulder Surgery Recovery
Sleeping on your non-surgical side after shoulder surgery can help relieve pressure and protect the healing joint, but it often requires extra support. A good body pillow can make this much easier by keeping your spine aligned and preventing your surgical arm from shifting into painful positions. Below are the best body pillows for shoulder surgery recovery, including soft, supportive options that help reduce strain and improve sleep quality during healing.
Unlike standard pillows, a body pillow provides full-body support, making it perfect for those recovering from shoulder surgery. This Relax Home Life pillow is designed for optimal side sleeping comfort, which can help reduce pressure on the recovering shoulder.
It may not be ideal for back sleepers, but for those who prefer hugging a pillow while sleeping on their side, this is an excellent choice.
The Coop Home Goods Body Pillow is a full-length, shredded memory foam pillow designed to provide soft yet supportive alignment for side sleepers recovering from shoulder surgery. Measuring 54 inches long, it’s ideal for hugging during the night to help stabilize your upper arm and prevent your shoulder from shifting into a painful position.
The adjustable fill lets you customize the firmness and loft to fit your exact sleep style, which is especially helpful if your shoulder is sensitive to pressure or swelling. The pillow also features a breathable bamboo-derived viscose cover that helps regulate temperature—a thoughtful feature during recovery when overheating can interfere with rest.
Pillows to Support Your Arm and Shoulder After Surgery
Shoulder surgery recovery often means finding ways to keep your arm supported and in a safe position—especially while sleeping or resting. Support pillows can help reduce tension on the shoulder, stabilize your arm, and prevent it from rotating inward or pulling against the healing joint. Whether you're sleeping in a recliner, transitioning to your bed, or simply need extra comfort during the day, these pillows offer the right kind of positioning support to promote healing and ease discomfort.
The Cheer Collection W Shaped Shoulder Support Pillow is meticulously designed to provide exceptional support for your shoulder, bicep, or elbow post-injury or surgery. This pillow simplifies your daily activities like sitting, lying down, and sleeping.
With dimensions of 23.5 x 14 x 6 inches, the W Shape Design, combined with its softness and gentle texture, delivers comfort and targeted support for rotator cuff involvement, shoulder pain, arm injuries, and more.
The Sidney Sleep Kidney Pillow is a compact, ergonomic option that works well for supporting the arm or elbow during shoulder surgery recovery. Its contoured shape is designed to fit naturally along the side of the body, which makes it ideal for tucking between the torso and upper arm to prevent internal rotation while sleeping on your back or non-surgical side.
The firmness strikes a good balance—not too soft, but cushioned enough to relieve pressure in tender areas. This pillow is especially helpful for patients transitioning out of the sling at night or looking to supplement a wedge or body pillow setup without adding bulk.
The Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow is a versatile, adjustable memory foam pillow that can be used in several ways to support your recovery from shoulder surgery. While it’s not a dedicated shoulder pillow, its customizable fill allows you to shape it to fit under your arm, behind your back, or beneath your neck, depending on your sleep position.
The gel-infused memory foam blend helps reduce heat retention, which can be helpful if inflammation or night sweats are part of your post-op experience. It’s also a great choice for anyone looking to supplement a wedge pillow or elevate the elbow slightly during the night. If you want a supportive, cooling pillow that adapts with you as your recovery progresses, the Eden offers a lot of flexibility in one well-made package.
🌸 Dr. Dawn’s Corner: Sleep Better While Healing From Shoulder Surgery
Current Favorite Tool🛏️: MedCline Shoulder Relief Wedge and Body Pillow System – Finding a comfortable sleep position after shoulder surgery can be tough, but this pillow system is a game-changer. It helps keep your arm supported and reduces pressure, making sleep much more restful.
➡️ Medline always has great sales on this pillow! Check now for discounts on pillows, braces, and more!
Wellness Reminder💡: "Healing takes time—be patient with your body. Small improvements each day lead to long-term recovery. Rest well, move gently, and trust the process."
Wellness Hack❄️ Try this: Ice your shoulder 30 minutes before bed. It reduces inflammation and numbs pain, making it easier to fall asleep. Just remember to place a cloth between your skin and the ice pack!
Additional Help for Your Recovery
Finding the right pillow can transform your sleep when you're healing. If you’re also dealing with lower back or pelvic discomfort, adjusting your sleeping position can make a big difference. Learn the best sleeping positions for SI joint pain relief here.
Final Thoughts
Shoulder surgery recovery can be long, difficult, and painful, but sleeping through the night doesn’t have to be. By following these tips, you can get a good night’s sleep even in the days after your shoulder surgery.
Along the way, we’ve looked at several pillows that can make it much simpler to find a comfortable sleeping position. Let us know what you think in the comments!
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site, including text, graphics, images, and other material, is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your specific condition.
