Best Shoulder Pillow | 2022 Buying Guide & Reviews

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If you are someone who prefers to sleep on their side, a quality shoulder pillow is something to think about investing in. A good shoulder pillow will not only provide you with essential support for your head and neck, it will also ensure your body remains in a consistent position as you sleep. Looking to upgrade your bedding essentials with a premium shoulder pillow? Read on for our useful guide on what to look out for when selecting the best shoulder pillow.

Looking for ‘the best pillow’ is actually harder than it sounds. First you’ve got to understand how you sleep. Are you a side sleeper, do you have back pain, do you like a firm pillow or soft, are you a side sleeper, etc, etc…It’s more of a minefield than you can even imagine.

As someone who is into side sleeping, my personal preference was always something that helped keep my lower back in position and helped with my spinal alignment. I enjoy pillows that work the pressure points, and given I understand my own sleeping position, I knew that for me a neck pillow or body pillow wasn’t going to quite cut it.

General Design

When shopping for a shoulder pillow, never overlook the importance of ergonomic design. A reliable shoulder pillow should provide you with good support for the cervical curvature of the neck. This will not only ensure your head and neck are properly cradled as you sleep, it will also ensure that your spine is properly angled. You should also look for pillows that include a shoulder recess along the bottom edge. This provides you with a place to position your shoulder comfortably while your head and neck are elevated. This will prevent you waking up with strain and discomfort in your shoulder. A shoulder recess will also allow you to remain fixed in your sleeping position.

Memory Foam Core

Any good shoulder pillow should include at least one layer of memory foam at the heart of its design. Never skimp when it comes to the quality of memory foam as this is the most important aspect of your support pillow. Good memory foam should provide you with firm, but gentle levels of support. Responsive memory foam should have a good rebound speed, allowing it to conform to your natural shape and contours in a few seconds. This level of responsiveness is particularly important when you are moving around in your sleep, with the memory foam quickly readjusting to redistribute support to where it is needed.

Cooling Gel

The best shoulder pillows on the marker will also include a layer of cooling gel on top of the memory foam core itself. As the name might suggest, this cooling gel helps regulate temperature and provides you with a cool sleeping surface to rest your head and neck on. If you really struggle to fall to sleep in warmer conditions, cooling gel is a design feature you should definitely be looking for when selecting a suitable shoulder pillow.

Breathable Materials

The outer material of your shoulder pillow should be breathable and comfortable the touch. Look for materials like bamboo that are naturally breathable and good at combating moisture, or seek out knitted fabrics that ensure optimal airflow. These types of fabrics will also help to regulate temperatures, providing you with more consistency while you sleep.

Easy Maintenance

To ensure your pillow performs well for as long as it can, always opt for designs that are easy to maintain and care for. Removable covers are the obvious thing to consider here. Opt for cases that can be unzipped and removed with ease. These covers can then be laundered in the washing machine to provide you with a clean and hygienic sleep surface.

Shoulder Pillow Reviews

Need some essential shoulder support? Below, you will find our shortlist of some of the best shoulder pillows around.

MALOUF Z Side Sleeper Shoulder Cutout Dough Memory Foam Pillow with Liquid Gel Layer-Queen, Blue

This MALOUF Z shoulder pillow is specially designed with side sleepers in mind. This quality pillow includes shoulder cut-outs as part of its design, providing you with firm levels of support and a neutral neck position so you can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. You will love the quality of the materials on offer here. Gel dough memory foam is on hand to conform to the shape of your head and neck, relieving pressure on those sensitive areas you sleep. The liquid gel layer is another welcome addition. This gel layer absorbs and redistributes body head, maintaining a comfortable temperature around the head and neck area for hours at a time.

This shoulder pillow also includes a removable cover for easy maintenance. The cover is also a very comfortable addition, with its moisture-wicking properties ensuring the outer fabric of your pillow remains dry and cool for the whole night. If you often struggle to achieve a comfortable sleeping position on your side, this MALOUF Z pillow is definitely worth investing in.

Mkicesky Neck Support Memory Foam Cervical Pillow, Side Sleeper Contour Pillow Relief Neck & Shoulder Pain for Side/Back/Stomach Sleeper, Orthopedic Bed Pillow – Lady Size

This versatile support pillow from Mkicesky is ideal for those who like to sleep on their side. This slow rebound memory foam pillow is perfect for alleviating pressure on the neck. The ergonomic shaping of this pillow will allow the muscles in your neck and shoulders to full relax as you sleep. The contoured design will also allow you to achieve proper alignment, ensuring your neck and back remain comfortable for the duration of your sleep cycle. The responsive memory foam will also reshape to the best position possible at all times, perfectly cradling your head to ensure relieve pressure in all the important places.

The slow rebound memory foam used in the construction of this pillow is what makes it so effective for those looking to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. The 60-density foam rebounds in around three seconds after pressure is applied, meaning it will gently compress and rebound as you move around in your sleep, without disturbing you. The breathable pillowcase will also appeal. Made from a hypoallergenic polyester blend, the cover is incredibly comfortable to the touch and helps keep temperatures down, even during warmer nights.

Side Sleeper Pillow – Shoulder Pillow – Cooling Pillow – Antibacterial Memory Foam Pillow – Bamboo Pillow Cover Cervical Pillow Orthopaedic Pillow Supports Posture and Neck Bed Pillow Sleeping Pillow

Side sleepers will find plenty to enjoy with these premium orthopaedic pillow. This pillow includes a shoulder recess and zoned technology to effectively cradle the head and support. This orthopaedic pillow will also absorb and strategically distribute body pressure, allowing you to sleep in your preferred position, without worrying about tension forming in the muscles or blood circulation being affected. The antibacterial memory foam core readily adapts to your unique shape when pressure and body heat is applied to it. Both the heaviest parts of the head and lightest parts of the neck will be treated to the right level of firmness at all times.

This pillow also includes an additional gel layer to provide a cooling effect. This gel layer serves to disperse body heat, providing you with maximum comfort during every night’s sleep. This cooling layer is particularly handy if you struggle to get to sleep during warm summer nights. The luxury bamboo cover makes this pillow a particularly cool and comfortable choice. The breathable bamboo is one of the softest materials on the market and boasts natural cooling properties that ensures the fabric never overheats and disturbs your sleep.

MALOUF Z Shoulder Zoned Dough Memory Foam Pillow – Gel Infused – Premium Tencel Cover – 5 Year U.S. Warranty – Mid Loft – King, Blue

This MALOUF Z zoned shoulder pillow provides you with a simple and effective support solution to help you enjoy better sleep. Made from dough memory foam material, this pillow boasts zoned support to provide individual parts of the head and neck with tailored levels of firmness. This zoned technology means your head is properly cradled as you sleep, while your neck is also supported with a slightly more relaxed level of firmness to ensure your circulation and breathing is not impacted. The innovative shoulder recess also makes this pillow a good option for those who like to sleep on their side. Once properly cradled into the recess, you will not have to worry about tossing and turning in your sleep.

The high-quality memory foam used in the construction of this pillow makes it a very durable design. In fact, this pillow comes with a 5-year warranty, meaning you can look forward to many a peaceful night’s sleep. The breathable pillow cover also aids the overall comfort levels provided by this pillow. The tencel cover is particularly good at wicking away moisture, as well as regulating temperature to ensure you rarely stir from a deep and restful sleep.

Milemont Memory Foam Pillow, Cervical Pillow, Orthopedic Contour Pillow Support for Back, Stomach, Side Sleepers, Bed Pillows for Sleeping, CertiPUR-US, Queen Size

This affordable memory foam pillow from Milemont will ensure side sleepers can look forward to a restful night. Although it lacks a shoulder recess, this quality pillow includes some very impressive components to provide you with advanced support and ergonomics while you seep. This pillow ensures your neck is supported in a neutral anatomical position, meaning your head is always sufficiently elevated to allow for optimal circulation. It also means the correct levels of pressure are applied to the neck and head at all times.

The unique design of this pillow means your neck and head are always properly elevated, no matter whether you prefer to sleep on your back or side. This allows to enjoy quality REM sleep every night. This premium pillow will correctly support the cervical curvature of the neck. This is very important if you suffer from neck pain on a regular basis, with the pillow offering essential support and relief for the sensitive muscles in the neck.

Side Sleeper Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief – 100% Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow Fill – Queen Size Bed Pillows for Sleeping (Premium White)

This Zoey support pillow might seem a little expensive, but the additional cost is well worth the benefits it will bring. This memory foam pillow is the perfect choice for those looking to enjoy improved sleep. The curved design of this pillow ensures your body is properly aligned as you lie down and sleep. Not only will it provide essential support for your neck and head, it leaves enough space for your shoulders to comfortably rest thanks to a subtle recess along the bottom edge.

This pillow is also adjustable, allowing you to choose a degree of firmness that best suits your preference. You can choose from soft, medium and firm loft to provide you with a firmness levels that works for you. This versatile pillow is suitable for a wide range of sleeping positions, making it ideal for those who like to sleep on their sides, but also want the flexibility to use it for other positions. The outer pillowcase is also hypoallergenic and breathable, resulting in minimal interference to a good night’s sleep.

HOKEKI Memory Foam Pillow,Cervical Support Pillow for Side Sleepers,Orthopedic Contour Pillow for Neck Pain,Ergonomic Bed Pillows for Sleeping,Posture Pillow for Back and Stomach Sleep,with Pillowcase

This HOKEKI will definitely help you enjoy a better quality of sleep. The ergonomic design of this pillow provides you with superior cervical contour support, meaning your neck, head, shoulders and spine are all kept in a desirable position for the duration of sleep. The ergonomic shaping of this pillow makes it suitable for all sleeping positions, making it a must for anyone who prefers to sleep on their side. This pillow is made from high-grade memory foam that is both skin-friendly and soft and gentle to the touch. The slow rebound nature of the memory foam also means it will quickly adapt to your individual shape and resist collapse.

This durable pillow will also last for a long time. A mesh cover around the inner memory foam ensures the essential core will last for longer, while a removable pillowcase further extends usage. The pillowcase includes concealed zippers for easy removal, making cleaning incredibly straightforward.

MALOUF Z Shoulder Zoned Dough Memory Foam Pillow – Bamboo Charcoal Infused – Premium Tencel Cover – 5 Year U.S. Warranty – Mid Loft – Queen, black

This MALOUF Z shoulder zoned memory foam pillow will provide you with the best in comfort and support as you sleep on your side. Unlike other pillows in this list, this design features memory foam that is infused with charcoal that will effectively regulate humidity and temperature, while also keeping odours in check. This makes this pillow a good choice for those who struggle with allergies or suffer from asthma. The shoulder recess will also make sleeping on your side incredibly easy, ensuring you stay firmly in place for the duration of your sleep cycle, even if you are prone to tossing and turning during the night.
The quality memory foam will slowly rebound to your individual shape, providing sufficient levels of firmness to support your neck and head. The breathable cover is also very effective at controlling moisture and also helps to regulate temperature. If you have difficulty falling into a deep sleep because of the temperature of your bedding, this pillow will help make your life easy come bedtime.