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What to Look For in a Pillow With Arm Hole?
When trying to get a good night's sleep, it sometimes feels like a million things come between you and those high-quality Zs. You get the picture: noisy neighbors, beautiful but boisterous bird songs, feeling too hot or too cold. However, one of the biggest disruptors of sleep is physical discomfort.
If you've tossed and turned your way into becoming a side sleeper, your next step toward better sleep may involve a pillow with an armhole. Side-sleeper pillows with arm holes are designed to help you find the optimal resting position. These pillows prevent shoulder pain while sleeping. They also keep your arms from falling asleep at night, among other essential benefits.
This post will discuss how side-sleeper pillows with arm holes can improve your sleep, how to choose the best pillow for shoulder pain, and more. Use the links below to jump to the section that best answers your query, or read through for a comprehensive overview.
What is a Pillow With Arm Hole?
Pillows with arm holes are just what they sound like: a pillow with an arm pocket that allows your arm to rest comfortably and naturally beneath you while you sleep. But why the carved-out arm section?
By creating a space for your arm to rest, the pillow takes the pressure off your shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand. This helps ease physical discomforts like numbness and shoulder pain, which are typically associated with side-sleeping.
2025 Sleep Position Trends & Statistics
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Over two-thirds of Americans sleep on their side, making them prime candidates for arm-hole pillows.
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As of 2024, the ergonomic pillow market was USD 2.5 billion, and it is expected to escalate to USD 4.2 billion by 2033.
These updated stats reinforce growing consumer awareness around sleep posture, neck health, and the value of an ergonomically designed pillow.
Is Sleeping on Your Arm Good for You?
Finding your ideal sleep posture can feel like a lifelong Goldilocks challenge. Back-sleepers tend to experience intensified snoring. Stomach-sleepers generally deal with less snoring but exert more pressure on their limbs and muscles, resulting in aches, pains, and tingling. But side-sleeping can be just right. This sleeping position offers plenty of benefits that can outweigh the drawbacks. And, if you invest in a side-sleeper pillow with an arm hole, it can reduce some of these pain points.
Benefits of side-sleeping
According to the National Sleep Foundation, there are several benefits that side-sleeping can offer:
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Sleeping on your left side at an incline can help ease acid reflux symptoms.
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Because your spine is elongated on your side, you may experience decreased neck and back pain.
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Side-sleeping keeps your airways open, curtails snoring, and can help address sleep apnea symptoms.
But without the proper setup, sleeping on your side can put too much pressure on your upper body and ultimately result in uncomfortable aches and pains. That’s where a side-sleeping pillow with an arm hole comes into play. By taking the pressure off your arm and positioning you at a naturally supportive incline, these ergonomically designed pillows achieve optimal comfort for side-sleepers.
Buyer’s Guide: Best Pillows With Arm Holes
We spend about one-third of our lifetime sleeping, making the right pillow a critical investment! With hundreds of specialized pillows to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the right one for you.
What to look for in a side-sleeper pillow
As you search for your ideal arm hole pillow, keep these product features high on your wish list:
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Arm pocket or side panel for arm support
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Contoured construction that provides neck and shoulder support
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Symmetrical horseshoe-shaped pillow design that offers flexibility for sleeping on your left or right side
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Thicker pillow density that creates space between your head and arm
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Adjustable height for customizable comfort
Along with these features, consider the following aspects to find the pillow best suited for your sleeping posture, body and bed size, lifestyle, and general preferences:
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Size: Ensure the pillow suits your body and bed size. For example, MedCline’s shoulder relief pillow comes in two sizes, occupying half a queen-sized bed for balanced comfort.
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Ergonomic Design: The pillow should support your head without straining your neck. MedCline’s pillow elevates your body at a 10-degree angle to reduce shoulder and arm pressure.
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Materials: Memory foam remains a top choice for its breathability and ability to rebound under pressure. MedCline’s pillow uses four types of Certi-Pur foam for tailored support.
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User Experience: Opt for pillows with intuitive designs, like MedCline’s patented arm pockets and symmetrical shape, which support both left-side sleeping.
At MedCline, our simple yet effective wedge pillow with arm hole designs offers unparalleled shoulder relief while keeping pressure off your side. For more information, head to our MedCline FAQs or reach out to our team of Sleep Specialists today.
Pillows With Armholes—FAQs
To further refine your search, check out these side-sleeper pillow FAQs
What kind of pillow should a side-sleeper use?
Side-sleepers experience significant pressure on their shoulders, arms, and wrists, often leading to pain and numbness. Pillows with arm holes alleviate this by redistributing body weight. Their wedge design also supports your head, neck, and chest, enhancing the side-sleeping experience.
What pillow is best for shoulder pain?
A wedge pillow with an arm hole is best for those with shoulder pain. By eliminating pressure from your shoulders, you’ll feel supported where you need to, without irritation or pressure on your existing pain points.
What is the ideal firmness for a pillow with an arm hole?
The ideal pillow should offer plenty of support and comfort for your whole body. Memory foam pillows typically provide optimal firmness because they mold to the individual’s body while maintaining their ergonomic shape, creating lasting cloud-like comfort.
Are all pillows with arm holes designed for side-sleepers?
No, some arm-hole pillows cater to stomach-sleepers. Verify that your pillow is designed for side-sleeping or multi-position use to match your preferred posture.
How do you clean and maintain a pillow with arm holes?
To properly care for your pillow with an arm hole, it’s a good idea to reshape the structure back to its original form each morning. This step will help preserve its shape and loft, ensuring lasting comfort. Also, keep your pillow dry and safe from elements that might impact its form. Remove stains with a diluted mixture of baking soda, water, and a few drops of vinegar. Note: Our Shoulder Relief system includes removable, washable cases. Extras can be purchased as an accessory.
References:
“Which Sleep Position is the Best for Your Body?,” National Sleep Foundation, https://thesleepdoctor.com/sleep-hygiene/best-sleeping-position/, 1 Jul. 2020
“We spend about one-third of our lifetime sleeping” news.uchicago https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brainLast reviewed on February 25, 2025
According to the National Sleep Foundation, there are several benefits that side-sleeping can offer. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleeping-positions/side-sleeping
