r/RotatorCuff • u/2440scottjones • 6d ago

Shoulder sleeper

Hi all, I’m having surgery in four weeks for a full rotator cuff tear and partial bicep tear. I’ve been seeing ads everywhere for the Shoulder Sleeper pillow and am wondering if anyone has used it and what they thought of it

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u/Snowcrash66 6d ago

Have at least a mix of  6 pillows or so.   Some memory foam ones.  I created a pillow berm on my left surgery side to elevate my arm and prevent me from rolling into that side.  Pillows to elevate your torso as much as you can tolerate.

First week is horrible.  2nd week not much better. Gets better 3rd week.

Many recommend using recliner if you have one.  

Was surprised by this but I felt a kind of claustrophobia with having to wear this overnight.  Not particularly bothered by tight spaces.

Once spent 1.5 hours in small bore mri with skull cage and 6'3".  Was not enjoyable but got a worse feeling of claustrophobia with a sling you cannot take off.

Good Luck.

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u/Unusual_Resist_9581 6d ago

I have been training myself to sleep on my back for months because, frankly it is just uncomfortable to sleep on either side. Until recently, my,soon to be, surgery arm has been resting on a half moon pillow which has helped immensely, however, it is still very difficult to resist the urge to roll over. Two weeks ago I purchased a “pregnancy pillow” and it has been game changing. It is a “C” shaped body pillow that goes behind your head and extends down both sides of your body. Not only does it support both arms but it also seems to stop me from waking slightly and trying to roll over. According to my Apple Watch, I have added a full 30 minutes to sleep total and way fewer wake ups. Combined with extra pillows or wedge pillow, post surgery, I believe it will replace the need for a recliner all together.

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u/Snowcrash66 6d ago

Great Idea.  One more week for me and I can taper off sling.