How to Sleep After Shoulder Surgery Without a Recliner
Restore You | Clinical-Grade Support
Sleeping after shoulder surgery doesn’t have to mean painful nights in a recliner. The Restore You Therapeutic Support is the clinical-grade solution trusted by patients and recommended by orthopedic surgeons nationwide. Our patented design maintains your shoulder in the Maximally Loose Packed Position (MLPP) for optimal healing – your solution for how to sleep after shoulder surgery.
ONLY Patented, FDA-Registered Surgery Recovery System
Shoulder Pressure Relief
Surgeon Recommended
Patented Medical Design
FSA/HSA Approved
The #1 Challenge After Shoulder Surgery: Sleep Deprivation
If you’ve recently had shoulder surgery – whether rotator cuff repair, total shoulder replacement, reverse shoulder replacement, or arthroscopy – you already know the struggle of trying to sleep. Most patients are told to sleep in a recliner, which leads to:
- Only 2 Hours of Sleep/Night: repositioning, discomfort, and pain
- Increased Pain: Poor positioning creates stress on shoulder
- Slower Recovery With Sleep Deprivation
- Increased Caregiver Stress
Sleep deprivation is the #1 problem in surgical recovery. When struggling with how to sleep after shoulder surgery, your body can’t heal efficiently. With Restore You, it no longer has to be that way.
Introducing the Restore You Therapeutic Support System
Understanding how to sleep after shoulder surgery starts with clinical-grade positioning. The Restore You Therapeutic Support is not just another pillow – it’s an FDA-registered medical device engineered with one purpose: giving you the restorative sleep your body needs to heal faster. What Makes Restore You Different?
- 6-8 Hours of Sleep:Compare this to just 2 hours in a traditional recliner
- 50% Reduction in Opioids:Better sleep means less reliance on pain medication
- FDA-Registered Class I Medical Device
- Made in USA with premium medical-grade materials
- Easy Set-up: No straps, no complexity – simple, effective design
- Faster Healing: Proper positioning accelerates recovery time
Improper body positioning during surgery recovery can cause interrupted sleep and even worsen your symptoms. The Restore You Therapeutic Support maintains your shoulder in the Maximally Loose Packed Position (MLPP) – the optimal angle recommended by orthopedic specialists to relieve joint pressure and promote healing – redefining how to sleep after shoulder surgery.
Easy Set-up | No Assembly Required

Step 1
Place the Restore You Support on your bed with your favorite pillow.

Step 2
Get into bed and position yourself inside the support with the back of your head resting on your pillow. If you’re recovering from rotator cuff or shoulder surgery, remember to keep your sling on until it is time to lie back and sleep, and NEVER use your recovering arm to assist you in any way.

Step 3
Get comfortable, remove your sling, and prepare for sleep. We recommend placing your sling within arm’s reach on top of the covers.

Step 4
Lay back and rest! Upon waking, put your sling back on before getting up.
Why Restore You Is the Clinical-Grade Choice for Post-Surgery Sleep
What makes the best pillow for sleep after shoulder surgery? It’s not about comfort alone – it’s about clinical engineering that delivers a better way to sleep after shoulder surgery. Every design element of the Restore You Therapeutic Support is intentionally crafted to solve specific post-surgical challenges and accelerate your healing.
Patented MLPP Design: Maintains shoulder in Maximally Loose Packed Position to reduce joint stress and accelerates healing by 30%
Medical-Grade Foam: Premium density foam construction for durable support that maintains its shape throughout your entire recovery
FDA-Registered: Class I Medical Device designation with clinical validation and safety standards you can trust
No-Strap Design: Simple, intuitive positioning system with set-up in seconds, no complicated adjustments needed
Versatile Recovery Support: Effective for all shoulder surgeries and dual-purpose for sleep apnea, reflux disease and many different surgical recoveries
Made in USA: Manufactured in American facilities for superior quality control and supports domestic healthcare innovation
Just place the Restore You on your bed, add your favorite pillow…and finally get the rest you need to heal.
Optimize Your Recovery Sleep Environment
Before Bed:
- Take pain medication 30 minutes before sleep (as prescribed)
- Use ice therapy to reduce inflammation
- Perform gentle range-of-motion exercises (if cleared by surgeon)
- Set room temperature to 65-68°F for optimal sleep
Positioning Best Practices:
- Always maintain a 45-60 degree incline
- Keep your surgical shoulder elevated above your heart
- Use the Restore You to prevent rolling onto your surgical side
- Support both arms to reduce muscle tension
During the Night:
- Keep water and medications within easy reach
- Use dim night lights to prevent jarring wake-ups
- Avoid checking phones/screens if you wake up
- Maintain the same sleeping position throughout the night
Morning Routine:
- Rise slowly to avoid dizziness
- Perform gentle shoulder exercises as directed
- Apply ice if you experience morning stiffness
- Track your sleep hours and pain levels

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Pre-Surgery Preparation With Restore You
We recommend purchasing the Restore You before your shoulder surgery to ensure you’re fully prepared for optimal recovery from day one. This proactive approach provides immediate comfort when you return home from surgery – eliminating your struggle with how to sleep after shoulder surgery.
Purchasing pre-surgery also allows valuable familiarization time to practice positioning while you’re still mobile and pain-free. This preparation gives you peace of mind knowing your sleep support system is ready and properly set up before you need it most.
The optimal timing is to order your Restore YouShop 1-2 weeks before your scheduled surgery. This timeframe allows for delivery and provides adequate time to unpack and air out the therapeutic support, practice positioning techniques, prepare your bedroom for post-surgery recovery, and thoroughly read all instructions without the fatigue that often follows surgery.
While you can certainly purchase the Restore You after surgery, patients often experience increased pain and limited mobility during recovery, making initial setup and positioning more challenging. Additionally, 96% of our patients report better sleep quality from the first night when they have their Restore You ready immediately after returning home from surgery.
Always consult your surgeon about post-surgical positioning requirements specific to your procedure. The Restore You Therapeutic Support supports the optimal healing position recommended by orthopedic surgeons for most shoulder surgeries, including rotator cuff repair, shoulder replacement, and arthroscopic procedures.
Ready to prepare for better recovery? Order your Restore You today and ensure your healing starts with proper sleep support from night one.
Proper bedroom preparation is essential for successful shoulder surgery recovery and optimal healing. Creating a recovery-friendly environment before your surgery ensures you can focus entirely on rest and healing without unnecessary stress or discomfort.
Start by positioning your bed for easy access from your non-surgical side. Move the bed away from walls if necessary, allowing you to approach and exit from the side that won’t strain your recovering shoulder. Consider lowering your mattress if you have an adjustable bed frame, as getting in and out of a lower bed requires less arm movement and reduces strain on your surgical site.
Organize essential items within easy reach of your bedside. Place medications, water, tissues, phone charger, and any medical supplies on a bedside table accessible from your non-surgical side. Keep a small cooler or insulated bag nearby for ice packs, and ensure you have extra pillows available for positioning support in addition to your Restore You Therapeutic Support.
Optimize your room’s lighting and temperature for comfortable recovery. Install easy-to-reach lighting controls or use bedside lamps that can be operated with one hand. Set your room temperature slightly cooler than normal, as elevated sleeping positions can increase body warmth. Consider blackout curtains or an eye mask to promote deeper sleep during your recovery period.
Ensure clear pathways to and from your bed, removing any obstacles that could cause trips or falls. Keep your bedroom door open or ensure you can open it easily with your non-surgical arm. If your bathroom is not adjacent to your bedroom, consider setting up a temporary recovery space closer to bathroom facilities.
Position your Restore You Therapeutic Support on your bed before surgery, practicing the setup process while you’re still mobile. This preparation allows you to identify the most comfortable positioning and makes your first night home much more manageable.
Always discuss your bedroom setup plans with your surgeon or physical therapist, as they may have specific recommendations based on your particular surgery type and individual recovery needs.
Open communication with your surgeon about the Restore You Therapeutic Support is essential for ensuring it aligns with your specific post-surgical care plan. Most orthopedic surgeons appreciate when patients take proactive steps toward better recovery outcomes through proper sleep positioning.
Inform your surgeon that the Restore You is an FDA-registered therapeutic device specifically designed to maintain the optimal healing position during sleep after shoulder surgery. Explain that it elevates your torso and supports your arms to keep your shoulder in the maximally loose-packed position that most surgeons recommend for post-operative recovery.
Discuss the specific benefits the Restore You provides for your recovery plan. Share that it allows you to sleep in your own bed rather than a recliner, typically providing 6-8 hours of continuous sleep compared to the 2-3 hours most patients achieve in recliners. Mention that 96% of patients using the Restore You report improved sleep quality, which directly supports faster healing and reduced pain levels.
Present information about the device’s construction and safety features. The Restore You is made with medical-grade, dual-density polyurethane foam designed to provide therapeutic support while maintaining comfort throughout the night. Its patented design has been specifically engineered for post-surgical recovery positioning.
Ask your surgeon if there are any specific positioning modifications or restrictions based on your particular surgery type. While the Restore You works effectively for most shoulder procedures including rotator cuff repairs, shoulder replacements, and arthroscopic surgeries, your surgeon may have procedure-specific guidance.
Schedule this conversation during your pre-operative appointment when your surgeon is reviewing post-surgery care instructions. This timing allows them to incorporate the Restore You into your overall recovery plan and address any questions about optimal positioning for your specific procedure.
Most surgeons support the use of therapeutic positioning devices that help patients achieve better sleep and maintain proper healing positions. However, always follow your surgeon’s specific recommendations, as they understand the unique aspects of your surgery and individual medical needs.
Yes, using the Restore You surgery recovery pillow before your shoulder surgery can be an excellent preparation strategy that helps you become familiar with the optimal recovery position while you’re still mobile and pain-free. Many patients find that practicing with the therapeutic support before surgery reduces anxiety and ensures they’re comfortable with the positioning when recovery begins.
Pre-surgery use allows you to adjust to the elevated sleeping position gradually. Some patients initially find sleeping at an incline different from their normal flat sleeping habits, so practicing beforehand helps your body adapt to this therapeutic position. This preparation period also lets you determine the most comfortable way to position yourself within the support arms and find your ideal pillow arrangement.
Using the Restore You for preparation can help identify and resolve any setup concerns before your surgery date. You can practice getting in and out of the device, understand how to position the support arms correctly, and become familiar with the optimal placement under your arms and shoulders. This familiarity proves invaluable when you’re managing post-surgical discomfort and limited mobility.
The preparation period also benefits patients who want to ensure the Restore You fits properly with their body size and sleeping preferences. You can experiment with additional pillow placement, test the firmness level, and make sure your bedroom setup accommodates the device dimensions before your recovery period begins.
Some patients report that practicing with the Restore You helps reduce pre-surgery anxiety about post-operative sleep challenges. Knowing you have a comfortable, proven solution for recovery sleep can provide peace of mind during the often stressful pre-surgery period.
However, remember that the Restore You is specifically designed for post-surgical therapeutic positioning. While practice use is beneficial, the device’s primary function is supporting optimal healing position after shoulder surgery when maintaining proper alignment becomes critical for recovery success.
Always discuss your pre-surgery preparation plans with your surgical team, as they may have specific recommendations about positioning practice or other preparatory activities that complement your upcoming procedure.
While the Restore You was specifically designed for shoulder surgery recovery, many patients have successfully used it for other procedures that benefit from elevated upper body positioning and arm support. The therapeutic support can be helpful for any surgery where your doctor recommends sleeping with your torso elevated rather than lying flat.
Breast surgery patients often find the Restore You beneficial for post-operative recovery. Procedures such as mastectomy, breast reconstruction, breast reduction, and breast augmentation typically require elevated sleeping positions to reduce swelling and promote proper healing. The Restore You’s arm supports help prevent pressure on the chest area while maintaining the recommended inclined position.
Heart surgery and chest procedures frequently require similar positioning to shoulder surgeries. Patients recovering from cardiac procedures, lung surgeries, or chest wall repairs often need to sleep elevated and avoid lying flat during initial recovery. Restore You provides stable support for maintaining these medically necessary positions throughout the night.
Upper abdominal surgeries may also benefit from the elevated positioning the Restore You provides. Procedures involving the upper abdomen, such as gallbladder surgery or upper gastric procedures, sometimes require elevated sleeping to reduce pressure on surgical sites and improve breathing comfort.
Certain arm and elbow surgeries can benefit from the supportive positioning, particularly when the arm needs to remain elevated or supported during sleep. The Restore You’s arm supports can help maintain proper positioning for procedures involving the upper extremities.
However, the Restore You is not suitable for all surgical procedures. Lower back surgeries, hip procedures, and leg surgeries typically require different positioning strategies, and the elevated angle may not be appropriate for these recovery needs.
Always consult your surgeon before using the Restore You for any procedure other than shoulder surgery. Your surgical team understands the specific positioning requirements for your procedure and can determine whether elevated sleeping and arm support align with your recovery plan.
The key is ensuring that the Restore You’s design features match your specific post-surgical positioning needs as determined by your medical team.