Maximally Loose Packed Position (MLPP): The Science Behind Better Shoulder Surgery Recovery
Sleep Better | Optimal Surgery Recovery Positioning
If you’re preparing for or recovering from shoulder surgery, you may have heard your surgeon mention the Maximally Loose Packed Position, or MLPP. This optimal positioning isn’t just medical jargon – it’s the foundation of effective shoulder surgery recovery and the key to getting the restorative sleep your body needs to heal properly. The Restore You Therapeutic Support is the only FDA-registered medical device specifically designed to maintain your shoulder in the Maximally Loose Packed Position throughout the entire night – delivering 6-8 hours of uninterrupted, restorative sleep in your own bed.
What Is Maximally Loose Packed Position (MLPP)?
The Maximally Loose Packed Position is a therapeutic positioning technique that places your shoulder joint at the angle of maximum space and minimum stress. When your shoulder is in MLPP, the ligaments and joint capsule experience the least tension, allowing for reduced pain, and optimal blood flow to healing tissues. This positioning is considered the gold standard for post-surgical shoulder recovery by orthopedic specialists nationwide. The Maximally Loose Packed Position (MLPP) is a clinical term that describes the optimal alignment of the shoulder joint for healing and recovery. In this position, your shoulder experiences:
Maximum Joint Space:
The bones of the shoulder joint (humerus and scapula) are positioned at their furthest distance apart, creating maximum room within the joint capsule.
Minimum Stress on Healing Tissues:
The ligaments, tendons, and joint capsule that were repaired or affected during surgery experience the least amount of tension and strain.
Optimal Blood Flow:
Proper positioning allows for unrestricted circulation, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to healing tissues while removing inflammatory byproducts.
Reduced Pain and Swelling:
By minimizing pressure on surgical sites and allowing proper drainage, MLPP positioning significantly reduces post-operative discomfort. 96% patient success rate.

What Is the Maximally Loose Packed Position?
The Science-Backed Sleep Position That Changes Recovery

96% of Patients Sleep Better in MLPP
Clinical Results That Speak for Themselves

Sleep in MLPP. Recover in Comfort.
FDA-Registered Support for Optimal Shoulder Recovery
Surgeon Recommended Post-Surgery Sleep Positioning
Shoulder Pressure Relief
Surgeon Recommended
Patented Medical Design
FSA/HSA Approved
The Restore You Advantage: MLPP Maintained All Night
While other products claim to provide post-surgical support, the Restore You Therapeutic Support shoulder recovery pillow is the only FDA-registered medical device specifically engineered to maintain Maximally Loose Packed Position throughout your entire sleep period.
How to Achieve and Maintain MLPP During Recovery
Achieving Maximally Loose Packed Position during the day is one thing—your physical therapist can help position you correctly. Maintaining MLPP throughout 6-8 hours of sleep is an entirely different challenge. Many patients attempt to create MLPP positioning using:
- Multiple Pillows: Pillows shift, flatten, and provide inconsistent support throughout the night
- Recliners: Standard recliners don’t provide the precise elevation angle or arm support needed for MLPP
- Wedge Pillows: Generic wedge pillows lack the specialized arm supports necessary for true MLPP positioning
- Couch Arrangements: Makeshift couch setups offer no structured support for the surgical shoulder
The Restore You Surgery Recovery Difference
Engineered for MLPP
The Restore You Therapeutic Support was specifically designed by shoulder surgery recovery specialists to solve this exact problem. Here's how it maintains perfect MLPP positioning all night:
Precise Elevation Angle
The medical-grade foam construction maintains your torso at the optimal incline for shoulder decompression—not too upright, not too flat. This elevation reduces gravitational stress on the surgical site while promoting proper drainage.
Bilateral Arm Support
Two carefully engineered arm supports position both arms in slight abduction and forward flexion—the exact positioning required for MLPP. These supports cradle your surgical arm securely while providing balance and stability.
Spinal Alignment
Unlike recliners that force your spine into awkward positions, Restore You supports your entire back in natural alignment, preventing compensatory tension in your neck and lower back.
Stable, No-Shift Design
The high-density base foam prevents shifting during sleep. Once positioned, the Restore You maintains your MLPP throughout the night without constant adjustment.
No Straps or Complexity
Simple placement on your bed allows for immediate use. No complicated setup means you can achieve proper MLPP positioning within seconds.
Just place the Restore You on your bed, add your favorite pillow…and finally get the healing sleep you deserve.
Restore You | Proven Patient Outcomes
96% Patient Success Rate: Clinical data shows that 96% of patients report significantly improved sleep quality and reduced pain when using Restore You to maintain MLPP positioning.
6-8 Hours of Continuous Sleep: Compared to the 2-hour sleep intervals typical with recliner recovery, Restore You users average a full night of restorative sleep in their own bed.
Reduced Pain Upon Waking: Patients consistently report waking with less pain when MLPP positioning is maintained throughout the night with Restore You.
Faster Return to Activities: Optimal positioning and restorative sleep contribute to smoother, faster progression through recovery milestones.
Your Recovery Advantage With Restore You MLPP Support
While other products claim to provide post-surgical support, the Restore You Therapeutic Support is the only FDA-registered medical device specifically engineered to maintain Maximally Loose Packed Position throughout your entire sleep period. Clinical-Grade Design Features:
FDA-Registered Medical Device: Unlike generic comfort pillows, Restore You is registered with the FDA as a therapeutic positioning device, meeting rigorous medical device standards.
- Medical-Grade Materials: Constructed from dual-density polyurethane foam – high-density for structural support, medium-density for pressure relief – the same materials used in hospital-grade medical equipment.
- Patent-Protected Technology: The unique dual-arm, elevated torso design is protected by U.S. Patent 9326906B2, representing genuine innovation in post-surgical recovery support. Proudly manufactured in the USA.
Ready to Sleep Better Through Recovery?
Now, you can sleep in the comfort of your own bed through recovery with proper support – improved body position for optimal healing and rest.
Frequently Asked Questions About MLPP and Restore You
Maximally Loose Packed Position (MLPP) is the optimal shoulder alignment that creates maximum joint space and minimum stress on ligaments, tendons, and the joint capsule. For shoulder surgery recovery, this position typically involves slight shoulder abduction (moving away from the body) and slight forward flexion, with the torso elevated at an appropriate angle. This positioning promotes healing by reducing stress on surgical sites and optimizing blood flow.
The Restore You Therapeutic Support uses a patented design featuring bilateral arm supports and precise torso elevation. The medical-grade dual-density foam construction maintains the exact positioning angles required for MLPP without shifting during sleep. Unlike pillows or recliners that change position throughout the night, Restore You provides consistent support from the moment you lie down until you wake.
MLPP positioning is beneficial for virtually all shoulder surgery procedures, including rotator cuff repairs, total shoulder replacements, reverse shoulder replacements, shoulder arthroscopy, labral repairs, and other shoulder procedures. Your surgeon can confirm the specific positioning recommendations for your procedure, and Restore You can be adjusted to accommodate individual needs.
Most surgeons recommend maintaining protected positioning for 6-12 weeks after shoulder surgery, though individual timelines vary based on the specific procedure and healing progress. Always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions regarding positioning and when you can safely return to normal sleeping positions. Many patients choose to continue using Restore You even after clearance due to the improved sleep quality.
The Restore You Therapeutic Support is typically eligible for FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) reimbursement as a medical device. Some insurance plans may provide coverage—contact your insurance provider with the product information. Restore You is also available through Federal Supply Schedules for VA and government facility purchases.
During shoulder surgery recovery, you’ll need to avoid sleeping directly on your surgical shoulder regardless of your normal sleeping position. Restore You is designed to provide comfortable back sleeping with your shoulder in optimal MLPP positioning. Most patients find that the quality of sleep they achieve with Restore You—typically 6-8 hours—far outweighs any adjustment from their normal sleeping position.
Restore You is the only FDA-registered medical device specifically designed to maintain MLPP throughout the entire night in the comfort of your own bed. Unlike generic pillows or positioning aids, Restore You features patent-protected technology, medical-grade materials, and a proven track record with a 96% patient success rate. It’s the difference between clinical-grade medical positioning and generic comfort products.
The Restore You Therapeutic Support is designed to accommodate surgery on either shoulder. The bilateral arm support design provides proper positioning for left or right shoulder procedures. Simply position yourself so that your surgical arm is properly supported in slight abduction and forward flexion—the MLPP positioning that promotes optimal healing.