← Return to Trust your gut instinct Pillow advice for sleep after shoulder surgery

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@carolasc

Hi - I had rotator cuff and biceps tenodesis surgery on both shoulders last year, 6 months apart. I was in a sling for about 7 weeks on each one. My surgeon told me to sleep wherever I could be comfortable and I personally found it way more comfortable to sleep in my recliner for the entire time I was in the sling. I could support my arm on a pillow and could even sleep on my side in my recliner. It was where I could get the most comfortable and the best sleep possible. I think you will find what works for you and every one of us are different- some can learn how to support your arm in bed and others in a recliner. Just try each and see where you can get most comfortable and the best sleep. Advice I was given by a friend was that if I did find my recliner more comfortable, spread a flat bed sheet on your recliner at night. That made it feel more like sleeping in my bed and was really a smart idea! Good luck!

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Replies to "Hi - I had rotator cuff and biceps tenodesis surgery on both shoulders last year, 6..."

Thanks for great feedback! I'm in my 4th week now, and got my best sleep yet (6 hours with 1 hour restless according to fitbit) in bed last night. Previously I was moving to recliner after about 3 hours and I did use a sheet and small pillow as you suggested. I really look forward to getting this sling off next week when I see ortho doc again.