Custom pillow improves sleep quality for rotator cuff injury patients

The Effect of a Custom Pillow on Sleep Quality in Patients With Nonoperative Rotator Cuff Syndrome: a Prospective Randomized Study

NA · Rhode Island Hospital · NCT05011331

This study tests if using a special pillow can help people with rotator cuff injuries sleep better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRhode Island Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (East Providence, Rhode Island)
Trial IDNCT05011331 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a specialized pillow, the MedCline Shoulder Relief System, in enhancing sleep quality for patients suffering from non-operative rotator cuff syndrome. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving the pillow and the other serving as a control without the pillow. Both groups will follow the same physical therapy protocols, and the pillow will be provided at no cost to the intervention group. After the trial, control group participants will have the option to receive the pillow and will be surveyed similarly to the intervention group.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with a diagnosis of rotator cuff syndrome being treated non-operatively.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of shoulder surgery, preexisting clinical insomnia, or obstructive sleep apnea may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve sleep quality for patients with shoulder pain due to rotator cuff injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach is novel, similar studies have shown that targeted sleep interventions can improve quality of life for patients with chronic pain.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age \>18 and a diagnosis of rotator cuff syndrome which is being treated non-operatively.

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of prior shoulder surgery, receiving a corticosteroid injection at initial visit, lack of mailing address, non-English speaking patient, inability to sleep on one's side, preexisting clinical insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea.

Where this trial is running

East Providence, Rhode Island

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Rotator Cuff Injuries

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.