How Long After Rotator Cuff Surgery Can You Sleep In A Bed?

If you have an adjustable base, you can immediately sleep in a bed after surgery. If you have a traditional bed, you'll be stuck in a recliner for 4 to 6 weeks during the recovery process. Then you can start to incorporate a bed back into your nightly routine.

You may want a new mattress after surgery

One of the best times to decide if you need a new mattress is right after rotator cuff surgery. A critical aspect of this type of surgery is quality rest for healing. You also need to make sure you can sleep comfortably in the right position to get any useful rest.

Investing in an adjustable base lets you maintain the proper sleeping position while still using a comfortable mattress. This means you won't have to spend the 4 to 6 week recovery period in an uncomfortable recliner struggling to sleep. An adjustable mattress  also helps you get better sleep long after your rotator cuff has healed.

In addition to purchasing a new mattress or getting an adjustable base, you may also need to change how you sleep. Some sleeping positions are terrible for post-surgery healing and should be avoided. Here are rundowns of the most popular sleeping positions and whether or not they should be avoided.

Stomach sleepers

Stomach sleeping is generally not good practice for healing after surgery. It's awkward and leaves nowhere for your arms to go. If this is your style of sleeping you'll need to make a change until you're healed.

Pros:

• Your unaffected arm can dangle off the bed.

• With the proper pillow configuration, it may reduce pressure.

Cons:

• No place for your arms to rest while you sleep.

• Aggravates the surgery area.

Back sleepers

Your best bet for getting great rest after rotator cuff surgery is sleeping on your back. This is the recommended way to sleep because you can elevate the wound with an adjustable bed. This allows increased circulation in faster healing.

Pros:

• Better circulation and faster healing

• Utilizes an adjustable base in the most effective manner

Cons:

• Can be unusual if you aren't used to sleeping on your back.

• You need an adjustable base to get the full benefits.

Side sleepers

For side sleepers, it's a bit more complicated. If your rotator cuff surgery was limited to one side, you could sleep on the opposite side with success. You'll need to utilize pillows to ensure no stray movements that agitate your injury.

Pros:

• If you're a side sleeper, you can switch to the other side until your injury is healed.

• Can provide ample support that aids in the recovery process.

Cons:

• You'll need an abundance of extra pillows to restrict motion while you sleep.

• You might accidentally roll over onto your injured shoulder, prolonging recovery.

Combination sleepers

Combination sleepers face a unique challenge during shoulder recovery. On the one hand, they can get comfortable in numerous positions so changing to a new one may not be that hard. Then, on the other hand, their habits of swapping positions may lead to agitating the problem area.

Pros:

• Can get comfortable in a variety of positions.

• Combination sleepers can adjust to a new position quickly.

Cons:

• High risk of rolling over onto the afflicted shoulder and causing further damage.

• Might have difficulty staying in one position for the entire recovery period.

The top mattresses to help you rest

Competitor #1 - AS2 by Amerisleep

• Excellent for reducing pressure

• Bio-Pur material to keep you cool

• Eco-friendly

• Budget-Friendly pricing

Competitor #2 - Helix Birch Pillowtop

• Excellent for all sleeping positions

• Works great with an adjustable base

• All-natural with no dangerous chemicals

• Affordable price to combat high medical bills

Competitor #3 - Molecule M1

• Super comfy memory foam mattress

• A medium-firm mattress is great for healing

• Very compatible with adjustable bases

• Varying extremely reasonable price-points

Where can I find a great, affordable mattress (in 2024)?‍

If you're searching for an affordable mattress that offers a wide range of comfort and pressure relief, we've compiled a list of mattresses for you to consider:

1. Saatva Mattress - fantastic for all sleep positions, and is rated our Best Mattress of 2024.
2. Puffy - feels like you're sleeping on a cool cloud (at a good price).
3. Cocoon - amazing pressure relief at an affordable price.
4. Ghostbed - beautiful, plush cover w/ aerated latex and healthy spinal alignment.
5. Winkbeds - 3-stage back relief with free shipping and returns.

Read our short, well-researched 10 Best Mattresses of 2024, here. Our ultimate goal is to help you pick your perfect mattress online, today!