Get relief from your neck and shoulder pain.
Whether it is due to sitting for long hours at work, tech neck or any kind of injury or condition, the Pillows for Neck Pain you use plays a big role. Moreover, we spend approximately one third of our lifetime sleeping. Replacing the pillow is not a big deal, and the type of pillow that is recommended for people with neck pain is the one whose head and neck are in a neutral position according to chiropractors.
Cervical spondylosis, better known as stiff neck is an extremely inconvenient and painful condition to endure, especially when one has to wake up to it in the morning. You may want to consider replacing your pillow if you experience this frequently. Your pillow should be designed to fit with your sleeping position so as to ensure your back is straight in order to avoid neck pains.
When it comes to down pillows, down alternatives, memory foam, latex, and now, even hybrids, you may feel that the possibilities are endless, and that is where we come in to determine the right type and style for your needs.
However, not only do we run all of the pillows through our testing categories but we also send pillows to several testers around the country. These are not commercial agents; rather, they are our testers who sleep with these pillows in their homes and report back their observations for us to select the best pillows for avoiding neck pain.
Best Memory Foam Pillows | Best Pillows for Side Sleepers | Best Down Pillows | Best Cooling Pillows
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1
Best Overall Pillows for Neck Pain
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow
PROS
- Designed to support your neck
- Earned high scores in our in tests
- Made of firm, supportive memory foam
CONS
- May be too firm for some
- Only available in Standard sizes, not King
Sizes: Standard (Small, Medium, Large) | Fill: Memory foam | Sleeping Position: Side or Back
Contoured pillows are designed in the form of the head, neck and shoulders to ensure that the offer the required support. Available in the market for decades, this one from Tempur-Pedic is one of the best because it is the most effective when it comes to supporting the neck and making your ears align with your shoulders. This one is an extra-firm memory foam and comes in three different heights designed specifically for back and side sleepers of varying heights.
Aside from excelling at our pressure tests, the firm, resilient foam drew positive comments from several testers. Lovers of firm pillows said it was good to lie on as the foam slowly conforms to the head and the neck. For instance, one said, “It fit around my neck and shoulder perfectly”. However, if you are a fan of soft and fluffy pillows, then you know this type is very firm.
2
Best Value Pillows for Neck Pain
Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow
PROS
- Versatile, plush adjustable fill
- Cover and fill are both machine washable
- Earned top testing scores across the board
CONS
- Outer cover showed some signs of pilling after long-term use
Sizes: Queen and King | Fill: Shredded memory foam and polyester fibers | Sleeping Position: All
Morning stiffness and pain in the neck? Most probably this is because of the improper alignment of the spinal cord. This pillow offers a simple solution: Able to be filled or adjusted. It is very simple to modify the firmness and density by increasing or reducing the filling material in order to get the optimal height to ensure the proper alignment of the neck.
It is stuffed with shredded foam and polyester fiber which gives it a soft yet supportive feel while supporting your head and neck. It comes in a standard rectangular shape and cut-out as well as crescent shapes are also available. Also, it has 59,399+ reviews on Amazon and is much more affordable compared to most of the pillows available on the market for people with neck pain.
Earning some of the top scores in our assessments, this pillow received excellent reviews from our in-house users as well. All of them agreed that it was more comfortable than other pillows they used before; they slept comfortably without experiencing a stiff neck upon waking. One emphasized the comfort in use by saying, “It fits my head and I immerse myself in it. One thing we observed after frequent usage was that the cover became slightly worn out.
3
Best Cooling Pillows for Neck Pain
Purple Harmony Pillow | The Greatest Pillow
PROS
- Supportive yet plush
- Easily bounces back to shape
- Airy, innovative polymer grid
CONS
- Expensive, Heavier than other pillows
Sizes: King and Standard | Fill: Polymer grid and latex core | Sleeping Position: All
This one is unique pillow from Purple, there is no other pillow that I have come across that can be compared to it. It is constructed out of the brand’s elastic grid material with latex and gives more of an intermediary feel between soft and firm fit. It also has the open channels on the grid for the better airflow that is ideal for those who overheat at night. The grid holds your head and neck in place and the latex provides great support. But sure, it is pricey and to make your decision easier, Purple gives you a 100-night trial if you decide to purchase via their website.
It delivered great results in washing and performed well in our weighted pressure test by retaining its shape as expected. In addition, people who tried it loved the product, especially those whose body temperatures tend to rise while they are asleep. One said, “I appreciated that it does as it promises to: retain its shape, support and keep cool.” Other comments included, it aligned my neck correctly and it looks good on my bed.
4
Best Curved Pillows for Neck Pain
Sleep Number PlushComfort Bed Pillow Curved
PROS
- Supportive curved design
- Cover washed nicely in evaluations
- Testers love that it doesn’t overheat
CONS
- Doesn’t fit perfectly in a pillowcase
Sizes: Standard and King | Fill: Polyester microfibers | Sleeping Position: Side or Back
A cervical pillow may contribute to the reduction of neck pain because it will support the neck but not cause the head to have to tilt. This one from Sleep Number is curved to conform nicely along your shoulder area and is stuffed with polyester microfiber fill that our consumer testers said felt like floating on a cloud. If the down-alternative polyester fill is not to your liking, Sleep Number has a range of cervical pillows of varying fills from memory foam and down, despite this fill type proving to be superior in our tests.
The curved Plush Comfort pillow was likewise well-received for being comfortable and supportive but never too warm. Some of them that complained initially said it ‘got very comfortable over time.’ Some of the reviewers concluded that it had the perfect feel of down more than similar down-like pillows that they have slept on, and they enjoyed how they could reshape it to their preferred firmness when it flattened out. The only thing that is worth mentioning is that because of their shape cervical pillows will not fit into a pillowcase properly.
5
Best For Side Sleepers Pillows for Neck Pain
Pillow Cube Side Cube Deluxe-Pillows for Side Sleepers
PROS
- Available in three heights
- Designed specifically for side sleepers
- Unique pillow shape offers proper alignment
CONS
- Initial “plastic-y” smell, according to testers
- Not ideal for sleepers that change positions
Sizes: Standard | Fill: Memory foam | Sleeping Position: Side
Even though this looks more like a rectangular cushion, this is one of the best side sleeping pillows out there. It fits perfectly between the shoulder and neck part of the body and provides optimal support. Therefore, the foam pillow facilitates correct positioning of the spine in an unprecedented manner. Users were amazed by how significantly the Side Cube affected their sleep. One commented “I like that it has the same amount of support right to the very edge and doesn’t taper off, so my neck is totally supported.
Some of them responded: ‘Before, I’d ball up an extra pillow under my neck or sleep with my hand there’ Others confirmed that the Side Cube really did enhance the quality of their sleep. Although, one tester noted that on opening the product, it had a sort of a plastic smell but only for a short time. It is important to mention that due to its shape it will be most suitable for genuine side sleepers rather than those who shift from side to side at night.
6
Best Orthopedic Pillows for Neck Pain
Contour Memory Foam Pillow Orthopedic Sleeping Pillows
PROS
- Earned great feedback from real users
- Earned good scores in durability testing
- Curved shape cradles the head and neck
CONS
- Best for true back sleepers
Sizes: Queen | Fill: Memory foam | Sleeping Position: All
This pillow from Contour is designed to mimic the normal curvature of the neck and is curved to allow proper positioning of the head and maintenance of spinal positions. It is made of solid memory foam and is perfect for every sleeping position but works best for back sleepers according to our experience. According to testers’ opinion, the orthopedic shape effectively contributes to maintaining an immobile position during the night.
Someone said it stopped them from “twisting one’s head into all sorts of positions” as they usually do. The fourth participant gave another positive comment and remarked: “I like that my neck is well aligned when lying on my back and I don’t have any neck discomforts anymore when using this pillow.” Apart from that, the catalog has received many raving reviews from consumers and impressive scores in the weighted pressure test and laundering test.
7
Best For Stomach Sleepers Pillows for Neck Pain
Amazon Basics Down Alternative Pillows (2-Pack)
PROS
- Affordable price
- Two firmness levels
- Plush, down alternative fill
CONS
- Showed some signs of wear after washing and drying
Sizes: Standard and King | Fill: Polyester | Sleeping Position: Back and Stomach
In general, for the stomach sleepers, an overly firm feel can lead to the heads tilting and worsen the neck ache. Amazon Basics has these smaller contoured pillows without much depth, which makes them perfect for stomach sleepers and anyone with a small frame. There are both soft and firm varieties of these, and the soft option is particularly suitable for stomach sleeping while the firm one is suitable for back sleeping. On a similar note, this pillow retained its shape after washing and drying and there is no sign of shrinkage, but it has signs of wear.
For as little as $26, they offer two pillows and have been able to accrue more than 33,600 reviews on Amazon. Recognisable for its nice touch, this pillow was rated highly by all the testers in the softness section. One tester said, “I enjoy how soft this pillow is as well as how it can maintain a good shape even after it has been used for a long time”. Another said that they “liked the soft texture of this pillow and its puffy look as well as how comfortable it feels.
8
Best for Combination Sleepers Pillows for Neck Pain
Layla Sleep Kapok Pillow, Luxury Cooling Pillow
PROS
- Plush kapok fill
- Ability to adjust fill amount
- Highest comfort score from testers
CONS
- Gray color may be visible in white pillowcases
Sizes: Queen and King | Fill: Kapok and shredded memory foam | Sleeping Position: All
Can’t sleep at night, and keep waking up with the slightest discomfort? A neck support pillow with a soft, customizable fill ensures that your neck is in the correct position regardless of which position you are sleeping in. The Layla pillow comes with a customizable fill made of a blend of shredded memory foam and kapok, a natural fiber that gives a soft and fluffy texture. It is soft and is highly recommended for people with side, stomach and back sleeping preferences due to the support it provides.
This pillow was given the highest overall rating by the testers, and all of the testers had rated this pillow 10/10 for comfort and support. One described it as “soft yet supportive” and noted how it “retains its form all night long.” Despite falling more toward the softness end of the spectrum, the fills performed well in our tests, regaining their initial shape after 8 hours of pressure. However, the grey pattern on the outer cover was seen under the white pillowcases.
9
Best Down Pillows for Neck Pain
Goose Feathers and Down Pillow
PROS
- Keeps its shape after use
- All testers liked this pillow
- Easy-to-care-for feather pillow
CONS
- Some testers wished it was more supportive
Sizes: Standard, King and Queen | Fill: Feather, Goose Down | Sleeping Position: Back or Stomach
This is the best down pillow we have tested so far, and it is from Puredown. It is easy to wash, can be put inside a pillow case and retains its shape even after use. Our testers also appreciated the fluffy down and it performed well in tests. We only tried the medium firmness but the brand also has a soft, firm, and a side sleeper down pillow.
This pillow received one of the highest scores overall from our test subjects. All the testers agreed that they liked this pillow and would prefer to use it in the future. For comfort, they gave it a perfect score as they found its texture to be soft. When touched one of the testers said it was “absolutely dreamy” and felt like a marshmallow. One said, ‘This pillow in particular was very soft with plenty of give, but bounced right back to its original shape.’ That being said, one back-sleeper reviewer wanted the medium density to be slightly firmer.
10
Best Memory Foam Pillows for Neck Pain
Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow
PROS
- Affordable price for solid memory foam pillow
- Cover showed no signs of wear after laundering
- Testers of all sleep positions gave it high comfort scores
CONS
- Some reviewers say it’s not tall enough
- One tester noticed a slight chemical smell when unboxing
Sizes: Standard and King | Fill: Memory foam | Sleeping Position: All
Tuft & Needle’s Original Foam Pillow is made with solid memory foam, not foam clusters, to provide support and relieve pressure on your head and neck. The foam is infused with graphite and cooling gel while the entire structure contains holes to avoid the foam from getting too hot. Unlike some types of memory foam that compress gradually when weight is applied, this pillow has a soft but firm feel that sets it apart from all the other solid foam pillows we’ve reviewed here.
Sweating is typical of memory foam pillows, but all of the participants reported that this pillow does not make them sweat. In addition, it is highly recommended for side, back, and stomach sleepers, though some side sleepers mentioned the mattress was slightly too short. Still, all my reviewers concurred that it felt like an improvement to the regular pillow they sleep on. Some of them said that it was ‘firm enough to maintain its shape, yet overall it is soft to touch. One of the testers noted that the item smelled a little of chemicals when unpacking and this went away after two to three days.
How does a pillow play a crucial role in reducing neck pain?
The fact is that all of us sleep about a third of each day, so our pillows can really affect the development of neck and spine problems. One study has not established beyond doubt exactly what type of pillow one should use but the cervical spine should be in a “neutral’ position while sleeping and an uncomfortable pillow results in neck pain besides poor quality sleep, stiffness of cervical spine and headache. Ideally, you require a headrest that will allow your neck and shoulders to stay in the correct position and not tilt to one side of the other.
The features to check when choosing the right pillow for neck pain
When it comes to pillows, the most important characteristics that should be taken into consideration are the height of the pillow and the materials it is made of. In order to determine what is best for your needs, contemplate your sleep position, body type, and any individual idiosyncrasies. It is also good to look at the care label since not all pillows can be easily washed.
Loft and firmness
The proper height of the pillow should support the spine and prevent the head from bending in one direction or the other. To determine which loft level is optimal, think about your sleep position (additional information below) and body structure. If you have a large frame, you will require a thick pillow while those with a small frame will require a slimner one.
Finally, you want your pillow to minimize the chances of having your neck in an awkward position while at the same time provide comfort. So, it is recommended to select the firmness of the pillow that you would prefer sleeping on every day.
Sleeping position
While buying the pillow one has to make sure of the type of pillows that are suited for the sleeping position one has. Here’s what to look for:
- Side sleepers require a slightly thicker pillow to “align the ears with the shoulders to avoid tilting the neck towards either side when on the side,” explains Jaspal R. Singh, M. D., co-director of the Center for Comprehensive Spine Care at Weill Cornell Medicine.
- Back sleepers it is advisable to choose a medium-thick pillow since it should help maintain the head’s neutrality and avoid the creation of an arch on the neck.
- Stomach sleepers should opt for a slim pillow to maintain the natural curvature of the neck to avoid straining the spine. It might also be useful to place a pillow under your shoulders so you maintain the right spine position as well.
Materials
All fill types in pillows can help alleviate neck pain. Memory foam and latex are the most effective materials for helping to combat neck pain, but down and down-like pillows can also be effective as long as their thickness keeps your head aligned properly.
- Memory foam: Memory foam pillows are available in two types: the solid type and the shredded type. Memory foam pillows with an encased solid material are those which when you place your head on it you feel the great support that comes with sinking into the pillow but the contents cannot shift. Memory foam pillows are shredded so they offer the right support but the fill can be rearranged for a firmer feel.
- Latex: Latex has the softness of a memory foam but gets back to original form within a short time. Latex pillows can be made of either solid or shredded latex.
- Down: For the softest, fluffiest pillows, the best option is those that are made entirely from down. For a less expensive product, look for those which are down and partly feathers.
- Down alternative: If you are allergic to down or prefer an affordable product to down, synthetic pillows usually contain polyester fiber that mimics down’s feel at a lower price.
Is it best to sleep on hard or soft pillows for neck pain?
It depends on how comfy you are when you sleep and how you position yourself during the night. Both firm and soft pillows are suitable to decrease the occurrence of neck pain. For side or back sleeping, one has to use a firm type of the pillow like the Tempur Neck Pillow that is made from solid memory foam.
Ergonomic pillows with cut-out or curved designs are usually on the firmer side because they need memory foam to retain its structure. Stomach sleepers would benefit from softer fill types of pillows such as the Amazon Basics Down Alternative Pillow and Parachute Down Pillow.
About half of the testers said when using a new pillow they discovered that their previous pillow is too soft, flat and does not support the neck in the right manner. Matrimonial pillows that lie flat and have been used for a long time can contribute to worsening neck pain.
