The Best Pillows For Neck Pain, With Insights From Medical Experts

If you've consistently experienced stiffness or tension in your neck, a specialized pillow can be a game changer. Designed to enhance spine alignment, the best pillows for neck pain offer an optimal blend of loft and firmness, ensuring a healthy posture throughout the night. To identify pillows with these essential features, we consulted a panel of pain specialists, physical therapists and sleep experts.

Our top recommendation is the Tempur pedic Tempur Neck Pillow , which is designed to cradle the natural curve of your head and neck, and constructed with contouring memory foam for additional support. The best pillows for neck pain, like the Tempur pedic Tempur Medium Neck Pillow, help support ... [+] healthy spine alignment so you can rest pain free.

Given the plethora of options in this category and the absence of a one size fits all solution, we’ve pulled together a comprehensive list of pillows made from different materials and available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Whether you lean toward the comfort of a memory foam pillow , the plushness of a down pillow or the support of a body pillow (which is especially beneficial for pregnant women), our curated list of products cater to just about every sleep position to ease your neck pain and transform your nights.

Best Pillow For Neck Pain Overall Tempur Pedic Material: Tempur foam | Firmness: Firm | Contoured: Yes | Trial: No Tempur pedic is a huge name in the sleep world, and with good reason: The company has been making memory foam products for years. This ergonomic pillow has a wavy shape to follow the natural curve of your head and neck.

The pillow’s Tempur material never loses its shape and is designed to help relieve pressure and support you while you sleep. Choose from three sizes—small, medium and large—to find the pillow that’s right for you and your neck. What the reviews say: “This is my first ever Temper pedic pillow, and let me tell you, I made the best decision for my neck,” says one buyer.

“I’ve had three regular pillows for five plus years, and I can’t believe I put my neck through so much pain. Now I can sleep easy and wake up with no neck pain.” Pros : Cons : Best Affordable Pillow For Neck Pain Amazon Material: Memory foam | Firmness: Firm | Contoured: Yes | Trial: 30 day satisfaction guarantee If you have chronic pain, you’re going to want to look for a pillow that contours to your neck area thoroughly—much like this Epabo option.

Here, a strategic, ergonomic design is meant to support and cradle the head, neck and shoulders with breathable memory foam. That foam also keep its shape and feels cool to the touch, allowing you to sleep sweat free. Just be aware that it can take about two weeks for the pillow to really conform to your body and neck shape before it starts feeling comfortable.

Once it’s a good fit, you’ll notice a big difference. What the reviews say: “I have a pinched nerve in my neck that gets worse when I sleep. I have tried many pillows to date, and so far, this is the best one I have used.” Pros : Cons : Best Neck Pain Pillow For Side Sleepers Amazon Material: Latex, polyester | Firmness: Plush (and adjustable) | Contoured: Yes | Trial: 45 days Specially designed for side sleepers, Eli & Elm’s side sleeper pillow has a unique U shape to support your neck and promote spinal alignment.

The pillow is adjustable, so you can find the level of firmness and fill that works best for you. It’s also anti microbial, mildew proof and dust mite resistant, if allergies are a concern. Happen to spill something on your pillow? The cover unzips and can be tossed in the wash. What the reviews say: “I have been a miserable side sleeper for so long, but that story is over now.

This silly shaped pillow is the answer for side sleepers who just want a comfortable night of sleep without fighting to wake up less fatigued.” Pros : Cons : Best Cervical Pillow For Neck Pain Amazon Material: Memory foam, viscose, polyester | Firmness: Firm | Contoured: Yes | Trial: 100 nights A traditional cervical pillow is a great way to get support right where you need it.

Thanks to the butterfly shaped contour of the Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow, users are able to align their head with the rest of their body and spine. A slope in the center keeps you from shifting out of place while you’re sleeping. This pillow also has special cut outs on the side to give your arms a comfortable place to rest, and it comes in a variety of sizes and two different heights.

Back sleepers should opt for the higher height, while side sleepers tend to find the lower height more comfortable. No matter your positioning, though, the breathable material will keep you cool, and that zippered cover is easy to clean in the wash. What the reviews say: “I’ve tried so many shapes and textures of pillows, but this is hands down my favorite.

The indent in the middle makes sleeping on your side or face so much more comfortable. The firmness is just right. It doesn’t get flat and squished during the night. Also, [it] doesn’t seem to retain a bunch of heat if you’re a hot sleeper.” Pros : Cons : Best Cooling Pillow For Neck Pain Purple Material: Polyurethane foam, polyester | Firmness: Soft | Contoured: No Made from hyper elastic polymers arranged in a smart comfort grid, The Purple Pillow is specifically designed for head and neck support.

A temperature neutral gel grid allows for passive airflow while a moisture wicking breeze mesh cover keeps you cool while you sleep. Thanks to its futuristic fill material, it never loses its shape and delivers consistent comfort and relief to the neck. And adjustable height boosters allow you to tailor it to your exact need.

What the reviews say: “I love this pillow. It’s always cool,” says one buyer, while another adds they experienced “no flipping, no fluffing [and] no hot spots.” Pros : Cons : Best Pillow For Stomach Sleepers With Neck Pain Downlite Material: Cotton case and down fill | Firmness: Soft | Contoured: No | Trial: 30 days If you’re a stomach sleeper and you’re familiar with waking up with neck pain, your pillow might be at fault.

A pillow that is too high is one of the worst things for your sleep. These can push your neck upward and out of a neutral alignment, and potentially cause that morning discomfort. Instead, stomach sleepers will want to look for a slim pillow made specifically for the position, like this one by Downlite.

The company fills the pillow with down feathers that are Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified. They’re enveloped in a smooth cotton cover for a responsive and plush feel, but the pillow lies nearly flat against your mattress, which will decrease your odds of waking up with a crick in your neck from sleeping prone.

What the reviews say: “I’m a stomach sleeper, and this pillow is perfect for me. I’ve been using Downlite for over five years, and I find this pillow works better for me than any other.” Pros: Cons: Best Firm Pillow For Neck Pain Nest Bedding Material: Shredded memory foam, latex and polyester fiber | Firmness: Firm (and adjustable) | Contoured: No | Trial: 30 days For those who love a harder pillow but still want some control over that firmness level, Nest Bedding’s Easy Breather pillow is a great choice.

It’s fully adjustable and comes overstuffed, so whether you prefer a truly soft feel or want to try a firmer than firm feel, you’re in luck. Even if you do choose that softer setting, though, this option will still cradle your neck carefully, providing ample support and safe positioning while you’re sleeping.

What our editors say: “I love how cozy and supportive the Easy Breather Natural Pillow is,” says senior sleep editor Bridget Chapman. “The shredded latex gives you just the right amount of sinkage, but you can also adjust how much is inside to make it work for your specific sleeping position and needs (for me, that’s back and side sleeping).

I also really appreciate how cool this pillow feels and sleeps.” Pros : Cons : Best Adjustable Pillow For Neck Pain Amazon Material: Memory foam, bamboo derived viscose rayon, polyester | Firmness: Plush (and adjustable) | Contoured: No | Trial: 100 days The Coop Home Goods Original pillow is a bestseller for a reason.

It’s designed to avoid the dreaded “pillow pinch” (that’s when a pillow’s fill slides out from under your neck and support vanishes while you’re sleeping—an all too familiar woe for those who wake up with neck pain). The memory foam makes it a sturdy option that offers support all night long, and it comes with extra fill, which means it’s more adjustable than most.

It’s also hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant, allowing you to avoid waking up with a stuffy nose. For an in depth review of the Coop Eden pillow, check out our full review . What our editors say: “I suffer from intense neck pain (caused by my old pillow, who shall not be named) and really love the adjustability factor of this model; you can add in or take out shredded memory foam to make the pillow plusher or flatter (but still supportive and medium firm),” says executive managing editor Brinda Ayer.

“The shredded memory foam makes it so that the surface of the pillow isn’t too hot, either—memory foam can have a bad rap for not being very cooling or breathable—and the quilted top is comfortable to the touch.” Pros : Cons : Best Orthopedic Pillow For Neck Pain Amazon Material: Memory foam, bamboo viscose | Firmness: Medium firm | Contoured: Yes | Trial: The gentle wave of the Uttu Sandwich Pillow helps support your neck while you sleep.

Unlike some other memory foam pillows, the Uttu has adjustable heights. It’s originally filled with a high contour of 4.7 inches and 3.9 inches of low contour. If you remove the middle layer, you’ll get 3.5 inches on the high contour and 2.8 inches on the low contour. This pillow also has a cover made of 40% bamboo viscose for a cooling feel to keep you from overheating at night.

It also works for side, back and stomach sleepers. What the reviews say: “After a neck and upper shoulder injury, my doctor suggested an orthopedic pillow,” writes one reviewer, adding that thanks to the Uttu Sandwich Pillow, they “sleep like a baby for nine straight hours.” Pros : Cons : Best Memory Foam Pillow For Neck Pain Groove Pillow Material: Bamboo infused charcoal memory foam | Firmness: Firm | Contoured: Yes | Trial: 100 days The Groove Pillow (formerly called the Easy Sleeper) is made for people who consistently wake up with neck pain, according to the product listing.

The company also markets the pillow for people who have other chronic pain conditions or may have had a spinal injury. The contoured, well, groove on one side of the pillow is ideal for back sleepers, while the indentation on the other is engineered for those who sleep on their side to slip an arm underneath.

No matter which side you use, the bamboo infused memory foam is designed to cradle your head while you sleep and wick away heat. What the reviews say: “I was sceptical about the pillow, but [I] took a chance after reading reviews. It is brilliant. I have been sleeping on the pillow for a week, and haven’t had any neck pain or headaches from day one.” Pros: Cons: Best Pillows Deals To Shop Right Now If you’re looking to more new pillows for a guest bedroom or to update your existing set, several popular brands like Brooklinen , Coyuchi and Saatva are offering discounts this holiday weekend.

Here are the best pillow deals not to miss. Saatva The Saatva Latex Pillow is crafted using a unique three layer construction: an inner core of shredded latex offers responsive support, a layer of plush adds comfort and a down like microdenier fiber creates an ideal balance of softness and resilience.

Plus, you can customize the shredded latex core to your preferred level of support. Shop this pillow for 20% off right now. Brooklinen Brooklinen’s Down Alternative Pillow offers medium firm support and is designed to cater to a wide range of sleep preferences, including side, back and stomach sleepers.

Currently 15% off, this supportive pillow is filled with down alternative that’s hypoallergenic and cruelty free, yet still replicates the luxurious feel of traditional down. The Company Store Swap your old, beat up pillows with this already well priced set from The Company Store that’s a further 31% off right now.

The pillows feature a down alternative fill that mimics the softness and loft of traditional down, without triggering allergies. And since they offer medium support, they’re great for side, back and stomach sleepers. marlowpillow.com If customizing your pillow to suit your sleeping style is important for you, you’ll appreciate Marlow’s The Pillow.

You can adjust the squishiness and softness of this pillow to exactly how you like it, so you never wake up with a sore and achy neck. Rarely discounted, you snag this pick for 20% off right now. Coyuchi Filled with a premium blend of ethically sourced down and feathers, Coyuchi’s Down Feather Pillow is designed to cradle your head in cloud like comfort while still offering resilient support.

Usually priced at $158, it’s currently 20% off right now. Why Trust Forbes Vetted Our editors are experts in all things sleep. From the best mattresses of 2024 to the best pillows for side sleepers , we’ve tested hundreds of sleep related products designed to support better rest. Our sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon are each Certified Sleep Science Coaches with years of experience carefully reviewing pillows and bedding.

And because it’s important to consult a medical professional when pain concerns arise, we spoke to New York City based physician Dr. Dmitiry Dvoskin, MD and assistant professor in the department of kinesiology and health at Rutgers University Nicole Nagle, DPT . Each provided insights into the right loft, firmness and materials for alleviating neck pain.

This guide is also updated regularly to reevaluate the pillows we recommend as new options hit the market. It was last updated in January 2024 by home and kitchen editor, Sholeen Damarwala . How We Chose The Best Pillows For Neck Pain To choose the best pillows for neck pain, we first did a deep dive into popular pillow brands like Tempur pedic, Purple, Coop and Nest Bedding.

We then rounded up their top rated models, and evaluated them by the factors that matter most for neck pain, namely material, loft, firmness, shape and whether the brand offered a lengthy trial period, so you can test it out in the comfort of your own home. We also spoke with a physician and kinesiology professor to determine what qualities the best pillows for neck pain should have.

Every pillow we recommend also needed stellar reviews, both from our editors with and reviewers. All of the pillows on our list have an average customer rating of 4 stars out of 5. What To Look For In The Best Pillow For Neck Pain Getting a pillow that will support your neck is crucial, according to Nagle.

“At night when you lay down to sleep, you want your head to be properly supported so that your neck muscles can relax,” says Nagle. With the wrong pillow, “your neck muscles are working overtime at night and this is not going to help your neck pain,” she says. These are a few factors Nagle recommends keeping in mind as you’re shopping for pillows: Certain pillows are tailored to particular sleep styles, and that matters for your pain.

“If you are a back sleeper, your pillow should not be too thin where you are sinking into it,” Nagle says. “If you are a side sleeper , your pillow may need to be thicker to account for the distance between your bed and your head.” Note that feather and down pillows are not typically recommended for side sleepers with neck pain, as they generally don’t offer enough support overnight, and may compress too much as you sleep.

However, they can be a good option for stomach sleepers. The right pillow should support your head and neck, meaning “your shoulders should not be on the pillow,” says Nagle. “The goal is for you to have a neutral spine, which means your head should not be placed too far forward or backward.” If your pillow is too high, it can throw your spine out of alignment and create even more pain.

For those unsure about their pillow’s height, opt for an adjustable pillow, as these allow you to remove or add fill as needed. The main goal, Nagle says, is for you to be in alignment, with your head and neck aligned with your spine. “If finding a pillow that has greater firmness is going to help you maintain that alignment, then by all means go ahead,” she says.

In part, the firmness you prefer, and benefit from, will depend on your sleep position. For side sleepers, a firmer pillow may be essential. For those who snooze on their stomach, a softer, more flat pillow is a better choice for proper alignment with your neck and spine. Pillows come with all different types of filling, but not every option is good for relieving neck pain.

To keep you head aligned with your spine at night, we recommend looking for a memory foam or latex pillow, though down is also a good option for stomach sleepers. Dvoskin especially likes latex options. “You can get relief sleeping on a customizable latex pillow, so that you can get the right amount of support depending on your sleeping position,” he says, pointing out that latex has its own benefits, including breathability and good pressure distribution.

Many pillows you can buy online don’t have a great return policy backing your purchase. Some companies, including Nest and Coop Home Goods, offer the option for customers to return their pillows, after they’ve tried them for a while. Others, in contrast, don’t allow returns. Return policies may also vary depending on whether you purchase the pillow directly from the retailer’s site, versus on Amazon, so be sure to consult the company’s fine print if you want the option for an at home trial.

Which Pillow Is Best For Neck Pain? While there’s no single “best” pillow for neck pain, the best options have this quality in common: They keep your head parallel with your mattress, rather than bent up or down, Dvoskin explains. You’re going to want to pass on anything that’s too flat or too fluffy, as that may mean your neck isn’t aligned with your spine overnight—putting you at risk for even more pain.

Our top pick, the Tempur pedic Tempur Medium Neck Pillow is designed with an ergonomic shape that aims to cradle and protect your neck and head. That said, exactly what you need will mostly depend on your primary sleep position. While specially designed ergonomic pillows may help, Dvoskin says that you don’t necessarily have to break the bank on a pricey pillow to protect your neck.

If you’re trying to save money, Dvoskin says that you can modify a pillow you already have by removing some filling or even stuffing a towel inside if you need to adjust your head support. Do Higher Pillows Help With Neck Pain? A higher pillow doesn’t necessarily help with pain. Pillows that are too tall can push your head up and cause discomfort in your neck.

As a general rule, you should never choose a pillow that tilts your head and neck to an angle while you sleep—too tall, and your neck and head will be angled upward. To decrease your odds of neck pain, your neck should be aligned with your spine and the rest of your body. That means it should be between your shoulders in a neutral, straight position when you’re lying down.

Dvoskin says that your mattress type and your sleep position can give you an insight into the best pillow for your neck pain and how high or low it should be, too. “If you sleep on a softer mattress, you should sleep on a thinner or softer pillow,” he says. This is because you’ll sink into the mattress more, which means the pillow doesn’t need to fill as much space to provide adequate support.

Is A Firm Pillow Better For Neck Pain? This is typically a matter of preference—but practically speaking, firmer usually wins. This is because a firm pillow is more likely to keep your spine in a neutral alignment throughout the night. (For example: Down pillows, which tend to be softer, are more prone to compressing overnight, meaning they may not offer adequate support all night.) A small study of people with chronic pain found that participants who used a memory foam pillow overnight, in addition to seeing a chiropractor for treatment, had a better outcome than those receiving chiropractic treatments alone.

Pillows that have ergonomic dips to cradle the head, or cutouts to support your neck and spine, are often made from molded foam or created with special stitching in the fabric. That also means these pillows are inherently firmer, as it’s the only way they can maintain their shape. How Should I Sleep To Avoid Neck Pain? Adjusting your sleep position can help you avoid waking up with neck pain, Dvoskin says.

Lying on your side or back, for example, can be easier on your spine than lying on your stomach, he says. Your spine should be in a neutral position as you sleep, and ideally stay that way all night. How you achieve that varies based on sleep position. If you sleep on your side, you can stack and remove pillows to keep your spine neutral.

If you sleep on your back, you can place a small pillow at the base of your neck for additional stability. Finally, Dvoskin says that a pillow placed under your knees can help relieve pressure from your neck muscles if you need extra body support. If you are experiencing neck pain pretty often than not, you should speak with your healthcare provider as they can offer personalized insights to help you resolve your neck pain.

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