8 Best Pillows for Neck Pain (2024) - Sleep Advisor (2024)

Table of Contents
Written byJulia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Product Tester Our Testing Process In This Article 8 Best Pillows for Neck Pain My Video Review of The Best Pillows for Neck Pain Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology Best Neck Pain Pillows Saatva Memory Foam Pillow – Best Overall Pillow for Neck Pain Saatva Memory Foam Pillow Best Saatva Memory Foam Pillow Features Improvable Saatva Memory Foam Pillow Features Customer Reviews Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow – Best Firm Pillow for Neck Pain TEMPUR-Neck Pillow Best Tempur-Pedic Pillow Features Improvable Tempur-Pedic Pillow Features Customer Reviews Coop Sleep Goods The Eden Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain Coop Eden Pillow Best Coop Eden Pillow Features Improvable Coop Eden Pillow Features Customer Reviews Lagoon Fox Pillow – Best Soft Pillow for Neck Pain Lagoon Fox Pillow Best Lagoon Fox Pillow Features Improvable Lagoon Fox Pillow Features Customer Reviews Cozy Earth Silk Pillow – Best Luxury Pillow for Neck Pain Cozy Earth Silk Pillow Best Cozy Earth Silk Pillow Features Improvable Cozy Earth Silk Pillow Features Customer Reviews Luxome LAYR Pillow – Best Customizable Pillow for Neck Pain Luxome LAYR Pillow Best Luxome LAYR Pillow Features Improvable Luxome LAYR Pillow Features Customer Reviews The Marlow Pillow – Best Cooling Pillow for Neck Pain Marlow Pillow Best Marlow Pillow Features Improvable Marlow Pillow Features Customer Reviews – Best King-Size Pillow for Neck Pain Helix Down & Feather Pillow Best Helix Down & Feather Pillow Features Improvable Helix Adjustable Pillow Features Customer Reviews What Causes Neck Pain? How Is Sleep Linked to Neck Pain? How to Choose the Right Pillow for Neck Pain Materials Shape Pillow Height Support Firmness Pressure Relief Sleeping Position Specific Pain Points Frequently Asked Questions About Pillows for Neck Pain Final Word of Advice Tell Us About Your Experience with Neck Pain Julia Forbes About Author

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Written byJulia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Product Tester

Our Testing Process

Here at Sleep Advisor, our Sleep Certified experts use a refined mattress and product testing process to give you unbiased product suggestions… Read our full product review process.

In This Article

Feeling pain in your neck that has you at your wit’s end? Browse our picks for the best pillows for neck pain.

A morning that starts with neck pain can lead to a day that is a pain in the neck.

Waking up with an ache or crick in your neck happens to everyone, but luckily, there are ways to make these times fewer and further between. Neck pain is often a result of poor posture, muscle strain, or bending over your desk. However, it may also be from an unsuspecting source—your pillow.

A supportive pillow can significantly improve neck pain.1 We selected the 8 best pillows for neck pain, evaluating their overall feel, materials, maintenance, and even warranty to curb the problem and help you sleep better.

8 Best Pillows for Neck Pain

  • Saatva Memory Foam Pillow – Best Overall Pillow for Neck Pain
  • Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow – Best Firm Pillow for Neck Pain
  • Coop Sleep Goods The Eden Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain
  • Lagoon Fox Pillow – Best Soft Pillow for Neck Pain
  • Cozy Earth Silk PillowBest Luxury Pillow for Neck Pain
  • Luxome LAYR PillowBest Customizable Pillow for Neck Pain
  • The Marlow Pillow – Best Cooling Pillow for Neck Pain
  • – Best King-Size Pillow for Neck Pain

My Video Review of The Best Pillows for Neck Pain

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Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology

At Sleep Advisor, our product reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the pillow feels and performs. We pull our information from a database of over 100 tested mattresses and sleep accessories.

For this roundup, we prioritized features that are especially important for the best pillows for neck pain. We paid special attention to components such as pillow thickness, support elements, material, and cooling features.

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Best Neck Pain Pillows

Saatva Memory Foam PillowBest Overall Pillow for Neck Pain

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Saatva Memory Foam Pillow

A luxury memory foam pillow offering cooling features.

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Ensuring your neck’s posture is straight while lying down is crucial when dealing with neck pain. Saatva understood this and delivered the Saatva Memory Foam Pillow.

Saatva goes above and beyond to ensure your neck is properly aligned when you sleep. It’s here to help with cervical alignment using shredded memory foam and latex, both of which contour your neck nicely. The foam is graphite-infused for added cooling, and this pillow also has a breathable cotton cover – bonus points for hot sleepers.

Specifications of Saatva Memory Foam Pillow Construction
  • Fill Material(s) – Memory foam and latex
  • Outer Cover Material – Organic cotton
  • Firmness Level – Medium
  • Available Sizes – Standard/Queen and King

Best Saatva Memory Foam Pillow Features

  • Saatva offers a 45-day trial to test the pillow and decide whether it’s the right match for you.
  • This memory foam pillow has a breathable organic cover that can be machine-washed and is made from highly durable materials.
  • Saatva’s blend of memory foam and latex is an excellent option for support and proper alignment.

Improvable Saatva Memory Foam Pillow Features

  • This Saatva pillow is not adjustable, so I think it will likely only work for side and back sleepers.
  • The cover is machine-washable, but Saatva recommends spot-cleaning the pillow, which I find a bit inconvenient.

Customer Reviews

The Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow has a little over 20 reviews on Saatva’s official website, scoring 4.7 out of 5 stars. Most customers were happy with its feel, claiming it resolved tossing and turning, neck pain, and night-time headaches. Others, however, pointed out its higher price.

Interested in exploring further? Check out our roundup of this year’s top-rated pillows.

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck PillowBest Firm Pillow for Neck Pain

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TEMPUR-Neck Pillow

A firm pillow available in multiple sizes.

Tempur-Pedic Score
3.90 / 5

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Neck pain? Not on Tempur-Pedic’s watch. This pillow has a unique design that boosts the head and neck to keep both aligned to avoid neck pain. It’s specifically designed for side and back sleepers and is available in three sizes.

This pillow has two bolster sections, although I suggest you stick to the higher one. This way, your head is cradled in the center of the pillow for that nice, cushiony memory foam feel. Plus, I found that the higher bolster section provides better support for the neck.

Specifications of the Tempur-Pedic Pillow Construction
  • Fill Material(s) – Tempur™ material
  • Outer Cover Material – Polyester knit hypoallergenic cover
  • Firmness Level – Firm
  • Available Sizes – Small, medium, large, travel

Best Tempur-Pedic Pillow Features

  • This Tempur-Pedic pillow comes with an industry-leading 5-year warranty.
  • The cover is safe to wash in a washing machine, but make sure to use a gentle cycle only.
  • You can switch between two bolster sections depending on your preference and what you find more comfortable.

Improvable Tempur-Pedic Pillow Features

  • Although supportive and comfortable, the lofty Tempur-Pedic pillow is not something we’d recommend for stomach sleepers with neck pain.
  • With all the memory foam, I can see how this pillow can be a tad too hot for those who usually struggle with nighttime sweating.

Customer Reviews

The Tempur-Neck Pillow has almost 5,000 reviews on the brand’s official website. Customers gave it an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars, pointing out how well it works for side sleepers, CPAP users, and those with neck pain. Those who didn’t like it typically thought it was too firm.

Looking for other supportive pillow options? Browse our roundup of this year’s best firm pillows.

Coop Sleep Goods The Eden PillowBest Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain

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Coop Eden Pillow

A gel-infused memory foam pillow with a hypoallergenic design

Coop Score
4.60 / 5

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Sleepers looking for a great memory foam pillow will want to consider The Eden from Coop Sleep Goods. This pillow features cooling gel-infused memory foam that should minimize pressure on the neck by cradling the sleeper’s head.

This pillow features cooling gel-infused memory foam. You get an extra half-pound of fill included with your purchase, allowing you to adjust the loft and firmness to whatever feels best. The microfiber mixed with memory foam makes it feel cool and soft.

Specifications of the Coop Eden Pillow Construction
  • Fill Material(s) – Gel-infused memory foam and microfiber
  • Outer Cover Material – Lulltra™ cover
  • Firmness Level – Adjustable
  • Available Sizes – King and Queen

Best Coop Eden Pillow Features

  • The Eden has two impressive health and safety certifications: CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold.
  • I found the Eden to feel soft yet supportive, which is helpful for side and back sleepers.
  • Eden’s hypoallergenic design is ideal for people who struggle with allergies.

Improvable Coop Eden Pillow Features

  • Adjusting the pillow’s loft still takes a few minutes, so it’s not really something you can do in the middle of the night when you decide it feels a bit too soft or firm for your liking.
  • There are only two sizes, so you’re left with either a King or Queen pillow.

Customer Reviews

Customers gave the Eden Cooling Memory Foam Pillow 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 3,000 reviews. Most people loved its adjustability, support level, and easy maintenance, although some pointed out they didn’t feel much cooling.

Want to explore further? See our list of the top-rated memory foam pillows.

Lagoon Fox PillowBest Soft Pillow for Neck Pain

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Lagoon Fox Pillow

Adjustable stuffing and available in queen and king sizes.

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If you’re worried a firm pillow will worsen your neck pain, fear not. The stuffing inside the Lagoon Fox is 80% memory foam and 20% polyester microfibers, which mix to create a plush yet supportive feel for sleepers with neck pain.

The fibers are an essential part of the fill’s formula: They help to keep the foam pieces together and evenly distributed, preventing unevenness or lumpiness. The feel is best described as feather-light, but don’t let this trick you into thinking it’s not supportive.

Specifications of the Lagoon Fox Pillow Construction
  • Fill Material(s) – Shredded memory foam and polyester microfibers
  • Outer Cover Material – Bamboo and polyester
  • Firmness Level – Adjustable
  • Available Sizes – Queen and King

Best Lagoon Fox Pillow Features

  • The Fox’s adjustability allows those with neck pain to find the firmness and loft that works best for them.
  • Lagoon’s pillow covers are hypoallergenic and washable for a reliably fresh surface.
  • This pillow’s adjustability means it should work for all sleeping positions, but you have to take the time to remove or add some of the fill.

Improvable Lagoon Fox Pillow Features

  • Those who want a firm pillow might be disappointed because the Fox pillow is on the softer side.
  • Removing the fill and then adding it back in is a time-consuming process.

Customer Reviews

The Fox pillow has almost 100 reviews on the company’s official website, scoring a nearly perfect score with 4.9 out of 5 stars. Most customers love its adjustability and how well it supports the neck and head, but some people didn’t like the feel, saying the pillow is not firm enough.

Curious about other top picks? Read our roundup of the 10 best soft pillows.

Cozy Earth Silk PillowBest Luxury Pillow for Neck Pain

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Cozy Earth Silk Pillow

The pillow has a premium bamboo viscose shell that’s naturally breathable and has temperature-regulating properties.

Cozy Earth Score
4.90 / 5

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If you’ve had your fair share of neck pain, you’re probably more than ready to tuck in with a luxurious, pressure-relieving pillow. For those who appreciate creature comforts as much as I do, I present you the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow.

The premium bamboo viscose and mulberry silk create an ultra-soft feel. While this does feel softer, it doesn’t take away from the overall support, as I noticed nice cushioning. These materials have great temperature-regulating properties, which are crucial for hot sleepers.

Specifications of the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow Construction
  • Fill Material(s) – Mulberry silk
  • Outer Cover Material – Bamboo viscose
  • Firmness Level – Soft
  • Available Sizes – Standard and King

Best Cozy Earth Silk Pillow Features

  • This pillow has a 10-year warranty and a 100-night trial for you to test whether it helps with neck pain.
  • The filling doesn’t shift, so you’ll get the same comfort level throughout the night regardless of how much you toss and turn.
  • Silk can be great for your skin and hair.

Improvable Cozy Earth Silk Pillow Features

  • This thing is fluffy but not very responsive, so don’t expect it to bounce back into shape after you get up.
  • The ultra-soft feel is not for everyone, so keep this in mind if you’re a back sleeper requiring a high loft.

Customer Reviews

The Cozy Earth Silk pillow has around 600 reviews on the company’s official website, scoring 4.8 out of 5 stars. One customer said it offers “just the right support for neck pain,” but some found it too soft.

Luxome LAYR PillowBest Customizable Pillow for Neck Pain

Getting your pillow “just right” can alleviate your neck pain. The Luxome LAYR is customizable. It has two sides: one with ultra-soft down alternative and the other with gel-finished shredded memory foam. This versatile 2-in-1 design is great if you can’t decide on a single pillow.

The LAYR’s customizability makes it a good choice for a range of sleepers, regardless of their preferred sleeping position. However, the LAYR also stands out with its naturally cooling bamboo cover, which allows maximum breathability.

Specifications of the Luxome LAYR Pillow Construction
  • Fill Material(s) – Gel-infused memory foam
  • Outer Cover Material – Natural viscose from bamboo
  • Firmness Level – Adjustable
  • Available Sizes – Standard and King

Best Luxome LAYR Pillow Features

  • The Luxome LAYR pillow is easy to maintain as it comes with machine-washable covers.
  • This model has the CertiPUR-US® certification, meaning that it’s free of chemicals, toxins, and other harmful substances.
  • The supportive feel doesn’t go away as this pillow doesn’t flatten during the night.

Improvable Luxome LAYR Pillow Features

  • Like with most adjustable pillows, getting all the inserts in and out takes a while, as does finding the perfect insert combination for your needs.
  • You’ll need a place to store the inserts you remove from the pillow, which may be bothersome if you have limited space.

Customer Reviews

The LAYR pillow has almost 2,000 reviews on the company’s website. It scored 4.9 out of 5 stars, with most people being happy with its adjustability, versatility, and supportive feel. On the other hand, several customers pointed out that all the bits and pieces are a little overwhelming.

The Marlow PillowBest Cooling Pillow for Neck Pain

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Marlow Pillow

A cooling memory foam pillow (100% vegan).

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The Marlow’s versatility allows sleepers with neck pain to change the height and feel of their pillow just by unzipping (or zipping) a zipper. Finally, this is something you can do in the middle of the night without getting out of bed.

If your neck would benefit from a firmer foundation, simply leave both zippers on the Marlow zipped up. But if you’re looking for a softer experience, you can unzip one or both zippers on the pillow’s sides.

Specifications of the Marlow Pillow Construction
  • Fill Material(s) – Memory foam and polyester fiber
  • Outer Cover Material – Cotton, sateen fabric
  • Firmness Level – Adjustable
  • Available Sizes – Standard and King

Best Marlow Pillow Features

  • The Marlow is 100% vegan, so it’s great for shoppers who wish to prioritize animal-friendly products.
  • The mix of memory foam and microfibers inside the Marlow remains supportive night after night.
  • This pillow has mesh gussets, which work with its gel-infused memory foam filling to provide cooling benefits.

Improvable Marlow Pillow Features

  • Marlow is meant for spot-cleaning only, so if you want to throw your pillow (or at least the cover) in a washing machine, this isn’t for you.
  • Even with all the firmness, the Marlow pillow requires fluffing after each night.

Customer Reviews

The Marlow pillow is highly popular, as shown by the 2,000 reviews on the company’s website. The pillow scores 4 out of 5 stars for its ease of use and comfort, with most people praising how it helps with neck pain and even snoring. Others, however, find it too stiff for their needs.

Still curious about this pillow? Read our full Marlow pillow review.

Want other refreshing pillow options? Read about the best cooling pillows on the market today.

– Best King-Size Pillow for Neck Pain

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Helix Down & Feather Pillow

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This Helix pillow is stuffed with down and feathers, providing a soft yet supportive feel to get rid of neck pain. The fill is shelled inside an organic cotton cover woven so as to be lightweight and breathable.

I’d say this Helix is among the best choices for those who want a soft and fluffy King-sized pillow to curl up with. It does require an occasional fluffing because the feathers and down might flatten at night, but this shouldn’t be too noticeable given how densely stuffed it is.

Specifications of the Helix Down & Feather Pillow Construction
  • Fill Material(s) – Down and feathers
  • Outer Cover Material – Cotton
  • Firmness Level – Medium-Firm
  • Available Sizes – Standard and King

Best Helix Down & Feather Pillow Features

  • This pillow has an inner core of feathers and down and two other sections with just down.
  • Thanks to the Helix’s medium loft, you should feel good in all sleeping positions.

Improvable Helix Adjustable Pillow Features

  • Be wary of natural materials such as feathers and down, as they can make you sneeze the night away if you have sensitivities.
  • Although we feel there’s plenty of fill in this pillow, it might not be firm enough for those who like maximum support and no sinkage.

Customer Reviews

Helix doesn’t include customer ratings for its pillows, but overall, Helix products have 4.4 out of 5 stars with almost 40,000 reviews. Some customers who have bought this pillow said it provides good support in all sleeping positions, but some pointed out they thought the pillow would be firmer.

Want more large pillow options? Read our roundup of the best king-size pillows.

What Causes Neck Pain?

According to a 2015 study, neck pain is the fourth leading cause of disability.3 However, it’s hard to pinpoint what causes neck pain since a person may experience it for many reasons. It is often triggered by a strain, trauma, arthritis, disc degeneration, or muscle inflammation. In some instances, neck pain can be due to meningitis or cancer.2

Neck pain, also called cervicalgia, is when you feel discomfort throughout your neck area.2

However, it can also happen if your mattress or pillow doesn’t fit your preferred sleeping position, body weight, or body shape.

How Is Sleep Linked to Neck Pain?

Have you ever woken up with neck pain even though you didn’t feel it the night before? This is because you may be sleeping on the wrong pillow, which can put your head and neck at an awkward angle, resulting in pain the following morning.4

Another reason might just be your sleeping position. Stomach sleeping can strain the neck because you have to rotate your head all the way to the side. Add to this a too-lofty pillow, and you will have a recipe for neck pain.

How to Choose the Right Pillow for Neck Pain

If you search for a cervical pillow to alleviate your neck pain, you will receive an overwhelming number of results. As such, it’s helpful to have a more thorough understanding of how to choose the right pillow, specifically one that will help avoid neck pain. Considering how these factor into your specific preferences, such as your sleep position, is crucial.

Materials

The fill used in pillows can vary. One of the most popular options is memory foam pillows. Memory foam’s popularity stems from the fact that it does an excellent job of conforming to the sleeper’s shape to help alleviate tension while still providing good support.5

There are therapeutic neck pillows made from solid memory foam pieces and some made from shredded memory foam. These can be great options for neck pain as they provide plenty of support and are unlikely to flatten by morning.

Another common material used in pillows is latex, which is well-liked because it’s breathable, durable, and supportive. Down, down alternatives, and feather pillows are also common, and these typically offer a more fluffy, softer feel.

View Our Full Guide: Best Latex Pillows

Shape

In addition to the material a pillow uses as fill, another variable you will want to be mindful of is the shape of the pillow itself. Curved pillows are commonly seen in this market as they can more closely contour the shape of your head and neck.

Due to the shape of your head and neck area, it can be difficult to lie comfortably on a flat surface without developing neck pain (or shoulder pain), so a thin pillow may not be in your best interest, especially if you’re a side sleeper. Using a contour-shaped pillow, such as a cervical support pillow, could solve this problem.

Cervical pillows do a nice job of filling the space between your neck and the mattress, providing the support you need throughout the night and reducing neck pain. They are considered to be among the best pillows for neck problems.

However, these types of pillows may not work as well for people who sleep on their stomachs, as they can often only be used while sleeping on the back or side. They’re also not flippable, so flipping them to get to the cold side is not an option here.

Pillow Height

Pillow height can have a huge impact on your comfort, especially if you usually wake up with neck pain.4 A pillow that’s too high can put you in an uncomfortable position, adding too much pressure and causing pain after only several hours.

One that’s too low will likely not provide enough support, causing you to wake up with a strained neck, especially if you’re a side sleeper. This can create shoulder pain, too.

Support

Support is crucial regardless of your preferred sleeping position. The amount of support you’ll get from a pillow depends on its firmness and materials. Thinner materials like feathers aren’t as supportive as memory foam.

Stomach sleepers don’t need much support, so they can do with thinner materials, but side and back sleepers need something that offers more support, like memory foam.

Firmness

Firmer pillows offer more support, but it’s not always best to go for the firmest option.6

The firmness you’ll choose depends on your preferred sleeping position. For example, if you’re a side sleeper, sleeping on a firm pillow may result in pressure buildup. Instead, you may want to try medium options that allow more cushioning while still keeping the head propped up.

People who sleep on their back may benefit more from firmer pillows since these won’t allow the head to sink too deeply, throwing the neck out of alignment.

Pressure Relief

Have you ever woken up with a painful ear? Side sleepers often experience this issue when their pillow is too firm. One way to avoid this is to consider a softer pillow that allows more sinkage and better pressure relief.

However, this may be equally important for back and stomach sleepers. A good portion of your neck is on the pillow, so you want it to contour the area and prevent pressure from building up regardless of your sleeping position.

Sleeping Position

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pillows, especially if you usually struggle with neck pain. Your preferred sleeping position is among the first things to keep in mind, and it can help you decide between the many options out there.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers with neck pain might have the most trouble striking the perfect balance between soft and firm. You want a pillow that can relieve pressure while supporting your head so it doesn’t sink too far. For this reason, medium firmness and loft may be the best option here to avoid both neck and shoulder pain. In addition to reading about the best pillows for side sleepers, we’d suggest checking some of the adjustable pillows where you can remove some fill to find the feel that fits you the best.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers with neck pain should look for a supportive pillow that doesn’t let the head sink too far. Memory foam tends to be the best for this level of support, and you can choose between solid foam and shredded for a little more versatility.

Loft size might come down to personal preference, but we feel like anything between 3 and 5 inches should work well for back sleeping. When it comes to firmness, medium is the safest route to get both pressure relief and neck alignment.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers probably struggle with neck pain the most because they twist their necks throughout the night. Also, stomach sleepers need low pillows to keep their neck and spine alignment from compromising and painful positions that can be caused when these sleepers use a pillow that is too tall.

For this reason, stomach sleepers should look for a low-loft pillow so they don’t prop their heads too high. When it comes to materials, we’d suggest down, down alternative, and latex as the most popular choices. Down and down alternatives are great for stomach sleepers who want a softer, slimmer pillow, whereas latex is best for those who want a firmer feel.

Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers with neck pain will have to think about which position they spend the most time in and buy a pillow according to that. However, those who switch through all positions are likely best off with an adjustable pillow. Medium firmness and loft are good starting points, but having the option to remove some of the fill may be good in case you need more or less support.

Upright Sleepers

Upright sleepers usually benefit from the highest loft and firmest support. They often go for a wedge pillow that supports the back and neck for both side and back sleeping. If you also need some pressure relief, a good rule of thumb is to add a softer, smaller pillow towards the top of the wedge to get both support for the back and pressure relief for your ears.

Specific Pain Points

The right kind of pillow can help relieve neck, shoulder, and back pain. Cervical neck pain is also commonly solved with a good pillow, so this piece of bedding should not be overlooked.

Neck and Shoulder Pain

People with neck and shoulder pain should look for a supportive, lofty pillow that doesn’t allow too much sinkage. You want to stay atop your pillow so that the head is aligned with the rest of the body and the spine is straight. If you’re a side sleeper, you might want to try a medium loft to ensure the neck is supported. Otherwise, most of your upper-body weight will be concentrated on the shoulders.

Neck and Back Pain

Neck and back pain almost always come from poor posture, so fixing this as soon as possible is crucial.7 Try with a medium loft and firmness to ensure your head is propped up just enough. What you want is to feel your back and neck straight when you lie on your back, which should bring instant relief. If you’re a stomach sleeper, feel free to try a lower loft to keep the neck closer to the mattress to reduce neck pain.

Cervical Neck Pain

Cervical neck pain can be a symptom of a medical condition or an injury, in which case it’s crucial the right pillow supports you.2 The exact problem you’re dealing with should dictate the loft and firmness that are likely to feel the best, but a good rule of thumb is to go for a medium loft and a firmer feel. If you’re unsure, an adjustable pillow can be an easy fix, as you can play with both the loft and firmness.

Migraines

Migraine is a disabling neurological disorder followed by several symptoms, such as headache, nausea, and sometimes even vomiting. According to a 2019 study, it’s the second leading cause of disability.8 Neck pain is also very common, so the two often go hand in hand.

The debate is still going on whether neck pain contributes to migraines as a cause, consequence, or symptom. Either way, trying to catch some sleep while having both neck pain and a migraine sounds like an impossible task, but a good pillow can up your chances.

The best place to start is a medium pillow with a loft that will keep your head aligned with the rest of the body. Memory foam and latex are both good for this, as they allow plenty of support to keep the head from sinking too deeply.

Arm Numbness

Waking up with a numb arm happens to most of us, but what if it happens too often? Several things might be the culprit, but your arm often goes numb because you tuck it under your pillow.

Most experts suggest sleep position modification, so try not to sleep on your arm first.9 Make sure you also have a good mattress and pillow that don’t create any pressure points on the arm, wrist, or hand. Medium firmness is a good place to start; you can experiment from there. If your arm numbness persists, it’s best to discuss it with your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pillows for Neck Pain

What types of pillows are best for neck pain?

Ergonomic pillows may be one of the best options for neck pain because they have a unique shape that contours the curves. Even if your neck pain isn’t caused by an improper pillow, an ergonomic one could help alleviate some of that pain. However, this still depends on your sleeping position, pillow firmness, and height.10

What is an orthopedic pillow?

An orthopedic pillow is one that helps support better body alignment. Most pillows are designed with the thought of proper neck alignment in mind.

Some of these choices incorporated clinical data and input from spine specialists to create a pillow that can support your head, neck, and shoulders so that your sleeping posture remains straight, helping to keep your spine aligned and alleviate chronic neck pain.7

It’s likely a safe bet that the best pillows for neck pain will fall into this category.

Learn More: Best Orthopedic Pillows and Best Orthopedic Mattresses

What pillows do chiropractors recommend for neck pain?

A 2019 study showed that the use of memory foam or another open-cell foam pillow can help with chronic neck pain when combined with chiropractic therapy.11 Memory foam is known for offering good pressure relief, and if you find the right loft and firmness, you have a good chance of easing neck pain and tension.

How should I sleep to avoid neck pain?

According to Harvard Medical School, the best way to sleep to avoid neck pain is on your side or back.12 You can try different pillows that fit these sleeping positions, experimenting with materials, firmness, and height until you find what fits you the best. However, it’s best to avoid sleeping on your stomach because this puts a lot of pressure on the neck.


Related:
Best Mattress for Neck Pain

Are firm or soft pillows better for neck pain?

The exact firmness and feel you’ll choose depends on your preference and sleeping position. Between firm and soft pillows, we’d suggest you steer towards firmer models that can keep the head from sinking too deeply. This way, the neck should stay aligned with the rest of the body, minimizing the chances of neck pain.

Final Word of Advice

If neck pain is keeping you up at night, we suggest you check with your doctor to ensure it’s not a sign of another medical problem. Once you get that out of the way, you can focus on getting the right pillow. A good pillow should contour and support the neck to prevent pressure and tension while keeping everything aligned to mitigate pain.

If you’re unsure, consider an adjustable pillow with different loft and firmness options. We invite you to explore our picks for the best pillows of 2024 here.

Tell Us About Your Experience with Neck Pain

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Julia Forbes

Sleep Advisor Product Tester

About Author

Julia is a product tester at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.

Stomach Sleeper

References:
  1. Chun-Yiu, Johnson Pang., et al. “The effects of pillow designs on neck pain, waking symptoms, neck disability, sleep quality and spinal alignment in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis”. National Library of Medicine. 2021.
  2. “Neck Pain”. Cleveland Clinic. Last modified December 9, 2022.
  3. Cohen, Steven P. “Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of neck pain”. National Library of Medicine. 2015.
  4. Yamada MD PhD, Shuori., et al. “Changes in neck pain and somatic symptoms before and after the adjustment of the pillow height”. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 2024.
  5. Bohringer DO, Katherine., Cuda MD, Amanda., Maurer DO, Douglas. “What pillow types are best for neck pain?”. Evidence-Based Practice. 2016.
  6. “Is your pillow hurting your health?”. Harvard Health. 2021.
  7. “Good Sleeping Posture Helps Your Back”. University of Rochester Medical Center. Webpage accessed April 27, 2024.
  8. Steiner, T.J. et al. “Migraine remains second among the world’s causes of disability, and first among young women: findings from GBD2019”. Springer Link. December 2, 2020.
  9. Roth Bettlach, Carrie L., et al. “Preferences in Sleep Position Correlate With Nighttime Paresthesias in Healthy People Without Carpal Tunnel Syndrome”. National Library of Medicine. March 2019.
  10. Radwan, Ahmed., et al. “Effect of different pillow designs on promoting sleep comfort, quality, & spinal alignment: A systematic review”. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2021.
  11. Soal, Laura J., et al. “Changes in chronic neck pain following the introduction of a visco-elastic polyurethane foam pillow and/or chiropractic treatment”. National Library of Medicine. 2019.
  12. “Say “good night” to neck pain”. Harvard Health. 2022.
8 Best Pillows for Neck Pain (2024) - Sleep Advisor (2024)
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