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Our best pillow for neck pain is the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow. Other top picks include the Avocado Green Pillow and the Belly Sleep Pillow. Read on for more pillows that may relieve neck pain.
Pillows play an essential role in restorative sleep. A supportive pillow can keep the neck in line with the spine, helping relieve neck pain and allowing the muscles to relax.
In this article, we examine 10 of the best pillows for neck pain, compare them on key features, and advise on how to choose the best pillow for you.
- Best pillow for combination sleepers with neck pain: Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Support Pillow | Skip to review
- Best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain: Sleep Artisan Luxury Side Sleeper Pillow | Skip to review
Medical News Today has tested some of the products below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.
The table below compares the pillows in this article on important features:
| Price | Firmness | Adjustable | Fill material | Cover material | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEMPUR | $119 to $159 | extra-firm | no | TEMPUR foam | polyester |
| Core | around $48 | very firm | no | polyester, cotton | polyester |
| Sleep Artisan | $99.49 | soft | yes | Talalay latex | hemp, cotton |
| Slumber Cloud | $69 to $89 | soft-medium, medium-firm | no | Polysilk | Outlast |
| Avocado | $109 to $139 | medium-plush | yes | latex, kapok | cotton |
| Belly Sleep | $49.99 | firm | no | memory foam, gel | bamboo, polyester |
| Hullo | $109 | firm | yes | buckwheat hulls | cotton |
| Brentwood Home | $48 | firm | no | Biofoam | bamboo |
| Mediflow | $74 | customizable | yes | polyester, water | cotton |
| TEMPUR Travel | $79 | extra-firm | no | TEMPUR foam | polyester |
Medical News Today chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:
- Certifications: Where possible, MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
- Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
- Materials and fill: MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep styles and lifestyles.
- Budget: MNT features products that are available at a wide range of budgets.
- Sleep trials: Where possible, MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial.
- Shipping: MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers to and whether shipping is free.
- Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products that carry warranties and clear return policies.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pillow for you:
Loft
Whichever pillow you choose, it should promote neutral spinal alignment. If your head and neck are too high or low, it can cause or worsen neck pain and discomfort.
Pillows typically have a low, medium, or high loft:
- Low loft: These pillows are around 3 inches (in) or less in height and might be most suitable for stomach sleepers.
- Medium loft: These pillows have a height of around 3 in to 6 in and might suit back sleepers best.
- High loft: These pillows have a height of over 5 in and might suit combination and side sleepers best.
It is important to note that researchers have not proven the above guidelines. A
However, some studies the authors looked at suggested that males may require slighter thicker pillows than females.
Shape retention
Shape retention is an important consideration when buying a pillow. Certain materials may hold their shape better for longer, increasing the amount of time before a person has to buy a new pillow.
Memory foam and latex pillows are denser materials that may hold their shape better than cheaper materials such as microfill and polyester.
People with neck pain may find that denser materials are a better purchase because they are more durable. Many companies offer adjustable fills that you can add to or remove from the pillowcase, allowing you to create the optimal pillow height.
Firmness level
Just like mattresses, pillows come in different firmness feels. People can choose between soft, medium, or firm pillows.
There is very limited modern research into how pillow firmness affects neck pain. People should try out different pillows where possible, ensuring that they provide enough support.
For example, side sleepers may prefer a medium or firm pillow because a soft pillow may allow their head to sink in too much, bringing their spine out of alignment.
Many types of pillows are available. Some that may suit those with neck pain include:
- Contoured pillows: With these pillows, your head will rest in a specially designed contour, with elevated areas to keep the neck and back in good alignment.
- V-shaped pillows: A V-shaped pillow elevates the head and keeps the spine straight. This may help alleviate neck and back pain by improving sleep posture.
- Memory foam pillows: Memory foam molds precisely to a person’s shape to provide support in the appropriate areas.
- Latex pillows: Latex is a responsive material that can support the body, including the head and neck. It is sometimes more expensive than other materials but is more durable.
- Water pillows: Water can adapt to your movements and support the head and neck. However, there may be more convenient types of pillow to use than a water pillow as they require careful maintenance.
- Buckwheat pillows: A pillow that contains buckwheat is an environmentally friendly option that can be comfortable while providing appropriate support.
Sizes
The table below details standard U.S. pillow sizes. The pillows in this article may come in these standard sizes but may also come in unconventional shapes and sizes.
| Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| standard | length: 26 in width: 20 in |
| super standard | length: 28 in width: 20 in |
| queen | length: 30 in width: 20 in |
| king | length: 36 in width: 20 in |
Your sleep posture is important. One function of a pillow is to keep the neck in correct alignment with the rest of the spine to ensure that the muscles relax properly.
A 2021 research review states that pillow height and shape are important factors in reducing neck pain and promoting spinal alignment.
Each sleeper will benefit from a different kind of pillow to promote the correct neck posture while sleeping. This is essential, as incorrect neck posture can cause or worsen neck pain and prevent the neck from resting during the night.
You may experience neck pain due to everyday stressors, such as work or poor posture. Sitting for long hours in front of a computer or mobile device may cause additional neck strain.
The type of pillow that is best for neck pain will depend on your sleeping style and preferences.
Side sleepers may find that a medium-firm pillow with a higher loft offers more support, whereas stomach sleepers may find that a soft and low pillow reduces aches and pains.
Wedge, cervical, and adjustable pillows are all common types of pillows for neck pain.
You may experience neck pain after sleeping in an unusual position or if you have an unsupportive pillow. Replacing a pillow with a more supportive one may help reduce neck pain from sleeping.
If you often get neck pain, you should contact a doctor to make sure there are no underlying causes.
Memory foam pillows tend to be denser than polyester pillows and may keep their shape for longer.
One of the main benefits of memory foam is that the pillow “remembers” your head shape and position, which may help promote neutral spinal alignment and reduce pain.
Firmness is subjective, and what one person may find soft, another may feel is medium.
There is very limited research on pillow firmness and neck pain. Generally, if you sleep on your side, you may prefer a firmer pillow, whereas stomach sleepers may prefer a soft pillow.
Our best picks for pillows for neck pain include the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow, Tri-Core Cervical Support Pillow, and The Belly Sleep Pillow. Our list also includes a wedge pillow, adjustable pillows, and a travel pillow, all of which may help prevent and manage neck pain.
The best pillow for your neck pain will suit your unique sleep preferences. For example, consider which position you sleep in most, what firmness level you prefer, and whether you want features such as adjustability or organic materials.
It may be best to look for companies that offer trial periods or find a way to try different pillows or pillow types before purchasing them.
If you understand your sleep needs, you can make the correct purchase the first time and find lasting relief from neck pain.