Pillows for neck pain can help a large part of the population that experiences pain post-sleeping. Approximately 1 in 3 people are affected with neck pain at least once a year—women more often than men. And, of course, like many health issues, the risk of chronic neck pain typically increases with age. It can also sometimes result from poor sleeping posture or a pillow that doesn’t properly support the neck and spinal column. During sleep, the muscles and bones in the neck and shoulders need to be in a neutral position, typically achieved by sleeping on your side or back and using a pillow that aligns with the natural curvature of your spine in that position.
No matter the cause, if you often wake with neck pain, it may be time to invest in a pillow specifically designed for neck support. To find the best pillows for neck pain, we tested popular options at home and spoke with experts, including Wesley Bronson, MD, a spine surgeon at The Spine Center at Mount Sinai Hospital, about what to look for in a pillow for neck pain. We then narrowed down our top picks based on criteria such as quality, breathability, and comfort. Based on our research and testing, here are the best pillows for neck pain.
What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know
- Type and materials to look for: There are several materials that may benefit people with neck pain. According to Shelby Harris, PsyD, DBSM, a licensed clinical psychologist and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, you should look for a pillow that keeps your neck and spine straight. Contoured memory foam, cervical, or orthopedic pillows are great choices because they conform to your head and neck without collapsing under pressure, supporting the neck’s natural curve. Adjustable pillows are also helpful since they let you change the thickness to match your sleeping preferences better.
- Time until neck pain improves: Dr. Harris says that position-related neck pain can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to improve. Using the right pillow can help accelerate the recovery process, but factors like age, overall health, and the severity of the pain can also affect your recovery time.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Many people need treatment when significant neck pain fails to improve after a few weeks of home treatment, which may include rest, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, says Michael Gerling, MD, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and founder of the Gerling Institute in Clifton, New Jersey. A doctor or orthopedic surgeon specializing in spinal disorders can help identify the cause of your neck pain and recommend a treatment plan.
You may need immediate medical attention for your neck pain if it’s accompanied by numbness or tingling in your arms, weakness, or loss of coordination. These are signs of a herniated disc or spinal cord injury, which can result in permanent nerve damage if not treated promptly. Headaches and dizziness are also potential signs that you should see a healthcare provider, says Haney Demian, MD, a board-certified spine and back specialist and the chief executive officer at BioSpine Institute in Florida.
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Amazon
Key Specs
Fill Material: Memory foam, microfiber | Cover Material: Bamboo-derived viscose rayon and polyester blend | Sizes: Queen, king
Why We Recommend It
The Coop Home Goods Crescent Adjustable Pillow is a good pillow for side sleepers with neck pain because of its customizable loft and C-shaped design. Each pillow comes with an extra half-pound of fill to adjust the loft to your desired height and support level (or add extra as the fill flattens).
The inner fill is a memory foam and microfiber blend, while the outer cover is a soft and breathable bamboo-derived viscose rayon and polyester blend. The fill and cover are hypoallergenic and machine-washable on cold and delicate cycles.
During testing, we couldn’t help but notice the difference this pillow made in our sleep quality. The C-shape provides excellent neck and spinal support, and we love that it caters to combo side and back sleepers as well. We changed positions without wrestling to adjust the pillow each time and woke feeling rested and pain-free.
Keep In Mind
Some of our editors suggest that the pillow retains heat, which could be an issue if you tend to sleep hot. There are also a few complaints about an initial chemical-like smell upon opening, although this should dissipate after airing out the pillow for a few days.
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Brooklinen
Key Specs
Fill Material: Memory foam, polyester fiber | Cover Material: Cotton with mesh gussets | Sizes: Standard, king
Why We Recommend It
Most back sleepers need a medium-firm pillow to support their neck and spine adequately, and the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow is our pick. The 80% memory foam and 20% polyester fiber fill offers the perfect balance of support and comfort with cooling properties to help you sleep comfortably without overheating (the cotton cover has mesh gussets for added breathability).
To adjust the loft to your liking, use one of the two zippers to tighten or loosen the cover so the fill fluffs or loosens based on your preferences.
We love that this pillow is hypoallergenic for people with allergies. During testing, we could tell that the Marlow Pillow was well-made and durable and kept its shape throughout the night. We also appreciate that Brooklinen offers a 365-night trial to test it out.
Keep In Mind
Upkeep may be more involved than other options since this pillow is spot-clean only and the company recommends fluffing the pillow daily to distribute the fill and maintain its shape evenly.
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Amazon
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Contains a layer of cooling gel
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Provides exceptional support for neck and shoulders
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Comes with a warranty and trial period
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Expensive
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Fill can’t be adjusted
Key Specs
Fill Material: Gel-infused memory foam, buoyant latex foam | Cover Material: Organic cotton | Sizes: Standard/Queen, king
Why We Recommend It
If you’re a fan of memory foam, the Saatva Cloud Memory Foam Pillow may be for you. Unlike traditional memory foam pillows that retain body heat, the Cloud Pillow contains a layer of cooling gel to regulate temperature and buoyant latex foam for added bounce.
The cover is 100% organic cotton and contains breathable pores to promote air circulation. While the cover is machine washable, Saatva recommends spot cleaning the inner pillow to prevent fill breakdown.
This pillow provided exceptional support for our neck and shoulders during testing, particularly in a back or side sleeping position. It’s also great for propping up with a book to wind down before bed. Plus, Saatva offers a 45-day trial and a 1-year limited warranty for its pillows, which is a nice bonus.
Keep In Mind
The Saatva Cloud Memory Foam Pillow is more expensive than other options on our list, and the fill cannot be adjusted to tailor the loft and firmness. You’ll have to stick to fluffing the pillow to maintain its shape.
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Amazon
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Contours to the head and neck
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Materials don’t shift or lose shape
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Soft, removable cover is machine washable
Key Specs
Fill Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Polyester knit | Sizes: Small, medium, large
Why We Recommend It
The TEMPUR-Neck Pillow’s memory foam core is made with firmer foam to help support your head, neck, and shoulders without losing its shape. The curved design has a slightly more elevated base than the top to cradle your neck and provide constant support throughout the night.
The pillow also comes with a soft, machine-washable cover made from a polyester knit. We were amazed at its softness and how it retained its shape without shifting or clumping. It’s available in three sizes (small, medium, and large) to accommodate different body types. You can also customize your pillow by adding cooling technology (for an additional cost) if you’re a hot sleeper.
Tempur-Pedic does not offer returns or exchanges for its pillows, so we recommend trying them in a store first. However, the company provides a 5-year limited warranty to protect against defects or damages.
Keep In Mind
While this pillow is a dream for some, it may not work for all sleeping positions. Some of our editors found it too firm for side sleeping and preferred it for back sleeping only. We also wish there was a trial period or return policy to test the pillow at home.
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Amazon
Key Specs
Fill Material: Proprietary foam blend (95% foam, 5% fiber) | Cover Material: Cool-touch stretch knit- (97% polyester, 3% spandex) | Sizes: Standard, king
Why We Recommend It
The Purple Freeform Pillow contains a proprietary patented foam-fiber blend that provides support without the pressure points of traditional memory foam. But the honeycomb design is what really sets this pillow apart. It promotes air circulation without compromising comfort, and you can mold the fill just the way you like it. Remove some of the foam if you prefer a flatter pillow, or add extra to give it more height and firmness (You can also purchase additional fill separately if you want to add more down the line).
Paired with a cooling polyester/spandex cover, this pillow helped regulate our temperature so we didn’t wake up hot and sweaty as we did with other options. And the level of customization makes it a worthwhile option for almost any type of sleeper.
Every pillow comes with a 12″ x 20″ rectangle throw pillow case to store any extra fill (great for travel or extra lumbar support!). The Purple Freeform Pillow also has a 100-night trial and a one-year warranty for additional peace of mind.
Keep In Mind
The honeycomb design may not be everyone’s cup of tea, as some may not like being able to feel the pattern. You’ll also need to fluff the Purple Freeform Pillow regularly to maintain its shape and support.
How We Tested the Pillows for Neck Pain
We tested pillows for neck pain at home to evaluate their quality, breathability, support, durability, comfort, and overall value. The pillows we tested are the latest offerings from top-performing and previously tested brands, and each was specifically selected based on our editors’ sleeping positions and comfort preferences. Our team has a variety of needs — some prefer a firmer pillow, while others need something more plush.
During testing, we noted how well the pillows performed in the following categories:
- Quality: We rated each pillow on its construction, paying close attention to the seams, stitching, and overall feel. We noted whether an odor was present upon opening and how long it took to dissipate.
- Breathability: We looked at how well air circulated through the pillow, taking into account cooling materials and design elements that promote airflow.
- Support: We evaluated the level of support each pillow provided in various sleeping positions, paying close attention to neck and shoulder alignment. If the pillow was adjustable, we noted whether it was easy or difficult to do so.
- Durability: We rated how well the pillows held up after regular use, considering any potential shredding, flattening, or clumping of the fill.
- Comfort: We looked at the overall comfort level of each pillow, taking into account factors such as loft height and firmness.
- Overall value: We asked our editors to rate each pillow’s value and whether they would recommend it to friends or family based on its price point and performance.
What to Look for in Pillows for Neck Pain
When shopping for pillows to alleviate neck pain, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Materials: The fill and cover materials play a significant role in a pillow’s overall comfort and support. Look for materials that contour to the head and neck while also providing enough support.
- Support: A good pillow should provide adequate support for your head, neck, and shoulders without sacrificing comfort. It shouldn’t flatten or lose its shape throughout the night.
- Loft: The height or loft of a pillow can affect how well it supports your neck and spine. Look for a pillow with an adjustable loft if you’re unsure of your preferred height. These pillows typically have a zippered outer shell that allows you to add or remove fill to customize the height and firmness.
- Sleeping position: Consider your sleeping position when choosing a pillow. Side sleepers typically need more support and loft, while back and stomach sleepers may prefer something with a lower profile.
- Cooling properties: If you’re a hot sleeper, look for pillows with cooling technology or materials that promote airflow and reduce moisture. This can help prevent night sweats and the discomfort that comes with them.
- Trial Period and warranty: It’s always a good idea to check for any trial periods or warranties offered by the manufacturer. Home trials allow you to test the pillow to ensure it’s a good fit for your needs, with the added security of knowing you can return or exchange it if necessary.
Our Experts
We spoke with several experts throughout the entire testing and research process to gather insights on what makes a good pillow for neck pain, including:
- Dr. Wesley Bronson, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and board-certified spine surgeon at The Spine Center at Mount Sinai Hospital
- Dr. Shelby Harris, PsyD, DBSM, licensed clinical psychologist and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis
- Dr. Michael Gerling, MD, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and founder of the Gerling Institute
- Dr. Haney Demian, MD, board-certified spine and back specialist and chief executive officer at BioSpine Institute
Why Trust Verywell Health
Lindsay Modglin is a nurse and health journalist with years of clinical experience. As a health professional, she understands the importance of quality health products and services. Her byline has been featured in Forbes, Healthline, Insider, Yahoo, AOL, Everyday Health, and many others. She hopes to help readers make actionable and informed decisions about the products and services they use to improve their lives.
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