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Few things are worse than waking up from a long night's sleep with a crick in your neck that won't stop aching throughout the day. While finding a supportive mattress can help you get your best night's sleep, a supportive neck pillow is also key. The best pillows for neck pain support a healthy alignment between your head, neck, and spine. Proper spine alignment limits pressure placed on your neck or lower back so you can wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free.
The Best Pillow for Neck Pain - Our Top Picks
- Featured Pillow for Neck Pain - Lagoon The Fox Cooling Pillow
- Best Comfortable Pillow for Neck Pain: Saatva Latex Pillow
- Best Adjustable Pillow for Neck Pain: LAYR Customizable Pillow
- Best Pillow for Neck Pain and Shoulder Pain: Brooklinen Down Pillow
- Best Pillow for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain: Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow
- Best Pillow for Cervical Neck Pain: Purple Harmony™ Pillow
- Best Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain: Coop Eden Pillow
- Best Value Pillow for Neck Pain: Nolah Squishy Pillow
- Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers with Neck Pain: Marlow Pillow
- Best Pillow for Neck Pain and Headaches: Nolah Cooling Foam Pillow
- Best Orthopedic Pillow for Neck Pain: TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow
- Best Firm Pillow for Neck Pain: Lagoon The Hippo Pillow
- Best Thin Pillow for Neck Pain: Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
So if you're feeling sore and achy in the mornings, it's probably time to take a second look at your pillow, especially if it's old, flat, or overstuffed. Not sure where to start looking? We've got you covered. Our expert review team has rounded up the top ten pillows to help you get your best night's sleep, ranging from affordable options to luxury picks. We'll outline the key features, perks, and drawbacks of each one so you can find the pillow you need to get the sleep of your dreams.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Featured Pillow for Neck Pain - Lagoon The Fox Cooling Pillow
SPECS
- Size: Standard/Queen: 20" x 30"; King: 20" x 36"
- Material: Shredded memory foam with polyester microfibers
- Firmness: Adjustable
Lagoon was founded with the goal of creating pillows with the right amount of softness to help people fall asleep faster, along with styles that match your sleep position so you stay asleep longer. It's a bold goal that the pillow maker aims to reach by offering customizable pillows made with breathable, sustainable, and durable materials. Lagoon's The Fox is designed to improve neck and back alignment regardless of sleep position. The loft can be easily adjusted by adding or removing the filling.
And speaking of filling, The Fox is made with CertiPUR-US shredded memory foam blended with polyester microfibers that helps prevent the pillow from feeling fat and lumpy. The entire pillow is covered in a bamboo and polyester-blend cover that is easily removed for washing. Like all Lagoon pillows, The Fox is built with eco-friendly materials, so you can feel good about your purchase
Use code ACTIVE at checkout for 15% off your first order.
What We Like
- Adjustable height to suit a wide variety of sleepers
- Eco-friendly
- Comes with a removable and machine-washable cotton cover
- 100-night sleep trial period
What We Don't Like
- Does not use cooling technology
- Comes with a higher price point
BUY: Lagoon The Fox Cooling Pillow
Best Comfortable Pillow for Neck Pain - Saatva Latex Pillow
SPECS
- Size: Queen: 28" x 18"; King: 34" x 18"
- Material: Latex and cotton
- Firmness: Adjustable
The Saatva Latex pillow is built with an adjustable core. You can remove the inner core to lower the height of your pillow which is great if you rest on your stomach or back (a pillow with a lot of loft can put your neck in an awkward position and lead to neck pain). The latex material in the pillow is also buoyant and gently cradles your head and adjusts to your natural posture. We especially like how the pillow adapts if you change sleeping positions throughout the night, making this also a good pick for combination sleepers.
Even after removing the inner core, this pillow may be too lofty for those with smaller bodies and stomach sleepers. If you’re on the fence about this pillow, Saatva allows you to try it out risk-free. You can sleep on this pillow and return it at any point during the 45-night sleep trial period.
What We Like
- Adjustable height to suit a wide variety of sleepers
- Eco-friendly
- Hypoallergenic
- Comes with a removable and machine-washable cotton cover
- Has a 45-night sleep trial period
What We Don't Like
- Higher loft may be uncomfortable for sleepers with petite body types
- More expensive than other options
Best Adjustable Pillow for Neck Pain - LAYR Customizable Pillow
SPECS
- Size: Standard: 24" x 17"; King: 34" x 17"
- Material: Bamboo cover, gel-infused memory foam, cotton
- Firmness: Adjustable
The LAYR Pillow by Luxome allows you to customize your pillow to fit the best height and firmness to help soothe your neck pain with detailed instructions showing you how to achieve each combination, from low-and-firm to high-and-soft and in between. The pillow will come "pre-loaded" with its popular combo of ultra-soft down and gel-infused shredded memory foam on each respective side. If this configuration doesn't work for your neck needs, flip it or switch it out entirely by adding or removing the inserts for more or less firmness. LAYR includes several cooling features, like a bamboo cover, gel-infused memory foam, and 100% cotton inserts.
You can purchase a single customizable pillow or save 50% on the second pillow when you buy two. There is also a 30-day "Perfect Pillow" guarantee if this pillow doesn't end up working for you as well as free shipping.
What We Like
- Fully customizable
- Cooling technology
- Buy 1, get 1 50% off
- 30-day money-back guarantee
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Some reviewers had difficulty adjusting pillow
Best Pillow for Neck Pain and Shoulder Pain - Brooklinen Down Pillow
SPECS
- Size: Standard: 26" x 20"; King: 36" x 20"
- Material: Cotton, down feathers
- Firmness: Adjustable
The Brooklinen Down Pillow is filled with incredibly soft and fluffy down clusters encased in a 100% cotton sateen shell. You can also choose between plush, mid-plush, and firm. The firm pillow is recommended for side sleepers, mid-plush for back and combination sleepers, and the softest setting for those who prefer to sleep on their stomachs. Brooklinen achieves these firmness "settings" by adjusting the feather-to-cluster ratio.
Reviewers love the neck support of the Brooklinen Down Pillow and the ability to mold and reshape the pillow after a great night's sleep, especially if you tend to switch positions. Also, if you need to buy more than one pillow, Brooklinen offers discounts for packs of two and four.
What We Like
- Ability to choose between 3 support levels
- Natural down clusters and feathers with 100% cotton shell
- Extra savings when buying pack of 2 or 4
- 365-day return policy
What We Don't Like
- Reviews are mixed on the firm pillow
- Not machine washable
Best Pillow for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain - Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow
SPECS
- Size: 17″ x 29″
- Material: Latex and polyester
- Firmness: Adjustable
The Eli & Elm cotton side-sleeper pillow is designed with side sleepers in mind. The side sleeping position can put pressure on your neck and shoulders, but the “U” shape of this pillow allows your neck to stay in alignment with your spine as your shoulders have space to sink into your mattress. If this pillow feels too lofty or firm for you, you can adjust the firmness by unzipping the liner and removing some of the shredded latex fill inside.
Shredded latex is a temperature-regulating material that allows air to flow through the bed, so this pillow can also help you sleep cool. One drawback, however, is that at a price point of over $100, it may not be affordable for all sleepers.
What We Like
- Ergonomic design
- Adjustable firmness
- Temperature regulating
- OEKO-TEX® certified to be free of harmful materials
What We Don't Like
- Only is suited to one sleeping position
- Expensive
BUY: Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow
Best Pillow for Cervical Neck Pain - Purple Harmony™ Pillow
SPECS
- Size: Standard - 26″ x 17″ x 5.5″ (low), 26″ x 17″ x 6.5″ (medium), 28″ x 17″ x 7.5″ (high); King - 34″ x 17″ x 5.5″ (low), 34″ x 17″ x 6.5″ (medium), 34″ x 17″ x 7.5″ (high)
- Material: Polyurethane foam, nylon, spandex, latex
- Firmness: Low, medium, high
The Purple Pillow is made of a polymer foam that has a similar bouncy and cooling feel as gel-infused foam. The polymer foam layer is shaped in a grid design, which allows the pillow to cradle the natural shape of your head and neck and allows air to flow through the pillow so you don't wake up feeling sweaty. You can also choose the height of your pillow, with low being preferred by stomach and back sleepers and both medium and tall for side and combo sleepers. If you are more petite, Purple suggests you try the low height and the tallest fill for larger frames.
The cover is machine washable, and the Talalay latex core is considered hypoallergenic and unlikely to affect those with latex allergies. It also helps prevent other common allergens like dust mites. As for cost, this is a very expensive pillow, but Purple has a 100-night trial and a one-year warranty if you purchase, but it doesn't end up suiting your needs.
What We Like
- Sleeps cool
- Responds to your movements when you toss and turn
- Can choose from low, medium, and tall
- Reviewers highly recommend for neck pain
- 100-night trial, 1-year warranty
What We Don't Like
- May be too tall for stomach sleepers
- Loft is not adjustable
- More expensive than other options
Best Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain - Coop Eden Pillow
SPECS
- Size: Queen - 20" x 30"; King - 20" x 36"
- Material: Gel-infused memory foam, polyester, Lulltra™ fabric
- Firmness: Medium-soft
The Coop Eden Pillow is full of shredded gel-infused memory foam that you can add or remove to create a pillow that is uniquely customized to your body and preferences.
Some reviewers note that this pillow goes flat over time, but Coop sends a bag of extra fill with your pillow purchase to make sure you can feel supported even if the pillow loses its loft after you've used it for a while. We also like that the fill of this pillow is hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant.
What We Like
- Adjustable loft fits a variety of sleeping positions
- Gel-infused memory foam provides pressure relief without trapping heat
- Made in the USA
- Hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant
- Machine washable
What We Don't Like
- Slight off-gassing smell when you first unwrap the pillow
- Some customers note that the pillow gets flatter over time
Best Value Pillow for Neck Pain - Nolah Squishy Pillow
SPECS
- Size: Queen - 18" x 24"
- Material: Bamboo blend, shredded foam filling
- Firmness: Adjustable
The Nolah Squishy Pillow is unique because it comes with breathable and durable cube-cut contouring foam that can be added or removed from the dual chamber depending on your firmness preferences. This material is also cooling and is made to cradle your head and neck comfortably while you sleep. The bamboo cover is also breathable and moisture-wicking for those who tend to sleep hot.
As for value, each Nolah Squishy is part of a queen-sized, two-pack at a price much less per pillow than other high-quality, adjustable options. These pillows also have a two-year warranty and a chat and customer service line available seven days a week should you run into any issues with your new pillows.
What We Like
- Excellent value
- Adjustable foam filling for height and firmness
- Cooling bamboo cover
- 2-year warranty
- Customer service is readily available
What We Don't Like
- May not fit standard queen-size pillowcases
- Some reviewers had issues with the firmness
Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers with Neck Pain - Marlow Pillow
SPECS
- Size: Standard - 17.5" x 26", 40 oz. fill weight; King - 17.5" x 36", 55 oz. fill weight
- Material: Polyurethane foam, cotton, polyester
- Firmness: Adjustable
Featuring a filling combination of 80% polyurethane foam and 20% polyester fiber that can be adjusted to fit three loft profiles, you're sure to love this "NASA tech-infused" pillow. Stomach sleepers will especially appreciate the cooling memory foam, as this kind of pillow is the most recommended for that snooze position. Additionally, the 100% cotton sateen shell is super breathable and the ventilated zipper gussets allow for max airflow while making your pillow adjustments a breeze.
You can also save money on the Marlow Pillow when you purchase in multiples, the best value being the four-pack which makes these fantastic pillows roughly $50 each.
What We Like
- Adjusts to 3 loft profiles
- 100% vegan and allergen-friendly
- Breathable and cooling
- 365-day free return policy, 2-year warranty
What We Don't Like
- Not machine washable
Best Pillow for Neck Pain and Headaches - Nolah Cooling Foam Pillow
SPECS
- Size: Queen - 17" x 23"
- Material: Nolah AirFoam™ and Outlast® fibers
- Firmness: Medium-firm
The Nolah Cooling Foam Pillow is a dream and highly recommended for those dealing with neck pain and headaches that want a little relief at bedtime. The durable and buoyant Nolah AirFoam™ contours and cradles your head and neck to help alleviate tension, and the Outlast® cotton cover regulates temperatures to keep you cool. We also like how affordable this pillow is, considering it's been made with the same materials and precision as Nolah's mattresses.
Nolah offers a two-year warranty and the ability to connect to an online chat or customer service line available seven days a week. This commitment to customer service is another reason Nolah made our list.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Contouring, pressure-relieving, and durable
- Great for side and hot sleepers
- 2-year warranty
What We Don't Like
- Only available in queen size
- Firmness isn't adjustable
BUY: Nolah Cooling Foam Pillow
Best Orthopedic Pillow for Neck Pain - TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow
SPECS
- Size: Small - 20" x 12.5" x 3.5", medium - 20" x 12.5" x 4", large: 20" x 12.5" x 4.75", travel -10" x 12" x 4"
- Material: Polyester, TEMPUR® material
- Firmness: Extra-firm
TEMPUR-Pedic is well-known in the world of orthopedic products for a good reason; their contoured mattresses have the right amount of firmness to hug your curves but still move with you throughout the night. The TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow is no exception to this commitment to quality. This ergonomic pillow supports and comforts your neck using the same TEMPUR® material that encourages comfort from proper alignment and pressure relief. It is also available in three sizes—including a travel option—for all body types and sleep preferences.
The TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow has a five-year warranty that covers any repair or replacement should you run into any issues. The 100% polyester, hypoallergenic cover is also removable so that it can be tossed in the washing machine but should only be washed on cold and air-dried for the best results. Lastly, there is no return policy if you are unhappy with your pillow, but you can return it if it was damaged during delivery or defective. Otherwise, you should be covered by the warranty.
What We Like
- Ergonomic contouring
- 3 available sizes
- Cover is removable and washable
- Hypoallergenic material
- 5-year warranty
What We Don't Like
- Not for stomach or hot sleepers
- No returns
Best Firm Pillow for Neck Pain - Lagoon The Hippo Pillow
SPECS
- Size: Queen - 24" x 16" x 4", king - 28" x 16" x 5"
- Material: Fill - 100% CertiPUR US molded memory foam, cover - 38% bamboo and 62% polyester, liner - 100% high-quality polyester
- Firmness: Extra firm
With a name like The Hippo, you better believe that it's a firm pillow. The Hippo boasts an interior made from one piece of 100% CertiPUR US molded memory foam with air funnels for cooling, breathability, and circulation. The bamboo and polyester blend cover is smooth to the touch, hypoallergenic, and removable when it's time for a wash. More firmness than you bargained for? This pillow is also fully adjustable and allows you to remove the filling to make it just right for your neck comfort; this also allows you to find the right pressure-relieving combination to prevent pain. This pillow caters especially to those back sleepers with heavier builds.
Lagoon offers a 100-night sleep trial for The Hippo, so if you aren't completely satisfied, you are able to return it. There is also a five-year warranty, should you run into any issues after the trial period. Last, but not least, The Hippo is relatively affordable in comparison to similar pillows.
What We Like
- Extra firm, 100% CertiPUR US molded memory foam
- Removable, washable cover
- Made with eco-friendly materials
- 100-night trial
- 5-year warranty
What We Don't Like
- May not work for petite frames
Best Thin Pillow for Neck Pain - Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
SPECS
- Size: Standard - 20" x 30", King - 20" x 36"
- Material: Silk filling
- Firmness: Medium-soft
If you're looking for a thinner pillow that offers a decadent sleeping experience, the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow might be the right choice for you. This pillow is filled with hand-shredded AAA-grade long-strand Mulberry Silk Filling and comes wrapped in a breathable and moisture-wicking bamboo cover. The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow has a fluffy, cloud-like feel that is similar to down, but holds its shape longer than down pillows.
This pillow costs more than twice as much as most of the pillows on this list, but its high-quality materials and 10-year warranty make it an investment that would hold up over time. Also, this pillow might not be a good pick for those who prefer firmer surfaces or need more solid support to sleep soundly throughout the night.
What We Like
- High-quality materials such as AAA-grade silk, natural bamboo, and
- Sleeps cool
- Hypoallergenic
- Holds shape longer than down pillows
What We Don't Like
- Soft feel may not provide enough support for all sleepers
- Expensive
- Not adjustable
How to Choose the Best Pillow for Neck Pain
Size
Think about size more in terms of what fits the frame of your body rather than what matches the frame of your bed. A king-sized, firm pillow may not work as well for a lighter, petite person and vice versa. You'll want to choose the size that best cradles your neck during sleep.
Loft
The loft of the pillow refers to the compressed height—or thickness—of your pillow when the full weight of your head is resting on it. Pillow lofts can be low, medium, and high and are typically referenced in the pillow description.
Here's a handy breakdown:
- Low loft: 3" or less
- Medium loft: 3-5"
- High loft: 5"+
Shape
Some pillows for neck pain—including those featured on our list—will have ergonomic shapes that are designed to adapt to the contours of your head and neck. However, this level of cervical support may not be as comfortable for all necks, so you'll want to keep that in mind when choosing your pillow.
Support
Ultimately, your pillow needs to be firm enough to hold your head in a healthy posture throughout the night. Firmness is subjective, so ultimately you need to choose the pillow that feels right for your sleeping position and body type, but many people are properly supported by a pillow with a medium firmness level.
A pillow that is too soft will allow your head and neck to sink, which may cause aches and pains. On the other hand, a pillow that's too firm, however, may not provide enough pressure relief and comfort for you to get a restful night's sleep.
Sleep Position
Finding the right pillow for your sleep position is key to preventing neck pain. You'll want to look for a pillow that keeps your head in a neutral alignment with your spine so that your pillow isn't causing your muscles to cramp by allowing your neck to droop too far down, or pushing too far up.
Back sleepers need a pillow that cradles the neck and keeps the head at a healthy, horizontal position throughout the night. Most sleepers will find that a medium-loft and medium-firmness pillow does the trick.
If you sleep on your side, you typically will need a pillow with a higher loft because the distance between your head and the bed is greater than when you are laying on your back and stomach. A medium or high loft pillow with ample support will likely be the best pick, depending on your size and preferences.
Stomach sleepers generally sleep best on a pillow with a low loft that is on the softer side to prevent the pillow from pushing the head up at an uncomfortable angle. It can also be helpful for side sleepers to place a small pillow under the hips to help reduce stress from the midsection and lower back.
What Materials are Best for Neck Pain?
The material pillow determines the feel and type of support it will provide. Down is one of the more common and traditional pillow types. Made of goose and duck feathers, these pillows feel soft and fluffy but tend to go flat throughout the night.
Memory foam pillows have also gotten more popular in the last decade. Pillows filled with this material provide support while also conforming to your body's natural shape. These pillows will spring back into shape as you toss and turn, and a high-quality memory foam pillow will adapt to new sleeping positions as you readjust. Memory foam can tend to hold heat, but opting for a shredded or aerated memory foam pillow can help you sleep cool.
Latex pillows offer a more subtle pressure relief than memory foam. Latex is naturally cooling and resistant to dust mites, but may be more expensive than other materials. Some sleepers also may be irritated by these pillows if you have a latex allergy.
Some pillows are made with a polyester or fiber fill that is designed to mimic the feel of down. These pillows are typically built without animal by-products and are budget-friendly, but go flat quicker than authentic down pillows.
Silk pillows provide a fluffy and light feel similar to down, but tend to hold their shape longer and are more durable in general. They are also cooling, breathable, and hypoallergenic, but also are one of the most expensive pillow types on the market.
All the listed materials may help alleviate neck pain when adjusted to your liking. However, some studies have shown promising results for neck pain reduction when sleeping on pillows that provide extra support, like those made with memory foam and latex.(1)
FAQs About Pillows for Neck Pain
What kind of pillow is best for neck pain?
The best pillow for neck pain is a pillow that keeps your neck and head in a healthy posture, i.e. in alignment with your spine. The firmness, size, loft, and shape of the best pillow for neck pain depend on your body size, sleeping position, and preference for a softer or firmer feel.
What firmness of pillow is best for neck pain?
The best pillow firmness for neck pain depends on your body type, sleeping position, and preference. Stomach sleepers typically do best with a softer pillow with a low profile, while back and side sleepers may prefer a medium or medium-firm pillow that keeps the head lifted while allowing a little bit of give to prevent the pillow from pushing your head too far up and out of alignment.
Should I sleep without a pillow if my neck hurts?
Sleeping without a pillow may actually make your neck pain worse because it may allow your head and neck to sink into an uncomfortable angle and strain your muscles. However, stomach sleepers can get away with this (a pillow with too much loft can force a stomach sleeper to strain their neck). Instead, consider looking for a new pillow that suits your sleeping position and body type and will better support your posture as you sleep.
Do neck pillows actually work?
The right neck pillow will provide cervical support, meaning that it will keep your head lifted in a healthy, neutral position as you sleep. Keeping your head, neck, and spine in a healthy alignment helps keep stress and strains off your neck so you can wake up pain-free.
What pillows do chiropractors recommend?
The answer depends on the chiropractor, but the consensus is that a pillow made with latex, memory foam, or a hybrid is the most recommended for neck and back pain. Latex pillows tend to be softer and easier to manipulate to find the right amount of support, while the memory foam pillow will be firmer and keep your head and neck supported and in alignment.
References
- Son, J., Jung, S., Song, H., Kim, J., Bang, S., & Bahn, S. (2020). A Survey of Koreans on Sleep Habits and Sleeping Symptoms Relating to Pillow Comfort and Support. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(1), 302. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010302