The Best Pillows for Neck Pain
Finding the perfect pillow can feel like searching for a unicorn in a haystack. Okay, now that I think about it, it does not sound very difficult.
Anyways, as someone who’s endured nights battling rogue pillows, I’ve sifted through countless reviews about pillows for neck pain to guide you.
Whether you’re a side sleeper, a back sleeper, or someone who contorts into a human pretzel, the right pillow can transform your sleep. Ready to discover the magical pillow that’ll end your neck woes and give you blissful rest?
Buckle up and get ready for some wild pillow talk! Let’s dive in!
It’s Key to Consider…
Firmness and support: When choosing a pillow for neck pain, firmness and support are crucial. A pillow that’s too soft may not provide the necessary support, leading to misalignment of the neck and spine.
On the other hand, a pillow that’s too firm might not contour to your neck’s natural shape, causing discomfort. Ideally, you want a pillow that balances firmness and softness to support your head and neck while keeping your spine aligned.
Adjustability: Having a pillow with adjustable height and firmness can be a game-changer. This feature allows you to customize the pillow to your specific needs, whether you need more support for your neck or prefer a certain loft.
Adjustable pillows often have removable inserts or fillings, making it easy to find the perfect fit for restful sleep. The best travel pillows or the best hotel pillows can include some great options in terms of adjustability.
Cooling effect: If you tend to overheat at night, a pillow with a cooling effect can make a significant difference in your sleep quality.
Look for pillows with breathable materials like buckwheat hulls or cooling gels that allow for better air circulation.
These materials help dissipate heat, preventing you from waking up sweaty and uncomfortable. You can also check the best cooling pillows if the cooling effect is your number one priority.
Material quality: The quality of materials used in the pillow affects both comfort and durability. Memory foam, latex, and buckwheat hulls are popular choices for their supportive properties.
High-quality materials ensure the pillow maintains its shape and support over time, providing long-term relief from neck pain.
Ergonomic design: An ergonomic pillow is designed to support the natural curve of your neck and spine, reducing strain and promoting proper alignment. Features like contoured shapes or specific zones for the head and neck can help alleviate pain and prevent it from recurring.
Ergonomic designs become significantly more important when a pregnant individual uses the pillow. In such a situation, it is necessary to look for the best pregnancy pillows.
The best pillows with ergonomic designs ensure that the pillow adapts to your sleeping position, whether you’re a side, back, or stomach sleeper.
Noise and smell: Some pillows, especially those filled with natural materials like buckwheat hulls, can produce rustling sounds or have a distinct smell.
While these might be minor issues for some, sensitive sleepers might find them distracting. Consider these factors if you are prone to being disturbed by noise or scents during the night.
Sleep position compatibility: Your sleeping position significantly influences the type of pillow that will work best for you. Those who sleep on their sides should pick from the best pillows for side sleepers. They often need thicker, firmer pillows to fill the gap between their shoulder and head.
And those who sleep on their stomach should go through the best pillows for stomach sleepers to ensure their heads are cushioned properly.
By considering these criteria, you can find a pillow that not only alleviates neck pain but also enhances your overall sleep quality. Remember, the best pillow for you will depend on your personal preferences and specific needs.
Best Cooling Effect
Fill material | 100% Buckwheat Hulls |
Pillow type | Bed Pillow |
Color | Off White |
Size | 14″ x 20″ |
Cover material | Cotton |
Special features | Adjustable height, durable, zipper closure, retains shape, breathable organic cotton cover, promotes better sleep |
- you’re a side sleeper.
- you prefer firm pillows.
- you need adjustable neck and head support.
- you’re looking for a pillow that stays cool through the night.
- you prefer soft, plush pillows.
- you’re sensitive to natural scents or sounds like rustling.
- you primarily sleep on your back or stomach.
Given its unique blend of firmness and adjustability, the LOFE organic buckwheat pillow excels in providing support that many find essential for a good night’s sleep. Unlike traditional pillows, the buckwheat hulls allow air to circulate freely, keeping your head cool and comfortable.
As one of the best pillows for neck pain, its adjustable height feature lets you find the perfect loft by simply adding or removing hulls through a handy side zipper. This can be particularly beneficial for side sleepers who need that extra elevation to align their neck and spine correctly.
LOFE Organic Buckwheat Pillow for Sleeping Reviews
- Firmness and comfort: Users appreciate the firm support which contours to the shape of the head and neck without sinking.
- Adjustability: The ability to adjust the filling is a hit among users, allowing them to achieve the right height and firmness.
- Cooling effect: The pillow’s breathability and cooling effect are often highlighted, making it ideal for those who tend to overheat at night.
- Noise and smell: Some reviewers mention the rustling noise of the hulls and the natural scent, which could be a detractor for sensitive sleepers.
- Sleep quality for side sleepers: Particularly praised by side sleepers, this pillow provides the necessary support for the neck and shoulders, reducing common discomforts.
- Versatility: Although ideal for side sleepers, it may not be the best choice for those who sleep on their back or stomach due to its firmness.
Best Adjustable Height
Fill material | Gel Flex Grid |
Pillow type | Bed Pillow |
Color | White |
Size | One Size (Adjustable Height) |
Cover material | 88% Polyester, 3% Nylon, 9% Spandex Mesh |
Special features | Ergonomic, breathable |
- you need adjustable height for personalized comfort.
- you prefer a pillow that stays cool throughout the night.
- you are primarily a back sleeper looking for firm support.
- you value durability and long-lasting shape retention.
- you find heavy pillows difficult to manage.
- you are a side sleeper needing extra height and softness.
- you prefer traditional, lightweight pillows.
The Purple pillow stands out with its Gel Flex Grid, providing a unique blend of softness and support. This design gently cradles your head and neck, ensuring no pressure points, which can be a game-changer for back sleepers.
As one of the best pillows for neck pain, its breathability and moisture-wicking cover keep you cool throughout the night, making it ideal for those who overheat while sleeping.
The pillow’s adjustable height feature allows for customization, thanks to the included boosters, making it versatile for different preferences. Despite its heavier weight, the pillow maintains its shape exceptionally well, providing consistent support night after night.
Purple Pillow Reviews
- Firmness and support: Users find the pillow firm yet supportive, ideal for back sleepers but less so for side sleepers.
- Cooling effect: The pillow’s design with open-air channels effectively keeps it cool, a significant advantage for hot sleepers.
- Adjustability: The adjustable height feature is appreciated, allowing users to customize the pillow’s thickness to their liking.
- Durability: The pillow maintains its shape over time, with users noting its longevity even after extended use.
- Weight: Some users find the pillow’s weight cumbersome, making it difficult to move during sleep.
- Comfort for various positions: Back sleepers tend to love the pillow, while side sleepers often find it lacking in height and softness.
Best for Neck and Shoulder Pain
Fill material | Memory Foam |
Pillow type | Bed Pillow |
Color | White (Designed for Side Sleepers) |
Size | Queen Size (1 Pack) |
Cover material | 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton |
Special features | Adjustable loft, washable cover, removable cover |
- you need customizable height and firmness.
- you’re a side sleeper seeking proper spinal alignment.
- you want enhanced breathability to stay cool at night.
- you prefer a medium to firm pillow for neck support.
- you prefer very soft, plush pillows.
- you don’t want to deal with adjusting pillow filling.
- you’re looking for a lightweight pillow.
The Nappler pillow for neck and shoulder pain relief is designed with side sleepers in mind, offering exceptional support to keep your spine aligned.
As one of the best pillows for neck pain, its memory foam fill provides pressure relief, helping you wake up without aches and pains. The pillow’s adjustable height feature allows you to tailor it to your personal comfort level, ensuring a customized sleep experience.
Enhanced breathability and cooling technology are standout features, making this pillow a great option for those who tend to overheat at night. With its removable and washable cover, maintenance is straightforward, adding to its appeal as a practical and comfortable choice.
Nappler Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief Reviews
- Comfortable and adjustable: Users appreciate the pillow’s adjustable firmness and height, which allows for a personalized sleep experience.
- Great for camping: Some find it ideal as a camping pillow due to its supportive nature and compact storage.
- Cooling feature: While many praise its cooling properties, some feel it could be more effective.
- Initial impression: Several users were impressed with the pillow’s comfort and support right out of the box.
- Supportive for various sleep positions: Many side sleepers find it provides excellent neck and shoulder support, enhancing sleep quality.
- Firmness: The pillow’s firmness is appreciated by those who don’t like their head sinking too much into the pillow, maintaining its shape well.
Best Ergonomic Design
Fill material | Memory Foam |
Pillow type | Bed Pillow |
Color | Grey |
Size | Queen |
Cover material | Q-Max 0.4 Arc-Chill Cooling Pillowcase |
Special features | Adjustable loft, ergonomic, breathable |
- you need targeted support for neck and shoulder pain.
- you want a pillow that stays cool throughout the night.
- you prefer an adjustable height for personalized comfort.
- you appreciate an ergonomic design that maintains spinal alignment.
- you prefer a lightweight pillow.
- you need a pillow that fits standard pillowcases.
- you are looking for a completely flat pillow without contour zones.
The Cozyplayer Ultra Pain Relief cooling pillow offers a unique hollow concave design, combining the benefits of traditional and contour pillows.
As one of the best pillows for neck pain, its ergonomic shape ensures optimal support for your neck and shoulders, helping to alleviate pain and maintain proper spinal alignment.
The memory foam fill and cooling pillowcase work together to provide a comfortable and refreshing sleep experience.
The pillow’s adjustable height feature allows you to find your ideal sleep position by rotating the pillow or removing the bottom insert.
Its high-quality, odorless materials ensure durability and comfort, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.
Cozyplayer Ultra Pain Relief Cooling Pillow Reviews
- Comfort and support: Users appreciate the ergonomic contour design that provides exceptional neck support, adapting well to various sleep positions.
- Cooling effect: The cooling technology is praised for maintaining a pleasant temperature throughout the night, though some users feel it could be more effective.
- Adjustability: The customizable height feature is highly valued, allowing users to tailor the pillow to their specific needs.
- Odorless and high-quality materials: The pillow is noted for being odorless out of the box and made with premium, durable materials.
- Pain relief: Many users report significant reduction in neck and shoulder pain, with improved sleep quality and proper spinal alignment.
- Versatility: The pillow is effective for back, side, and stomach sleepers, offering versatile support across different sleeping styles.
There are a variety of neck pillows available, each suited for specific wants and priorities.
Memory foam pillows: Memory foam pillows are popular for their ability to conform to the shape of your head and neck, providing personalized support.
They help in maintaining the natural curve of your spine, which can alleviate neck pain. Memory foam can be solid or shredded, with shredded offering better adjustability and airflow.
Contour pillows: These pillows have a contoured shape that provides extra support for the neck’s natural curve. They are often made of memory foam and are designed to help with proper spinal alignment. Contour pillows are especially beneficial for back and side sleepers.
Buckwheat pillows: Filled with buckwheat hulls, these pillows offer excellent support and adjustability. You can add or remove hulls to achieve the desired firmness and height. They also provide good airflow, keeping you cool throughout the night. However, they can be a bit noisy and heavier than other options.
Cervical pillows: Specifically designed to support the neck, cervical pillows have an ergonomic shape that helps maintain the natural alignment of the neck and spine. These pillows are often recommended by chiropractors and are suitable for people with chronic neck pain.
Water pillows: These pillows contain a water pouch that can be adjusted for firmness and height by adding or removing water. They provide good support and conform to the shape of your head and neck. Water pillows are known for their cooling properties, making them suitable for hot sleepers.
Gel pillows: Gel-infused pillows provide a cooling effect and help with temperature regulation. They can be made of memory foam or other materials infused with gel layers or beads. These pillows offer a combination of support and comfort, ideal for people who overheat during sleep.
Feather pillows: Filled with feathers, these pillows are soft and moldable, allowing you to adjust them to your preferred shape. While they offer comfort, they might not provide adequate support for people with severe neck pain. Feather pillows can be less durable and may require regular fluffing.
Latex pillows: Made from natural or synthetic latex, these pillows offer firm support and are resistant to dust mites and mold. Latex pillows are durable and maintain their shape well, providing consistent support for the neck. They are suitable for all sleeping positions and offer good airflow.
By understanding the different types of neck pillows available, you can choose one that best suits your specific needs and preferences. Each type offers unique benefits, helping you find the perfect solution for relieving neck pain and improving sleep quality.
Here’s a rule-of-thumb sort of guide to help you decide:
One pillow for most people: Generally, using one pillow is recommended for those experiencing neck pain. One pillow can provide adequate support and maintain proper spinal alignment without elevating the head too much, which can lead to additional strain on the neck.
Thin or medium-thick pillow: A thin or medium-thick pillow works best for back sleepers as it helps keep the head and neck aligned with the spine. This prevents the head from being pushed too far forward or backward, reducing neck strain.
Thicker pillow for side sleepers: Side sleepers often benefit from a thicker pillow. This helps fill the gap between the shoulder and the head, providing the necessary support to keep the neck and spine aligned. A pillow that is too thin can cause the neck to bend unnaturally, leading to discomfort.
Avoid stacking pillows: Stacking multiple pillows can lead to an unnatural head and neck position, exacerbating neck pain. It can elevate the head too high, creating pressure points and misalignment of the spine. Stick to one supportive pillow that suits your sleeping position.
Specialty pillows: Consider using specialty pillows designed for neck pain, such as cervical or contour pillows. These are designed to support the natural curve of the neck, promoting better alignment and reducing pain. They can be especially beneficial for those with chronic neck issues.
Adjustable pillows: An adjustable pillow allows you to customize the height and firmness, ensuring you get the right support. This can be particularly helpful for those who change sleeping positions throughout the night, providing consistent comfort and support.
Personal preference matters: Ultimately, the number and type of pillows you use should be based on personal comfort and specific needs. While one pillow is typically sufficient, some people may find using a second, thinner pillow under the knees or between the legs helpful for overall spinal alignment.
Experiment and adjust: It might take some trial and error to find the perfect pillow setup for your neck pain. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of pillows and configurations until you find what works best for you. You might even find your fit among the best throw pillows.
By focusing on these factors, you can determine the optimal number and type of pillows needed to alleviate neck pain and enhance your sleep quality.
It depends on your sleeping habits and which side you tend to sleep on:
Proper height for back sleepers: For back sleepers, the pillow should be 4 to 5 inches high. This height keeps the head and neck aligned with the spine, preventing any unnatural bending.
Ideal height for side sleepers: Side sleepers need a thicker pillow, generally 5 to 7 inches high. This height fills the space between the shoulder and the head, maintaining proper spinal alignment.
Lower height for stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers should use a very thin pillow, around 2 to 3 inches high. This helps prevent the neck from bending backward, reducing strain.
Adjustable pillows: Consider using an adjustable pillow. These allow you to add or remove filling to achieve the perfect height for your specific needs.
Personal comfort: Ultimately, the best pillow height is one that feels comfortable and supports your neck without causing strain. Adjust according to your personal preference and comfort level.
By choosing the right pillow height based on your sleeping position, you can reduce neck pain and improve your sleep quality. If you’re interested, you can also check the best body pillows and give them a shot if neck pillows aren’t your thing.