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If you experience discomfort in your neck or wake up with stiffness and soreness after sleeping, it might be time to consider changing your pillow. Your choice of pillow can significantly impact the well-being of your neck during sleep: While fluffy pillows are often associated with comfort, they may not necessarily provide the optimal support needed to alleviate neck pain.
“Finding the right pillow for neck pain is not a one-size-fits-all scenario,” says Dr. Grant D. Shifflett, orthopedic spine surgeon at DISC Sports & Spine Center. “This is because every person has a different posture, alignment, head size and shoulder width, just to name a few possible considerations.” The real key to success is finding a pillow that fits your individual needs and contours, which is a trial-and-error process.
To help ease that process, here’s a quick cheat sheet on what to consider when looking for the best pillow for neck pain.
What to consider when buying a new pillow
Your sleep position
The way you sleep at night will dictate what sort of pillow you require. Back sleepers, for example, typically require a medium-firm pillow to support the natural curve of the spine, while side sleepers may benefit from a firmer pillow to keep the head and neck aligned. Stomach sleepers generally need a softer, thinner pillow to prevent strain on the neck.
Fill material
Pillows come in various fill materials, each offering different levels of support and comfort. Common fill materials include memory foam, latex, down, feather, synthetic down alternative and buckwheat hulls, so think about what you need from your pillow and choose appropriately.
Pillow height
Also known as loft, this refers to the thickness of the pillow when compressed by weight, such as when you lay your head on it. Pillows typically offer low, medium, or high loft options, each with varying thicknesses:
- Low loft: Up to three inches thick.
- Medium loft: Between three and five inches thick.
- High loft: Five inches or more in thickness.
Breathability and temperature regulation
Proper airflow and temperature regulation are essential for a comfortable night's sleep. Consider pillows with breathable materials or cooling technologies, such as gel-infused memory foam or ventilated latex, to prevent overheating and promote airflow.
Trial period and return policy
As Shifflett warned, finding the perfect pillow can be a numbers game. Since comfort preferences vary from person to person, it's helpful to choose a pillow with a trial period or a generous return policy. This allows you to test the pillow and ensure it meets your comfort and support needs before committing to it long term.
Our picks for best pillows
Best affordable pillow for neck pain: Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Ensuring proper neck support from your pillow is essential for relieving neck pain. While materials like memory foam and down are the most common fill materials, latex, derived from rubber tree extract, is a great option, offering remarkable responsiveness and durability, without compressing under the weight of your head. The Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow exemplifies these attributes: Its solid latex core provides gentle cushioning for sore areas while retaining significant resilience as your head and neck adjust. With two loft options available, this pillow is suitable for various sleep positions.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Talalay latex.
- Outer cover material: Lyocell.
- Firmness level: Medium firm.
- Available sizes: Queen, king.
- Price on publish: $66.80, $74.30.
What we like:
- Talalay latex molds to your neck shape.
- Naturally cooling design.
- No need to fluff during the night.
What we don’t like:
- Latex insert can’t be washed.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A sturdy memory foam alternative at a great price.
Get it here: Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Best firm down pillow for next pain: Parachute Down Pillow
Standard Down Pillow | Parachute
If you’re, uh, down for a down pillow but are concerned you’re not getting enough neck support, consider the Down Pillow from Parachute. It’s a customizable pillow tailored to different sleep positions, catering to both back and side sleepers. Despite its fluffy appearance, the firm variant provides a substantial feel, ideal for individuals who desire a weightier down experience. The ethically sourced down filling ensures cleanliness and can be conveniently laundered to maintain freshness.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Down clusters (85%), feather fibers (15%).
- Outer cover material: Cotton.
- Firmness level: Firm.
- Available sizes: Standard, king.
- Price on publish: $130, $210.
What we like:
- Holds neck in place without getting lumpy.
- Soft but sturdy.
What we don’t like:
- Price is a bit high.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Parachute Down Pillow is a great option for sleepers with neck pain searching for a firm down pillow.
Get it here: Parachute Down Pillow
Best pillow for back sleepers with neck pain: Purple The Purple Pillow
Purple The Purple Pillow
There’s a reason this pillow has such an unusual shape: The Purple Pillow boasts a polymer grid construction that, while weighty, effectively cradles the head and shoulders when sleeping on one's back. Purple also provides a higher loft version of the pillow featuring a latex core for those seeking additional support.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Polymer grid.
- Outer cover material: Washable mesh.
- Firmness level: Firm.
- Available sizes: Standard.
- Price on publish: $249.
What we like:
- Two booster layers for adjustable support.
- The patented GelFlex grid quickly adapts to your head.
- 100-night trial.
What we don’t like:
- The pillow is heavy, which can be tricky if you move during the night.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A uniquely shaped pillow that comes through in the end, providing a solution for back sleepers that will last a long time.
Get it here: Purple The Purple Pillow
Best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain: Pillow Cube Side Cube
Pillow Cube Side Cube
The Side Cube’s distinctive rectangular shape features 90-degree edges crafted to bridge the gap between the shoulder and neck, ensuring exceptional support and alignment. Only available in a universal five-inch height, those requiring different dimensions can explore the brand's latest offering, the Side Cube Deluxe.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Solid memory foam.
- Outer cover material: Polyester and spandex.
- Firmness level: Soft to medium.
- Available sizes: Standard.
- Price on publish: $54.99.
What we like:
- Made especially for side sleepers.
- Boxy shape supports proper spine alignment.
- Temperature regulating core.
What we don’t like:
- You need to commit to side sleeping.
- Not ideal for those who roll a lot.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
It's worth noting that this pillow's shape is ideally suited for dedicated side sleepers, rather than individuals who frequently shift positions during the night.
Get it here: Pillow Cube Side Cube
Best pillow for stomach sleepers with neck pain: Layla Sleep Kapok Pillow
Layla Kapok Pillow - King
For stomach sleepers, a low loft is important. The Layla Kapok pillow provides a fill that is fully customizable, allowing you to adjust it according to your preference. For stomach sleepers, that means removing excess fill to achieve your desired pillow height.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Mix of shredded latex and Kapok fiber.
- Outer cover material: Polyester and rayon blend.
- Firmness level: Adjustable.
- Available sizes: Queen, king.
- Price on publish: $109, $129.
What we like:
- Customizable height.
- High customer satisfaction.
What we don’t like:
- Not washable.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The combination of shredded latex and natural Kapok fiber offers a plush yet supportive feel.
Get it here: Layla Sleep Kapok Pillow
Best pillow for combo sleepers with neck pain: Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow Ultimate
Sleep Number Comfortfit Pillow - Curved - Standard
Crafted with shredded foam and a down alternative, this pillow features removable layers, allowing for effortless customization to accommodate various body shapes — a feature distinguishing it from other models on the market. It provides ample neck support, making it an excellent choice for both back and side sleepers alike.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Blend of memory foam pieces and premium down alternative fibers.
- Outer cover material: Lyocell.
- Firmness level: Adjustable.
- Available sizes: Standard, king.
- Price on publish: $139.99, $159.99.
What we like:
- Three pillow shapes let you find the right level of comfort.
- Smooth, soft cover.
- 100-day return policy.
What we don’t like:
- Adding or removing layers can be tricky in the middle of the night.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
If you sleep on your back and/or side and want an adjustable pillow, but you don’t like pulling out messy handfuls to tailor the amount of fill, this one’s for you.
Get it here: Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow Ultimate
Best high end pillow for neck pain: The Noble Head Pillow
The Noble Head Pillow
The Noble Head Pillow is a high-end option with an array of customizable features. Its adaptable design caters to sleepers seeking precise firmness and loft adjustments, ensuring optimal comfort and reduced neck pain throughout the night.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Wool, shredded latex or memory foam.
- Outer cover material: Gusseted sateen cotton pillowcase.
- Firmness level: Medium soft, medium firm, firm.
- Available sizes: Standard, queen, king.
- Price on publish: $349, $369, $399.
What we like:
- Highly customizable (firmness level, fill, size).
- High quality outer material.
- 45-day trial period.
What we don’t like:
- Tends to need readjusting throughout the night.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
For sleepers who rest easier knowing they paid a premium, this is the pillow of your dreams.
Get it here: The Noble Head Pillow
Best memory foam pillow for neck pain: Tempur-Pedic Breeze° Pro + Advanced Cooling Pillow
Tempur-Pedic Breeze° Pro + Advanced Cooling Pillow
Crafted from a solid core of memory foam wrapped in a layer of cooling gel, this memory foam pillow gives you the luxurious feeling of sinking softly into your bed. It also gets high marks from customers, who commend its outstanding support and comfort, as well as its ability to keep them cool throughout the night.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Memory foam with cooling gel.
- Outer cover material: Not listed.
- Firmness level: Medium.
- Available sizes: Queen, king.
- Price on publish: $229, $279.
What we like:
- Solid neck support.
- A comforting sinking feeling.
- Cooling gel.
What we don’t like:
- No return policy.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A unique, solid pillow with options designed for sleepers of all positions.
Get it here: Tempur-Pedic Breeze° Pro + Advanced Cooling Pillow
Best adjustable pillow for neck pain: Sleep is the Foundation Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Sleep is the Foundation Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
With memory foam that’s cut into chunks (so it’s easy to pull apart and mash back together), this memory foam pillow is squishy enough to cuddle but not too soft that it won’t do its main job: providing custom support for your neck.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Gel-infused shredded memory foam.
- Outer cover material: Quilted cover.
- Firmness level: Adjustable.
- Available sizes: Queen, king.
- Price on publish: $96, $108.
What we like:
- Easy to mold to fit your neck curves.
- Pull apart memory foam makes it easy to adjust fill level.
What we don’t like:
- Internal fill isn’t washable.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A great, adjustable pillow made by experts whose main focus is providing a comfortable night’s sleep.
Get it here: Sleep is the Foundation Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
How we selected the best pillows for neck pain
Our selections were made through a combination of expert advice, personal experience, and ensuring everything on our list has majority positive customer reviews, especially in terms of longevity, construction and value.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What type of pillow material is best for neck pain?
This will depend on your sleeping style and preferences. According to Shifflett, you should generally look for material that can accommodate the weight of your head and the angles of your neck, jaw, head and shoulders. Also, look for sturdy material that won’t lose its form throughout the night.
Is it better to sleep on a soft or hard pillow for neck pain?
This will depend primarily on your preferred sleeping position, says Shifflett. Back sleepers may want a softer pillow to cradle their head more, whereas side sleepers may find that a firmer pillow helps support the side of the head.
How do you choose a pillow thickness?
Again, this is best found through trial and error. Shifflett recommends thinking about the width of your shoulders, the firmness of your bed and how you prefer to sleep (on your back or side) as major deciding factors.
Realted article: How to use a pillow for neck pain, according to experts
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.