Best Neck Pain Pillows of 2023 | base to sleep (2023)

Neck pain plagues many Americans and the causes are not always clear. If you frequently wake up with neck pain, your pillow may be partly to blame. Your pillow's function is to keep your neck and head at the right height to avoid unnecessary strain. A pillow that is too high or too low can increase pressure as the neck tries to compensate for the lack of support.

In our tests, we look at how well they stand up to wear and tear, decide who finds them comfortable, and determine whether or not they can help relieve neck pain. Since weight and sleeping position affect the feel of your pillow, be sure to use testers from multiple weight groups and sleeper types. We also make sure all pillows are tested on the same mattress so our ratings are consistent.

Best pillows for neck pain video

Watch our video below to learn more about our lab's top pillow options for neck pain sleepers.

Read our top picks to learn more about each one's unique materials and properties. In the Buying Guide section, we'll detail why you might have neck pain and how your pillow can help. We'll take a closer look at how pillow posture and construction can improve comfort, and teach you what to look for when purchasing a pillow for neck pain.

Product Details

The Saatva latex pillow convinced many of our testers thanks to its customizable design. This feature was successful with our team's side and stomach platters.

how it worked

You can choose to use the inner pillow and core together, or just the inner pillow. Sleepers on our team who prefer flatter models liked the inner pillow, which is 2 cm high and softer to the touch. If you sleep on your side, we recommend using both pillows. This configuration has an 8-inch loft that helps keep a side sleeper's head and neck in line with other areas along the spine.

A thick gusset helps the pillow maintain its full shape, earning high marks in our shape retention tests. Thanks to this feature, you don't have to fluff it up very often. Latex and cotton are naturally breathable materials, so the components inside don't retain much body heat, and the pillow slept quite cool during our tests.

what's it made of

The core contains crushed Talalay latex that feels equal parts soft and responsive. Down alternative microdenier fibers cushion the inner pillow to increase softness without sacrificing support. The outer layer is made from breathable organic cotton. As a bonus for homeowners, both the cover and microdenier pillow are home washable, so you'll save yourself the hassle of hand washing or dry cleaning bills. Queen and king sizes are available.

As part of your purchase, you can add two satin pillowcases at an additional cost. Saatva offers free shipping to all customers in the contiguous US. The pillow is backed by a 45-night trial and 1-year warranty.

Read our full Saatva latex pillow review to learn more.

Pillows that effectively reduce neck pain can be a little pricey, but the Original Groove Pillow is affordable without sacrificing quality or performance. The ergonomic design is especially beneficial when you wake up with neck stiffness or pain.

how it worked

With a loft of 4.5 inches, the pillow has received its best reviews from side and back sleepers. The solid foam core feels adaptable, but a firm feel and ergonomic design should keep your head and neck from sinking too low. We were also impressed with the breathable mesh cover, which noticeably offsets the foam's heat-absorbing properties.

what's it made of

The pillow's core is made from firm memory foam infused with bamboo charcoal to balance heat retention. An ergonomic shape helps alleviate discomfort by elevating the neck and cradling the head, and an average 4.5-inch loft should be comfortable for both side and back sleepers.

The cover is made from breathable polyester mesh with a luxuriously soft hand. You can remove the cover and machine wash it to keep your pillow hygienic. Wash cover with white then air or machine dry. Weighing just over 2 pounds, the pillow is very light and easy to reposition during the night. One size is available.

In addition to the pillow's below-average price, you'll receive a 10% to 20% discount when you add two, three, or four pillows to your purchase. Shipping is free on most orders, but the price is pretty low if you pay for delivery. Groove's sleep trial lasts for 100 nights, during which you can return the pillow if it doesn't meet your expectations.

The Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow has an unconventional shape with a recessed shoulder center that conforms to your body when sleeping on your side. This adapts to your shoulders and provides the support you need to reduce neck pain.

how it worked

The pillow has a relatively high fill power, which our side sleep testers really liked. This thickness helps keep your head and neck in line with the rest of your body as you sleep on your side. While the pillow was designed specifically for side sleepers, our team's back sleepers, weighing up to 230 pounds, also liked the mid-size feel of this model.

Latex feels more responsive, and that kept the pillow from sagging under the weight of our testers' heads. Thanks to the use of breathable materials such as cotton and latex, the pillow performed extremely well in our temperature neutrality tests. We recommend this model if you are prone to heat or sweat at night.

what's it made of

The filling is a mix of latex and polyester fibers that offers enough strength to keep your head up. Latex is a naturally breathable material and the padding features gel infusions for added cooling. Padding can be added or removed to adjust loft, which also affected strength during our tests. You can also buy extra stuffing if you prefer an even thicker profile. The pillow has a breathable organic cotton/polyester blend cover that is machine washable for easy care.

The Eli & Elm Organic Cotton Side Pillow is offered in one size only, which fits a queen or king mattress. Shipping to the contiguous United States is free. The pillow comes with a 45-day return policy and a 5-year warranty.

The adjustable design of the Luxome LAYR Adjustable Pillow accommodated most of our testers, regardless of their loft and firmness preferences. Each pillow comes with three inserts. Luxome encourages you to mix and match insoles to find your ideal loft and firmness level.

how it worked

The softer pillow is better if you like extra fluffy pillows. Our team's sleepers liked the soft feel that provided an even sleeping surface. The second insert has a slightly firmer feel but also provides deep padding for the head and neck. This option performed best with our back testers, whose needs tend to be more flexible. The firmer pad, on the other hand, offers consistent support, which has made it popular with our side sleepers. You can also remove inserts to customize the attic to your needs. Thanks to the breathable components, the pillow slept fairly cool during our tests, despite the foam inserts' tendency to retain heat.

what's it made of

A bamboo viscose cover surrounds the inserts. The softer insert is made from alternative down fibers, the middle feels like shredded gel-infused memory foam, and the two firmer inserts contain solid gel-infused memory foam. Mesh panels on the sides promote airflow throughout the interior, and the fabric has moisture-wicking properties. The cover and shells are machine washable, but you should not wash the foam or down filling. Standard/queen and king sizes are available.

The LAYR Customizable Cushion is affordably priced. If you order two pillows, you get 50% off the second model. All customers in the contiguous US are eligible for free ground shipping. Luxome allows returns and exchanges within 30 days from the date of delivery as long as the pillow is clean and undamaged.

If you suffer from neck pain at night, you can greatly benefit from a pressure-relieving pillow. We found that the Silk & Snow pillow provided just enough padding to cradle your neck, reducing pressure buildup while still providing moderate support.

how it worked

Due to the adjustable design, the Silk & Snow was compatible with most of our testers' sleeping positions. Even the prone sleepers on our team, who generally have a harder time finding a suitable pillow, found this pillow comfortable. When you sleep on your stomach, you usually need low pillows to keep your head in line with your spine. This pillow lets you remove large amounts of foam to achieve that low loft. The plush padding and memory foam combine to provide excellent contouring for the head and neck, which goes a long way towards pain relief. At the same time, we found that the pillow retained a medium feel that kept our testers' heads from sinking too deeply into the pillow.

what's it made of

The pillow features a shredded memory foam core that helps elevate your head while remaining pliable. The foam core is surrounded by a microfiber padding chamber that mimics the plush feel of down and cushions the head and neck. A breathable cotton cover wraps around the pillow. This cover is also removable and machine washable for easy care. Silk & Snow recommends washing on the cold cycle and tumble drying low.

Silk & Snow offers a 100-night trial sleep, where you can try the mattress and return it after a mandatory 30-day break-in period. The pillow is also backed by a 3 year warranty. Shipping within the contiguous United States and all Canadian provinces is free.

The Plant-Based Sweet Zzz Pillow features a core of botanically sourced alternative fibers that provide deep cushioning for the head and neck. This gesture and average feel made the Acute Pressure Point Pillow popular with our testers.

how it worked

The medium feel offered a comfortable balance of cushioning and support that most of our team liked. Our tests found that back sleepers particularly appreciated the mid-zone sensation, which helped keep the body in an even plane while relieving pressure on the neck. You can also take advantage of the pillow if you tend to sleep hot, as the fibers retain less heat than traditional down. The cover is naturally moisture-wicking, making it a great choice if you sweat a lot at night.

what's it made of

Natural cotton makes up the cushion cover, which is breathable and moisture-wicking. The core of the pillow consists of two layers of plant fibers. The outer layer contains soft fibers that provide excellent cushioning for the head and neck, while the inner layer has firmer, denser fibers for extra support. The pillow is fully machine washable. Just wash it in cold water on the gentle cycle and tumble dry on low heat.

Two sizes are available: Standard and King. Along with the competitive price, you're entitled to free shipping if you live in the contiguous US, and Sweet Zzz offers a 50-night sleep trial. Purchases of plant-based pillows are backed by a 1-year warranty that covers structural defects.

Boll & Branch has built a solid reputation for providing luxury sleep products at affordable prices. The low chamber pillow embodies the brand's commitment to quality and affordability. This pillow comes in three density levels, allowing most people to choose at least one comfortable option, regardless of their primary sleeping position.

how it worked

Our team has tested all three lower chamber pillow density levels. The soft design sinks a little deeper, resulting in a lower profile that was more comfortable for stomach sleepers. If you sleep on your back, we recommend the medium density pillow - you should get adequate neck support without excessive lift. The side sleepers on our team preferred the firm pillow for its extra volume and thick profile.

During our temperature control tests, we found that the down retains some heat, but the breathable outer layer promotes adequate airflow to avoid uncomfortable heat. The chambered design distributes the filling evenly so you don't have to fluff the pillow as often, but the down and feathers ensure a pliable, cozy feel. You may first notice a slight odor, which is common with down pillows.

what's it made of

The pillow is constructed with three chambers. Soft pillows contain down in all three chambers. Down fills the outer chambers of medium and firm pillows, creating a soft surface for the head and neck, while down fills the core to provide support and prevent uncomfortable sinking. The pillow has been certified to the International Down Standard, indicating that all geese are treated humanely.

A breathable cover made from organic cotton wraps around the filling. The pillow is fully machine washable. Wash in cold water on gentle cycle, then tumble dry on low heat. Boll & Branch recommends washing the pillow no more than once every 3 months to preserve its structure. Standard and king sizes are available.

In addition to affordable prices on bedding pillows, Boll & Branch offers free shipping on all orders within the US. Returns are accepted within 30 days as long as the pillow is in perfect condition with the original tags intact.

There are some adjustable pillows on the market, but most require adding and removing padding. This process can be a little time consuming. The innovative Marlow Pillow allows you to easily unzip or unzip to change the level of loft and firmness. Three configurations are available, and most of our testers found at least one that felt comfortable and provided adequate neck support.

how it worked

Our testers rated the firmness and loft of each Marlow pillow. The taller, tighter configuration with a two-way zipper felt more comfortable for side sleepers, filling the gap between the neck and the downturned shoulder. With one size unzipped and the other closed, the pillow has a medium loft and feel. Our back sleepers preferred this configuration, while our stomach sleepers were more comfortable with a lower profile and softer feel.

The Marlow Pillow's temperature control varies by configuration, as the zipper on both sides creates a barrier between your head and the mesh vents. However, the cotton shell is quite breathable and the memory foam is infused with cooling gel, so overheating shouldn't be an issue for most people. Plush filling also ensures good malleability.

what's it made of

The Marlow Pillow contains a blend of shredded gel-infused memory foam and down alternative fibers. You'll notice some contouring around the head and neck, with increased softness from the fiber fill. The cover is made of 100% cotton. If you want a full loft and a tighter feel, close both sides. Opening on one side makes the pillow slightly flatter and softer, while opening on both sides creates a low profile and a soft feel.

You should only clean the pillow if stains appear. Frequent fluffing may be necessary to redistribute the stuffing and achieve a complete shape. Standard and king sizes are available.

The Marlow Pillow has a great sticker price and shipping is free within the contiguous US. Receive 25% off your total purchase when you order two pillows and 40% off when you order four. The pillow comes with a generous sleep test that lets you test it for up to 365 nights before deciding to return or keep it. If you choose the latter, you'll receive an additional 2-year warranty against construction defects.

Many down pillows we've tested sag and don't provide enough support, but the Brooklinen Down Pillow is a notable exception. This pillow comes in three levels of firmness, and the firm option provides excellent support to keep your neck high and comfortable.

how it worked

The firm feel of the Brooklinen Down Pillow has a compartmentalized design with softer down on the surface and denser feathers forming the core. This ensures you get more neck support without sacrificing the soft feel of natural down. The highest loft seemed comfortable for many of our team's side sleepers. The down and feathers did compress a little during our lab tests, but the pillow provided ample cushioning for this group. Belly and back sleepers may prefer one of the milder options.

what's it made of

Down - which refers to the soft inner feathers of geese and ducks - is a popular pillow material due to its naturally soft and airy nature. This pillow's down and feathers slept exceptionally cool in our tests, and the cover is made from soft cotton with a satin weave. You don't have to worry about this pillow absorbing and blocking body heat like foam pillows do. The down materials are certified by the Down Association of Canada (where the down is made) to ensure the down is ethically sourced.

Down pillows can be quite expensive, but the Brooklinen model is less expensive than other down pillows we've tried. Brooklinen offers an exceptionally long 365-night sleep test and a 1-year pillow warranty.

What is neck pain?

The neck is responsible for supporting all the weight of the head and it is not surprising that this delicate part of the body is very prone to injury. the 2018disease burden of the United StatesStudy found that neck pain is gaining importance as a leading cause of disability in the American population. Most sources estimate that between 25 and 30 percent of people experience neck pain each year. Although many episodes of neck pain resolve naturally, for some it can become a chronic condition with adverse consequences for their quality of life.

Neck pain can be caused by many factors. It can result from an injury or a chronic condition, such asArthritis, or it can result from daily habits, such as poor posture or sitting too long in front of the computer. Although symptoms vary, people with neck pain often experience:

• Neck pain, especially with repetitive activities or sitting for long periods
• limited freedom of movement
• Headache
• muscle cramps
• poor sleep quality

If you're experiencing severe pain or additional symptoms, or if you're not sure what's causing your neck pain, it's a good idea to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Regular exercise and a healthy body weight should play a role.positive impactfor chronic neck pain. OAmerican Chiropractic Associationpoints out that neck pain is often associated with high levels of stress and obesity.

neck pain and sleep

The 8 hours you spend in bed every night is a critical time when you have neck pain. The positions you adopt when sleeping can relax or add stress to your neck. As part of your sleeping environment, a supportive pillow should promote proper neck and spine alignment.

An unsupportive pillow can not only make your neck pain worse, it can alsostudies showthat the wrong pillow can be the direct cause of nighttime discomfort. This leads to night awakenings and creates a vicious cycle that makes it difficult to get the rest you need to recover from neck pain.

Your pillow is unlikely to be the sole cause of your neck pain. However, choosing the right pillow and adopting a healthy sleeping position can help relieve pressure on your neck. You must replace your pillow when it can no longer provide adequate support.

How to choose a pillow for neck pain

If you suffer from neck pain, choosing the right pillow can be an important step towards living a pain-free life. The right pillow depends on your individual needs. We'll guide you through key considerations, including choosing the best material, shape, and thickness for your unique sleeping style.

What should be considered when buying a pillow for neck pain?

Most people don't think much about their pillow other than choosing a pillow that feels nice and soft for instant comfort. This means that when we realize that our pillow could be contributing to neck pain, we may not know how to choose it.best pillow. If you're in this position, you could be vulnerable to deceptive marketing and end up choosing an inappropriate pillow for your needs.

To help you get started, we've compiled a list of the most important factors. By focusing on these factors and having a basic understanding of pillow properties and construction, you can find the pillow that fits you best.

Which pillow materials are best for neck pain?

The best pillow for neck and shoulder pain is firm enough to keep your head at a healthy angle, yet soft enough to relieve pressure points. Most sleepers find success with a memory foam, latex, buckwheat or feather pillow, as these materials offer the best balance of support and pressure relief.

• memory foam:Memory foam adapts to heat and pressure, forming a supportive cradle around your head and neck.Memory foam pilloware hypoallergenic, inexpensive and widely available, in solid or crushed form. However, they have a limited lifespan and the material's slow response to pressure can be frustrating if you're a mixed sleeper. The material also tends to retain heat.
• buckwheat:The buckwheat hulls naturally weave together and hold their shape, making them a great choice for head and neck support. As a natural material, buckwheat is naturally breathable, allergen resistant, durable and environmentally friendly. in the background,buckwheat pillowtend to be high priced and can take a little getting used to as they are not as soft as other types of traditional pillows and make noise when changing positions.
• Feder:Good qualityfeather pillowthey are soft and offer excellent customization. They are also often adjustable, allowing you to adjust the puff by removing feathers or adding more. Unfortunately, feather pillows tend to lose volume as the feathers compress over time. Many people also find that the springs can shift under the weight of the head, affecting the support they provide.
• Latex:Natural latex has a buoyant feel that keeps your neck in place while minimizing pressure points. Manylatex chestsfeature central holes for better temperature regulation. The biggest downside to latex is that latex pillows are usually one piece, so you can't mold them into a custom shape. While many people are turning to latex as a natural and sustainable option, organic and other certifications tend to drive up the price.
• Below:Down is made from the inner feathers of ducks and geese and is extremely soft and light.feather pillowcan be refurbished at will. Due to the high price of down and its ability to cause allergies in some people, many sleepers choose italternative pillows, made of polyester fibers. Unfortunately, both down and down pillows lose their shape easily and tend to be too soft to provide adequate neck support.
• Polyschaum:Most polyfoam pillows provide some contour and respond to pressure more quickly than memory foam, although like memory foam they retain heat. Polyfoam pillows are lightweight, affordable and hypoallergenic. However, they will develop permanent indentations over time and will need to be replaced more often than other types of pillows.

What is the best pillow placement for neck pain?

Sleep experts recommend sleeping on your back or side for neck pain. Sleeping on your stomach causes your head to tilt at a sharp angle and your spine to curve, which puts unwanted pressure on your neck. If you only sleep on your stomach, choose a low-height pillow to minimize pressure.

For best results, back and side sleepers should ensure their head, neck and upper spine are in a straight line. Sleeping with a pillow that is too high or too low can cause pain. Likewise, sleeping with your head turned to one side or the other can cause neck pain.

• Raised neck side:In order for those who sleep on their side to avoid neck pain, it is important to keep their head aligned with their spine. OBest pillow for side sleeperswith neck pain should have a loft equal to the distance between the ears and the edge of the shoulders. This means that if you have broader shoulders, you generally need a higher loft. Because your neck naturally sits higher than your head, neck pillows have a raised under-neck area that provides neck support and promotes proper alignment.
• Back with two pillows:Typically, pillows for back sleepers should be a medium height that lifts the head just enough to be in line with the back of the neck. But back sleepers face a similar problem to side sleepers, as most pillows do not support the highest curvature of the neck. If you are struggling to find a suitable support pillow, you can opt for a small rounded pillow under your neck in addition to your main pillow for added support.

More tips for those who sleep with neck pain

In addition to choosing the right pillow, you can reduce neck pain with lifestyle changes like adopting proper posture, taking breaks to stretch, and being more active in general. People with neck pain should avoid shoulder bags, bending over, and prolonged sitting at the computer.

• Choose the right mattress:Your body's general position is affected not only by your pillow, but also by yourmattress. Thicker mattresses will sink your body even deeper, which means you need a lower loft pillow. The opposite is true for firmer mattresses, which require a higher pillow to maintain proper neck and spine alignment.
• Engage in physical therapy:From daily routines to more serious regimens, there are many exercises you can do to relax your neck muscles and relieve stress on your neck, shoulders and upper back. A certified massage therapist or chiropractor can also help. Always consult a doctor before starting any treatment.
• Use ice or heat:Many people with neck pain get immediate relief from a hot or cold compress or a warm bath. This may not cure your neck problems, but it can be a helpful short-term solution.

common questions