Best Firm Pillow: Tempur
The Tempur-Pedic Neck Pillows shape may help support the neck and head.
According to the company website, the pillow allows for comfortable sleep for both back and side sleepers.
The pillow is available in four sizes:
- Small: 20 x 12 x 3 in
- Medium: 20 x 12 x 4 in
- Large: 20 x 12 x 4.5 in
- Travel: 10 x 12 x 4 in
Furthermore, the Tempur-Pedic pillow has:
- an extra-firm feel
- a polyester knit hypoallergenic cover
Price: The Tempur-Pedic Neck Pillow starts from $109.
Choosing The Right Materials To Guard Against Neck Pain
Once youve settled on the right loft and firmness, its time to focus on the material details. From foam to feathers, pillows can be filled with all kinds of materials So lets explore some of the most popular ones below:
If youre still not totally sure which material sounds right for you, dont worry were about to get up close and personal with each one. But before we do, theres one last thing to consider: when to replace your pillow.
What Pillow Materials Are Best For Neck Pain
The best pillow for neck and shoulder pain is firm enough to hold your head at a healthy angle, but soft enough to alleviate pressure points. Most sleepers find success with either a memory foam, latex, buckwheat, or feather pillow, as these materials offer the best balance of support and pressure relief.
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Can Replacing Your Pillow Improve Neck Pain
If youre experiencing neck pain, it could be the fault of your pillow. Especially if its old, it might not be supportive enough anymore.
Swapping for a new pillow doesnt mean your neck pain will magically go away, though. Pillow preference is personal, and what works for one person might not work for you. So a bit of experimenting is to be expected.
Additionally, not all neck pain is the fault of a bad pillow. If a new pillow doesnt seem to help, be sure to talk with your doctor.
What To Look For In A Supportive Pillow
According to Dr. Winter, latex and memory foam pillows are best for achieving the proper sleeping alignment, and experts say that those who slept with latex or memory foam pillows woke up less and had better sleep quality.
Dr. Winter recommends choosing a pillow that’s designed for your sleeping position of choice, as well as one that is specific to the size of your body and your sleep position. And aside from the medical considerations, the choice of a proper pillow is about comfort, which can be highly personal.
Keep reading to learn why shoppers say these soft-yet-supportive options are the best pillows for neck pain.
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What Kind Of Pillow Do Chiropractors Recommend
The best pillow will vary from person to person. Chiropractors will recommend pillows based on a persons particular needs, taking into account their sleep preferences and any health conditions or injuries they have.
According to a , a visco-elastic polyurethane pillow could be useful in conjunction with chiropractic treatment to reduce neck pain.
Cervical Pillow Buyer’s Guide
If you decide to search for a cervical pillow to alleviate your neck pain by merely heading to Amazon or another site and searching pillow for neck pain, you are going to receive an overwhelming number of results. It is incredible to see just how many different neck and shoulder support pillows are on the market today.
Going into this shopping process without a general idea of what you are looking for might not be the best approach. Our buyer’s guide aims to answer any questions you may have about the best neck pain pillows and where to find them, taking into consideration your sleeping positions and preferences.
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Best Pillow For Neck Pain Overall: Coop Home Goods The Original Pillow
Why We Like It: The Original pillow uses hypoallergenic, memory-foam-and-microfiber fill, which you can take out or add in for a thicker or thinner pillow, depending on your needs.
Its Worth Noting: It may be too soft for those who prefer a firm pillow.
Our best overall choice for a pillow that relieves neck pain is Coop, The Original from Coop Home Goods because of its versatility. One thing that all three of our experts made clear: There isnt a one-size-fits-all best pillow for people with neck pain. Your body shape, sleep position, and personal pain points all come into play for what will be comfortable for youwhich is why the adjustability of this pillow from Coop Home Goods is your universal best bet.
The Original Pillow comes standard with a healthy loft but then, it has a zipper opening so you can take out some of the fill to make a flatter pillow, or add more in from the included extra half-pound of fill for an even higher loft. So, if your sleep position or pain points change, you can adjust the same pillow instead of having to buy a new one.
What makes it stand out from other adjustable pillows is that the Coop Original is filled with medium-firm fill made from memory foam and microfiber. Not only do you get the natural body-conforming features of memory foam, but it’s also hypoallergenic and GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US® certified, so it won’t cause irritation.
Price at time of publication: $72
Product details:
Best Memory Foam Pillow: K Ka Ua
The K Ka Ua is a cylindrical cervical neck pillow.
It measures 17 inches x 4 in, and the company claims it provides support for the neck, knees, and back.
According to the company website, the K Ka Ua uses memory foam and conforms to the shape of the neck and back.
Also, the pillow comes in a hypoallergenic bamboo pillowcase.
Some of the other features this memory foam pillow comes with include:
- a weight of 8.8 ounces
- dimensions of 17.9 x 4 x 4 in
- a removable pillowcase
- a firm design that provides support
Price: K Ka Ua pillow has a list price of around $25.
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Best Cooling: Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow
If you have neck pain and are a fan of memory foam, Jordan Duncan, DC, a chiropractor at Silverdale Sport & Spine in Silverdale, Washington, recommends this pillow.
It’s made from T& N adaptive foam, which is a much higher-caliber material than what other memory foams are made of, such as latex, Duncan says. It also comes with a three-year manufacturer warranty and promises to maintain its adaptive shape and firmness throughout that period of time.
In addition to its soft and supportive feel, it has cooling technology, so it’s a good pick if you tend to sweat in your sleep. Duncan recommends this pillow for any sleeping position.
âBuy it:â âPrice:â $68
Best For Combo Sleepers: Purple Harmony Pillow
Why We Like It: The Purple Harmony Pillow was thoughtfully designed with a unique internal grid structure and hypoallergenic latex core to support your head and neck in any sleeping position.
Its Worth Noting: This pillow is on the expensive side, but they do offer a 100-night trial period.
We know: $179 is a lot for a pillow. But for that price, youre getting a near-perfect design thats more than worth it if youve tried out dozens of pillows to no avail.
Purples pillows use a proprietary honeycomb-patterned grid thats been specifically formulated and engineered to provide both head and neck support and optimal airflow. That unique design creates comfortable support from the moment you lay down and its responsive if you move around throughout the night. The grid is paired with a premium Talalay latexwhich Purple says wont irritate allergies the way a natural rubber latex might. Talalay latex shares the contouring properties of memory foam but stays cooler. Thanks to those internal materials, this pillow wont fall flat over time or with use, either. Hot sleepers will appreciate the moisture-wicking, breathable mesh cover that keeps you from overheating.
While youll be spending a pretty penny on this pillow, the brand offers a 100-night sleep trial if you try it and feel like it doesnt live up to the hype.
Price at time of publication: $161
Product details:
- Trial or guarantee: 100-night sleep trial
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How Long Does A Pillow Last
An excellent place to start when determining how long any product will last is to look at the warranty. The median warranty length of the 16 pillows we tested was 2.5 years. This is a reasonable amount of time to expect your pillow to last, especially considering your comfort preferences will change over time, often necessitating a new pillow.
Remember warranties typically only cover flaws in the pillow’s construction or extreme degradation while used normally. The warranty may not cover replacement if the pillow is destroyed due to an accident, such as a spill. To protect against spills, we recommend buying a pillow protector.
Once you’re done with your pillow, you have several options for repurposing, donating, or recycling it. If you have a pet, they may enjoy using it as a bed. Or, if your pillow is still in great shape, you might donate it to an animal shelter, homeless shelter, daycare facility, or charity in your area. If you go this route, check with the facility before dropping it off since many organizations do not accept used pillows.
If you can’t repurpose or donate your pillow, look for a textile recycling facility in your area.
How Should I Sleep To Avoid Neck Pain
To avoid neck pain, its best to sleep on your back or your side. Your head and neck should be on your pillow, while your shoulders remain slightly below it. Your head should also be parallel to the mattress, rather than tilted at an angle. Alignment is key: You want your ears, shoulders and hips to be in a straight line. Any gaps in between the mattress and your body should be filled with a pillow to reduce excess stress. Youll want to avoid overly high pillows, which is why an adjustable option like the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow can be such a great choice. If you sleep on your side, putting a pillow between your knees can be a great way to minimize pain.
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Other Tips For Sleepers With Neck Pain
In addition to choosing the right pillow, you can reduce neck pain through lifestyle changes like adopting proper posture, taking stretching breaks, and generally being more active. People who experience neck pain should avoid shoulder bags, slouching, and long periods of sitting at the computer.
- Choose the Right Mattress: Your bodys overall position is influenced not only by your pillow, but also your mattress. Plusher mattresses allow your body to sink down further, meaning youll need a lower-loft pillow. The opposite holds true for firmer mattresses, which will require a higher pillow to maintain proper alignment of the neck and spine.
- Engage in Physical Therapy: From daily habits to more serious regimens, there are plenty of exercises you can do to relax your neck muscles and relieve strain on the neck, shoulders, and upper back. A certified massage therapist or chiropractor may also be able to help. Always consult a health professional before starting any kind of treatment.
- Use Ice or Heat: Many people with neck pain receive instant relief from a hot or cold compress, or from taking a warm shower. This may not cure your neck problems, but it can be a helpful short-term solution.
Best For Tension Relief: D
The manufacturer claims this pillow helps relieve headaches, neck spasms, and tension. It also claims that this pillow is suitable for back and side sleepers.
The company provides different advice depending on a persons sleeping position. For instance, side sleepers should use the raised areas of the pillow.
Back sleepers, on the other hand, should initially use the thinner edge and progress to using the pillows thicker edge.
The product page lists some other features:
- virgin polyester fiber fill
- a cotton and polyester cover
- a shaped center that cradles the head
- dimensions of 24 x 16 in for the full size, and of 22 x 15 in for the midsize
According to the company, it may take several weeks for the body to adjust to the pillow. To begin with, a person should alternate between using this pillow and their current pillow.
Price: D-Core Cervical Support Pillow has a list price starting from around $38.
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Best Pillows For Neck Pain 2022
Keep reading to learn more about each of these pillows unique qualities and specific build thats aligned with our idea of the best pillow for neck pain! The type of pillow you might need will vary differently depending on your body shape, size, weight, and individual preferences. Because a pillow can play such an important role in neck pain, we have tested each of our pillow picks to make your search easier.
Best Affordable Core Products D
Available in two sizes to fit your head and neck length, the D-Core cervical pillow is one of the best under $30, making it the cheapest traction pillow worth buying!
- Best for: Relieving neck pain on a budget
- Materials: polyester fill, cotton/polyester blend
- Warranty: Walmart protection plans available
It is designed so that one edge has low cervical support and the other edge has higher support . Either side is raised just enough for side sleepers too.
We also really like that this pillow fits into a standard pillowcase with that classic rectangular shape. If you want to relieve neck pain, ease headaches, and improve your posture without feeling like youre stuck on an orthopedic pillow, we highly recommend the D-Core.
The only issue is it can take up to a few weeks for your body to adjust to this pillow so dont expect instant pain relief!
Why we like it: although the support is as firm as a memory foam pillow, this D-Core pillow feels a bit more natural and fluffy-pillow-like with its polyester fiberfill.
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Best Contoured: Epabo Memory Orthopedic Pillow
- Price: $39.99-49.99
- Sizes: standard , queen , king
The EPABO Memory Orthopedic Pillow features an ergonomic contour that may suit back and side sleepers. The contoured design cradles the head, helping keep the spine aligned and relaxed.
The manufacturer writes that this pillow uses breathable memory foam to keep people cool while they sleep.
A person can also adjust the pillow to suit them. It features a removable piece of foam at the back, which can lower the resting position of the head for people who find the pillow too high.
The company describes this pillow as firm. The pillow has a rayon-polyester case and a memory foam fill.
Pros:
Best Sleeping Positions For Neck Pain
Generally, if youre experiencing neck pain, its best to sleep on your back or side.
Sleeping on your stomach, especially if youre sleeping with a pillow thats too thick, can put excess pressure on your cervical spine and cause neck pain.
Keep your neck aligned with your body. You may want to place a pillow under your knees to keep your spine in proper alignment.
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Best Pillow For Back Sleepers With Neck Pain
Neck pain sufferers who sleep on their back will appreciate the balance of softness and support afforded by the adjustable Brooklinen Marlow Pillow.
- Best for: Back and side sleepers
- Available sizes: Standard and king
- Fill: Memory foam and polyester fiber
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
Pros: Comfortable for back and side sleepers, adjustable firmness/loft
Cons: Not ideal for stomach sleepers, not machine washable
When the Insider Reviews team is chatting about our favorite bedding, Brooklinen always comes up. The brand makes the top picks in our weighted blanket and down pillow guides. The shredded memory foam/polyester blend is another impressive product from Brooklinen.
I slept incredibly well on the pillow. It cradled my head, keeping it aligned with my spine, whether I was on my back or side. During the 10 nights I slept on it, I didn’t experience neck pain.
Though you can’t add or remove fill, it features a zipper system for making it more or less firm. If you want a softer feel with a higher loft, you simply unzip the zippers along the lengths of the pillow. Zip it up for a firm feel.
Unzipping the pillow reveals a mesh gusset that lends a level of breathability to the Marlow. I preferred the softer, cooler feel and added loft of the unzipped pillow.
The Marlow comes with the longest risk-free trial of any pillows we tested.
What To Consider When Looking For A Pillow
We asked a physical therapist and a sleep posture researcher all about the most important qualities in a pillow that will relieve neck pain. Overall, research shows1 that the ideal pillow for neck pain should be soft but not too high, provide neck support, and be allergy-tested and washable. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what to look for:
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Best Pillow For Neck And Back Pain
The Coop Home Goods Original Pillow offers thoughtful features like adjustable fill, a washable pillow cover, and an impressive 100-night trial, making it an excellent choice for individuals with neck and back pain.
- Best for: All sleeping styles
- Available sizes: Queen and king
- Fill: CertiPUR-US certified shredded memory foam and microfiber
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Care instructions: Remove foam fill before washing in cold water, delicate cycle. Do not use fabric softener or bleach. Tumble dry low until the inner casing is completely dry before use.
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros: 5-year warranty, machine-washable encasement, removable fill that lets you customize the feel, 100-night home trial, hypoallergenic, comes with extra fill for extra loft
Cons: Has as an initial odor firmer, sinking feel of memory foam may not appeal to some sleepers
The Coop Home Goods Original Pillow has much in common with our top pick, the Layla Kapok. Both are on the firmer side and have adjustable shredded memory foam fill, so you can get a customized feel to match your sleeping style.
The Coop pillow is usually about $40 cheaper, but the Kapok has a little longer trial period. Both come with a five-year warranty.
A few mornings, I awoke with neck pain after sleeping on the Coop pillow, even after adjusting the loft. However, I didn’t experience back pain while testing it, a rarity.
We tested 17 pillows for this guide. These are the ones that didn’t make the cut.
