The Best Pillows for Neck Pain, According to Customer Reviews

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When you're crouched over your laptop during the workday or scrolling through social media on your phone at night, good posture is probably not the first thing on your mind. But over time, poor posture can lead to chronic neck pain and sleepless nights. This is also true if you're using an unsupportive pillow, but switching to one that promotes proper alignment can help alleviate symptoms. That's why we browsed thousands of online reviews and found 14 pillows that customers recommend for neck pain.

The 14 Best Pillows for Neck Pain in 2021

• Most Comfortable: Tempur-Ergo Neck Pillow

• Best for Back Sleepers: Core Products Cervical Support Pillow

• Best for Side Sleepers: Sleep Artisan Luxury Side Sleeper Pillow

• Best for Stomach Sleepers: Belly Sleep Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pillow

• Best Wedge Pillow: Coop Home Goods Bolster Pillow

• Best Contoured: Nature's Guest Orthopedic Cervical Pillow

• Most Supportive: Cradle Me Cervical Pillow

• Best for Travel: K Ka Ua Cervical Bolster Pillow

• Best Cooling: Layla Kapok Pillow

• Best for Headache Relief: Nature's Guest Adjustable Cervical Orthopedic Pillow

• Best Shredded Memory Foam Pillow: Coop Home Goods Eden Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

• Best Adjustable Pillow: Pancake Pillow The Adjustable Layer Pillow

• Best Water Pillow: Mediflow Fiber The Water Pillow

• Best Organic: Avocado Organic Molded Latex Pillow

Common Causes of Neck Pain

Research shows that about 30 percent of the population experiences neck pain at some point during their lives, typically during middle age. It's a very common cause of discomfort that can affect people of all ages, says W. Christopher Winter, MD, president of Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine.

Neck pain isn't usually a cause for concern, but rather an annoyance. In younger people, neck pain is more commonly caused by injuries from exercise, Dr. Winter says. As we get older, degeneration starts to set in, and arthritis, pinched nerves, and herniated discs can all contribute to neck pain. And certain environmental factors—like the way you sit at a desk, exercise, and sleep—can make matters worse.

In particular, if you've been using the same old pillow every night for years, it may not be doing you any favors. "Many people are using pillows that have not been selected for their own body size and neck configuration," Dr. Winter says. "It's just the pillow that was around."

The good news is that you can relieve some of that neck pain—or prevent it from happening in the first place if your sleeping position is the cause—by investing in a supportive pillow that'll improve your nighttime posture. A 2019 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that improper neck support can cause stiffness in the neck, but patients with chronic neck pain were able to reduce it by switching to a pillow that helped them maintain the correct cervical curve.

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 (rather than feather) 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.

Most Comfortable: Tempur-Ergo Neck Pillow

Fan-favorite bedding brand Tempur-pedic is known for its super comfortable mattresses, so it should come as no surprise that this contoured pillow is just as comfy. Designed to relieve pressure and support your head, neck, and shoulders, this customer-loved option conforms to your body but still retains its shape over time. Shoppers say the memory foam material feels plush but offers ample support. One person called it "a must for those with neck and shoulder issues" while another said: "The small-sized pillow is almost perfect for me. The foam's not hard enough to hurt my ear or give me a headache, but also not so soft that my head sinks straight down to the mattress. It's very supportive and keeps my neck properly aligned. I wake up with no neck pain or stiffness."

Best for Back Sleepers: Core Products Cervical Support Pillow

The best option for back sleepers, this cervical pillow has a concave center that cradles the head, while a cervical roll at the bottom supports the neck. Its cotton material feels soft and breathable, and it comes in a few different firmness levels so you can easily customize it to your liking. More than 1,400 customers recommend this supportive pillow specifically for neck pain. One reviewer said: "I've had chronic neck and back issues for years and know all too well just how important the proper pillow and sleep positions can be for keeping your spine and body healthy. I was introduced to this pillow by my physical therapist and it was just what my neck needed."

Best for Side Sleepers: Sleep Artisan Luxury Side Sleeper Pillow

Created for people who sleep on their sides, this pillow features a curved design that supports the neck and shoulders. The latex neck pillow comes with an organic cotton cover for added comfort and breathability. What's more, it's super easy to customize—if the pillow feels too firm, you can simply unzip the cover and take some of the latex fill out until you reach your desired firmness. "This is seriously the best pillow I've ever had (especially for side sleeping)! It's the definition of soft yet supportive and fully adjustable to your needs," one shopper raved. "I recently had cervical spinal fusion surgery and I have tried every type of pillow out there. I had almost given up when I found this." Another called it the "perfect side sleeper pillow."

Best for Stomach Sleepers: Belly Sleep Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pillow

More of a belly snoozer? Try this flat, thin pillow from Belly Sleep, a brand that specially designs comfy bedding options for stomach sleepers. The thinner shape of the pillow helps keep the head in a neutral alignment as you sleep on your stomach, while the memory foam material conforms to your body so you wake up pain-free. What's more, it's made with cooling gel memory foam—making it a great option for hot sleepers—and comes with a moisture-wicking bamboo and polyester cover that's machine-washable for easy cleaning. Hundreds of reviewers rave over how great the pillow is for stomach sleepers, with multiple people calling it a "game-changer." "Due to a physically demanding job that also involves considerable travel, I tend to have a lot of neck and shoulder pain," wrote a shopper. "And belly sleeping is actually not good for your neck, but I can't sleep any other way. This pillow has absolutely eliminated my neck pain which neither chiropractic adjustments nor massages could do for me. I am beyond thrilled."

Best Wedge Pillow: Coop Home Goods Bolster Pillow

Whether you're pregnant or just find that you can never get fully comfortable on your current pillow, this half-moon wedge pillow may be just what you need. These uniquely shaped pillows are comfortable yet supportive and can be used in four different positions to help with alignment. What's more, you can adjust the height of the pillow and remove the foam inserts for the perfect fit. One shopper called it a "great support pillow" and said: "Love it! I had disc surgery about one year ago and this pillow is perfect to relieve the pressure on my lower back when sleeping on my back. It's also super comfortable for side sleeping."

Best Contoured: Nature's Guest Orthopedic Cervical Pillow

This contoured cervical pillow is designed to cradle the head and neck for proper alignment. The customizable design includes a zipper opening that allows you to adjust the inner microfiber filling to your liking; this way, you can make the neck pillow as soft or as firm as you'd like. It even has a soft, cooling outer layer for a good night's sleep. "This pillow has got to be one of the most comfortable pillows I have ever tried," one shopper wrote. "And I have headaches, neck issues, and a whole lot more pain, so I am constantly buying pillows. At least once a month. And they all end up feeling like I am sleeping on bricks. But this one feels like a cloud. I am in love with this pillow!"

Most Supportive: Cradle Me Cervical Pillow

If you're looking for serious support for your neck and spine, this unique butterfly-shaped orthopedic pillow is your best bet. It's made with plush yet supportive memory foam that contours your head and neck, resulting in proper spine alignment as you snooze. Perfect for any sleeping position, it's also odorless and hypoallergenic. One shopper, who titled their review "The most comfortable night's sleep I've had since I was a child!" said: "I have neck stiffness and pain from TMJ and an accident when I was a teenager. I'm 49 now and was waking up unable to turn my head from side to side every morning with my old pillows. I did a little research and found this butterfly pillow and figured I'd have to go through a few different kinds to find what I needed. But the very first night I slept on this thing, my neck improved drastically. I woke up able to move my neck! No stiffness and no pain!"

Best for Travel: K Ka Ua Cervical Bolster Pillow

If you travel often, this ergonomic pillow roll is a great option for keeping your neck pain-free no matter where you are. The firm 4-inch bolster pillow offers optimal support whether you opt to use it for your head and neck or in between your legs for relief from back pain. Made with comfy memory foam and a breathable bamboo-polyester cover, it can fit easily into carry-on bags. One reviewer shopper raved that after trying this pillow, their "neck pain has reduced immensely" Another said: "I'm a back sleeper and up until recently, have been experiencing a lot of pain. After buying this pillow I'm finding myself waking up fully refreshed. It has great neck support that molds to fit your body. I'm very satisfied."

Best Cooling: Layla Kapok Pillow

Made from copper fibers and breathable kapok fabric, which is renowned for its soft and airy cloud-like feel, this top-rated pillow from Layla, an editor-favorite sleep brand, prevents heat from being trapped while cradling your neck—so every side is the cool side. Inside, reactive memory foam provides optimal cushioning and moldability so it can conform to your head and neck, ensuring proper alignment and support. Additionally, it can be adjusted to match your loft preference for even more comfort. It's earned a seal of approval from back, side, and stomach sleepers alike. "Super soft, just the right amount of support, loft, and versatility when adjusting and moving around," one reviewer wrote. " It feels luxurious and like heaven when laying down. It keeps a neutral temperature… No more neck or shoulder pain!"

Best for Headache Relief: Nature's Guest Adjustable Cervical Orthopedic Pillow

When a headache or migraine strikes, you'll want a contouring pillow to stabilize your head and back in addition to supporting your neck. With the Cervical Orthopedic Pillow from Nature's Guest, sleepers receive advanced cervical support by aligning the head, neck, and back. It's also designed to offer customized neck support; position your head higher on the pillow for greater support, or lower for a more moderate level. Plus, you can adjust the memory foam inside to better accommodate your pain. "This pillow has changed my life," shared one Amazon shopper. "No more headaches first thing in the morning. I feel like I tried everything to help with my neck, and this was the only product that helped."

Best Shredded Memory Foam Pillow: Coop Home Goods Eden Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Shredded memory foam offers more breathability than its solid core memory foam counterpart. And since it's shredded, they are ideal for sleepers that love to scrunch, smush, and really smoosh into their pillow. Earning an impressive 4.5-star rating from Amazon shoppers in addition to more than 2,800 perfect reviews, the Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow combines gel-infused and microfiber memory foam to deliver an all-around comfortable feel that is also incredibly cooling. Suitable for every sleep style, it's built with a supportive gusset to give it structure and promote alignment. "I usually have to use more than one pillow, but last night using the Eden pillow, I only needed that pillow," explained one reviewer, who noted that they were suffering from "extreme neck and back pain" due to a car accident. It's even won over "picky pillow" people. "I will tell you that we do not take pillow purchasing lightly," another wrote, adding that they'd been experiencing "some slight neck stiffness" upon waking. "This pillow eliminated all issues!"

Best Adjustable Pillow: Pancake Pillow The Adjustable Layer Pillow

If you're very particular about how lofty and cushioned your pillow is, investing in a quality adjustable one like this one from Pancake Pillow will enhance your sleep. Unlike traditional adjustable pillows, this one is stacked with six microfiber-filled pillows that can be removed and added as desired. This customized height will help support and align your neck, eliminating pain and discomfort while you catch some Zs. "What is amazing about these is that they are totally moldable for someone who has true neck problems," raved one reviewer. "Until these, I couldn't sleep through the night. Since my cervical spine is basically attached to my rib cage with rods, I needed something that would conform to ME rather than me conforming to the pillow."

Best Water Pillow: Mediflow Fiber The Water Pillow

Not getting enough support from your traditional memory foam pillow? Then it may be time to switch to a water pillow, which provides excellent support to the neck as well as the head, back, and shoulders with their adjustable designs. The thickness level can be easily controlled by filling the pillow with more water, and stays stabilized throughout the night for continuous support. This pick from MediFlow utilizes the benefits of a chiropractic water pillow and adds comfort with its cushioned fiber layer. Its insulated water pouch is secure, so you can rest easy without worrying about leaks. According to reviewers, once you make the switch, you'll have a hard time going back to regular pillows. "It is the only pillow that I've had that allows me a good night's sleep without waking up in the morning with neck or shoulder pain," one shopper who's been using these pillows for over a decade shared.

Best Organic: Avocado Organic Molded Latex Pillow

Eco-friendly and comfortable, the Avocado Molded Latex Pillow features an organic cotton cover that is soft-to-the-touch. At the center of the pillow is its moldable charcoal-infused latex core, which offers a higher firmness level than most pillows and is ideal for those in need of greater neck support that is evenly distributed. According to the brand, this type of firmness is best suited for people who sleep on their back and side. Hot sleepers will also enjoy this pillow because of its breathability and ability to wick away moisture and repel odors. "I have a lot of neck problems, and this pillow really makes a difference on how I wake up [the] next morning," one shopper said, praising how the security, stability, and height of the pillow promotes proper alignment. "[It's] very sturdy yet nicely comforting, with just the right amount of cushion and softness."