Testers Swear This $30 Pillow Is Amazing for Neck Pain

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Waking up with pain or stiffness in your neck is the worst way to start your morning. But, the key to reducing neck pain isn’t as simple as just any new pillow – it’s all about finding the best pillow for your sleeping position. If you suffer from chronic neck pain, you should always discuss the best course of action with your physician, but your old pillow could be contributing to your stiff neck. It might be time to upgrade to a top tested style.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab put 70 styles of pillows to the test, sending pillows to testers all over the country and evaluating each pillow in our Lab to get data on everything from comfort to durability and beyond. After analyzing over 4,000 data points, we found the best pillows to buy to reduce neck pain for all types of sleeping positions. Read on to find our top tested pillows for neck pain:

Adjustable Loft Pillow

Waking up with a sore neck? Chances are, it's due to poor spinal alignment. Luckily, this pillow offers a simple solution: Adjustable fill. You can easily adjust it by adding or removing fill and find the perfect height to keep your neck aligned. Filled with a blend of shredded foam and polyester fibers, we found that it feels both supportive and plush, molding to your head and neck. Plus, it's got over 50,000 Amazon reviews.

Tester notes: Earning some of the highest scores in our in-Lab tests, it's no surprise that our at-home testers also gave it top scores. They unanimously agreed that it was better than other pillows they've slept on, noting improved sleep quality without any soreness after sleeping. One highlighted the comfortable feel, saying "It wraps around my head and I sink into it." The only snag? We noticed some wear on the cover after extended use.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Here's Why The Coop Home Goods Pillow Is Our Top-Tested Pillow

Rosenskärm Ergonomic Pillow

Using two layers of foam — a softer top layer and a firmer bottom layer — this pillow molds to the curves of your head and neck for pressure-relieving comfort and support. The solid foam provides a firmer feel than shredded options, while the subtle contoured design provides tailored support for back or side sleepers, depending on which end you're sleeping on. Keep in mind, while Ikea charges shipping fees, you can opt for free in-store pick-up.

Tester notes: The contoured design was a hit among our testers, and some even found it relieved their neck pain. On top of that, many testers were surprised by the affordable price point. One tester shared, " It was very comfortable, conformed to the shape of my head and bounced back to its original shape after each use."
Take note, this pillow is slightly smaller than a Standard-sized pillow should be, but it comes with a machine-washable cover that held up well in our tests.

Tempur-Neck Pillow

Contoured pillows are designed to fit the contours of your head, neck and shoulders for proper support. This one from Tempur-Pedic has been on the market for ages, standing the test of time, thanks to how well it supports your neck and keeps your ears in line with your shoulders. It's made of extra-firm memory foam and comes in three thicknesses, which are tailored to back and side sleepers of different statures.

Tester notes: Beyond acing our pressure tests, the firm, resilient foam received praise from several testers. Users who prefer firm pillows told us it felt supportive to lie on and highlighted how the foam slowly molds to your head and neck. One commented, "It fit around my neck and shoulder perfectly." That being said, if you prefer plush pillows, this one runs very firm.

Harmony Pillow

There's no pillow quite like this one from Purple. It's made of the brand's signature elastic grid material with a latex core and has a squishy, bouncy feel that falls between soft and firm. The grid has open channels for increased airflow, making it a great pick for hot sleepers, and cradles your head and neck while the latex offers excellent support. And while it's definitely a splurge, Purple offers a 100-night trial when you buy from its site, so you can sleep on it for a few months to make sure you love it.

Tester notes: It earned high scores in our in-Lab tests, washing beautifully and maintaining its shape during our weighted pressure testers. On top of that, it was a hit with our testers, especially those who sleep hot. One shared, "I loved that it did what it says it’s going to — maintain its shape, provide support and keep you cool." Other testers also noted that it kept their necks in a neutral position and looked nice on their bed.

PlushComfort Curved Pillow

Many swear that a cervical pillow is the key to reducing neck pain, since it supports your neck without tilting your head, instead cradling it in place. This one from Sleep Number is curved, fitting nicely along your shoulders, and is made with a polyester microfiber fill for a cloud-like feel that our consumer testers loved. However, if you're not a fan of the down-alternative polyester fill, Sleep Number offers a variety of cervical pillows with different fills, from memory foam to down, although this one performed the best in our tests.

Tester notes: The curved Plush Comfort pillow received rave reviews from testers for being comfortable and supportive without overheating. It grew on many, including one tester who said it "became very comfortable over time." Others found that it mimicked the fluffy feel of down better than other down alternative pillows and liked how they could easily re-fluff it when needed. Just keep in mind that, due to their unique shape, cervical pillows will not fit perfectly in a pillowcase.

Side Cube

Despite its odd appearance, this rectangular-shaped pillow is a game-changer for side sleepers. It perfectly fills in the gap between your shoulder and neck, offering unparalleled support. As a result, the foam pillow promotes proper spinal alignment in a way unlike any other. Beyond its unique shape, it comes in three heights to accommodate a range of shoulder widths.

Tester notes: Testers were shocked by just how much the Side Cube impacted their sleep. "I like that it has the same amount of support right to the very edge and doesn’t taper off, so my neck is totally supported," said one, "Before, I’d ball up extra pillow under my neck or sleep with my hand there." Others agreed, emphasizing how switching to it truly improved their sleep quality and gave it top scores. Note, because of its shape, it's best intended for true side sleepers rather than those who change positions at night.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Pillow Cube Is the Answer for Side Sleepers

Contoured Orthopedic Pillow

Designed to maintain the natural curve of your neck, this pillow from Dosaze has a curved shape to help cradle your head and help keep you aligned. It's made of solid memory foam for added support and is designed for all sleep positions, although our testers found it most comfortable when sleeping on their backs.

Tester notes: Testers liked how the orthopedic shape helped keep them still at night and prevented them from "twisting [their heads] into awkward positions," as they typically do. "I like that my neck feels supported when I sleep on my back," said one, "I haven't experienced any neck pain since I started using the pillow." Beyond high praise from consumers, it fared well in our in-Lab weighted pressure and laundering tests. Just keep in mind, while our testers generally reported less soreness while sleeping on their backs, they found it difficult to get comfortable in any other position.

Layla Kapok Pillow

For stomach sleepers, the Layla pillow has an adjustable fill, so you can find which height keeps your neck in a neutral position. The fill is a mix of Kapok, a natural fiber with a fluffy feel, and shredded memory foam. As a result, the blend offers a great balance between plush comfort and necessary support, making it great for stomach and back sleepers, as a too-firm feel can cause the neck to tilt. Note that this pillow cannot be washed unless all the fill is removed.

Tester notes: This pillow received the highest overall score from testers, with all testers giving perfect scores for comfort and support. One called it "soft yet supportive," and highlighted how it "holds its shape all night long." And although it leans soft, the fill impressed us in our in-Lab tests, bouncing back to shape quickly in our eight hour pressure test.

Down Pillow

Outperforming the rest, this pillow from Parachute is the best down pillow we've ever tested. It's easy to wash, fits seamlessly in a pillowcase, and keeps its shape after use. The fluffy down was a hit among our testers and excelled in our in-Lab evaluations. While we tested the medium density, the brand also offers soft and firm options plus a side sleeper down pillow that's designed to keep your neck aligned when sleeping on your side.

Tester notes: Our reviewers gave this pillow one of the highest scores overall with every tester reporting that they liked this pillow and would continue to use it. They raved about its soft feel, giving it perfect scores for comfort. One tester described it as "absolutely dreamy," comparing it to a marshmallow. Another noted, "This pillow had a lot of 'give' to it yet it returned to its original form quickly." Note that despite the high praise, one back-sleeper tester wished the medium-density version had a bit more support.

Original Foam Pillow

Tuft & Needle's Original Foam Pillow uses solid memory foam over foam clusters to cradle your head and neck for support and pressure relief. Beyond that, the foam is infused with graphite and cooling gel and has holes throughout for ventilation in order to prevent overheating. While some memory foam tends to slowly "sink-in" under pressure, this pillow has a squishy yet supportive texture that stands out compared to our other solid foam picks.

Tester notes: Overheating is a common complaint with memory foam pillows, but all of the testers said this pillow kept them cool. On top of that, it received top marks from side, back, and stomach sleeper testers alike, although some side sleepers found it a bit too short. Despite that, our reviewers unanimously agreed that it felt like an upgrade from the pillows they normally use. One described it as "firm enough to keep its shape but overall soft."

How we test pillows

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has evaluated all types of bedding, including pillows, for over a century through rigorous in-Lab and consumer testing. In recent years we've tested over 160 different pillows in the Lab with more than 600 unique consumer testers, including those suffering from neck pain, to find the best pillows available. Here are some of the aspects we evaluate when testing pillows:

✔️ Ease of use: We put each pillow in a standard pillowcase and gauge overall fit, noting any excess fabric or lack thereof on the edges,

✔️ Durability/Washability: Our analysts score each pillow on its care label instructions to see how easy it is to clean. We then wash the pillows and check for any changes, first after an initial wash and once again after several washes.

✔️ Performance: Depending on the type of fill (down or fiberfill vs. foam or latex), we place weights on each pillow for a set amount of time and record the amount of time needed for the material to fully recover (or bounce back). For down and fiberfill pillows, we first fold the pillows in half before placing weights on top.

✔️ Consumer testing: We also match consumer testers with a pillow based on their personal preferences and sleeping style. These users then try out the pillow over a series of weeks prior to rating it on overall comfort, support, temperature regulation and more. They also provide in-depth feedback on their experience, including any change in sleep quality or soreness over time.

✔️ Claim validation: Our analysts always vet the brand and product listing before verifying any organic certifications or other claims made.

Why is a pillow important for relieving neck pain?

We spend around a third of each day sleeping, so your pillow can have a big impact on neck pain and spine health. Dr. Naimish Baxi M.D., Physiatrist at The Hospital of Special Surgery in New York, says that “no study has determined definitively the best type of pillow to use,” but “to avoid neck pain during sleep, it’s important that your neck stays ‘neutral.’” An uncomfy pillow can not only cause neck pain, but also poor sleep quality, stiffness, and even headaches. To keep your neck and shoulders in a neutral position, you need a pillow that will keep your neck aligned without tilting in any one direction.

Things to keep in mind when shopping for pillows for neck pain

When it comes to pillows, the main factors to consider are the height and materials. To find what's best for you, consider your sleep position, body type and any personal preferences. Also make sure to check the care label, as not all pillows can be easily washed.

How to choose the right pillow thickness for neck pain

Making sure your pillow keeps your neck in a neutral position is the best way to prevent neck pain. When shopping, it's helpful to look for pillows designed for your sleeping position. Here's what to look for:

• Side sleepers need a thicker pillow to “keep their ears in line with their shoulders” to prevent their neck from extending in either direction when sleeping on their side, according to Dr. Jaspal R. Singh M.D., co-director of the Center for Comprehensive Spine Care at Weill Cornell Medicine.

• Back sleepers should opt for a medium thick pillow that still provides support to keep their neck aligned and prevent the neck from arching forward.

• Stomach sleepers should choose a thinner pillow to keep the neck in a neutral position. Placing a pillow under your shoulder can help keep your spine aligned too.

Remember to also consider your frame: Petite side-sleepers and side sleepers with broad shoulders won't need the same pillow thickness.

What type of pillow material is best for neck pain?

Pillows of all fill types can help reduce neck pain. Each type of pillow fill will have different characteristics that are important to know before purchasing.

• Down: For the ultimate fluffy pillow, all down pillows are the way to go. For a lower price, look for pillows that are part down and part feathers.

• Down alternative: If you have a down allergy or want a more affordable option, down alternative pillows are typically filled with polyester fiber that has a similar feel to down at a fraction of the cost.

• Memory foam: Pillows made with memory foam are available in two different styles: solid or shredded. Solid memory foam pillows are designed to give you that super supportive feel as your head sinks into the pillow, but the fill cannot move. Shredded memory foam pillows still give you the supportive feel, but the fill can be moved around for a plusher feel.

• Latex: Latex has a squishy feel similar to memory foam, but it bounces back much quicker. Like memory foam, latex pillows can either feature solid or shredded latex.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Emma Seymour is the senior textiles analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has rigorously tested more than 100 pillows in the Textiles Lab in recent years, and she has coordinated pillow sleep testing with hundreds of at-home reviewers. Emma has a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University and has been testing bedding for over four years at Good Housekeeping.

Grace Wu most recently updated this story. She's a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and oversaw recent in-Lab pillow testing of 21 pillows. Grace has previously written about the best mattresses for back pain and interviewed medical experts for additional insight. Prior to joining GH, she earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University.

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