13 best pillows for neck pain 2024, tried & tested
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Whether you're dealing with debilitating chronic neck pain, morning migraines, or just a pesky stiff neck, investing in one of the best pillows for neck pain is essential for getting a good night’s sleep. But a more personal endeavour than searching for the best mattress, bed frame, or all seasons duvet, finding the perfect pillow can feel a bit like searching for the Holy Grail.
Essentially, the right neck pain pillow for you will offer a bespoke level of support that can ease those persistent niggles. Designed to cleverly mould to the contours of both your head and your neck — and ensure neutral alignment of your spine — memory foam is the pillow material that typically steals the show.
That said, if memory foam feels a bit too firm, consider a high-tech hybrid pillow or a unique cervical pillow — both of which will hold your head, neck, and shoulders in an optimal position, which reduces stress and promotes a peaceful slumber.
We’ve rounded up some of the best pillows that promise to turn that elusive dream of waking up pain-free into a morning routine reality. It could even be time to break up with your chiropractor. Sweet dreams.
SKIP TO: Why does my pillow make my neck hurt? | What is a cervical pillow? | Is side sleeping bad for neck pain? | Which pillow materials are best for neck pain? | Could my mattress be causing my neck pain? | How firm should my pillow be for neck pain? | Could my mattress be causing my neck pain? | What is the best rated pillow for neck pain? | How we tested pillows for neck pain | Our full reviews.
Meet the experts:
- James Leinhardt, founder and sleep expert, Levitex.
- Sally Bonser, spokesperson at Silentnight.
Why does my pillow make my neck hurt?
“Your pillow might be causing neck pain for two main reasons,” says James Leinhardt from Levitex. “Firstly, consider its height. It needs to give enough lift to your head to keep it in a neutral position. We recommend getting someone to take a photo of your sleeping position and if you can see your neck is stretched or overly elevated, your pillow might be too high. Or, if you're waking up and you have a bad neck and shoulder pain, then your pillow is too low.”
“Secondly, a lot of ‘bouncy’ pillows are just full of air making it impossible to be able to take the weight of your head, which is typically 4 to 6 kilograms. This will lead your head to sink into your mattress like a bowl of porridge, contributing to the pain. Think of pillows like shoe sizes; you’re most likely not the same shoe size as your partner, so why would you have the same size pillow? Opt for a pillow that matches your size and keeps your neck in a neutral position that's aligned with your mattress,” James says.
What is a cervical pillow?
“Cervical pillows are a great neck pillow option for those who need orthopaedic support, as they feature an ergonomic contoured design that works to alleviate any discomfort and align your body correctly while you sleep," Sally explains.
Typically a weird and wonderful shape, cervical pillows generally have interesting features like winged sides, indents, and unique contours to ensure even weight distribution. It's worth noting though, that some of the best pillows for neck pain come in regular rectangular shapes – focusing more on what's going on in the inside.
Is side sleeping bad for neck pain?
“For me, side sleeping is actually the best sleeping position for neck pain, but only if it is done in the correct way,” advises James. “If you fall asleep comfortably but always wake up with neck pain, then ask yourself what happens between when you fall asleep and when you wake up. We recommend falling asleep in the ‘dreamer’ position which is when you lie in the semi-foetal position with your knees bent.”
“This is well evidenced to put the least amount of tension through your spine whilst you sleep. If you can, sleep with any pillow in between your knees and ankles. You will feel more stable, and this will support the top leg and avoids internal rotation at hips. Think of a good seating posture – the Dreamer is the same, just on your bed. Remember: your neck is the most delicate part of your spine – so invest in it,” he says.
Which pillow materials are best for neck pain?
When searching for a pillow to alleviate neck pain, it's important to consider the materials, too. Natural components like bamboo and cotton are not only sustainable but also excel in temperature regulation, keeping you cool and comfortable all night long.
It's worth bearing in mind that memory foams are not created equal and can come with various health-boosting properties, such as a cooling gel-infused foam. Latex pillows are similar to memory foam in that they offer excellent support and contouring — but they tend to be a bit firmer and more responsive. They're also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers.
How firm should my pillow be for neck pain?
It varies from person to person, but generally speaking, the best pillows for those dealing with neck pain are medium-firm — as that provides the perfect balance of response and support. Crucially, your pillow needs to hold your neck in alignment with your head.
Therefore, your typical sleep position is also really important. For example, while stomach sleepers will be best suited to a soft and low loft pillow that keeps their head close to the mattress, side sleepers will need to fill the gap between their neck and shoulder with something as little thicker that helps align the spine. Still not sure? If in doubt, definitely consult your doctor.
What is the best rated pillow for neck pain?
There are so many pillows for neck pain on the market, which can be quite daunting when you don’t know what shape or firmness will benefit you specifically. Our bodies have natural curves, so flat and thin pillows are a no-go when it comes to maintaining the health of our spines, while feather and down pillows offer little in terms of consistency. Ultimately, it’s just down to your personal preferences.
Tempur's Original Medium Firm/ Medium Support Pillow scored highly amongst back and side sleepers due to the targeted support it offers offers the back, neck and shoulders. It’ll cradle you and ensure the correct spinal alignment throughout the night to avoid any pains come the morning.
But it's hard to find anyone who didn't feel instantly less achey after sleeping on the Simba Hybrid Pillow. Supremely comfortable, supportive, and cooling, there seems to be a new review left for it each day from another happy customer who swears that it's cured their neck pain.
How we tested pillows for neck pain
We snoozed our way through a range of pillows over a number of months to see which ones fared best on our neck, and which were the most comfortable. We weighed up effectiveness with affordability, taking into account the full gamut of price points available. To back up our real life testing, we also scoured online customer reviews and feedback as well as taking recommendations from sleep experts in the industry.
After more sleep content? Head this way for low platform bed frames and in this direction for mattress protectors, cooling pillows, the best memory foam pillows, body pillows, duvets, bed sheets and weighted blankets. Phew.
Treat your neck to one of the best pillows for neck pain below.
1/14Emma Original Foam Pillow
Specifications:
- Pros: Adjustable height; machine-washable cover; 30-night money-back guarantee.
- Cons: None from us.
- Fill material: Gel memory foam.
- Outer cover material: 98% polyester and 2% elastane.
- Firmness level: Medium/soft support.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
- Sizes available: One.
In the best-selling Emma Original Pillow, the star of the show is definitely the feather-light Gel Memory Foam layer right underneath the cover that perfectly hugs and supports your neck. Underneath that, the Visco Memory Foam layer optimally distributes pressure and weight, and helps to evenly support the head and shoulders.
Not got quite the right level of support? Its three foam layers are completely interchangeable — so the height and comfort level can be customised to suit your specific requirements. But for side sleepers, you'll want to keep all three layers intact for maximum support.
- 2/14
Aeyla The Dual Pillow
Specifications:
- Pros: Osteopath-approved; proven effective pain relief; 30-night trial.
- Cons: None from us.
- Fill material: Microfibre fill.
- Outer cover material: 100% Cotton.
- Firmness level: Medium/soft support.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
- Sizes available: One.
Boasting a unique 2-in-1 design, The Dual Pillow from Aeyla features a soft and super comfortable pillow on top of a thicker and more supportive one. Designed to stay plump all night with just the right level of bounce, it adapts to suit all sleep positions — so even if you toss and turn in the night, you should still be able to enjoy an uninterrupted and pain-free night's sleep.
With its innovative design offering targeted support to alleviate neck, shoulder, and back pain, it's not surprising that this best-selling Aeyla pillow has been endorsed by award-winning osteopaths all across the UK.
Made with a high-quality microfibre fill, it's the perfect long-lasting down alternative pillow — and it delivers the ideal balance of comfort and support.
3/14REM-Fit 500 Cool Gel Pillow
Specifications:
- Pros: 5-year guarantee; best cooling pillow; 30-night money-back guarantee.
- Cons: None from us.
- Fill material: Microfibre fill.
- Outer cover material: 100% Cotton.
- Firmness level: Medium/soft support.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
- Sizes available: One.
Voted the top memory foam pillow by both Good Housekeeping and Women's Health, this award-winning pillow features cool gel-infused memory foam that helps you maintain the correct spinal alignment.
Whatever your sleep position, this pillow will provide excellent pressure relief. Plus, the clever Re-Ax® Technology pillowcase cover wicks away moisture, to help ensure a more cool and comfortable night's sleep.
“As a side sleeper, I like a pillow that's firm yet soft and plush. After trying this pillow for 30 days, it definitely met my expectations. One pillow gave the ideal amount of head support, with the memory foam offering the perfect give without feeling like I was drowning in it. I also found myself consciously noticing the cooling effect and found it easier to sleep, even on warmer nights.” — Lian Brooks, Audience Development Manager.
- 4/14
The Simba Hybrid Pillow
Specifications:
- Pros: Amazing reviews; really breathable; great for side sleepers.
- Cons: Can't find any!
- Fill material: 100% polyester fibres (Simba Renew Bio™)
- Outer cover material: 100% Better Cotton, with Stratos® finish
- Firmness level: Soft to medium. The brand describes it as having, “an adjustable, supportive inner core.”
- Hypoallergenic? Yes
- Sizes available: One size.
The SIMBA Hybrid Pillow has in-built airflow channels to keep the pillow breathable during sticky nights, making it ideal for hot sleepers. The adjustable core is designed to support the neck and head — and the height and firmness can be easily adjusted by simply adding or removing some of the Nanocubes.
It's definitely a pillow on the pricier side, but if you're a regular sufferer of neck aches and pains, we think it's a solid investment.
“Having already switched to a firmer mattress to help with my back pain, I was longing for a firm pillow to help alleviate my neck pain – and long story short, I genuinely have no idea how I've gone so long without one. Since switching to this pillow, my neck pain has eased, which is something I've struggled with for years.” — Denise Primbet, Beauty Commerce Writer.
Save money on our top picks for the type of pillows suitable for side sleepers with neck pain with these Simba Sleep discount codes.
5/14Brightr® Luna Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow Bundle
Specifications:
- Pros: 2 pillows; adjustable; fully machine-washable.
- Cons: Noting of note!
- Fill material: 100% shredded memory foam
- Outer cover material: 100% polyester, infused with copper anti-bacterial fibres.
- Firmness level: Medium-firm — but you can adjust its loft and support thanks to the brand's signature IQillow™ pillow design.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes
- Sizes available: One.
In this brilliant bundle, you'll get two plush Brightr® Luna pillows — so you and your significant other can look forward to a pain-free sleep each night.
A great option if you suffer with headaches and shoulder discomfort, this pillow helps correct your sleeping posture, and provides proper spinal support — all you need to do is adjust its height and level of firmness to suit your sleeping style. Bye, bye, upper back, shoulder, and neck pain!
6/14kudd.ly Dream Pillow
Specifications:
- Pros: Adjustable; suited to all sleep positions; 30-day trial period.
- Cons: Noting of note!
- Fill material: 100% recyclable shredded microfibre memory foam.
- Outer cover material: 100% cotton and CLOUDpad™ removable lining.
- Firmness level: Adjustable.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes
- Sizes available: Two.
Engineered to provide the perfect sleep — whether you're a tummy, back, or side sleeper — this best-selling pillow is designed to be adjusted to perfectly fit the curves and shape of your body. Essentially, you can create a completely bespoke pillow that provides the right level of support you require.
"I'm very particular when it comes to my pillows; I can't stand anything too firm (people who enjoy hard pillows terrify me) or too soft and unsupportive. So I recently opted for the Kuddly Dream Pillow which is adjustable. Crafted from OEKO-TEX certified materials, it's enclosed in a incredibly smooth cotton cover and feels super comfortable whether I'm sleeping on my back or side, so I'd highly recommend if you're a picky pillow person like me." — Ali Pantony, GLAMOUR's Website Director.
7/14Comfortzone Side Sleeper Contour Pillow
Specifications:
- Pros: Affordable; fully machine-washable; good reviews.
- Cons: Really only for side sleepers.
- Fill material: Synthetic.
- Outer cover material: 100% responsibly sourced cotton.
- Firmness level: Firm.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes
- Sizes available: One.
Although it doesn't look quite as sophisticated and high-quality as some of the more premium ergonomic pillows, we still reckon that this pillow is a trusty alternative if you're on a bit of a budget. Boasting clever contours and a firm support level, it's been designed to keep your back and neck aligned if you're sleeping on your side.
It's filled with naturally breathable hollowfibre, has a 230 thread count cover that's super soft to the touch, and is perfectly fine to throw in the washing machine. Plus, you can even tumble dry it on a low setting.
8/14John Lewis Carefree Comfort V-Shaped Support Pillow
Specifications:
- Pros: V-shaped; multi-use; machine-washable.
- Cons: Sometimes a bit lumpy.
- Fill material: 100% polyester.
- Outer cover material: 52% polyester, 48% cotton.
- Firmness level: Medium.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes
- Sizes available: One.
From popping you up post-surgery, to doubling up as a great support cushion for breastfeeding in bed, there are lots of different ways you can use a classic v-shaped pillow. But primarily, they're great for those struggling with aches and pains due to improper spinal alignment.
A fail-safe solution for back and side sleepers, this pretty affordable pillow offers excellent support — and is also easy to care for as the whole thing can be flung in the washing machine. Just remember to give it a proper plump and shake afterwards so that the stuffing doesn't all clump together!
9/14Levitex Sleep Posture Pillow
Specifications:
- Pros: Eco-conscious; antimicrobial; great reviews.
- Cons: Nothing from us.
- Fill material: 100% Levitex foam.
- Outer cover material: 100% Nylon cooling cover.
- Firmness level: This is a firm pillow, but with the softest, most supple cover.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
- Sizes available: Small, medium, large, extra large.
If you're looking for a bespoke pillow buying experience, Levitex has your back – and more specifically, your neck. Crafted from innovative Levitex foam, this mini marvel promises to perfect your sleep posture, soothe pressure points, and tune into your body's proprioceptive needs.
A truly practical pillow, we love that it's one of the few options that comes in multiple sizes — four to be exact — and its antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties make it a great pick for people with allergies.
It's not just a pillow; it's your new sleep therapist. Prepare to bid adieu to the snooze button and neck niggles of the past, and get ready for the best sleep of your life.
10/14The Original Groove Pain Relief Pillow
Specifications:
- Pros: Affordable; promotes spinal alignment; hypoallergenic.
- Cons: Not for front sleepers.
- Fill material: Bamboo charcoal memory foam.
- Outer cover material: A washable Scuba pillow protector.
- Firmness level: Firm.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
- Sizes available: One.
This cervical style pillow has garnered a lot of fans, and it's easy to see why. Thanks to the way it expertly cradles your head as you slumber, the pillow not only lays claim to banishing neck pain, but headaches, shoulder pain, and upper back pain, too. So you can guarantee that you'll wake up feeling far more refreshed.
While you're blissfully in the land of nod, the Groove, with its centred pit and winged shaping, applies gentle pressure to all your aches and stiff points, keeping your spine in the neutral position. This one's most effective for back or side sleepers.
By relaxing your muscles and promoting proper head and neck alignment, obstruction to the airway is also reduced — which allows you to breathe more easily, and can really help alleviate snoring.
11/14TEMPUR Original Medium Firm/Medium Support Pillow
Specifications:
- Pros: Removable washable cover; 3-year guarantee; great reviews.
- Cons: Nothing to see here!
- Fill material: Memory foam.
- Outer cover material: Polyesterelastane.
- Firmness level: Medium/firm.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
- Sizes available: Three.
This smart pillow uses NASA-approved materials — so if it's good enough for astronauts, then it's definitely good enough for us. Plus, we love that it comes in three different sizes, and helpfully also boasts a machine washable cover.
With its ergonomic design and innovative TEMPUR® Technology, it's been designed to conform to your unique natural contours and curvature. So, you should be able to fully relax into it, safe in the knowledge that your head, neck, shoulders, and spine will be kept perfectly aligned as you kip.
You'll find rave reviews from former neck pain sufferers — so it's little wonder it's a perennial best seller.
- 12/14
Brightr Stella Hybrid Adjustable Pillow
Specifications:
- Pros: Soft yet supportive; cooling technology; fully adjustable.
- Cons: Doesn't have a washable cover.
- Fill material: Cooling graphene memory foam mixed with a touch of soft down alternative fibres (much like its competitor, the Simba Hybrid pillow).
- Cover material: Recycled polyester fibres, and enriched with 40% of copper.
- Firmness level: Medium-soft — but you can adjust its loft and support thanks to the brand's signature IQillow™ pillow design.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
- Sizes available: One size.
If you're looking for a super plush pillow that's both airy and soft while remaining supportive, then this is the one for you. Plus, it even boasts built-in SolaceChill™ cooling technology that absorbs heat, and keeps you cool while you sleep.
With its fully adjustable clever 2-IQillow layer design, this pillow can be adjusted to suit any and every sleeping position. It's recommended to use both layers if you're a side sleeper, use just the medium loft layer if you're a back sleeper, and use only the low loft layer if you're a front sleeper. Plus, you can also add or remove filling as you please — so it's a supportive pillow that's truly made for everybody.
- 13/14
Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow
Specifications:
- Pros: 30-night trial; eco-friendly; approved by orthopaedics.
- Cons: Might be a little low for some.
- Fill material: Bamboo memory foam.
- Outer cover material: Soft bamboo mesh cover.
- Firmness level: Soft.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
- Sizes available: One.
This brilliant bamboo pillow has been designed to provide healthy neck support, and optimise spinal alignment thanks to its uniquely supportive 3rd generation memory foam. It's a great pick for front, back, and side sleepers alike, and has many great reviews from people who previously suffered with neck pain.
Infused with naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial bamboo, it's also a great pillow for those with sensitive skin and allergies. Plus, it's also highly breathable and moisture-wicking — making it ideal for those who run hot.
“This pillow is protected by a soft, breathable and ethically-sourced bamboo case that is naturally antibacterial – protecting it against dust and dirt so it lasts. I used to hate memory foam as I never thought it was comfortable but this pillow has been game changing and has completed elevated my sleep. At under £50, I think it's great value for a high-quality memory foam pillow.” — Neamh Randall, GLAMOUR's Commerce Picture Editor.
Could my mattress be causing my neck pain?
Given that the best pillows for neck pain aim to perfectly align the head and neck with the rest of the spine, it follows that a supportive mattress is equally vital if you want to wave goodbye to neck pain once and for all. Even with the most supportive pillow in the world, if you have a mattress that sags in the middle, your spine won't be properly aligned and you may find that tension showing up in your neck.
Whether your preference is for a traditional pocket-sprung mattress, an intelligent memory foam product, or a high-tech hybrid, look for a medium-firm mattress that maintains your spine's natural curvature. It's all about creating a sleep environment that supports your body correctly.
