The 10 Best Pillows for Neck Pain

Our neck sometimes feels like our body’s storage unit for all its stress and tension. Anxiety, stress or bad posture can all contribute to inflammation in the neck area, triggering headaches and disrupting our everyday lives. Unfortunately, heightened levels of isolated stress can gather in our necks and worsen if not addressed over time. And while a session or two with a masseuse or chiropractor can bring some pain relief, it may not be a sustainable solution for neck pain for most of us financially or in the long term.

One in four of us reportedly struggle with neck pain. However, with deep, healthy and restorative sleep, one can help to calm or prevent the stress that leads to neck pain. Maintaining a healthy cervical alignment while resting can be the difference between waking up feeling pain or waking up refreshed. Therefore, having an orthopedic pillow supporting your neck when you rest can be a long-term investment and an affordable tool in helping to relieve and fight neck pain. The hours we sleep are critical for our bodies to heal and restore themselves, and with the right pillow, we can help our bodies to stimulate this healing process more efficiently. Here we want to help you find relief by sharing our top picks for the best pillow for neck pain that can improve your sleep quality and provide significant relief.

The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed by the team. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader.

• Best Overall Pillow for Neck Pain – Layla Kapok Pillow
• Best Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain – Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pillow
• Best Down Pillow for Neck Pain – Brooklinen Down Pillow
• Best Pillow for All Sleep Positions – Saatva Latex Pillow
• Best Cooling Pillow for Neck Pain – Purple Harmony Pillow
• Best Pillow for Side Sleepers – Eli & Elm Ultimate Side Sleeper Pillow
• Best Adjustable Pillow for Neck Pain – Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow
• Best Organic Pillow for Neck Pain – Avocado Green Pillow
• Best Pillow for Back Sleepers – Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow
• Best Firm Pillow for Neck Pain – Casper Foam Pillow

A combination of supportive cushioning and soft comfort for our necks as we sleep can help to alleviate neck pain or prevent it in the first place. The Layla Kapok is an adjustable pillow with a filler blend of Kapok fiber and shredded memory foam to help your neck experience a healing rest each night. This fusion filler offers the pressure relief of memory foam with the soft fluffy comfort of Kapok (a natural fiber considered by many to be even softer than cotton). In addition, the pillow’s cover uses a breathable polyester infused with moisture-wicking copper fibers to help deliver a comfortable sleep-friendly temperature (8.5/10) for your head and neck.

Testers found this pillow to offer near-perfect support (9/10) for a sleeper’s neck and spine alignment. Furthermore, the Kapok fiber and shredded memory foam fill work together to contour to your head’s movements as you sleep, having testers giving the Layla Kapok an 8.5 out of 10 for its responsiveness. This pillow also uniquely offers easy loft adjustment, allowing you to customize it to your precise needs. Additionally, using only top-tier materials in Layla Kapok’s construction (9.5/10), the pillow is hypoallergenic and notably quite durable (8.5/10). For a cozy yet supported escape for our stiff necks to heal as we rest, we found the Layla Kapok to be our favorite for neck pain!

Memory foam is a favorite for sleepers struggling with neck pain because it can relieve pressure while offering stable neck support for a good night of healthy rest. The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud is a contour memory foam pillow that gently cradles your head, neck and shoulders while you sleep with exceptional support and maximum comfort. Tempur-Cloud uses a solid foam core surrounded by an ultra-soft, breathable and machine wash-friendly polyester cover. The pillow’s foam core is designed to respond to your neck and head as you move, consistently adapting to its precise shape with support and cushioning. The foam core also offers the pressure relieving benefits of memory foam while maintaining a level foundation for your neck. Furthermore, the pillow’s durable construction allows you to easily pack and take it with you on your travels, as it can be compressed and folded without disrupting its shape and feel. Tempur-Cloud is like a miniature and mobile memory foam mattress of support and relief for your neck, shoulders and head when you rest.

It is common to refer to sleeping on a cloud when describing the airy and cozy comfort unique to down pillows. The Brooklinen down pillow is available in three firmness options, each made for different sleeper types to best enjoy the plush airy feel of down. Each firmness option is determined by the ratio of down clusters to feathers, with more feathers increasing the pillow’s firmness for sleepers who need more support. The Brooklinen also includes a 100 percent sateen cotton cover that compliments its down core with a smooth and breathable exterior.

Brooklinen treats all their down and feather components with antimicrobials to make this pillow more hypoallergenic. Despite the plush and airy feel of down, some consumers may be weary of how these materials were sourced. Fortunately, Brooklinen has committed to sustainably and ethically sourcing its down and feathers from regulated farms in Canada. The Brooklinen must be spot-cleaned or dry-cleaned, so we recommend using a pillowcase. However, Brooklinen’s unique three firmness options determined by the down-to-feather ratio make this pillow a go-to for every type of sleeper seeking the dream-like comfort of down for their neck when they rest.

A versatile pillow that works for all sleeper types is something to appreciate when investing in a neck pain-friendly quality pillow. The Saatva Latex pillow is an ultra-luxury hypoallergenic pillow designed to provide comfort and relief for all types of sleepers. Saatva uses a natural latex core for a sturdy (9/10) foundation for spinal alignment, while supporting the natural curve of your neck while you rest. Surrounding this is an extra-fine down-alternative microfiber layer delivering an airy plush feel to your neck. Finally, the pillow’s cover is made with 100 percent organic cotton that helps maintain a breathable sleep-friendly temperature (9/10) and smooth exterior.

Saatva uses only top-tier materials in this pillow’s construction (9/10) that not only deliver support (9/10), but make this pillow eco-friendly as well as reliably durable (8.5/10). Additionally, the pillow’s three-layer design lets you remove the latex core and wash the entire pillow easily. Furthermore, if you don’t need firmer support from the latex core, you can remove it for a softer feel. Saatva’s fantastic responsiveness (9/10) also ensures that your head and neck find relief and support wherever you rest on it. Saatva’s versatility and luxury construction make this pillow great for neck pain, regardless of how you sleep!

If you struggle to fall asleep feeling warm and clammy, you understand the importance of finding a pillow that helps maintain a crisp sleep-friendly temperature. The Purple Harmony is a luxury pillow with a three-layer construction that is arranged to provide you with a breathable and cool foundation when you rest. At its core is a highly breathable and hypoallergenic Talalay latex that helps to maintain sturdy support (9/10) for your posture while generating airflow. Surrounding this is a non-toxic polymer cover built to contour to your head and help deliver near-perfect responsiveness (9.5/10). Finally, on top is a pillow cover made with polyester and nylon that uses a moisture-wicking treatment to help maintain a crisp and cool-to-the-touch feel for your head as it meets the pillow’s surface.

Beyond the Purple Harmony’s excellent temperature regulation (9/10), this pillow’s high-end materials and luxury design had testers giving it a 9 out of 10 for its construction and 9.5 out of 10 for durability. Expect to stay cool with the Purple pillow, as it’s built from its core to its surface to provide relief for hot sleepers!

If you sleep on your side, you may not find the support your body needs from typical flat pillows. The Eli and Elm Ultimate Side Sleeper cervical pillow uses a distinctive U-shape design to specifically accommodate the needs of side sleepers. This U-shape design of this cervical support pillow comforts a side sleeper’s neck and shoulders, preventing or alleviating inflammation that may come from sleeping on your side. Furthermore, depending on how you feel or the level of support you need, the Eli and Elm pillow offers a customizable firmness and height by letting you remove or add its filler to your desired loft. This ergonomic pillow’s polyester and cooling gel-infused latex filling work together to deliver a supportive yet soft pillow and breathable base for your neck and head. Containing the filler and greeting you is a breathable and chemical-free cotton cover that is both soft and cool.

With exerting isolated pressure on specific joints as they sleep, side sleepers need relief from a pillow engineered precisely for them. Eli and Elm’s unique design and quality construction is a definite opportunity for side sleepers to find relief from neck  and shoulder pain while getting some quality rest!

Versatility and customization are something we tend to appreciate with any sleeping product we bring into our home. The Eden Pillow from Coop Home Goods allows you to easily adjust its shredded memory foam fill by simply adding or removing it. In addition, Eden’s memory foam interior is infused with cooling gel technology that helps maintain a cool temperature throughout the pillow’s core, making it ideal for fans of memory foam who tend to sleep hot. Surrounding its fill is a Lulltra fabric cover that is designed to be equally soft and breathable. Furthermore, the Eden is a hypoallergenic and mildew-resistant pillow that is Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, meaning they source and produce their materials without hazardous chemicals.

The Eden’s shredded memory foam fill helps to provide exceptional relief from neck pain without trapping as much heat as some all-foam products. Furthermore, its ability to be adjusted according to your needs in the moment enables you to customize the foam’s cradle to your precise level of needed support to alleviate or prevent your neck pain.

Finding a truly eco-friendly pillow that delivers quality posture support and neck relief may be hard for some conscientious consumers. Fortunately, the Avocado Green is a genuinely all-organic and sustainably sourced pillow that is certifiably eco-friendly while constructed to deliver top-tier comfort and support as you sleep. The Avocado Green is vegan-friendly, American-made, organic and ethically manufactured, further confirmed in the long list of its certifications. The Avocado is Greenguard Gold certified, Global Organic Textile and Latex Standard certified, Made Safe certified and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, among others.

The Avocado uses an organic latex and Kapok fiber fill that blends together to provide pressure relief and support with fluffy and soft comfort. In addition, the pillow has an entirely organic quilted cotton cover that is soft to the touch and highly breathable. Avocado’s all-natural build helps create a toxic-free and hypoallergenic surface to breathe and rest on safely. Furthermore, the pillow is adjustable and includes extra fill upon arrival, allowing you to customize its loft according to your sleeping needs. Being adjustable also makes this pillow great for all sleeper types. In conclusion, the Avocado Green pillow is a go-to for eco-friendly shoppers seeking a luxury-grade pillow!

Back sleepers want a medium-firm cervical supporting pillow that can help maintain their naturally more healthy sleeping position while still enabling them to experience relief and plush comfort. The Nest Bedding Easy Breather is an adjustable pillow that uses a CertiPUR-US certified foam and polyester filler to relieve pressure and cradle your neck in a way that helps keep it aligned and alleviate both neck and back pain. While great for back sleepers, the pillow’s four size options and adjustable memory foam fill make it compatible with all types of sleepers. Furthermore, surrounding the pillow is an eco-friendly cotton cover that is designed with cooling features to make it as breathable as it is soft. Notably, the pillow is also entirely machine-wash-friendly. However, it’s still suggested you use a pillowcase to help maintain the pillow’s lifespan and prevent excess cleaning.

Despite its versatility and accessibility to all sleeper types, back sleepers, in particular, can indulge in the responsive comfort and precision-like support offered by the Nest Bedding Easy Breather pillow!

The best firm pillow should be able to offer equal support and relief. The Casper Foam is a three-layer pillow with a high-density memory foam core surrounded by two plush foam layers. The Casper Foam delivers the exceptional pressure relief associated with all-foam sleeping products while maintaining a firm and sturdy foundation of support for your neck and shoulders. Surrounding its foam construction is a jersey knit pillow cover made with breathable polyester and spandex. Casper’s cooling cover and perforated foam fill help promote airflow for the sleeper, preventing moisture build-up and heat from getting trapped in the pillow’s foam build.

Casper scored across the board with our sleep specialists. Despite its foam components, the pillow maintained a cool sleeping experience, achieving a 9 out of 10 in temperature regulation. In addition, Casper’s healthy combination of firm support and cozy comfort is reflected in its 9 out of 10 score for support and 8.5 out of 10 for its responsiveness. With the Casper Foam, you can expect the type of equal relief and support that defines an excellent foam pillow for neck pain!

How Mattress Advisor Found the Best Pillows for Neck Pain

Mattress Advisor uses comprehensive testing conducted by sleep specialists to help determine the best pillows for neck pain. Being a non-biased sleep product testing company, Mattress Advisor consolidates its test findings and presents them to consumers in an impartial way to further help them fulfill their sleeping needs.

The Mattress Advisor Testing Process

Mattress Advisor considers the various features of a pillow that are the most important to sleepers. By testing and grading these features, Mattress Advisor can help sleepers choose a pillow that works for them based on their individual needs. 

Key Performance Factors that the Sleep Lab Tests

How to Pick The Best Pillow Type for Neck Pain

Do not underestimate the importance of choosing a pillow based on your personal sleeping needs. Whether you sleep warm or struggle with neck pain, understanding a pillow’s construction and features is vital in choosing the right new pillow for an improved sleeping experience.

Memory Foam/Polyfoam

Memory foam or polyfoam pillows reliably conform to your neck and shoulders, delivering relief and support. Foam pillows are particularly beneficial for sleepers with chronic neck pain and are a favorite of chiropractic practitioners, as they help maintain healthy cervical alignment. In addition, they tend to have a more firm feel than other pillows, such as down. 

Feather

Feather-based pillows use the feathers of a duck or goose to deliver a fluffy pillow feel. While incredibly soft, they are sturdier in holding their shape than all-down pillows. In addition, feather pillows may run warm for hot sleepers, as they tend to trap heat, making them preferable for winter use. 

Latex

Latex pillows offer similar support and responsiveness as memory foam pillows, yet they tend to be more breathable and made from more naturally sourced materials. 

Down

Down is a pillow filler that is made with the inner feathers of a duck or goose. Down offers a more silky or soft feeling for your neck and head than memory foam. However, it may not provide the same level of cervical alignment.

Down Alternative

Down alternative pillows use synthetic materials to try and replicate the plush comfort feel associated with authentic down.

What Are the Best Pillow Sizes?

Make sure you choose a pillow size that fits your body and bed just right!

Standard Size (20” x 26”)

Standard pillows are the most common type of pillow out there. Standard pillows fit on a twin bed, or two of them can adequately fit on a full or queen-size bed.

Super Standard (20” x 28”)

Super standard pillows are slightly larger than standard pillows. This slight increase in size can help you to better maximize your surface use of a twin bed, for example.

Queen (20” x 30”)

A queen-size pillow is more compatible with a full or queen-size mattress. Furthermore, as with all pillows, the larger they are, the more sleeping surface you create for your neck and head on your bed.

King (20” x 36”)

Two king-size pillows fit perfectly on a king-size bed.

Body Pillow (20” x 54”)

Body pillows are ultra-long pillows that offer a cozy cuddling hug for all sleepers while mainly designed to deliver excellent pressure relief for side sleepers. Side sleepers can find relief in this pillow by using it between their legs to counter the weight and pressure exerted onto isolated joints while they sleep.