Do you start the day with a stiff neck or stay sore all day long? The culprit could very well be your pillow. A decent pillow will help “keep the spine in a properly aligned position” and provide your neck with the support it needs to relax those muscles. For whichever type of sleeper you are — that’s assuming you are a side-sleeper or a back-sleeper or one who tosses and turns — the right pillow can make all the difference. Here, we’ve listed the best pillows for neck pain in the USA, and why each one may be worth a look.
What to Consider When Looking for a Pillow for Neck Pain
Finding the perfect pillow isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The best option for you will vary depending on your sleeping position, body type and personal preferences. Here’s what matters most:
Sleeping Position:
Side sleepers require firm pillows with high loft, as this enables the gap between their shoulder and neck to be uniformly aligned.
Back Sleepers require medium-loft, medium-firm pillows that raise the head slightly so that it does not curve forward.
Stomach Sleepers: The best pillow for stomach sleepers that you will love is a soft, low-loft pillow that supports a neutral spine alignment.
Loft (Height):
The loft of a pillow should correspond with your body’s alignment needs. Taller cushions are good for broader shoulders, and slimmer sleepers may do better with lower pillows.
Firmness:
Firmer materials like memory foam will give more stable support, while softer ones will provide more cushioning.
Materials:
Shredded memory foam, latex, down or gel-infused options help narrow down a texture and cooling level that best suits your personal sleep style.
Keep reading as I’m about to give you a run down of some of the best neck pain pillows to get a good nights sleep.
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow – Editor’s Choice Overview The Tempur-Neck pillow has special contour where it’s intended to be around a person’s neck and then support their head and neck as well.
The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow is another strong option for those that have neck pain. Its ergonomic design structure encourages healthy posture resulting in an instant relief for middle and lower back pain, neck pain, and cramps in the neck, shoulders and back caused from sleeping.Just placed between you and your pillow and enjoy the healthy sleep. The pillow comes in three different sizes that cater to various frames. And the specialized contoured design cradles your neck and head for added support to maintain perfect alignment of your spine.
Key Features:
Stable memory foam.
Contoured and ergonomic shaped design which encourages neutral alignment.
Available in three sizes for a personalized fit.
It may not be the most comfortable pillow for stomach sleepers, however, since it’s fairly firm and its form makes it somewhat less versatile in that position.
Price: $129 and up.
Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow – Ideal for Side Sleepers
Most side sleepers have a hard time finding support without feeling like they’re floating on a cushiony cloud. The Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow fixes that with its crescent shape that keeps your neck and shoulders in perfect line without the odd bend.
Key Features:
Customizable fill that provides the flexibility to adjust the pillow’s height and firmness.
Design, U-shap to support shoulder.
Removable, machine-washable cover.
If you’re someone who flips and flops throughout the night, this pillow may not be the best option. But for strict side sleepers, it’s the most cozy I’ve found.
Price: $115.
Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow - Top Adjustable Option
Adjust the rise and firmness of this adjustable pillow by Coop Home Goods to your preferences by adding or removing its shredded memory foam fill. Side sleeper, back sleeper, stomach sleeper, or all three – this pillow can accommodate.
Key Features:
Custom height and firmness settings for personalized comfort.
Cooling strong with Bamboo fabric You are getting the best of both worlds with a breathable, cool sleep surface.
Cover and inner pillow are machine washable.
Testers also found the pillow to be incredibly adaptable, with some pointing out how rugged and supportive it is.
Price: $85.
Purple Harmony Pillow – Coolest Pillow The Purple Harmony Pillow is not only a great cooling pillow, but also the one that offers a particularly good pressure relief and support for an all position sleeper.
Do you wake up hot in the middle of the night? The Purple Harmony Pillow features the world’s first and only tapered 360-degree Purple Grid HEX, which eliminates pressure and quickly redistributes neck and head weight.
Key Features:
GelFlex grid designed to displace heat and encourage airflow.
Latex nucleus lets it bounce and makes it extremely durable.
Available in three loft levels, designed for all sleep styles.
It’s great at cooling, but its cost might turn you off.
Price: $179.
Best Sustainable – Avocado Green Pillow
If sustainability is a key factor for you or the environment, the Avocado Green Pillow is an exceptional choice. This environmentally friendly pillow is constructed with organic latex and kapok fibers, providing a plush but supportive feel that suits those with sensitive skin.
Key Features:
Organic and vegan materials.
Fill is adjustable for a personalized comfort.
One-year limited warranty.
It’s a great choice for environmentally conscious shoppers who prioritize comfort and alignment.
Price: $109.
Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow – Option with Most Memory Foam
For memory-foam fans, the Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow has a foam base and cool-gel filling, which creates a firm but forgiving feel. It’s especially comfortable for stomach and back sleepers, too.
Key Features:
Cooling gel provides a cooler sleeping environment.
Medium loft designed for proper spinal alignment.
Long-lasting and need less fluffing.
Because of its breathable composition, it is a favorite among hot sleepers who seek neck pain relief.
Price: $80.
The Right Pillow for You
A supportive pillow can make a world of difference in the quality of your sleep and the level neck pain you experience. Whether you’re looking for the contoured support of the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow, the cooling power of the Purple Harmony or the unique ability to shape the pillow into exactly what you like, the Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow, each option has a suitable pillow for every need and budget. Do keep in mind that you need to select a pillow based on your Dominant Sleep Style as well as personal comfort levels.
Neck pain no longer has to get in the way of your mornings. You should invest in the right pillow & get a good night’s sleep!