Whether you’re waking up in the morning or settling in at bedtime, neck pain is bothersome. Poor positioning during sleep can create tension and strain in your neck. Conversely, the right pillow can support your head and neck while promoting healthy alignment across your spine. We put dozens of pillows to the test to identify the best pillow for neck pain. We also cover key considerations when shopping for a pillow.
The Best Pillows for Neck Pain
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Best Overall Pillow
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Sleep Is the Foundation Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
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Most Comfortable Pillow
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Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow
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Best Value Pillow
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Marlow Pillow
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Best Luxury Pillow
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Saatva Latex Pillow
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Best Pillow for Side Sleepers
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Layla Kapok Pillow
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Best Pillow for Pressure Relief
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Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
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Best Overall Pillow
Sleep Is the Foundation Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
The Sleep Is the Foundation Shredded Memory Foam Pillow is a customizable pillow that allows you to adjust the firmness and loft to suit your sleep needs. This design is beneficial for sleepers with neck pain, since you can fine-tune the pillow until it feels just right for your head, neck, and spinal alignment.
Cover Material
Polyester and bamboo-derived viscose blend
Fill Material
Shredded memory foam (gel-infused)
Firmness
Adjustable
Adjustability
High
Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Highly moldable shredded foam cradles your head and neck
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Loft can be easily modified by adding or removing foam
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Cover is removable and machine-washable
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Cons
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May be too soft for people who want a firm pillow
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Some sleepers find memory foam can retain heat
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Our Take
The pillow is filled with shredded memory foam that gently conforms to your head and neck and is highly moldable. When fully stuffed, the pillow measures 8 inches thick, but you can remove the fill to achieve a lower loft. The overall firmness of the pillow ranges from soft to medium, depending on how much fill you use. The cover is composed of a blend of polyester and bamboo-derived viscose. You may remove and machine wash the cover as needed.
We found that our side-sleeping testers preferred a thicker loft, since this ensures the pillow will fill the space between your neck and sleep surface. Back-sleeping testers gravitated toward less loft to avoid cranking the head too high. Some stomach sleepers found the pillow comfortable after removing a good amount of fill, but many stomach sleepers may find they prefer an overall thinner pillow.
Most Comfortable Pillow
Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow
With a mix of latex noodles and polyester fill, the Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow is designed to conform to the sleeper’s neck and head while providing strong support and easing pressure. The latex balances contouring with a responsive feel that works well for side and back sleepers. A soft, breathable cotton-blend cover contributes to above-average temperature neutrality.
Cover Material
61% polyester, 37% organic cotton, 2% spandex
Fill Material
75% Latex and 25% Polyester Fiber
Firmness
Medium, Adjustable
Adjustability
High
Pros & Cons
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Pros
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U-shape is engineered to reduce neck pain in side sleepers
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Shredded latex can be added or removed to adjust loft
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Comes with a 5-year warranty
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Cons
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Not a fit for people with latex allergies
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Some sleepers may be bothered by the non-rectangular shape
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Our Take
Our testers found the Eli & Elm to be a versatile choice. Its distinctive U-shape has room to accommodate the shoulders while supporting the neck and head, earning it excellent ratings from our side sleepers. Back sleepers under 230 pounds also rated the pillow highly, citing its superior support. Stomach sleepers on our team, while less enthusiastic overall, appreciated the ability to remove fill to decrease the loft.
Eli & Elm offers a 45-day return policy, free shipping in the contiguous U.S., and a five-year limited warranty. Additional fill and pillowcases are also available for purchase.
Best Value Pillow
Marlow Pillow
The Marlow Pillow has a core of chopped gel-infused memory foam surrounded by a down alternative microfiber fill, providing a mix of contoured support and airy plushness. A hidden zipper in the cotton sateen shell reveals ventilated gussets that create variable firmness and loft depending on how far they’re unzipped.
Cover Material
100% cotton
Fill Material
80% memory foam, 20% polyester fiber
Firmness
Adjustable
Adjustability
High
Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Zippered construction makes it simple to adjust loft and firmness
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Mix of memory foam and microfiber balances contouring and neck support
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Comes with a 365-night sleep trial and 2-year warranty
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Cons
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Hot sleepers may find that the memory foam fill retains heat
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Cover is not machine-washable and must be spot-cleaned
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Our Take
Our testers were particularly impressed with the Marlow Pillow’s variable firmness options. Side sleepers noted the pillow’s exemplary contouring and gave the Marlow excellent scores across the board, as did our back sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds. The Marlow also earned decent marks from stomach sleepers under 230 pounds.
The Marlow Pillow is available in standard and king sizes. All pillows come with a generous 365-day return policy and a two-year warranty
Best Luxury Pillow
Saatva Latex Pillow
High-quality materials give the Saatva Latex Pillow a plush, high-end feel. Shredded Talalay latex makes up the responsive support core, while a middle layer of down-like microdenier fibers provides breathable loft. The pillow’s organic cotton sateen cover has gusseted sides that help maintain its shape, reducing the need for fluffing.
Cover Material
100% organic cotton
Fill Material
Shredded Talalay latex and down alternative
Firmness
Medium Soft
Adjustability
Minimal
Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Talalay latex is a sturdy and durable core material
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Down alternative fill gives the plushness and comfort of down
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Available in two loft options
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Cons
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Pillow height is not adjustable
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Price-point exceeds the budget of many shoppers
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Our Take
Our side and back sleepers under 130 pounds were the best fit for the Saatva Latex Pillow, giving it excellent scores. Side and back sleepers on our testing team between 130 and 230 pounds also gave the pillow good marks, noting its above-average shape retention. However, those over 230 pounds were less impressed with the pillow’s performance, and stomach sleepers across the board didn’t find the moldability they desire from a pillow.
The Saatva Latex Pillow comes in queen and king sizes. The company offers a 45-day trial period and a one-year limited warranty, plus free shipping within the contiguous U.S.
Best Pillow for Side Sleepers
Layla Kapok Pillow
The Layla Kapok Pillow uses silky fibers from the seeds of the tropical kapok tree. Cushier than cotton or wool with more loft, kapok is a durable alternative to down. Mixed with shredded open-cell memory foam, the pillow is designed to cradle the neck and head. It comes slightly overstuffed so owners can adjust the fill to suit their sleep position.
Cover Material
Copper-infused polyester and viscose blend
Fill Material
Shredded memory foam and kapok tree fiber blend
Firmness
Medium Soft
Adjustability
High
Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Mix of soft kapok fibers and shredded memory foam offers plush support
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Modifiable loft level with removable fill material
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Breathable materials help minimize heat retention
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Cons
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Can feel too soft for some sleepers
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Above-average price-point
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Our Take
The zippered polyester, viscose, and Lycra cover is soft and breathable. This, combined with the airy kapok fibers and open-cell memory foam, helped the pillow score well in temperature regulation.
Our side sleepers under 230 pounds were particularly impressed by the pillow’s superior moldability. Back sleepers under 230 pounds rated the pillow similarly, and most of our stomach sleepers were also satisfied after removing some fill.
The Layla Kapok Pillow is available in both king and queen sizes. Purchases come with a 120-night sleep trial and a five-year warranty.
Best Pillow for Pressure Relief
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow uses open-cell memory foam and multiple height options to provide strong, pressure-relieving support for the head and neck.
Cover Material
Premium circular knit cover
Fill Material
Open-cell memory foam
Firmness
Medium
Adjustability
Not Adjustable
Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Choice of two pillow heights
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Memory foam provides contoured support to the head, neck, and shoulders
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Cooling gel and ventilated materials improve breathability
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Cons
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Some sleepers may dislike the close hug of memory foam
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Loft isn’t adjustable
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Our Take
Created from open-cell memory foam, the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow is designed for responsive contouring and pressure relief.
The Luxury Cooling Pillow comes in two height options. The 5-inch model works best for side sleepers, giving them space for their shoulders while helping ensure their head and neck remain aligned. The 4-inch option works better for stomach sleepers, who generally require less loft from their pillows.
Back sleepers under 130 pounds may want to go with the lower loft, as they tend to exert less pressure on the pillow surface. Those over 230 pounds may prefer the higher-loft pillow to compensate for greater sinkage.
The Luxury Cooling Pillow comes in both queen and king size. Brooklyn Bedding offers free returns within 30 days of purchase and a three-year warranty for pillows.
If you want to check out a wider range of options, take a look at our list of the best pillows of 2024. If you experience shoulder pain, read our guide to the best pillows for shoulder pain.
Best Overall Pillow
Sleep Is the Foundation Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
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The Sleep Is the Foundation Shredded Memory Foam Pillow is a highly adjustable pillow that works for a very wide range of sleepers.
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Most Comfortable Pillow
Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow
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The Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow’s unique shape is designed to directly meet the needs of side sleepers.
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Best Value Pillow
Marlow Pillow
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The Marlow Pillow is uniquely adjustable, expanding and contracting as needed to provide the experience of multiple pillows in one.
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Best Luxury Pillow
Saatva Latex Pillow
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The Saatva Latex Pillow’s quality shines through all of its materials, from a bouncy shredded Talalay latex core to breathable down-like microdenier fibers that give it a lofty feel.
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Best Pillow for Side Sleepers
Layla Kapok Pillow
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The Layla Kapok Pillow provides an alternative to down with the use of silky kapok fibers, combined with shredded memory foam for a cushy, lofty build.
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Best Pillow for Pressure Relief
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
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The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow uses open-cell memory foam and multiple height options to provide strong, pressure-relieving support for the head and neck.
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Pillow placement matters. You really want the pillow to be down towards the shoulder so that way we can get support all the way up through the neck and head.
How Your Pillow Affects Neck Pain
The right pillow can keep your neck aligned with your spine and prevent strain on your neck muscles. Spending too much time in an awkward position can trigger neck pain. If you’ve ever sat in the front row of a movie theater, you’ve probably experienced how abnormal bending can cause neck discomfort.
Because we spend hours asleep every day, it’s essential to find a pillow that gives your neck the support it needs. Your pillow should cushion your head and neck without allowing excessive bending or twisting.
How Your Sleeping Position Affects Neck Pain
Your potential for neck pain varies based on your sleeping position.
Stomach sleeping tends to be the worst for neck pain, because it usually requires turning your head to one side. Keeping your neck bent for hours on end can strain your neck muscles.
It is normally easier to keep your head and neck in a neutral position when sleeping on your side or back. That said, improper pillow height can make your neck tilt too far up or down in either of these positions.
In any sleeping position, it’s essential to choose a pillow with the right amount of loft and support to prevent excess pressure on your neck muscles and spine.
How to Choose a Pillow for Neck Pain
In our experience, the key factors to consider when choosing a pillow for neck pain include pillow type, loft, firmness, contouring and pressure relief, and shape retention.
Pillow Type
Pillows are categorized into types based on their interior materials.
- Memory foam: These pillows are made with either a single block of memory foam or a collection of small, shredded pieces of foam. Memory foam contours to the head and neck to provide pressure relief.
- Down: Made with the softest inner feathers of geese and ducks, down pillows are lightweight, soft, and extremely moldable.
- Down alternative: These pillows have a similar performance as down, but they are made with synthetic polyester.
- Feather: The fill material in feather pillows includes quills, not just the softest feathers in down. That gives these pillows a slightly firmer and less moldable feel.
- Latex: Latex pillows include either shredded pieces or a single slab of latex rubber. Latex offers more bounce than memory foam but provides less contouring.
- Buckwheat: Filled with thousands of small buckwheat husks, these pillows have a bean-bag-like feel that is firm and supportive.
Each type of pillow offers benefits and drawbacks for neck pain and overall comfort.
If you want a pillow with more contouring and moldability, pillows with shredded materials are often a good fit. Down, down alternative, and feather pillows can also be good if you want a soft and moldable pillow to prevent neck pain.
Buckwheat and latex pillows tend to work best if you prefer a firmer pillow that more consistently holds its shape. Pillows with a single piece of memory foam and latex can be a match if you don’t need compressibility or moldability to keep your neck supported.
Ergonomic Pillows for Neck Pain
Beyond fill material, pillow shape can influence how well a pillow addresses neck pain. Certain shapes are designed to make pillows more ergonomic.
- Neck roll pillow: These pillows have a cylindrical shape and are intended to rest underneath the neck. They are frequently used alongside another pillow and often preferred by back sleepers.
- Contour pillow: Contour pillows come in various shapes that are meant to fit the natural curves of the head, neck, and shoulders. Generally meant for back or side sleepers, these pillows often have extra cushioning in targeted areas to help maintain a neutral posture.
- Horseshoe pillow: As the name indicates, this type of pillow has a U-shape that is meant to fit around the neck and the back of the head. These pillows are typically designed to provide cushioning for side sleepers, but certain models may be intended for side or stomach sleepers.
- D-core pillow: This kind of pillow has an indentation in the center that is shaped like the letter D. With higher sides around this indentation, a D-core pillow is engineered to provide extra loft under the neck without raising the height of the rest of your head. They are typically used by back or side sleepers.
Loft and Firmness
Loft describes the height of a pillow before any weight is applied to it. Firmness refers to how hard or soft the pillow feels.
Both loft and firmness influence performance and how well a pillow can reduce neck pain. The softer a pillow, the more it will compress underneath your head and neck. This means that a soft pillow with lots of loft won’t maintain its full height when you use it. In contrast, a firm pillow will have more pushback and retain more of its loft through the night.
To minimize neck pain, you want a pillow with loft and firmness levels that suit your sleeping position. The pillow should keep your head from tilting too far up or down. On your side, you need more loft to fill the distance between your shoulder and head. On your back and stomach, lower loft can limit excess bending of your neck.
In general, neck posture in each sleeping position is best served by a certain combination of loft and firmness.
| Sleeping Position | Loft | Firmness |
|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | Over 5” | Medium firm to firm |
| Back Sleepers | 3” to 5” | Medium to medium firm |
| Stomach Sleepers | Under 3” | Soft to medium |
| Combination Sleepers | 3” to 6” | Medium to medium firm |
Contouring and Pressure Relief
Contouring refers to how much a pillow hugs your head and neck. By providing more cushioning to heavier areas, contouring may offer pressure relief, which means it limits stress on your neck muscles.
While significant contouring can be beneficial, it’s not for everyone. You want more contouring if you like the feel of your head sinking into and being cradled by your pillow.
Memory foam is the material that offers the most impressive contouring. Both shredded and one-piece memory foam pillows can provide notable contouring.
Shape Retention
Shape retention is how well a pillow keeps its shape while you use it. If you need a pillow to remain in place throughout the night, you want good shape retention. If you like to mold your pillow or fold it over to adjust its height and positioning, you should look for a pillow with limited shape retention.
Materials like down, down alternative, and shredded memory foam can shift around inside the pillow, reducing shape retention. Pillows made of buckwheat or a single piece of latex or memory foam better maintain their shape.
Video: How to Choose the Right Pillow
If you experience neck pain, the right pillow can be crucial to getting you the support and comfort you need for a good night’s sleep. Our sleep experts offer advice on exactly what to look for, from the different shapes and sizes to the right loft and firmness.
How to Relieve Neck Pain at Night
If you’re struggling with neck pain at bedtime, you can try a few strategies for relief.
Practice Healthy Sleeping Posture
When you get settled in bed, make sure that your whole body is supported. Adjust your posture so that no part of your body, including your head and neck, are twisting or strained. If necessary, use a body pillow or another small pillow to help maintain this tension-free posture.
Try a Different Sleeping Position
Changing your sleeping position is worth trying if you frequently wake up with neck pain. If you normally sleep on your back or stomach, try to sleep on your side, which is generally considered better for neck pain and spinal alignment. If you typically sleep on your side, you can try another position, but that may make it harder to get the spinal support you need.
Talk to Your Doctor
Neck pain can be a serious issue and may be related to an underlying health problem. We can’t offer medical advice, and while getting a new pillow may bring relief, it’s not a medical treatment. If you have ongoing, worsening, or severe neck pain, talk with a doctor to get appropriate care.
Discover More Pillow Solutions
If you’re looking for a particular type of pillow, check out our other guides below.
How We Test
Our recommendations are built on industry expertise and a thorough testing methodology. Our team has spent years evaluating the performance of sleep products, and each team member brings a unique perspective based on their sleeping position and support needs.
We researched and tested dozens of pillows to see how well they promote comfort and healthy sleep posture. After taking all these data points into account, our team selected the best pillows for neck pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
An ill-fitting pillow can cause neck pain. Without proper support from your pillow, your neck may bend or twist excessively, putting strain on the muscles in your neck and shoulders. Over the course of several hours in bed, this can lead to tension and pain when you wake up.
Neck pain can have many other causes, and in those cases, an unsupportive pillow may exacerbate your discomfort.
The best pillow for neck pain gently cushions your head and neck while keeping your neck in a neutral position with the rest of your spine. The pillow’s loft and firmness should match your sleeping position and allow you to rest comfortably without excessive twisting, turning, or bending in your neck.
For many sleepers, memory foam pillows are good for neck pain. Memory foam delivers deep contouring, cushioning the head and neck to provide both comfort and support.
When choosing a memory foam pillow, choose a one-piece foam option if you want more shape retention. Choose a shredded memory foam pillow if you want more moldability or the option of adjusting firmness by adding or removing foam pieces.
A soft pillow is not always better for neck pain. The best firmness level depends on your sleeping position and the loft of your pillow. A soft pillow normally works best if you sleep on your stomach or if you sleep on your side and like to mold your pillow’s shape to find a comfortable amount of support.
The best pillow height for neck pain is determined by your sleeping position and your pillow’s firmness. If you are a side sleeper, you likely need a thicker pillow with at least medium firmness so your neck stays aligned with your spine. If you are a back or stomach sleeper, a pillow with low or medium loft and midlevel firmness usually offers the best results.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Product Testing Team
Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Wolf
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