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The 7 best pillows for neck pain, according to chiropractors
A comfortable pillow can improve sleep quality and help alleviate chronic pain.
This pillow is recommended by Cavanaugh, who likes that it comes in different heights, which is perfect for particularly tall people. It is made with a plush latex filling that provides proper head and neck support, and it has a removable machine-washable fill layer. The standard pillow is five inches tall, which is ideal for back or stomach sleepers, and the high-loft pillow is between six and seven inches, perfect for side sleepers, according to the brand. The tall pillow would also be appropriate for people who are six feet, three inches tall or more, according to Cavanaugh.
This pillow comes recommended by Cavanaugh, who appreciates that it’s both supportive and cooling at the same time. You can adjust both the height and firmness of the pillow, which comes in either a standard or king size, according to the brand. One side of the pillow is made of down alternative and the other side is made of gel-infused memory foam. To adjust the level of firmness in the pillow, you can swap out the filling by adding a firmer insert. The pillow cover is made from cooling bamboo viscose, which is machine-washable along with the insert covers,, according to the brand. To achieve the best amount of firmness in the pillow, the brand’s website has a guide on the best combinations of inserts to use.
This pillow is also recommended by Cavanaugh, who likes that it provides a good amount of pressure relief. It’s compatible with all sleeping positions and the cover is removable and machine-washable, according to the brand. It also has a flexible liner which allows you to fluff and adjust the shape of the pillow, depending on the height that’s best for you. Plus, the fill provides support and breathability.
Pillow Cube sent me a few different samples of their pillows, including their bestselling Side Cube (often simply called “the pillow cube”), which I reviewed. I tried the Side Cube for over two weeks, and found that it was not only perfect for side sleepers, given its height and firmness, but also because of its cooling capability. I didn’t feel any discomfort sleeping on the Side Cube, which was a relief because I was afraid that it would be too tall or firm for me, but it really cradled and contoured well to my head and neck. Additionally, I didn’t notice any transfer of facial products onto the surface of the pillow cover or case. It has a temperature-regulating core that reduces warmth and it has a height of about five inches.
This neck pillow from Tempur-Pedic also comes recommended by Conrad, who says it’s particularly good for side sleepers, since it comes in different heights. “ It’s comfortable yet allows plenty of neck support while you sleep,” he says. “This will help you stay in one place while sleeping which can enhance a good night’s sleep.” It provides support to the neck by contouring to your body. It’s also available in small, medium and large sizes, that you can choose from depending on your height. If you’re taller than average, consider a large pillow, but if you’re short, then a small pillow would be best, according to the brand.
This versatile memory foam pillow can help with neck pain, regardless of which position you tend to sleep, which is great if you alternate between different ones. It has an area on the sides that helps support your arms (if you like wrapping your arms around a pillow for extra support). It also has an area on the bottom for cervical support. It also comes with a machine-washable cover.
Trying to get sleep on a plane is probably one of the hardest things to do during any trip, especially since the seats aren’t set up for comfortability. This neck pillow is made of memory foam and has an adjustable velcro strap on the side to keep it in place. It also has a removable cover that unzips and its small size makes it easy to fit in a carry-on suitcase.
This oval-shaped pillow has rounded sides and the middle has a slight dip in it. It’s compatible with all sleep positions, according to the brand, and made from a breathable and ventilated memory foam fill. The brand also gives directions on how to sleep with the pillow based on your preferred position.
While all pillows should be soft and comfortable to an extent, the softest pillows don’t always make the best option for people with neck pain. This is because they don’t have enough loft to properly support your head for hours of sleep, according to Conrad. “In general, the softness of a pillow may feel comfortable at first,” he says. “In the long run, a pillow that is too soft is not going to have the additional reinforced support that your neck needs while sleeping.” This is especially important for those who have degenerative conditions, such as arthritis. It’s best to choose a pillow on the firm side if you experience constant neck pain. “Most neck pain upon awakening comes from a lack of support. If you already have cervical arthritis, the joints in your spine are lacking that ligament support,” Conrad says. “As a result, the spine can’t stay in place when you are not active.”
As mentioned above, the best pillows for people with neck pain are ones that are firm, rather than super soft, as well as pillows with a loft that is compatible with your individual height. Additionally, the chiropractors we spoke to recommend getting a pillow with breathability, especially if you’re typically a hot sleeper.
I am a commerce editor at NBC Select, where I report on bedding, mattresses, pillows, home and kitchen topics. I have written roundups on the best lumbar support pillows, the best cervical traction devices and the best cotton bed sheets. I spoke with chiropractors for their guidance and product recommendation for this story.
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