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Do you wake up each morning with pain in your neck? You’re not alone: Neck pain is a very common condition that can lead to considerable pain and even disability.

While it tends to have the most impact in middle age, neck pain can affect anyone. Pain following injury may resolve in a few days or weeks, but some people may have chronic issues.

The sleeping position and pillow may be involved in the pain. Experts recommend that you choose a pillow that supports the neck and curve.

We rounded up a list of top pillow options that can help relieve neck pain.

We looked mainly for foam and latex pillows. Why? Because research suggests that these materials are helpful for people with neck pain. According to a 2020 study, latex and memory foam pillows may offer more support than traditional pillows and may help reduce neck fatigue.

Additionally, we looked for ergonomic pillows designed to provide ample cervical support without elevating the head too much. A 2021 study found that increased pillow height changes the way your spine curves and increases pressure in your cervical spine, or neck.

We included models filled with down and buckwheat since foam may not work for everyone.

Pricing guide

You will want to weigh your options carefully, as pillows can range from $35 to $100.

  • $ = under $50
  • $$ = $50–$99
  • $$$ = over $99

The type of pillow you want may be different from the others. We will show you nine options.

Best pillow for Firm support.

EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow

  • Price: $
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Best for: stomach, side, and back sleepers

The EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow is a good option for people who want to support themselves.

The pillow is designed to support your head, neck, shoulders, and back. The company says that people may experience some pain in the first 2 weeks of using the pillow.

Pros

  • The design supports and realigns the head, neck, shoulders, and back.
  • Firm support.
  • The foam inserts can be changed for height.
  • The bamboo fiber cover is not dirty.
  • The option is budget-friendly.

Cons

  • “Some users think it’s hot.”
  • Some neck support is too high.
  • It may take time to adjust to this design.
Shop now at Amazon

Best pillow for medium support

Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

  • Price: $
  • Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Best for: any sleep position

The Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow is a popular choice for people who sleep in any position. The fill, made of shredded memory foam, conforms to your head and neck, keeping the spine properly aligned while you sleep. Its fill is removable, allowing you to customize the support.

The vented bamboo cover is designed to help keep your head cool at night and is resistant to dust mites, making it a solid choice for people with allergies.

Pros

  • Soft fill.
  • shredded memory foam fill can be changed.
  • The spine is properly aligned during sleep.
  • “It’s good for sleeping position.”
  • bamboo cover is cool.
  • It is resistant to dust mites.
  • Completely machine washed.

Cons

  • There is a chemical smell upon opening.
  • Some users reported a feeling of being wet.
  • Not a great option for stomach sleeping.
  • No warranty.
Shop now at Amazon

Best pillow for soft support

DOWNLITE Extra Soft Down Pillow

  • Price: $$
  • Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
  • Best for: stomach sleepers

The DOWNLITE Extra Soft Down Pillow is a duck down pillow that’s good for people looking for soft support. Its flat design makes it a smart choice for stomach sleepers who have neck pain.

You can wash and dry this pillow.

Pros

  • “It’s cool to sleep.”
  • Soft support is provided by duck down fill.
  • The flat design is good for stomach sleeping.
  • Machine is clean.
  • It is a very rare form of allergic reaction.

Cons

  • Users found the pillow too flat.
  • It might not be a good option for those who change positions frequently.
  • No case that can be removed.
Shop now at Amazon

Best pillow for head pain relief

Nature’s Guest Cervical Support Pillow

  • Price: $$
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Best for: side and back sleepers

“The Nature’s Guest Cervical Support Pillow is useful for people who move from their sides to their backs while sleeping.”

The sides of the pillow are higher than the middle. The pillow is changeable so you can set the degree of firmness by removing or adding stuffing.

The cotton cover is soft and does not irritate the skin. The manufacturing process does not use flame retardants or harmful chemicals.

Pros

  • It is a very rare form of allergic reaction.cotton cover
  • There was no use of flame retardants or other harmful chemicals.
  • It is reported to be well made.
  • It is possible to adjust the firmness.
  • “It’s cool to sleep.”
  • Return within 90 days for a full refund.

Cons

  • Over time, it may go flat.
  • Only one size is available.
  • Not suitable for people who prefer soft pillows.
Shop now at Amazon

Best pillow for side sleep

Sleep Artisan Luxury Side Sleeper Pillow

  • Price: $$$
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Best for: side sleepers

The Sleep Artisan Luxury Side Sleeper Pillow is made with a blend of organic latex and microfiber that the brand says is both antimicrobial and hypoallesy.

The pillow is a narrow rectangular shape with a curve on one side. This is meant to show how many side sleepers use standard pillows.

There are no strong odors. You can either add or take away filling for the pillows on our list.

Pros

  • neutral temperature
  • 30-day trial at home.
  • antimicrobial and It is a very rare form of allergic reaction.
  • Strong odors and no chemicals from the oil industry.
  • There is support for different things.

Cons

  • “It may feel like it’s pebbly.”
  • It is not possible to wash it.
  • Requires pillowcase
  • Not a great option for stomach sleeping.
Shop now at Amazon

Best pillow for stomach sleep

The Belly Sleep Pillow

  • Price: $
  • Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Best for: stomach sleepers

The Belly Sleeper Pillow is great for people who sleep on their stomachs.

Its edges are curved to help reduce head and neck rotation and to reduce pressure points that contribute to pain. The memory foam material is infused with cooling gel. The brand says the pillow is also It is resistant to dust mites..

Pros

  • “It’s great for stomach sleepers.”
  • The cooling gel regulates the temperature.
  • It is resistant to dust mites.
  • The price point is affordable.
  • Machine is clean.bamboo cover

Cons

  • It may not work for those who switch positions.
  • Not a great choice for side sleepers.
Shop now at Amazon

Best organic pillow for neck pain

Avocado Green Pillow

  • Price: $$
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Best for: all sleeping positions

This vegan pillow is It was made in the United States.. The all-natural materials are Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified.

This pillow is a great option because it is changeable. You can either add or remove stuffing until it is comfortable for your neck.

Reviewers say that with all the stuffing, it is too high and causes neck pain.

Some people say that removing stuffing decreased their neck pain.

Pros

  • All-natural, vegan materials.
  • It was made in the United States.
  • The fill can be adjusted.
  • over cover is Machine is clean.
  • There is a 1-year warranty.

Cons

  • It may be too firm for some.
  • Not machine washed.
  • There is a temporary odor.
Shop now at Avocado

Best ancient favorite pillow

Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow

  • Price: $
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Best for: back and side sleepers

Buckwheat pillows have been used for hundreds of years and are still a favorite in Japan. The Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow gets high marks for keeping your head cool while you sleep.

The pillow supports the head and neck. The neck area is where the hull shift and rise, allowing your head to sink into proper alignment.

Pros

  • In Japan, buckwheat pillows are a favorite.
  • “It’s cool to sleep.”
  • Users say it helps to prevent headaches.
  • The price point is affordable.

Cons

  • It may take some getting used to sleeping on buckwheat hull.
  • Some users say that the standard size is too small.
Shop now at Amazon

Best pillow for breathability

Layla Kapok Pillow

  • Price: $$$
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Best for: side sleepers

The pillow is made with Kapok fibers and premium open-cell memory foam. The result is a plush pillow that cradles your head and is held in the night.

“The cover of the Kapok is made of a blend of fabrics. It’s helpful for anyone who sleeps hot to have extra breathability to allow for maximum air flow through the pillow.”

Pros

  • Highly absorbent.
  • Soft and supportive.
  • The cover has the ability to remove fill if desired.

Cons

  • The price point is higher.
  • The pillow has a bad smell.
Shop now on Layla Sleep

Name Price Rating Best for Features
EPABO Memory Foam Pillow $ 4 out of 5 stomach, back, and side sleepers Firm support., budget friendly
Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow $ 4.5 out of 5 any type of sleeper hypoallergenic
DOWNLITE Extra Soft Down Pillow $$ 4.4 out of 5 stomach sleeper hypoallergenic
Nature’s Guest Cervical Support Pillow $$ 4 out of 5 side and back sleeper It is a very rare form of allergic reaction.cover, cooling
Sleep Artisan Luxury Side Sleeper Pillow $$$ 4 out of 5 side sleeper antimicrobial, hypoallergenic
The Belly Sleep Pillow $ 4 out of 5 side and back sleeper cooling gel
Avocado Green Pillow $$ 4 out of 5 all types of sleeper vegan materials
Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow $ 4 out of 5 back and side sleeper cooling
Layla Kapok Pillow $$$ 4 out of 5 side sleeper highly breathable

The muscles, bones, nerves, joints, and discs between the bones can be affected by neck pain. It can make it difficult to move.

Inflammation, such as Fibromyalgia, can cause neck pain. It can happen as a result of an accident.

If your neck pain persists for more than a week or you start to experience other symptoms, it is important to seek medical care.

It is difficult to sleep when you are experiencing pain. You might try to find a comfortable sleeping position all night.

Researchers in a 2020 study that evaluated teens found that neck pain was linked to poor sleep quality in this age group.

Another 2020 study involved 2,328 individual twins. Researchers assessed their sleep quality and chronic neck pain. Chronic neck pain was significantly associated with poor sleep quality. Researchers concluded this association is partially confounded by genetic factors.

You spend a third of your life sleeping. If you keep your neck flexed throughout the night, you may strain it, which can lead to pain.

Ease your neck pain by using a supportive pillow, trying physical therapy or osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), and participating in regular exercise that includes strengthening exercises for the neck and upper quadrant.

Filling

Fill matters, too. There are several types of pillow fill, ranging from latex to polyester to feather. The type of fill you choose is up to personal preference and it may take some time to find the fill that feels best for you.

Change it up

If you use a feather pillow, you should change it every 1 to 2 years. The filling can be hard to fill over time.

If you choose a memory foam pillow, you can get away with changing it less often. If you are experiencing new pain or the filling is not evenly distributed, it is time for a new one.

Wash it

“It is a good idea to wash your pillow every 6 months, following the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have allergies or asthma, this is true. Dust mite killing can be done on high heat.”

If neck pain keeps you up at night, you might want to consider swapping your pillow for one that’s the right height. In the pillow world, height is usually described as loft.

The right amount of loft depends a lot on your preferred sleeping position. Stomach sleepers, for example, should opt for a pillow with a lower loft. Essentially, you want a pillow that will keep your spine in alignment without putting too much pressure on your neck.

You might want to look for a pillow made of foam or latex, rather than down or down alternative.

It is possible that shape is also a consideration. The neck and head are the areas that the cervical or suck pillows are designed to support.

Pillows can be made from a range of materials, including latex, polyester, cotton, and more. A 2020 study discovered that latex and memory foam are the best pillow materials for neck pain. This is because these materials provide neck support, which can improve sleep quality.

Generally, if you’re experiencing neck pain, it’s best to sleep on your back or side.

If you sleep with a pillow that is too thick, it can put too much pressure on your neck and cause headaches.

Keep your neck straight. You may want to place a pillow under your knees to keep your spine in proper alignment.

Still searching for the right sleep products?

Let us help. Shop our top picks for pillows by condition or sleeping position to get the sound sleep you deserve.

“If you have changed your pillow but still aren’t getting relief, you can try these tips.”

  • Modify your overall posture when standing or sitting. Find a neutral spine in these positions, with your shoulders hovering directly over your hips and your ears over your shoulders.
  • Stretch your neck every 20 to 30 minutes when doing computer work, driving long distances, or doing other repetitive tasks that tax your neck. It may be helpful to set a reminder on your computer or phone to take breaks.
  • When carrying heavy loads, use a backpack or suitcase. Either distribute the weight evenly or wheel it around. Excess strain on your neck and shoulders can be caused by using a shoulder bag.
  • Taking a warm shower or applying a cold compress can help relieve the pain. This is especially effective in the first few days after an injury.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
  • Try to quit smoking, if you smoke. Researchers note that smoking is associated with chronic neck pain.

Make an appointment with your doctor if your neck pain doesn’t respond to a change in your pillow, posture, or other lifestyle measures. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you don’t already have a doctor.

In some cases, neck pain may be a symptom of a condition that needs medical attention. Possible causes include:

Be sure to tell your doctor if you notice numbness or less strength in your arms or hands. Any shooting pain down your arm or around your shoulder is also important to note.

If your neck pain is severe, seek immediate medical attention.

Can a pillow cause neck pain?

Yes, it can.

A pillow that kicks your spine out of neutral alignment can leave you with neck pain in the morning. Similarly, if a pillow doesn’t provide enough support, it can also leave you clutching your neck when you wake up.

What pillow loft works best for sleeping with neck pain?

The loft of your pillow is the compressed height of the pillow when your head is sleeping on it. The loft can affect your sleep quality and your pain. However, current research doesn’t suggest one pillow height for all back and side sleepers.

Can replacing your pillow improve neck pain?

If you are having neck pain, it could be the result of your pillow. It might not be supportive anymore if it is old.

“It doesn’t mean that your neck pain will go away when you swap for a new pillow. Pillow preference is personal, and what works for one person might not work for you. It is expected that a bit of experimentation is to be expected.”

“Not all neck pain is caused by a bad pillow. If a new pillow doesn’t help, you should talk to your doctor.”

Which style of pillow is best for neck pain?

Some 2020 research suggests that memory and latex foams are the ideal materials to help prevent neck fatigue.

But that doesn’t mean other types of pillows won’t work for you. You may want to try a few to see what feels most comfortable to you.

How firm should a pillow be to alleviate neck pain?

“If you sleep on your side, a firm pillow is the best for neck pain. A pillow that is too soft will cause problems. The pillow should be soft. It’s bad news if a pillow feels uncomfortable.”

Can neck pain be a sign of something serious?

Sometimes neck pain can be a sign of something serious. If you are experiencing neck pain with other symptoms such as a cold, a throbbing head, and a numbness in your arms and hands, seek medical attention.

Is a high, medium, or low loft pillow better for neck pain?

It depends on what type of person you are. If you are a stomach sleeper, you should choose a pillow with a low loft to minimize the pressure on your spine. If you are a back or side sleeping, a medium loft pillow that allows your head, neck, and spine to form a straight line may be right for you.

If you have a bigger shoulders, a high loft pillow may be suitable. The pillow should be equal to the distance between the ears and the edge of the shoulders.

Changing your pillow may be enough to get relief from neck pain.

It may be worth trying a few options to see what works for you. Money-back guarantees are offered by many companies.

If you still have neck pain after changing your sleeping position, you should see your doctor to rule out more serious conditions.