Best Type of Pillow for Neck Pain

If you wake up each day with some combination of neck pain, stiffness and headaches, your pillow may be partially to blame.

In this case, it may be time to swap out your current model for a pillow designated for neck and shoulder pain. The best pillow for neck pain and headaches will depend on your sleeping position, personal preferences and other factors, which we’ll cover in further detail below.

Continue reading through our shoppers' guide to find the best pillow for neck issues, all available at Mattress Firm.

How Pillows Affect Neck Pain and Sleep Quality

Sleeping on the right (or wrong) pillow can have a significant impact on your spinal alignment, muscle tension and overall sleep comfort.

You can’t just sleep on any pillow if you’re looking for neck pain relief. Using an ergonomic support pillow prevents strain by helping maintain the natural curvature of the spine and neck while you sleep.

In other words, a pillow that’s too high, too low or too soft could cause discomfort and restlessness at night. Thus, you need to carefully select a pillow with the proper height and firmness, as well as materials that will promote proper spinal alignment in bed.

Key Features To Look for in a Pillow for Neck Issues

There are a few main things you need to look for to find the best pillow for a sore neck. The following features all contribute to neck support and relief.

Firmness

You may have a personal preference for a soft, medium or firm pillow. However, for most people who sleep on their side or back, a firm or medium-firm pillow is the right choice to provide good pressure relief and support.

Loft (Height)

The loft of a pillow can either exacerbate your neck pain or offer comfort and relief. The right height will depend on whether you sleep on your side, back or stomach. However, it should have the right loft to keep the head and neck in neutral alignment with the spine.

Material

The materials used in the pillow can also influence how well it supports the spine and neck. More specifically, materials like memory foam, latex and adjustable fill are all considered good options for neck pain relief as they contour to each person’s head, neck and shoulders for customizable support.

Ergonomic Design

Some pillows will offer special features and ergonomic designs that specifically promote comfort and support for the head and neck. For instance, some of the best ergonomic pillows offer a contoured cutout for the shoulder area, preventing any uncomfortable scrunching or bunching that impacts overall comfort.

Which Pillows Are Not Good for Neck Pain

As mentioned above, choosing the wrong pillow can end up worsening your neck pain through improper support or putting too much strain and pressure on the area. Here are some pillows you should avoid using if you’re experiencing neck pain.

Too Soft

It’s a common misconception that soft pillows are the best if you’re experiencing pain and discomfort. However, these may not offer the cushion and support you need to keep a neutral spine, causing problems with stiffness or misalignment.

Excessively High

If your neck hurts from a pillow, check to see if it’s the right height for your sleeping position. Especially if you’re a side or stomach sleeper, you’ll typically need a pillow with a lower loft than someone who sleeps on their back.

Even back sleepers need to avoid sleeping on a pillow that pushes their head forward and puts too much strain on the back of their necks.

Unsupportive Materials

Pillows made with feather and down may not offer the support you need if you’re looking for neck pain relief.

While they can be quite soft and cushiony when you first get into bed, they tend to flatten throughout the night, causing your head to shift and become misaligned. Instead, you need a pillow with more bounce and stability to maintain your neck’s natural shape as you sleep and shift around, like memory foam or latex.

How To Choose the Right Type of Pillow Based on Your Sleeping Position

What is the best pillow for neck pain? It depends on your preferred sleep position. Take a look at the recommended pillow heights and firmness levels for each type:

• Side: A firmer pillow helps provide ample support in the space between the neck and shoulders.
• Back: Back sleepers should use a medium-firm to firm pillow with enough loft to keep the head in proper position without overextending it to the front.
• Stomach: A flatter, soft pillow is best for stomach sleepers to put less strain on the head and neck. 

The 6 Best Pillows for Neck Pain: Our Top Selection

Looking for a great pillow for neck support? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve curated a list of top-rated pillows for neck pain, available right here at Mattress Firm.

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Pro Adjustable Pillow

What We Like

The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Pro Adjustable Pillow allows sleepers to customize the feel and height of the pillow to find the perfect fit for their neck pain needs. Once you adjust it to how you like, it will truly feel like this pillow was made just for you!

The pillow comes overstuffed with an exclusive blend of TEMPUR-MaterialTM, which you can remove or rearrange to your liking until it perfectly contours your head, neck and shoulders. It’s a good pillow for neck problems as it offers pressure relief to alleviate aches and pains, helping you wake up feeling more refreshed.

Given its adaptable design, the pillow is a good match for all sleep positions, offering precise and customizable support whether you like to sleep on your back, side or stomach.

Features

• SmartClimate Cover
• Removable TEMPUR-Material fill 
• High/low-profile options
• Removable, washable cover

What Customers Are Saying

“This pillow is the most comfortable pillow I have had in many years. No matter how I turn, it’s comfortable.” – Jay 

“Excellent product after I got the ‘filling’ adjusted.” – S. Cobb

“I’ve had so much trouble finding the right pillow. My neck hurts all the time and I’m a side sleeper. This pillow is perfectly firm and soft at the same time. It is adjustable so I can move it where I need more support and don’t have to worry about it shifting while I sleep…” – Nina G.

Sleepy’s Deluxe Charcoal Cool Pillow

What We Like

Great for any sleep position, with exceptional temperature control and hypoallergenic features, the Sleepy’s Deluxe Charcoal Cool Pillow is a fantastic all-around option. It’s available in three different profile heights to offer the right support for each person’s preferences and sleeping habits.

As one of the best pillows for neck issues, the pillow’s fiber fill and memory foam construction cradles the head and neck for soothing comfort and support. It’s also made with temperature-regulating components and breathable materials that draw heat away from the body, helping to promote a cool and comfortable sleep environment.

A unique feature is its charcoal-infused cover, which helps eliminate odors by absorbing excess moisture before it seeps into the pillow. If you’re not a fan of the charcoal, you can check out the alternative model without it, the Sleepy’s Deluxe Comfort Cool Pillow.

Features

• Cooling carbon technology
• Anti-static and deodorization features
• High-performance cover with carbon fiber technology
• Fiber and foam filling
• Removable, washable cover

What Customers Are Saying

99% of customers were happy with their purchase

“I like the flexibility in the support to easily adjust to your personal preference.” – L. Lyles

“Not too soft and not too structured, these pillows have an excellent feel while providing enough firmness to support the head and neck as you desire…” – M.F.N.

“Love this pillow. It’s comfortable, and I don’t wake up with any neck pain. This is extremely important as someone who’s had neck surgery and fusion of 3 levels.” – Anonymous

Purple Harmony Pillow

What We Like

The Purple Harmony Pillow features the brand’s unique 360º Purple Grid Hex, providing exceptional pressure relief and temperature control through the pillow’s 2000 open-air channels.

People suffering from neck problems will like the pillow’s hypoallergenic Talalay Latex Core, which helps retain its shape and effortlessly contours to each person’s unique anatomy for all-night support. With a moisture-wicking cover, this neck support pillow keeps you cool and dry as you sleep.

Our Sleep Experts® like the pillow for its cooling cover and three different heights, which are perfect for all sleep positions, including side, back and stomach sleepers.

Features

• Low/medium/high-loft options
• Purple Grid Hex material
• Talalay Latex Core
• Moisture-wicking cover

What Customers Are Saying

98% of customers were happy with their purchase

“I bought myself the medium king size, and I will not be going back. This pillow is just so comfortable. I have the neck support that I needed to help with my neck pain in the mornings… “ – Sittion

“I have so many head and neck issues and have been going through many different pillows. I laid on this one … and instantly felt at ease. It was easy on my neck and didn’t put me in a weird situation.” – E. C. 

“These pillows have helped reduce the pain in my neck and my headaches. I would highly recommend!” – J. Berge

Bedgear Storm Cuddle Curve Performance Pillow

What We Like

Available in four different heights, there’s a Bedgear Storm Cuddle Curve Performance Pillow for everyone—no matter your go-to sleep position!

This hybrid pillow is truly one of a kind. It’s designed for dual-sided comfort, being soft on one side and firm on the other. With a simple flip, you can easily adjust the comfort of your pillow however you like. Plus, the pillow’s cool-to-the-touch cover and patented Air-X mesh vents promote proper airflow and keep you from overheating.

It also features a contoured shape to hug the curves of your shoulders and body, offering the right support exactly where you need it. The pillow is made with Bedgear’s proprietary React fill, which conforms to your head and neck for optimal pressure relief and custom comfort while you sleep.

Features

• Medium-firm comfort
• Ver-Tex cooling material
• Dual soft and firm sides
• Removable cover
• Machine washable

What Customers Are Saying

96% of customers were happy with their purchase

“Run and get this. By far the best pillow I’ve ever had as a side sleeper.” – H. Hicks

“No more neck problems with the purchase of my new pillow” – Anonymous

“Love this pillow. It’s like a hug. Love the way it fits around my neck.” – Y. R. 

Beautyrest BlackICE Memory Foam Pillow

What We Like

If you’re looking for a pillow that will help relieve neck pain while keeping you cool throughout the night, check out the Beautyrest BlackICE Memory Foam Pillow. Best for side sleepers, this memory foam neck pillow is an incredible option if you’re someone with neck problems who also sleeps hot.

The BlackICE Memory Foam Pillow is exclusively available at Mattress Firm, offering the right balance of support and cooling technology to keep you comfortable and relaxed in your sleep environment.

It’s one of the best neck pain pillows, featuring three layers of innovative temperature-control materials to promote proper airflow and pull heat away from the head and neck.

Features

• BlackICE technology with Micro-Diamond-Infused Memory Foam
• AquaCool Phase Change Technology
• Surface Cool removable cover
• 2-inch gusseted construction
• Machine-washable removable cover

What Customers Are Saying

97% of customers were happy with their purchase

“This pillow is great! It is firm and supports both my head and neck. My neck and shoulders do not hurt. I sleep really well.” – Nickle

“Best pillow we’ve ever had for neck and head alignment.” – G.W.

“It doesn’t flatten like traditional pillows. It always keeps its shape but conforms to my head when resting on it. The foam is super comfortable and always consistent.” – Sharon J. 

Stearns & Foster Continuous Comfort Quilted Pillow

What We Like

The Stearns & Foster Continuous Comfort Quilted Pillow offers the ultimate cushion to cradle your head and neck. It’s a medium-density pillow, meaning it’s suitable for both side and back sleepers.

The pillow features a LiquiLoft, gel-like down alternative to offer all-night comfort, even if you’re someone who tosses and turns or changes positions frequently. Plus, the hypoallergenic fns keeps dust mites and allergens away from your sleep environment.

Stearns & Foster has been crafting exceptional sleep products for over 175 years, so it’s known for delivering quality you can count on. And, with 100% customer satisfaction, it’s one of the best-rated pillows for neck support.

Features

• Medium density
• Quilted center diamond design pattern
• LiquiLoft down alternative filling
• 300 threat count cotton sateen fabric
• Machine-washable

What Customers Are Saying

100% of customers were happy with their purchase

“I have bought many pillows and have never found one like this one. I have neck problems, and this pillow has given me the very best night’s sleep I’ve had in years. I love it!” – Susan

“These pillows are very soft and provide a great night's sleep!” – Talty

“I have a pillow obsession. Not because I need more, I just need to find the right one.  Dealing with spine and neck problems makes finding the right pillows difficult. These are almost perfect ...” – Sherri B.

Other Ways To Reduce Neck Pain During Sleep

Aside from choosing the best pillow for neck pain, there are some other tips and techniques to help alleviate head and neck pain while you sleep.

Stretch Regularly

A good stretching routine before bed can help reduce tension and loosen up muscles in the neck, head and shoulders. This can make it easier to avoid pain and discomfort throughout the night, even as you re-position yourself.

Maintain a Good Sleep Posture

It’s easier to maintain proper spine alignment when sleeping on your back or side rather than your stomach. Even if you prefer to sleep on your tummy, consider switching to a better sleep posture if you consistently suffer from neck pain and stiffness in the mornings.

Use a Supportive Mattress

Your mattress is the foundation of your sleep environment. Having a supportive pillow can help alleviate neck and head pain, but you also need a quality mattress to go with it to achieve optimal comfort and pain-free sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pillows for Neck Issues (FAQs)

What is a cervical pillow?

A cervical pillow is specially designed to keep the head and neck in proper alignment while sleeping. In other words, it offers support for the cervical spine, which is your neck. A cervical pillow for neck pain may also be referred to as an orthopedic pillow.

What type of pillow is best for neck pain?

The best pillow for neck problems depends on your typical sleep position and your personal preferences. Whether you sleep on your stomach, back or side, the right pillow will contour to your head and neck for optimal support and be at the right height to keep your head in proper alignment with your spine.

What is the best sleeping position for neck pain?

While each person may have their preferences, an article from Harvard Health Publishing states that sleeping on your back or side is best since it’s easier to maintain the natural curvature of the neck and spine, as compared to sleeping on the stomach with the head tilted to the side.

Should I use a firm or a soft pillow for neck support?

The right firmness level for a pillow depends on whether you sleep on your stomach, side or back. The general consensus is that a firmer pillow is better for neck pain relief when sleeping on your back, while medium-firmness is better for side sleepers. Soft pillows tend to be best for stomach sleepers.