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What's The Best Pillow for Neck Pain In 2017?

My neck pain started when I was in my early 20s. It began abruptly, and it was severe enough to cause me daily migraines for a period of years. It took me a while to figure out what was wrong, but after seeing a chiropractor, I found out I have a misaligned jaw, which pulls my upper vertebrae out of alignment.

Regular chiropractic treatments help to restore alignment to my spine, but my jaw issue is permanent. That means that if I do not take steps to protect my posture while I am sitting, standing, and lying down, it is easy for my neck to slip back out of alignment between appointments.

So by now I am pretty much an expert when it comes to managing neck pain. And one absolute necessity if you want to keep your neck aligned while you are sleeping is a pillow which provides you with proper neck support.

A regular pillow doesn’t do this. As a result, one of two things is likely to happen:

  • If you sleep on your back, your neck will lose its curvature, and may even curve the wrong way (outward instead of inward).
  • If you sleep on your side, your neck may bend too much to one side or the other.

If bad sleeping posture becomes habitual, the resulting alignment issues will also become chronic, leading to neck pain at night and during the day.

Healthy Neck Posture While You Sleep: Dos and Don’ts

When sleeping with neck pain, do:

  • Lie on a firm mattress.
  • Change positions if you find that lying a certain way is causing acute pain.
  • Use a neck pillow appropriate for your needs.
  • Use a heating pad for tense muscles.
  • Sleep on your back or side.

When sleeping with neck pain, do not:

  • Continue to lie in a position that is causing intense pain.
  • Use extremely fluffy pillows or pile pillows up under your head.
  • Allow your pillow to slip under your shoulders (unless designed to do so).
  • Sleep on your stomach with your head angled to the side.
  • Use the muscles in your upper back, shoulders and neck to turn your body to a new position. Propel the motion from your legs if possible instead.

Questions to Ask When Shopping for the Best Neck Pillow

There is quite a bit of variety in neck pillows. Before you can buy a suitable pillow, you need to take stock of your needs. Here are some key questions to ask.

1. What position do you sleep in?

Some pillows are designed for back sleepers, while others are best for side sleepers. There are even some options for stomach sleepers. Purchase a pillow which will support correct neck posture in the position that you tend to sleep in.

2. What alignment or other health issues do you have with your neck, shoulders, head, and back?

If you know your exact alignment problem, you can buy a pillow that will help correct it. For example, my neck does not have a strong C-curve. So it helps for me to sleep on my back on a roll pillow, which helps to restore the curve.

3. What shape of neck pillow would be best?

Different shapes of neck pillows are designed for different purposes:

  • Wedge pillows: Wedges are usually used for sinus issues, acid reflux, allergies and so forth. If you have these issues, shop for a wedge pillow which has a gentle enough incline to support your neck and back. The wrong wedge pillow may make matters worse, but the right one may help alleviate pain.
  • Cervical pillows: These are any pillows which are designed to offer ergonomic neck support. You can shop for a roll pillow or a more traditionally shaped pillow with a built-in curve to support the neck. The roll pillows are good if you sleep on your back, but if you always or sometimes sleep on your side, you want a more traditional full-size pillow.
  • U-shaped pillows: Pillows with this shape are designed to support your neck when you are sitting upright, like in a car, train, or airplane.
  • Face cradles: These are usually purchased by massage therapists for their prone patients. But if you sleep in a prone position, they may be helpful to you.

4. What type and texture of material do you find most comfortable?

There are so many different materials you can go with for the filling and casing of your pillow. Some options include memory foam, microbeads, water-filled pillows and buckwheat.

5. Do you prefer a cool or warm pillow?

Think about this when selecting a material. Buckwheat and gel foam cooling pillows are good options in warm climates, but may not be as great for sleeping in cold environments.

Top Pillows for Neck Pain

Now that you know a bit more about how to shop for a neck pillow, let’s take a look at some popular and highly-rated pillows in a variety of categories.

Best Wedge Pillows

Bed Wedge FitPlus Premium Pillow


If you need a wedge pillow which will also provide support for your neck and back, this popular pillow may be a good option.

Key Features

  • Memory foam provides contouring for your neck, back and shoulders.
  • The gentle incline is designed not to strain your muscles.
  • Comes with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee and a 2-year warranty.
  • Removable cover is easy to wash.

What the Bed Wedge FitPlus Premium Pillow Is Best For


If you have GERD or another condition which necessitates that you sleep at an incline, this pillow’s soft slant and memory foam contouring will ensure that the strain on your muscles is minimal. I would still recommend something other than a wedge pillow if you are able to lie flat, but if you cannot, this is a good option.

Pros and Cons


The majority of buyers have commented that this pillow is comfortable and does a great job treating GERD, allergies, and other issues. A few however have said they found it too large or didn’t like the angle. Read the dimensions carefully before you purchase.

Relax Home Life Foam Bed Wedge Bamboo Pillow


This is another wedge pillow which may be suitable for those suffering from neck and back pain. It is very reasonably priced and highly rated.

Key Features

  • Memory foam topper for support.
  • Removable cover is designed to be cool and comfortable.
  • 40% bamboo and 60% polyester.
  • Ergonomically designed with two layers for firm support below and molding above.
  • Lifetime guarantee.

What the Relax Home Life Foam Bed Wedge Bamboo Pillow Is Best For


This is another pillow to consider if you have allergies, asthma, GERD, etc. Because it has the firmness and cushioning needed to provide comfortable support, it is easy on the back and neck compared to many other wedge pillows. 

Pros and Cons


According to the majority of buyers, this pillow has just the right elevation to be effective without causing neck or back pain. A few buyers said they thought it was flimsy, but they were very much in the minority.

Best Memory Foam Neck Pillows

Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Memory Foam Pillow


If you are looking for a pillow which isn’t too different from a standard pillow but which is designed to offer more ergonomic support, look no further than the Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Pillow. This memory foam pillow is incredibly popular, with more than 10,000 reviews online.

Key Features

  • 60% polyester and 40% rayon from bamboo.
  • The pillow contains a proprietary mixture of shredded Visco elastic memory foam. You can add or remove foam as needed to achieve maximum comfort for your needs.
  • Foam has been tested and certified by independent laboratories to ensure that it is safe and non-toxic.
  • Hypoallergenic.
  • Resistant to dust mites.
  • Machine-washable.
  • 5-year warranty.

What the Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Memory Foam Pillow Is Best For?


If you like the softness of a down pillow, but you want the support that comes from sleeping on a memory foam pillow, you will find that this is a great hybrid. You should also consider it if you regularly are unhappy with the level of fullness or flatness of other pillows. With this one, you can make adjustments yourself so that it is perfect for your needs.

Pros and Cons


Despite its adjustability, a few buyers have complained that it is too flat. But for those who need a flatter pillow, it may be a fabulous choice. Most customers have been very happy with it, with some commenting that it eliminated their neck pain.

CR Sleep Ventilated Memory Foam Pillow


This affordable memory foam pillow is highly rated and features a unique patented design. Because it is ventilated, it is an excellent option for sleeping in hot locations.

Key Features

  • Jersey fabric breathable inner cover.
  • CertiPUR-US certified foam; free of toxic ingredients.
  • Hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant.
  • Classic square shape.
  • Filled with gel-infused memory foam.
  • The side covers are Aircell gel-infused with one side featuring polyester and tencil, the other side featuring ice fabric and polyester. The former is warm for winter, while the latter is cool and silky for summer.

What the CR Sleep Ventilated Memory Foam Pillow Is Best For



This comfortable contoured memory foam pillow is ideal for keeping your head cool, all while providing the support your neck needs for comfortable, healthy sleep.

Pros and Cons


Most customers report that this is a very cozy pillow which holds its shape very well. The cool side does apparently do a great job ventilating, but only if you do not place the pillow in a regular pillowcase. So you will need to keep it in the shell it comes with if you want to enjoy that feature.

CR Sleep Memory Foam Contour Pillow for Neck Pain


This pillow is a great choice for neck pain because it is specifically designed to function as a cervical pillow. It is reasonably priced and highly rated.

Key Features

  • Features a cool, ventilated inner cover and a soft, removable outer cover for warmth.
  • CertiPUR-US certified gel-infused memory foam.
  • Contoured wave design.
  • Antimicrobial and hypoallergenic.

What the CR Sleep Memory Foam Contour Pillow for Neck Pain Is Best For


This pillow is ideal for both back and side sleepers, providing excellent neck support to alleviate stiffness and pain. Like the pillow above, it is ventilated and great for sleeping in hot weather.

Pros and Cons



Most customers reported that this pillow did a fantastic job relieving their neck pain. A few reported it wasn’t very contoured. Judging from pictures, I would say that it looks like it provides mild contouring, but some patients may need a little more support. 

Best Neck Pillows for Side Sleepers

The Womfy Ear & Neck Pain Relief Pillow


This unusually-shaped pillow is designed to offer radial support for your head. It is available with both medium soft and medium thick levels.

Key Features

  • Memory and gel foam core.
  • Bamboo-jersey pillowcase.
  • Bamboo-jersey pillowcase.
  • Your head, neck and shoulders are aligned when using this pillow.

What the Womfy Ear & Neck Pain Relief Pillow Is Best For:


This pillow may look unusual, but it features what looks like a very smart design. Side sleepers not only can keep their spines aligned, but can enjoy restful sleep without excessive pressure on the ears, thanks to patented ear holes.

Pros and Cons


Many customers have commented that this pillow provides them with amazing neck support, and that indeed it relieves pressure on the ears. A couple customers said that the pillow did not last long because the foam breaks down, but most buyers have had only glowing praise for this pillow.

Nakital Contour Memory Foam Side Sleeper Pillow


Another neck pillow for side sleepers is this contour memory foam pillow. Like some of the others on this list, it is ventilated, and thus ideal for warmer climates.

Key Features

  • Breathable contour memory foam.
  • Removable washable cover.
  • Hypoallergenic.

What the Nakital Contour Memory Foam Side Sleeper Pillow Is Best For


Consider buying this pillow specifically to provide neck support if you are a side-sleeper. I think it would also work fine for a back sleeper.

Pros and Cons


This is a comfortable pillow which provides great support. It holds its shape well, and is cool and breathable. As far as drawbacks, a few buyers said there was a chemical odor when they first bought it. This is common with memory foam pillows, and tends to dissipate within a short time period.

The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow


One more side sleeper pillow which you should think about is this very highly rated one from Drift. Soft yet supportive, it contains a hidden zipper which allows you to adjust its height. The shape is designed specifically to accommodate side sleepers.

Key Features

  • Adjustable.
  • Ergonomically designed to cradle your head and keep your neck aligned.
  • Filled with micro gel fiber and Certipur Gel Memory Foam.

What the Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow Is Best For


The shape of this pillow makes it perfect for side sleepers since it leaves room for the sleeper’s shoulder. You should avoid it if you are a back sleeper however, as it will not provide adequate neck support.

Pros and Cons


Both the shape and thickness of this pillow look to be ideal for sleeping on one’s side and keeping one’s neck aligned. It is great that you can remove stuffing if you want to flatten it. Of course, the drawback is that there is no way to add any extra filling—something pillow manufacturers never seem to think of.

Best Neck Pillows For Back Sleepers

Beegod Bed Pillow for Migraine & Neck Pain


For back sleepers, one highly rated option to consider is this pillow from beegod. This one actually would be fine for side sleepers as well.

Key Features

  • Traditional pillow shape.
  • 90% polyester and 10% soybean fiber.
  • Antibacterial.
  • Mite-resistant.
  • Fade- and stain-resistant.
  • Machine washable.

What the Beegod Bed Pillow for Migraine & Neck Pain Is Best For


Consider this pillow if you want something which is soft and fluffy and similar to a traditional pillow, yet is still helpful in managing neck pain.

Pros and Cons


Quite a few buyers said that sleeping with this pillow reduced their neck pain. If however you need something which holds its shape and molds to the form of your neck and head, you would be better off with memory foam. Some users may find it too fluffy.

SLEEPHI Collection Microfiber Pillow


One pillow with a great shape for reducing neck pain and allowing comfortable sleep on either your back or side is this one from SLEEPHI Collection.

Key Features

  • 100% microfiber shredded foam.
  • Hypoallergenic.

What the SLEEPHI Collection Microfiber Pillow Is Best For


The pillow has an indentation in the middle. That means that if you lie on your back, there will be a slight convex curve under your neck for extra support. This will help maintain the curve of your neck. At the same time, the traditional pillow shape should allow you to sleep on your side comfortably if need be from time to time.

Pros and Cons


The simple, smart design of this pillow makes it ideal for back sleepers. A couple of customers mentioned that the pillow may need fluffing now and again as the stuffing moves around, but so long as this doesn’t bug you, you should find it to be a great pillow.

Cushy Foam Semi-Roll Pillow


For those in search of a roll pillow, this semi-roll has the right shape to offer stability and support. It is incredibly popular, with hundreds of reviews online. It is also very reasonably priced.

Key Features

  • Organic cotton.
  • Multi-use.

What the Cushy Foam Semi-Roll Pillow Is Best For


This is actually more of a knee pillow than a neck pillow—most users will find it too large to use as a neck pillow. But a few customers have commented it worked for them, and it may be useful for traction for a few minutes a day for others. 

Pros and Cons


This pillow is comfortable, supportive and versatile for a range of uses. The biggest drawback is that its size prevents it from being an ideal choice for a fulltime neck pillow (for most users). If you do use it for your knees, that can reduce back pain, which in turn may stop some indirect pain referral to your neck and head.

Newpoint Neckroll Pillow Pairs


This neck pillow is very affordable, popular, and highly-rated. It has a traditional roll shape ideal for back sleepers.

Key Features

  • 100% cotton with polyester filling.
  • Hypoallergenic.
  • Machine washable.
  • You get a pair of pillows for the price.

What the Newpoint Neckroll Pillow Pairs Is Best For


This roll pillow can be used under your neck or your knees to provide extra support.

Pros and Cons


Most customers who bought this pillow said they found it comfortable under their necks, and that it provided adequate support. Check the dimensions however to make sure it won’t be too much/little for your needs. Also note that it will not hold its shape like memory foam, but the price is right if you are on a budget.

Best Prone Neck Pillows

Therapist’s Choice Deluxe Massage Face Cradle Cushion


For those who lie prone and want to be able to sleep with their faces pointed straight down (so as not to twist the neck), a pillow which allows you to breathe is essential. This face cradle cushion may fit your needs.

Key Features

  • Molded polyurethane foam which is harder on the bottom.
  • Soft and silky upholstery.
  • Velcro attachments.

What the Therapist’s Choice Deluxe Massage Face Cradle Cushion Is Best For


If you want to lie prone for a massage or a short nap, you can use this face cradle cushion. I wouldn’t really recommend sleeping face down for long periods (it is hard to breathe), but for short rests, it should be fine. Again, stomach sleepers who twist their necks to the side should switch to side or back sleeping. There is no “good” way to sleep that way.

Pros and Cons


This comfortable, large face cradle cushion provides plenty of room for all head sizes, and doesn’t push against your face. But some users report it is a bit flat for them.

Best Travel Neck Pillows

Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow


This popular travel pillow has thousands of reviews online, a reasonable price, and strong ratings. It is available in a range of colors.

Key Features

  • 360 degrees of support.
  • Made of soft velour and memory foam.
  • Adjustable.
  • Comes with memory foam earplugs and a travel bag.
  • Washable.
  • Money-back guarantee.

What the Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow Is Best For


This cozy pillow is ideal for flights, train rides, bus rides, and so on. Interestingly enough, the flatter back also means you can use it while lying down in bed on your back.

Pros and Cons


This is a large, comfortable travel pillow which is versatile enough to use sitting up or lying down. Note that in hot climates, it may be a bit stuffy. But aside from that, there really are no major drawbacks.

BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Pillow


Another travel pillow to consider is this one from BCOZZY. It wraps around fully to provide support even if your head tends to tip forward. You can buy it in a variety of colors.

Key Features

  • Patented design for 360-degree support.
  • Twist and tighten or loosen it to adjust it to your needs.
  • Machine washable.
  • Filled with siliconized polyester fiber.

What the BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Pillow Is Best For


Use this pillow when you are on a long flight or train or bus ride. It is fully adjustable, so you can customize the fit to your needs.

Pros and Cons


According to buyers, this is a very comfortable product, especially once you take time to adjust it to support the posture you are sleeping in. A couple buyers mentioned the stitch quality was not that durable, but perhaps they subjected the pillow to too much stress while traveling.

Conclusion: With the Right Neck Pillow, You Can Correct Alignment Issues and Alleviate Neck Pain

Neck pain is … well, a pain. And trying to treat it can be too. But if you are sleeping on a non-ergonomic pillow, you are fighting upstream when you don’t have to be. Try sleeping on a neck pillow which provides the support you need, and you will be treating your neck pain and its underlying cause in your sleep. Soon, you may wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.

About the Author

Peekaboo! Barbara speaking. I'm currently the Chief Editor at Sleep Titan and my job is to make sure that the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed on all of our amazing content! The lovely people here at Sleep Titan often tell me that my Friendly Superpowers come out after a glass of wine, but personally, I prefer a strong IPA. The sort of strength that screams alpha all the way! Maybe that's the reason why everyone wants me to have a drink around here. Right?!

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