10 Best Pillows for Neck Pain

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​Sleeping is a nightly ritual for everyone, but too many of us don’t get the quality sleep we deserve because we have mediocre pillows that cause us neck and back pain. We need the best pillow for neck pain to help us get the good night’s sleep we’ve been dreaming of and so that we don’t wake up with aches and pains that leave us more exhausted than we were the night before. The market for high-quality pillows can be confusing and overwhelming, and our team of experts is here for you to help you find the best pillow for neck pain so you can finally get better sleep.

Comparison Table

Product FAQ

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​​​1. How to Choose the Best Pillow for Neck Pain?

There are several things you should consider when choosing the best pillow for neck pain. A study by Harvard says that people with neck pain should consider using a pillow made of memory foam, or a firm, adjustable inner core pillow like a water-based pillow that will conform to the head and keep the neck in proper alignment with the spine. Cervical and orthopedic pillows are created specifically to perform this function.

Water-based pillows and memory foam pillows have an advantage because they redistribute the weight of your body as you move and absorb the shock to your vertebra. Water filled pillows are great because you can completely adjust their firmness level as well.

You should also consider care and ease of cleaning. You want this pillow to last you a long time, right? Finding one that’s easy to clean will help you preserve it. Pick out a neck pain pillow that has an easy-to-remove washable case and an inner core that is easy to wash in a machine or wipe clean with a damp cloth.

​​2. Best Types of Neck Pain Pillows?

​​The very best pillow for neck pain relief will be made of strong fiber filling, memory foam, or are a water-based construction. Roll-shaped pillows are another great choice for people who suffer from neck pain but be warned, while they are great for short-term use while traveling or in unusual sleeping positions, they are not the best for everyday use. They only support the neck and not the head or upper back and shoulders like you would need.

​​​​​3. What Causes Nightly Neck Pain?

​​Inside the cervical column, nerves run up and down from the brain to all the other parts of the body. While any part of the spine can be compressed or pinched, causing various degrees of pain or numbness, the neck is the most vulnerable during the night while we sleep. Keeping the neck in line with our heads and back is one of the best ways to prevent injury, stiffness, and pain in the morning.

​​4. Overall Price Range?

​​As with most consumer products, the price range of the best pillows for neck pain is dependent on what the customer is willing to pay. For our top ten list, we tried to only pick products we feel offer the best value for the money and are excellent choices for our budget-conscious readers. The overall price range of our top ten list ranges from $40 to $117.

How We Reviewed

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Our team spent much time and effort researching different pillows to bring you this unbiased best-of list featuring only the ten best pillows for neck pain. We reviewed:

  • ​Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
  • ​Mediflow Waterbase Pillow for Neck Pain
  • ​Shredded Memory Foam Pillow by Xtreme Comforts
  • ​Sleep Innovations Contour Memory Foam Pillow
  • ​UTTU Adjustable Dynamic Memory Foam Pillow
  • ​Arc4life Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow for Neck Pain
  • ​Malouf Z Shoulder Zoned Dough Memory Foam Pillow
  • ​Chiroflow Premium Water Pillow
  • ​Sleeping Pure Luxury Side Sleeper Pillow
  • ​MyPillow Premium Series Bed Pillow

​​Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded

Memory Foam Pillow

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Features

If you’re looking for a memory foam pillow that never goes flat, look no further. The Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow is makes this list of best pillows for neck pain because it is built to mimic the comfort of a down feather pillow without going flat. This eco-friendly pillow can provide your neck the stability it needs as you get a restful and fulfilling night’s sleep.

PROS

  • Mimics the comfort of a down feather pillow
  • Does not go flat
  • Excellent neck stability

CONS

  • Does not last more than a few months for some 
  • Uncomfortable at first, needs adjusting

​​Mediflow Waterbase Pillow for Neck Pain

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Features

​​This luxurious pillow provides a high level of comfort and support for the back, neck, and head as you sleep. Its inner water chamber is completely adjustable to offer you the exact amount of support and thickness you need, no matter what your favorite sleeping position is. This  is one of the best pillows for neck pain because it allows you to fill an inner chamber with water, making it a soothing waterbed for your head. The outside is made of durable, easily cleaned polyester that is hypoallergenic and soft.

PROS

  • Supports back, neck, and head as you sleep
  • The inner water chamber is adjustable
  • Great for all sleeping positions
  • Soothing waterbed for your head

CONS

  • May leak for some
  • Easy to add too much water

Shredded Memory Foam Pillow by Xtreme Comforts

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Features

​​This soft and comfortable pillow is made of the highest quality shredded memory foam right here in the USA. The double airflow system includes a vented bamboo cover and shredded foam pieces that allow air to travel through the pillow without restriction.  This stops body heat from building throughout the night, giving you a cooler sleep. It’s great for any sleep position and will allow you to enjoy the firm, supportive comfort that it provides your head and neck all night long.

PROS

  • Made in the USA
  • High-quality memory foam
  • Double airflow system for breathability
  • Moisture resistant

CONS

  • Flattens too rapidly for some
  • Too under-filled for some

​Sleep Innovations Contour Memory Foam Pillow

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Features

​​This choice is a contender for the best pillow for neck pain because has a special shape designed to cradle the head and neck, giving it a more comfortable feel no matter what your preferred sleep position is. The Contour Memory Foam Pillow has a recessed center that allows side sleepers to keep their heads in line with their spine and gives stomach sleepers the ability to lie with their face on the pillow without any pressure from the filling blocking their airways or making their skin hot. Back sleepers avoid having their neck curved and chin forced downward because the pillow has a curve that keeps the head from being pushed up and forward.

PROS

  • Special innovative shape
  • Great for all sleep positions
  • Relieves pressure
  • Keeps the head in line with the spine for preventing neck pain

CONS

  • Not for children
  • Too big and fluffy for some

​UTTU Adjustable Dynamic Memory Foam Pillow

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Features

​​If you are a side sleeper, this selection from our best pillow for neck pain list is perfect for you. It’s made specifically for neck pain, neck support, and back support for stomach and side sleepers and the contoured pillow can provide pressure relief, maximum support, and is completely adjustable to meet your sleeping needs. This memory foam pillow comes with a high contour height of 4.7 inches and a low contour height of 3.9 inches. There is a generous memory foam middle layer of 3.5 inches.

PROS

  • Best for side sleepers
  • Completely adjustable
  • Memory foam
  • High contour

CONS

  • Not enough support for some
  • Too flat for some

​Arc4life Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow forNeck Pain

Arc4life Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow Large Extra Firm-...
  • CERVICAL PILLOW FOR NECK PAIN - Wake up Free of Neck and Muscle Pain because pressure is relieved when your head and...
  • ORTHOPEDIC SLEEPING PILLOWS - Experience Deep Sound Sleep because your body relaxes.
  • OPTIMAL NECK ALIGNMENT FOR SIDE SLEEPING & BACK SLEEPING - Breathe easier and reduce snoring because your air passage is...

Features

​​This item on our best pillow for neck pain list has a recessed center with sculpted sides that vary in shape so you can get the right support in any sleeping position. It’s a great solution for stomach and side sleepers, back sleepers, and people of all shapes and sizes. It also helps you relax and fall asleep faster, giving you a higher quality and healthier sleep. It aids in proper deep breathing and eliminates snoring. The hand-stuffed, fiber filling is moldable for easy movement during the night and allows for complete air flow to keep your sleeping surface cool and comfortable.

PROS

  • Recessed center with sculpted sides
  • Great for stomach, side, and back sleepers
  • Great for old and young people of all shapes and sizes
  • Moldable fiber filling for extra comfortability

CONS

  • Not ideal for back sleepers
  • High in price

Malouf Z Shoulder Zoned Dough Memory

Foam Pillow

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Features

​​If temperature plays a role in your sleep cycle, the Malouf Z Shoulder Zoned Dough Memory Foam Pillow could be the best pillow for neck pain for you because it is infused with gel for a cooling effect. This contoured pillow cradles the head and hugs the neck and shoulders to create more support while promoting added airflow.

PROS

  • Infused with cooling gel
  • Contoured pillow
  • Cradles the head
  • Excellent support

CONS

  • Comfort could be better
  • High in price

​Chiroflow Premium Water Pillow

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Features

​​This contender for the best pillow for neck pain offers smooth movement as you sleep without bunching or flattening and it’s a great way to get complete support in any sleep position. The water core moves with you so it isn’t necessary to get up and reposition the pillow in the middle of the night as you move from side to side or back to front and it makes great support for pregnant women as well. It’s recommended by most chiropractors and makes you feel like you’re sleeping at a five-star resort. It has a firm, easy-to-use support base that you can fill to the desired level of comfort.

PROS

  • Smooth movement with no bunching or flattening
  • Water core moves with you as you sleep
  • Recommended by chiropractors
  • Easy-to-use support base

CONS

  • Mold may form
  • Takes getting used to and many adjustments to see benefits

​Sleeping Pure Luxury Side Sleeper Pillow

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Features

​​If you’re looking to try another foam and feather alternative, this choice for the best pillow for neck pain is perfect for you. It’s made with natural latex and manufactured by hand. It keeps side sleepers in mind with its high-quality design. It is made with a soft contour that hugs your neck and shoulders for comfortable support. It is completely adjustable and hypoallergenic as well.

PROS

  • Great alternative to foam and feathers
  • Natural latex
  • Great for side sleepers
  • High-quality, handmade design

CONS

  • High in price
  • Not ideal for back sleepers

​My Pillow Premium Series Bed Pillow

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Features

​​This final selection on our best pillow for neck pain list is uniquely engineered to provide the perfect level of support depending on the body size. It uses shirt size to determine special needs so you can buy the size that will fit you the best. It’s made in the USA out of a patented blend of poly filling and the open cell construction of the fibers allows air to flow freely through the pillow to keep you comfortably cool during the night. It will also not ball up like down or cotton-filled pillows.  It can be adjusted to any position you need, as it will easily mold to your body shape.

PROS

  • Uniquely engineered
  • Excellent support
  • Molds to your body shape
  • Open cell construction for increased airflow

CONS

  • Feels overstuffed for some
  • Materials feel cheap and not built to last

​The Verdict

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We hope you have found your personal best pillow for neck pain through our list and that you are on your way to a better night’s sleep.  Pick out your favorite pillow on our list and follow the Amazon link to purchase it for yourself.

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