For those who live with chronic neck pain, finding a supportive pillow is essential: The right one alleviates muscle tension and promotes proper alignment, leading to more comfortable nights (and mornings). To find the best pillows for neck pain, we spent hours comparing options from top sleep brands and relied on our editors’ testing insights. We landed on the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow as the best pick overall, which stood out with its ergonomic shape and patented pressure-relieving foam. If you prefer an adjustable pillow, we recommend the Coop Sleep Goods Original, which comes with extra shredded foam so you can achieve just the right loft.
Nicholas Anastasio, MD, a board-certified physician at Orthopedics and Joint Replacement at Mercy Medical Center, says, “The key is to find a pillow that will maintain your neck in a neutral position. Meaning, in line [with your spine] and not overly flexed in any direction.” With this in mind, we included specific options for side sleepers and back sleepers, as well as a cooling pick that provides relief to hot sleepers. Below, find the 10 best pillows for neck pain, along with an expert-informed buying guide to assist you in picking the right one.
Best Pillow For Neck Pain Overall: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow
Best Affordable Pillow For Neck Pain: Epabo Contour Memory Foam Pillow
Best Pillow For Side Sleepers With Neck Pain:
Best Pillow For Back Sleepers With Neck Pain: The Company Store Duo Sleep Neck Posture Pillow
Best Adjustable Pillow For Neck Pain: Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow
Best Down Pillow For Neck Pain: Parachute Down Pillow
Best Memory Foam Pillow For Neck Pain:
Best Cervical Pillow For Neck Pain: Osteo Cervical Pillow
Best Cooling Pillow For Neck Pain: Purple Harmony Pillow
Best Sustainable Pillow For Neck Pain: Avocado Green Pillow
Best Pillow For Neck Pain Overall
Ergonomic Pillow In Three Sizes To Best Fit Your Needs
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow
Fill: Tempur foam |Firmness:Firm | Loft: 3.5, 4 or 4.75 inches | Outer material:Polyester | Trial: None
Pros:
- Available in three heights for different sleeping positions and neck sizes
- Maintains its shape
- Bolster shape increases neck support
Cons:
- Returns aren’t accepted
- Not recommended for stomach sleepers
With a bolstered lower half, the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow is designed to give targeted support to your neck, which can help alleviate tense muscles. Its ergonomic shape and firm-yet-moldable foam filling makes it the overall winner on this list; the contoured design encourages neutral alignment of the head, neck and spine. The hypoallergenic polyester knit cover is easy to remove and wash for regular maintenance. The Tempur-Neck comes in small, medium and large sizes to suit a variety of body types and sleep styles: The brand’s website is equipped with a chart to help you determine the right size for you. However, it is not recommended for stomach sleepers. While Tempur-Pedic doesn’t offer a trial period for pillows, this product does come with a five-year limited warranty. You can also add cooling technology to the Tempur-Neck for $20 if you sleep hot.
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Best Affordable Pillow For Neck Pain
Contoured Option With A Reasonable Price Tag
Epabo Contour Memory Foam Pillow
Fill: Memory foam | Firmness:Firm | Loft: 3.9, 4.6, 4.8 or 5 inches | Outer material:Polyester and rayon | Trial: 30 nights
Pros:
- Curved surface cradles the neck
- Great value for the price
- Adjustable height and five size options
Cons:
- May be too firm for some sleepers
A high-quality, supportive pillow doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. This under-$50 pick from Epabo has thousands of 5-star reviews from Amazon customers, with many praising its design and ability to relieve a stiff neck. Similar to the Tempur-Pedic pillow above, it has a raised bottom half that provides ample neck support, but unlike the Tempur-Pedic, the center of this pillow features a dip that gently cradles your neck for optimal alignment. There’s also a piece of memory foam at the bottom you can remove if the pillow feels too high. Some reviewers note that it requires an adjustment period of a few weeks—but once they acclimated to the pillow’s shape, they noticed a decrease in neck pain. Keep in mind that this pillow is on the firmer side, so it may not be the right choice if you prefer a plusher style.
Best Pillow For Side Sleepers With Neck Pain
Curved Shape That Promotes Spinal Alignment
Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow
Fill: Latex, polyester |Firmness:Adjustable | Loft: Adjustable | Outer material:Cotton, polyester and spandex | Trial: 45 nights
Pros:
- Can add or remove fill to find the right firmness and height
- U-shaped design specifically made for side sleepers
- Removable cover is machine washable
Cons:
- Not ideal for combination sleepers
- Only offered in queen size
The Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow has an innovative crescent shape that accommodates your shoulder while you’re lying on your side, so your neck stays on a neutral plane in line with your spine. Along with the curved design, the springy latex-polyester filling is great for side sleepers, as it offers ample support and just the right amount of give. If the pillow is too firm right out of the box, you can remove the filling to adjust it to your liking. On the contrary, you can buy additional fill if you want it to be firmer. The main downside of this pillow’s shape, however, is that it doesn’t have the same spine-aligning effect for back sleepers; combination sleepers who shift between their side and back throughout the night may not have the best results.
Best Pillow For Back Sleepers With Neck Pain
Accommodates For Shifting During The Night
The Company Store Duo Sleep Neck Posture Pillow
Fill: Polyester |Firmness:Medium | Loft: 4 inches (center); 5.5 inches (sides) | Outer material:Cotton and polyester | Trial: 30 nights
Pros:
- Allows for switching from side to back sleeping
- Contours to neck’s natural curve
- Segmented design offers targeted support
Cons:
- Removable cover is sold separately
- Only one size available (queen)
Back sleepers typically benefit from medium to medium-firm pillows with a medium loft, and The Company Store Duo Sleep Neck Posture Pillow fits the bill. Its segmented design creates different heights with fluffy polyester filling—the center is four inches tall, while the raised sides are 5.5 inches—to keep your head cradled in one spot while you sleep. And while it caters to back sleepers, reviews say it’s equally comfortable for side sleepers, making it a great choice for combination sleepers who shift positions often throughout the night. However, some shoppers say it’s too big to fit in a standard pillowcase, so you may want to invest in the accompanying cotton pillowcase, which is sold separately.
Best Adjustable Pillow For Neck Pain
Customizable Loft For Optimal Comfort
MOST POPULAR
Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow
Fill: Memory foam, microfiber |Firmness:Medium-firm | Loft: Adjustable | Outer material:Polyester, bamboo-derived rayon | Trial: 100 nights
Pros:
- Comes with additional filling for a firmer pillow
- Breathable bamboo-derived pillowcase
- Machine-washable cover and inner pillow
Cons:
- Some reviews complain of off-gassing smell
Whether you sleep on your side, back, stomach or a combination of the three, you can customize the Coop Original Adjustable Pillow to suit your individual needs. It comes with an extra half-pound of filling, which is a blend of medium-firm memory foam and microfiber. Simply add or remove filling to the pillow until your neck is aligned with your spine when you lie down on it (and store away any extra filling for future fluff-ups). The Coop Original has a breathable cover made with bamboo-derived rayon, which is thermoregulating for a comfortable night’s sleep. Note that this pillow is also available in a Cut-Out style specifically for side sleepers and a Crescent style for side sleepers who shift to their backs.
What our editors say: Special projects editor Jennifer Ferrise says, “I’m a combo sleeper, so being able to adjust [the Coop Original Adjustable Pillow] has been great, and I also like that if it starts to flatten over time you can easily add to the fill to plump it up again.” Senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold has the cooling version of the Coop pillow and says, “I’m not lying when I say that, in the days right after I got the pillow, I looked forward to going to sleep just so I could rest my head and sink into it."
Best Down Pillow For Neck Pain
Fluffy Pick With Multiple Firmness Options
Parachute Down Pillow
Fill: Down |Firmness:Soft, medium or firm | Loft: Low to high depending on firmness | Outer material: Cotton sateen| Trial: 60 nights
Pros:
- Available in three firmness options for different sleeping positions
- Breathable cotton shell
- Made with Responsible Down Standard-certified filling
Cons:
- Some reviews complain of initial animal-like smell
Made using delicate feathers found in the undercoating of ducks and geese, down filling is plush, soft and luxurious. A high-quality down pillow gently molds to your neck’s shape, which can help relieve tense muscles. This option from Parachute is crafted with a 100% cotton cover and Responsible Down Standard-certified filling, so you can rest assured you’re getting the highest level of quality. There are three firmness options to choose from (soft, medium, firm), which cater mainly to back and stomach sleepers. (If you strictly lie on your side, you may want to check out the brand’s Down Side Sleeper Pillow for better support.) Just keep in mind that down filling has the tendency to shift and clump during the night, so you should plan on regularly fluffing your pillow to keep it evenly distributed.
Best Memory Foam Pillow For Neck Pain
Keeps Its Shape All Night Long
Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow
Fill: Memory foam with graphite and cooling gel |Firmness:N/A | Loft: 5 inches | Outer material:Micro polyamide, polyester | Trial: 100 nights
Pros:
- Balanced, medium feel for back sleeping
- Temperature-regulating, machine-washable cover
- Durable foam
Cons:
- Some side sleepers say it lacks support
Thanks to their supportive, conforming properties, memory foam pillows are a popular choice for those who live with chronic neck pain. This pillow from Tuft & Needle is filled with the brand’s signature T&N Adaptive open-cell foam, which keeps its shape all night long—no constant fluffing or readjusting required. The brand doesn’t give it a specific firmness rating, but rather describes it as “soft and squishy while remaining supportive.” Thousands of 5-star reviewers agree, with many describing it as not too soft or too firm. Some memory foam pillows have a reputation of trapping heat and getting too warm, but this one is designed to be breathable and temperature-regulating. It’s made to accommodate all sleeping positions, but reviews say it’s particularly well-suited for back and stomach sleepers; side sleepers may crave a loftier pillow.
Best Cervical Pillow For Neck Pain
Butterfly Shape That Cradles Your Head And Neck
Osteo Cervical Pillow
Fill: Memory foam |Firmness:Medium | Loft: 4.1 or 5.2 inches | Outer material:3D mesh fiber | Trial: 100 nights
Pros:
- Butterfly shape cradles the neck
- Affordable price
- Comes with removable memory foam insert
Cons:
- Not ideal for combination sleepers
A cervical pillow, also referred to as an orthopedic pillow, is designed to correct your body’s positioning to help eliminate potential sources of tension while you sleep. Made with supportive memory foam, the Osteo Cervical Pillow has a butterfly shape that gently holds your neck in place. It’s most suitable for side and back sleepers, and it comes with a removable memory foam insert that allows you to adjust the height. However, some customers note that the pillow was difficult to readjust when they shifted from their sides to their backs, so it may not be the best option for combination sleepers.
Best Cooling Pillow For Neck Pain
Gridded Gel Layer That Wicks Away Heat
Purple Harmony Pillow
Fill: Latex, polymer |Firmness:Medium | Loft: 5.5, 6.5 or 7.5 inches | Outer material:Nylon, spandex | Trial: 100 nights
Pros:
- Honeycomb GelFlex grid helps disperse heat
- Moisture-wicking cover
- Three height options available for different sleep styles
Cons:
- Heavier than your average pillow
For those who run warm at night, a pillow designed with a cooling layer can help regulate the temperature of its surface, resulting in a more comfortable night’s sleep. The Purple Harmony Pillow has a patented Honeycomb GelFlex Grid layer that helps disperse heat over the latex filling, which is also naturally cooling. This, combined with a moisture-wicking mesh cover, makes the Purple Harmony a fantastic choice for hot sleepers with neck pain. It’s available in three heights, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 inches: Stomach and back sleepers should opt for the lower loft, while side sleepers should find more support from the medium and high lofts. While this pillow is pricey, it does have a 100-night trial period, so you can make sure it’s the right fit for you.
What our editors say: “The Purple Harmony Pillow totally shocked me,” says senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman. “I really thought it wouldn’t live up to the hype, but it has a nontraditional feel that, to my own surprise, I quickly came to adore. It’s supportive, cooling and requires no fluffing even after months of sleeping on it. Just keep in mind it’s a bit heavy and floppy to move around.”
Best Sustainable Pillow For Neck Pain
Made With Organic Materials And Adjustable Fill
Avocado Green Pillow
Fill: Organic kapok, organic latex |Firmness:Medium | Loft: Adjustable | Outer material:Organic cotton | Trial: 100 nights
Pros:
- Made with organic and vegan materials featuring third-party certifications
- One-year warranty
- Adjustable filling to tailor the feel to your needs
Cons:
- Some customers say they wish the filling was fluffier
For those who prioritize a pillow for neck pain made with organic, sustainably sourced materials, the Avocado Green Pillow is the clear winner. Its filling consists of GOLS-certified organic latex rubber and GOTS-certified organic kapok plant fiber, which comes from the seeds of the kapok tree. Kapok has a similar feel to down or cotton, but is lighter in weight. Combined with the latex, it results in a bouncy, supportive and supremely soft filling that supports your head and neck. The cover is made of breathable, skin-friendly and GOTS-certified organic cotton. Since the amount of filling inside the pillow is adjustable, it’s suitable for back, stomach and side sleepers.
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched, written and published dozens of sleep and mattress stories. Our goal is to connect readers with products that help them achieve their best nights’ sleep, from the best mattresses for back pain to the best cooling pillows.
- This article was penned by Claire Epting, a Forbes Vetted staff writer with over five years of experience covering topics in the lifestyle space.
- The publishing of this story was overseen by mattress and sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon, certified sleep science coaches with nearly a decade of combined experience testing and reviewing mattresses, pillows, bedding and more.
- Epting tapped the expertise of Nicholas Anastasio, MD, a board-certified physician at Orthopedics and Joint Replacement at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. Anastasio shared valuable insight on what to look for in a pillow for neck pain, including the right loft, firmness and materials.
- This guide is updated regularly to ensure all of our selections continue to meet our high criteria for inclusion on this list. It was last refreshed in January 2025.
How We Chose The Best Pillows For Neck Pain
To identify the best pillows for neck pain, we first reviewed our own library of pillow stories and assembled a list of reputable brands that our team has recommended and tested products from in the past.
- When researching each brand, we took note of which pillows had the ideal features someone with neck pain should look for, evaluating factors including loft, firmness, shape and fill material.
- With our shortlist of selections, we then considered the guidance provided by Anastasio, the expert we consulted with for this piece. We ensured that each pillow on this list was in line with his recommendations.
- To gather more information on how these pillows perform in real life, we leaned on our editors’ testing experience and combed through dozens of customer reviews for each pillow, making note of overall satisfaction and specific insights. Every pillow on our final list has an average rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
What To Consider In The Best Pillows For Neck Pain
When picking the right pillow for neck pain, “maintaining a healthy, neutral position is important,” according to Anastasio. However, the type of pillow that works best for you depends on your sleep position, body type and overall preferences. Here’s what to keep in mind while shopping:
Loft And Firmness
“Loft” refers to the height of the pillow. A low loft is considered to be three inches thick or less, a medium loft falls in the three-to-five-inch range and a high loft is greater than five inches. High loft pillows are ideal for side sleepers who benefit from the extra support, while medium-loft pillows tend to be best for back and stomach sleepers. Body type, too, may impact your decision. “If you have particularly broad shoulders or a longer neck, you may need a pillow that is more robust,” says Anastasio. “If you have narrow shoulders or a shorter neck, a pillow with less ‘height’ would be more ideal.”
A pillow’s firmness is determined by how well it holds its shape when weight is applied to it. Side sleepers typically find medium-firm or firm pillows to be the most comfortable, back sleepers tend to do best with medium pillows and stomach sleepers usually gravitate towards medium-soft or soft options.
Shape
Pillows specifically designed for neck pain come in different shapes, and the design you go with ultimately comes down to personal preference. Our top pick, the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow, features an elevated base that caters to tense neck muscles by providing extra support. The Osteo Cervical Pillow, on the other hand, has a divet in the center that cradles the head while gently stretching your neck. Side sleepers should consider a crescent-shaped pillow with a cutout for their shoulders, like the , to help achieve neutral alignment.
Materials
Many pillows are filled with memory foam, latex, down, polyfill or a blend of these materials. Here’s a breakdown of each:
- Memory foam: Memory foam is made of polyurethane, and it can either be shredded or in block form. This filling is soft and molds to your head and neck, offering relief from joint pressure. “Memory foam pillows can conform to your anatomy better and generally do a better job than down or latex pillows,” says Anastasio. It does tend to absorb heat, though, so it may not be ideal for hot sleepers.
- Latex Foam: Like memory foam, latex foam is available in shredded or block forms. However, it’s more responsive, cooling and bouncy than memory foam. Latex foam is derived from rubber tree sap, and for this reason, pillows filled with this material tend to be more expensive.
- Down: Made from the undercoats of geese or ducks, down filling is moldable, springy and soft, making it great for pillows designed for back and stomach sleepers. It doesn’t offer as much support as memory or latex foam, however, and it can be expensive.
- Polyfill: This type of filling is made from curled polyester fibers, and is a popular choice due to its fluffiness and affordability. Keep in mind that polyfill has the tendency to clump, so it may require some extra effort to keep the filling evenly distributed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Pillow Do Doctors Recommend For Neck Pain?
According to Anastasio, there is no one-size-fits-all pillow for neck pain, as everyone has different anatomy and needs. The goal should be to find a pillow that keeps your head in neutral alignment with your spine. “If you have neck pain already, finding a supportive pillow that fits neatly in the space between your shoulder and side of head is important," he explains. If you have a specific concern, Anastasio recommends consulting with a physical therapist or spine specialist.
Is A Flat Or High Pillow Better For Neck Pain?
It depends on your sleeping position. In general, back and stomach sleepers with neck pain should avoid pillows that are too high, as these have the potential to keep the neck flexed overnight. A flatter pillow is better for these types of sleepers, as it encourages neutral spine alignment. Meanwhile, side sleepers tend to find more support with a higher loft pillow.
Is A Memory Foam Pillow Good For Neck Pain?
Yes, a memory foam pillow can help alleviate neck pain. Memory foam molds to your head and neck, offering contoured support and relieving pressure. However, if you go with a memory foam pillow, make sure it isn’t too soft for your sleeping position—it should be firm enough to keep your head and neck aligned with your spine.
