Our top pick for neck pain is the Sweetnight pillow, which uses shredded gel memory foam for a conforming, cool sleep experience. Our second favorite choice is the Save&Soft Gel Memory Foam Pillow, which cradles your neck, easing tension.
There are many additional causes of neck pain, including previous injuries, illnesses or health conditions, and bad posture. Whether your neck pain comes from sitting all day at work or a car accident from years back, there may be a solution for you.
In this article, we’ll go over 7 different pillows that might help this issue. We’ll include the best budget pick, the best for hot sleepers, and more.
Our 7 Most Recommended Pillows for Neck Pain
There’s a ton of information on the internet about pillows. So we’re going to save you some time by compiling all the essential information about these top pillows for neck pain.
#1 Best Budget Pick- The Save&Soft Gel Memory Foam Pillow
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What We Liked:
- Travel-friendly
- Breathable cover
- Hypoallergenic
What We Didn’t Like:
- Might be too small for some
- May feel overly firm
The Save&Soft Gel Memory Foam Pillow conforms to your neck and head, relieving pressure and supporting you as you sleep. Its memory foam allows you to sink into the pillow, preventing any unnecessary bending or angles, which can contribute to neck pain. It’s soft enough to cradle your neck and head, but firm enough to keep you supported.
This pillow is comfortable for all sleeping positions and also has cooling technology. The Save&Soft Gel Memory Foam Pillow uses breathable fabric and a cooling pad that regulates your sleep temperature.
It’s also made with hypoallergenic materials and has a hand-washable, zippered case. If you’re dissatisfied with this pillow, you can get a full refund from the manufacturer.
#2 Best Shredded Foam Option- The Coop Home Goods Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Last update on 2023-06-03 at 15:31 - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What We Liked:
- Adjustable firmness
- Doesn’t get too hot
- Machine washable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Requires fluffing regularly
- Might get flat eventually
The Coop Home Goods Shredded Memory Foam Pillow uses bits of foam instead of a solid piece to form the pillow. Shredded foam has the benefit of being more moldable and soft than solid memory foam. This pillow is adjustable, meaning you can either add or remove filling until you reach the perfect firmness level for you.
Although memory foam is known for retaining heat, the shredded foam allows for more airflow, keeping you at a comfortable resting temperature. When needed, this adjustable pillow can be washed in the washing machine. It comes with a five-year warranty and a 100-night return policy.
#3 Best for Stomach Sleepers- The Slim Sleeper Pillow
Last update on 2023-06-03 at 15:31 - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What We Liked:
- Reduces pressure points
- Dust mite-resistant
- Breathable cover
What We Didn’t Like:
- Profile may be too low for some
- Pillow may feel too firm
The Slim Sleeper Pillow has a 3-inch profile and a firm design that works to hold your head in place as you sleep. It has a cotton cover and feels especially comfortable for stomach sleepers, since you shouldn’t use too big of a pillow in this position. This pillow could also help with neck pain since it conforms to your body, allowing you to relax fully.
The material used in the Slim Sleeper Pillow is hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant, which is great for people with allergies. If you decide to return your pillow, you can get a refund, as long as you do so within a 30-day period.
#4 Best for Back and Neck Pain- The Half Moon Bolster Knee Pillow
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What We Liked:
- Can be used as a knee pillow
- Firm and supportive
- Organic cotton cover
What We Didn’t Like:
- May feel too firm for some
- Takes a while to expand
If you have back pain in addition to neck pain, a pillow like the Half Moon Bolster Knee Pillow could potentially help you. It works for stomach, back, and side sleepers and has a semi-roll wedge design. The cover is made from organic cotton and comes off easily for washing.
Made with memory foam, the Half Moon Bolster Knee Pillow has a firm, supportive feel and can be used on the bed, chair, or couch. You can also use it to support your lumbar area on long car rides.
This pillow won’t go flat while you sleep, providing you with support all night. It also comes with a lifetime money-back guarantee that allows you to return it at any time.
#5 Best for Hot Sleepers- The Sweetnight Pillow
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What We Liked:
- Breathable cover
- Uses cooling gel foam
- Works for all sleep positions
What We Didn’t Like:
- Foam may clump together
- May not be firm enough for some
The Sweetnight Pillow is an adjustable shredded gel foam pillow that works for stomach, side, and back sleepers. If it’s either too firm or too soft, you can just add or remove filling until it’s at the firmness level you desire. It has a conforming feel that will shape to your neck and back and hold your body in alignment while you sleep.
The Sweetnight Pillow has a breathable rayon cover made from cotton and a two-zippered case that you can take off to wash by hand or in the washing machine.
When the pillow arrives, it may take a while to expand to its full size. The Sweetnight Pillow can be returned for a refund if you aren’t satisfied with your purchase.
#6 Best for People with Smaller Necks- The Thin Profile Memory Foam Neck Pillow
Last update on 2023-06-03 at 15:31 - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What We Liked:
- Made in the USA
- Soft bamboo cover
- Works for all sleep positions
What We Didn’t Like:
- May feel too thick for some
- Might feel overly firm
The Thin Profile Memory Foam Neck Pillow is a chiropractor-approved pillow with dense foam with a low-profile design that should fit smaller necks well. It has a breathable cover made with micro-vented fabric that can be removed and washed in the washing machine, as needed. This pillow is dust mite resistant and hypoallergenic.
You can use the Thin Profile Memory Foam Neck Pillow with any sleep position and the pillow also comes in a thicker profile. If you don’t like the pillow for some reason, you can return it for a full refund within 30 days.
#7 The Best Adjustable Option- Pancake Adjustable Layer Pillow
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What We Liked:
- Soft, plush filling
- Customizable thickness
- Soft, comfortable cover
What We Didn’t Like:
- More expensive than other pillows
- May feel too warm for some
The Pancake Adjustable Layer Pillow uses six separate layers and allows you to add or remove them for a customized thickness level. It’s made with a down alternative material, which is soft and comfortable. This pillow has three zippered sides that make it easy to adjust the thickness.
Different types of neck pain require different pillow thicknesses. With this product, you can test out various heights until you find just what you need. The Pancake Pillow has a 100 percent cotton cover and you can return it within 30 days if you aren’t satisfied.
How can the Right Pillow Help Your Neck Pain?
Using the right pillow can drastically improve your quality of sleep, allowing you to fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. Using the wrong pillow, on the other hand, can worsen your existing neck pain or even cause discomfort and tension.
A pillow that’s too thin can put a strain on your shoulders, as your head will rest unnaturally, whereas too thick of a pillow can cause an uncomfortable bend in your neck. With the variety of pillow materials now available on the market, it’s easy to find a design that will relieve pressure in your body and help you attain restful sleep.
How to Use a Pillow to Help with Your Neck Pain
People who have neck pain might find it more comfortable to sleep on their side or back instead of their stomach. The stomach sleeping position tends to put a strain on your neck because it’s hard to sleep with a neutral spine in this position.
People with neck pain who sleep on their back could try using two pillows to support their neck and head, using a smaller one under the neck with a contoured pillow for their head. Memory foam is a suitable material for neck pain sufferers because they allow you to sink in, relieving pressure and allowing your muscles to fully relax.
If you have neck pain, try to avoid using overly thick or firm pillows, as these can add extra strain to the area. When you travel, you may want to use a travel pillow to help your neck rest in a neutral, healthy position.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Pillow for Neck Pain
The Mayo Clinic states that neck pain usually comes from strained muscles, due to poor posture habits and worn joints. Here are some considerations you should make before you invest in a pillow for your neck pain:
Your Mattress
Before you choose a pillow, you should make sure your mattress is up-to-date and serving you well. If you suffer from pain on a regular basis, bed types like memory foam mattresses can potentially help. This material cradles your body, taking pressure off your joints and letting you fully relax.
Or, you might need something bouncier with a firm, supportive core like an innerspring bed. The mattress type you choose, in addition to the pillow you use for neck pain, can make a big difference in how you feel.
Sleeping Position
Before you choose the right pillow for your neck pain, you’ll want to think about the sleep position you usually use. Back sleepers should use medium-height pillows because they will be likelier to keep their heads aligned with their bodies in this position.
Stomach sleepers should use very low-profile or soft pillows, so their neck doesn’t bend unnaturally. Most side sleepers will do well with medium-thick pillows, although the size they’ll prefer also depends on shoulder width.
Budget
Pillows can cost as little as a few dollars and as much as a few hundred. While you can find decent pillows for around $10, you’ll probably want to spend at least $25 to get one that will last you a while. For a high-quality option, you’ll usually pay between $40 and $60, although price depends heavily on materials used.
Warranty and Sleep Trial
Finding the right pillow isn’t always a quick process, which means you may need to make a few returns when you’re hunting for the right choice. Make sure you review the manufacturer’s warranty or sleep trial before you buy a new pillow.
Off-gassing
Some pillows, such as those made with memory foam, may have an off-gassing odor when you first unwrap them. Since these materials are often made with synthetic chemicals, they may come with a slight smell (which is often compared to a “new car smell”). It can take a few days or a few weeks for it to completely dissipate, although following these steps can make it fade faster:
- Air it out: You’ll notice that the off-gassing odor is the strongest when you first unpack your new pillow. In order to help the smell dissipate quicker, leave it in a room with the windows open.
- Leave it outside: If the weather is nice, leave your pillow outdoors in the sun. The natural light can help the smell fade faster, although you should watch out for extreme heat or wet conditions.
- Use baking soda: Baking soda can be used to absorb odors. If your new pillow comes with a strong smell, sprinkle baking soda on it and let it sit for 48 hours, then vacuum the powder up.
- Spray it: You can use fabric freshener or an organic spray made with essential oils to mask the off-gassing smell from your pillow. Combining this step with the ones listed above will help the odor dissipate much faster.
FAQ
Before you buy new pillows, there are a number of considerations you should make in caring for and using it. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding pillows:
Q: Should I use an additional cover on my pillow?
A: Pillow covers can help you keep your pillow in good condition for longer. As we sleep, we shed dander, dirt, skin cells, and oils. Protecting your pillow with a cover will help prevent this from seeping into the pillow, which can degrade the materials over time. Use both a case and a cover on each pillow to help it stay in great shape for longer. This will help it stay fluffy and fresh over time.
Q: How often do my pillows need to be washed?
A: Your pillows should be washed twice a year and the covers should be washed every four weeks or so. While some pillows can be washed in the washing machine, others will require handwashing. Make sure you check the product care instructions on your pillow before you wash it, and always make sure you allow your pillows to dry thoroughly before using them again. Letting them dry all the way will help prevent mold or mildew.
Q: How often do I need to replace my pillows?
A: Depending on the quality and brand, your pillows can last you for many years. Using pillowcases and protectors and following the care instructions carefully will ensure the longest possible life for them. You’ll know when it’s time to replace your pillow because it will feel too flat and will no longer feel supportive.
Q: Which pillow type is best for dealing with neck pain?
A: This is a matter of personal preference and comfort but there are a number of materials that could potentially help your neck pain. Memory foam contours to your neck and head, relieving pressure, while down creates a soft, plush surface for you to sleep on. Synthetic down is a good alternative to down for people with feather allergies or for those who want a cheaper product that still feels like real down.
Final Verdict
Our favorite option for neck pain sufferers is the Sweetnight Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow, which provides a conforming surface for your neck. Keep in mind that when you’re trying out a new pillow, you should give yourself at least seven days to decide whether it’s the right one for you or not.
