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Say goodbye to sleepless nights with the best pillows for neck pain

Have you been waking up with neck pain and are looking for a solution? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best neck pain pillows to help with restful sleep.

Published Feb 01, 2024
6 min. reading time
Woman sleeping on Tempur pillow

Neck pain can disrupt your sleep causing you to wake up feeling grouchy. If this frequently happens to you, we've got a solution. 

This article will introduce you to the best pillows for neck pain, each with unique features and benefits. We've carefully curated a list of top-rated pillows designed to relieve neck pain and improve sleep quality. 

Whether you're a side sleeper, back sleeper or stomach sleeper, you'll find a pillow that suits your needs. Find our more about pillows that can transform your sleep experience.

Read more: Complement your pillow with these silk pillowcases

White Tempur-Neck pillow
TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
$65 at Tempur-Pedic
The Eden Cool+ Cut-Out pillow
The Eden Cool+ Cut-Out
Deep Sleep Pillow
Deep Sleep Pillow
$85 at The Cushion Lab
Company Essentials Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow
Company Essentials Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow
White Tempur-Neck pillow
Photo: TEMPUR-Pedic

TEMPUR-Neck Pillow

You save $64 (49.61%)
$65$129
Pros & Cons
  • Hypoallergenic cover

  • Removable and washable cover

  • Five-year limited warranty

  • Might be too firm for some

  • No returns or exchanges

Hit the hay with the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow, designed to combat neck pain. Engineered to support the neck and maintain proper alignment, it's one of the best pillows for neck support.

Defying the one-size-fits-all philosophy, this pillow comes in three sizes to fit just about anyone. The secret lies in the  TEMPUR-Material, an ergonomically contoured material that adapts to the natural curve of your body and provides unrivaled support throughout the night.

The shape of this pillow provides support, making it one of the best pillows for side sleepers with neck pain. Plus, its firmness can also prevent waking up with a stiff neck and sore shoulders. It’s a  great investment in your overall comfort and health.

Pros & Cons
  • Cool-touch cover

  • Adjustable  fill for easy customization 

  • Machine-washable cover

  • Might not be a comfortable pillow for stomach sleepers

  • Foam fill is easy to lose

The Eden Cool+ Cut-Out is an excellent choice for those seeking relief from neck pain. This pillow comes with a cool-touch cover and a heat-wicking inner liner that prevents you from sweating at night.

With a ventilated gel memory foam layer on one side, it provides extra firmness and transfers heat away from the body. 

This adjustable pillow has an additional 1/2 pound of fill that allows for easy firmness adjustment. You can make it have the perfect loft, whether you like a firm pillow or a soft one. Plus, with a machine washable cover, it’s easy to maintain.

Deep Sleep Pillow
Photo: The Cushion Lab

Deep Sleep Pillow

You save $50 (37.04%)
$85$135
Pros & Cons
  • Pillowcase helps prevent skin creasing  and hair frizzing

  • Machine-washable cover

  • Only available in one size

Introducing the Deep Sleep Pillow, which is quite possibly the world's most comfortable pillow and one of the best pillows for neck pain. This pillow offers the ultimate sleeping experience, blending soft, zero-pressure cushioning with perfect contouring support.

The pillow's sculpted side sleeping bolsters softly cradle your neck for optimal support and alignment, providing instant pressure relief for your shoulder.  In addition, the sweeping shoulder line of the pillow snuggles between your neck and shoulder for full cushioning support and a comfortable fit.

Best of all, the pillow also comes with a Freshface pillowcase that helps prevent frizzy hair and skin creases You’ll wake up feeling refreshed and looking radiant, making this the perfect pillow to help with neck pain and beauty sleep.

Company Essentials Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow
Photo: The Company Store
Pros & Cons
  • Comes with two covers for different functions

  • Levels the spine for overall support

  • Memory foam construction

  • Might be too firm for some

Take your sleep to the next level with the Company Essentials Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow. This pillow’s unique wing design evenly relieves pressure for optimal support and alignment, a key feature when looking for the best pillow for neck support.

Designed to promote a neutral spine, this pillow offers comfort and relief for both side and back sleepers. It also comes with two covers — a soft polyester/TENCEL knit cover for cozy nights, and a moisture-wicking cover with COOLMAX fiber for those warmer nights.

With its memory foam construction, it’s the perfect blend of support, comfort and coolness. If you’re looking for a pillow neck pain sufferers will love, this is the one for you.

Pros & Cons
  • Cooling gel layer

  • Removable and washable cover

  • Five-year limited warranty

  • Only comes in one size

  • Higher price point

Embrace comfort with the TEMPUR-Ergo Cooling Neck Pillow. Its compact size and TEMPUR-Material create a tranquil sleeping environment for side and back sleepers alike. Its standout feature is the cutting-edge cooling gel.  It provides a sensation that simulates a supportive hug around your neck as you drift off to dreamland.

Unlike most pillows for neck pain, this pillow molds to the shape of your neck and shoulders, offering unique personalized support. The cooling gel works to diffuse heat, keeping you cool throughout the night.  This pillow also helps to align your spine properly while you sleep, reducing the chance of waking up with that dreadful sore neck.

Invest in the TEMPUR-Ergo Cooling Neck Pillow and enjoy a refreshing and peaceful night's sleep, so you can wake up pain-free.

Pros & Cons
  • Removable fill for adjustable support

  • Machine-washable cover

  • Available in two sizes

  • May not be suitable for stomach sleepers

The Coop Home Goods Cut-Out Side Sleeper Pillow is specifically designed for side sleepers. The unique shoulder cut-out feature reduces gaps between the neck and the pillow, ensuring full neck and head support.

Additionally, the proprietary blend of shredded memory foam and microfiber fill provides dual benefits of comfort and sturdy support. This fill blend combats neck pain related to improper sleeping posture. The ergonomic design is also adjustable, meaning you can add or remove the amount of fill to suit your comfort level.

Plus, its quality and sustainability are guaranteed, thanks to its  GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certifications. If you're trying to upgrade your sleeping experience while also alleviating neck pain, this could be your ultimate choice.

Ultra Pain Relief Cooling Pillow for Neck Support
Photo: Amazon
Pros & Cons
  • Concave design to support head and neck

  • Breathable pillowcase

  • Non-toxic memory foam

  • Affordable price

  • Reports of lingering smell from foam

  • Could be too soft

In search of an affordable cervical pillow for neck pain? Look no further than the Ultra Pain Relief Cooling Pillow for Neck Support. It has an innovative hollow concave design that cradles your head while maintaining the natural curve of your neck for correct spinal alignment.

Dotted with six unique contour zones, this pillow targets pressure points to provide full support and alleviate neck pain. The  Ultra Pain Relief Cooling Pillow is made from premium memory foam that is non-toxic, odorless and free from allergens.  Its cooling pillowcase reduces skin temperature, offers excellent breathability and helps you stay dry all night.

You can also customize your sleep height to create the perfect sleep experience. It’s an ideal l pillow for neck pain that won’t break the bank.

Pros & Cons
  • Adjustable support level

  • Available in two sizes

  • Crescent cut might not be deep enough for larger people

Meet The Original Crescent Pillow, touted as the best pillow for neck pain. Its unique dual-case design and internal baffles allow easy loft adjustment and targeted tweaking along the edges. This highly customizable pillow is perfect for people searching for the best pillow for neck and shoulder pain.

It comes with an extra half pound of fill, allowing you to customize the pillow, and has a machine-washable cover for easy cleaning.  This pillow is also GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it’s guaranteed to have low chemical emissions.

Whether you’re a back, stomach or side sleeper, you’ll find that this pillow suits all sleeping positions. This is a smart choice for people looking for a pillow for neck and shoulder pain.

What type of pillow is best for neck pain?

The best type of pillow for neck pain is one that provides adequate support to maintain a neutral alignment of the neck and spine. Memory foam pillows, cervical pillows and orthopedic pillows are often recommended by sleep experts because they conform to the shape of your neck and head, providing optimal support and alignment.

Is a soft or hard pillow better for neck pain?

It’s not ideal to have a pillow that’s too soft or too hard. A pillow that's too soft may not provide enough support, causing your neck to bend unnaturally. On the other hand, a pillow that's too hard can cause stiffness. The best pillow for neck pain is one that's firm enough to hold your head at the same level as your spine while being soft enough to contour to your body type shape.

Which pillows get our stamp of approval?

If we had to narrow down our options, our top picks are the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow and the Eden Cool+ Cut-Out. The TEMPUR-Neck Pillow offers alignment, support and comfort, making it an excellent choice for people with chronic neck pain. The Eden Cool+ Cut-Out stands out with its cool-touch cover and heat-wicking inner liner, providing a cooler, more comfortable sleep.

Investing in the right pillow can make a significant difference in managing and preventing neck pain. So, why wait? Upgrade your sleep experience with the best pillow for neck pain today, and have a good night.


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Prices updated on 02/01/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.

Afina Najib Professional Headshot
Written by
Afina Najib

A journalism graduate from Curtin University, Afina Najib specializes in writing tech, finance, automotive and wellness content. Now residing in Kuala Lumpur, Afina spends her weekends hitting the gym or watching Formula 1 races.

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