The Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow can help. Psst: Use code FORBES30 to receive 30% off a TEMPUR-Cloud mattress to go with your new pillow. The Eli & Elm Organic Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow is offered in just one size, suitable for a queen or a king mattress. These include peer-reviewed journals, government reports, academic and medical associations, and interviews with credentialed medical experts and practitioners. Thanks to its futuristic fill material, it never loses its shape and delivers consistent comfort and relief to the neck. GhostBed ships the pillows for free anywhere in the contiguous U.S. The bamboo-derived fabric cover is highly breathable and wicks moisture away from the body to keep you comfortable on hot or humid nights. The foam should never be cleaned. The cover can be removed and machine-washed whenever the pillow needs to be cleaned. A slope in the center also keeps your head from drifting out of position while you sleep. The filling is a blend of latex and polyester fiber that provides enough resistance to hold your head aloft. You may opt-out by. You should also consider how far you sink into your mattress, since one that cradles you deeply may require you to use a lower-loft pillow. Brooklyn Bedding offers a 30-night sleep trial, during which you may return the pillow for a full refund and free return shipping. Dr. Iyo is a Doctor of Physical Therapy at an orthopedic clinic in Seattle. Gel infusions in the foam are designed to absorb and dissipate excess body heat. Learn more about our process here. If you strictly sleep on your stomach, you should choose a pillow with a low loft to minimize pressure. The second insert feels slightly firmer, but also provides deep cushioning for your head and neck. Happen to spill something on your pillow? The pillow cover is fully removable and machine-washable for easy care, but you should only spot clean the memory foam insert. With that in mind, these are the best pillows for neck pain. It also felt nice and cool. These testers noted they were able to sink comfortably into the pillow with no neck strain. Many of the latex pillows weve tested are too thick for our teams stomach and back sleepers. The outer layer contains plush fibers that add great cushioning for the head and neck, while the inner layer has firmer, denser fibers for extra support. The cover is composed of proprietary Ghost Ice fabric that feels cool to the touch. Tempur-Pedic is a huge name in the sleep world, and with good reason: The company knows how to make a quality product. The gentle wave of the Uttu Sandwich Pillow helps support your neck while you sleep. Your pillow is unlikely to be the sole source of your neck pain. Our team includes back, side, stomach, and combination sleepers, as well as sleepers of different body types. Along with the competitive price-point, youre eligible for free shipping if you live in the contiguous U.S, and Sweet Zzz offers a 50-night sleep trial. A knit polyester shell encases the pillow. Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Tempur-Pedic pillows. Instead of focusing on the type of pillow, it is more important to determine the loft, shape, and filling that will work best with your body type in your preferred sleeping position. We also found the pillow recovers its shape very well during our tests. Prefer a more traditional cervical pillow to tackle your neck pain? Our testing found back sleepers particularly appreciated the mid-range feel, which helped keep their bodies on an even plane while relieving pressure in the neck. A temperature-neutral gel grid allows for passive airflow while a moisture-wicking breeze mesh cover keeps you cool while you sleep. At night when you lay down to sleep, you want your head to be properly supported so that your neck muscles can relax, says Nicole Nagle, DPT. All customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free ground shipping. Queen and king sizes are available. Regardless of your chosen loft, the plush fill gives the GhostPillow Shredded a medium feel. As part of your sleep setup, a supportive pillow should promote proper neck and spine alignment. While symptoms vary, people with neck pain often experience: If you have severe pain or additional symptoms, or if youre not sure whats causing your neck pain, its a good idea to visit a doctor to rule out underlying conditions. A shell made of bamboo-derived viscose encases the silk. A proper pillow keeps your head parallel with your mattress, rather than bent up or down. In addition to testing products, weve spoken to sleep experts and toured manufacturing sites. If you remove the middle layer, youll get 3.5 inches on the high contour and 2.8 inches on the low contour. Plant-Based Pillow purchases are backed by 1-year warranties that cover structural defects. Focusing on these factors and having a basic understanding of pillow features and construction can help you find the pillow that works best for you. The Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex model is offered in two profile options, so most of our testers found a comfortable option. The full loft suited some of our side sleepers. Silk & Snow offers a 100-night sleep trial, during which you can test the mattress and return it after a mandatory 30-day break-in period. When fully filled, the pillow measures 6 inches thick. Some back sleepers on our team also appreciated the softer feel. We recommend this pillow if youre seeking a model that offers enough support to help you maintain healthy sleep posture. That said, laundering the pillow too often can affect its structural integrity and cause permanent damage. The medium firm feel ensured that their heads remained supported. Our testers really enjoyed the GhostPillows adjustability, which allowed most of them to find a loft that fit their needs. Preferences vary among types of pillows. The Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow comes in 2 profile options that back sleepers on our team thoroughly enjoyed. Since the foam is shredded, we also found the pillow quite moldable and well suited to those who enjoy clutching or cuddling with a pillow while they sleep. Save an extra 5% for up to 45% off mattresses and up to 60% off accessories. Latex has a more responsive feel, and this prevented the pillow from sinking beneath the weight of our testers heads. If you choose to keep the pillow, it is backed by a 3-year warranty. Unlike some other memory foam pillows, the Uttu has adjustable heights. Keith is a sleep product expert with nearly a decade of experience researching, developing, and testing sleep products. The side sleepers on our team welcomed the recessed design of the Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow. This feature made it popular among our teams back sleepers, who often prefer a medium to low loft. This pillow from Epabo features a strategic ergonomic design to help support and cradle your head, neck and shoulders, allowing you to drift off into uninterrupted sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. Simply wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle, and tumble dry it on low heat. The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow has a luxurious feel that performed well across our various product tests. The pillow has a relatively high loft that our side-sleeping testers thoroughly enjoyed. Mediflows water pillow is fully adjustablejust add or take out water as needed. Solid memory foam makes up the pillow core, offering cradling for the head and neck while preventing excessive sinkage. While the core of the foam should still provide enough support, its contouring qualities may make it feel subjectively softer and therefore more comfortable. The cover is composed of breathable fabric that helped keep our testers cool despite the foams heat-absorbing properties. This fill type is also breathable and highly moldable. The pillow features a core made of shredded memory foam that helps lift the head while remaining quite moldable. Thanks to the breathable components, the pillow slept fairly cool during our tests despite the foam inserts heat-retaining tendencies. Learn More. Back sleepers on our team loved these features, as well as the mid-range profile. If you order two pillows, youll receive a 50% discount on the second model. Latexs natural responsiveness ensures the pillow wont sink too deeply beneath your heads weight. To avoid neck pain, its best to sleep on your back or your side. This pillow also has a cover made of 40% bamboo viscose for a cooling feel to keep you from overheating at night. A cover made of viscose derived from bamboo encases the inserts. The core also stays cooler than other models weve tested thanks to enhanced airflow from the shredded design. tj@E A nice perk: It comes overstuffed so, if your pillow preferences lean heavily on the side of extra-firm, you should be good to go right out of the box. Theres also a contoured version thats made specifically for side sleepers. The plush fill and memory foam together offer excellent contouring for your head and neck, which goes a long way toward relieving aches and pains. Given that neck pain can and often does start from the moment you wake up, its hardly shocking that factors like your mattress and pillows can have an impact on things. Your head and neck should be on your pillow, while your shoulders remain slightly below it. In the buyers guide section, well break down the reasons you could be experiencing neck pain and how your pillow can help. The cover is also very breathable, so the pillow surface stayed fairly cool during our temperature neutrality tests. The positions you adopt as you sleep can either relax your neck or put it under additional strain. You may also enjoy the pillow if you tend to sleep hot because the fibers retain less heat than traditional down. Silk also has cooling properties, so the pillow is a great choice if you tend to sleep warm or sweat at night. The Original Pillow by Sweet Night is a standout adjustable model stuffed with shredded memory foam that can be added or removed to change how thick the pillow feels. Sleep experts recommend either back or side sleeping if you experience neck pain. Best Anti-Snoring Moutpieces & Mouthguards, Read our Full Saatva Latex Pillow Review to learn more, Sleepers who prefer softer pillows that conform closely, Those who want a pillow with adjustable loft, Microdenier padding softens the latex core for a comfortable, balanced feel, Removable components allow you to change the loft and feel, Encased in a breathable organic cotton cover, People seeking pressure relief for the neck, Shredded memory foam fill can be added or removed to change loft, Cover composed of cooling Ghost Ice fabric, Side sleepers looking for an ergonomic shape, People who appreciate being able to adjust loft and firmness, Filling can be added or removed to adjust loft and firmness, Moderately high loft and medium firmness are well-suited to side sleeping, Unique design accommodates shoulders to reduce neck and shoulder pain, Those who enjoy pillows that feel slightly bouncy, Talalay latex core conforms closely to the head and neck while ensuring support, 4-inch thickness caters to sleepers who prefer lower profile pillows, Latex and cotton construction promote breathability, Those who tend to sleep hot or sweat in bed, Each pillow comes with three inserts that allow you to customize the loft and firmness, Bamboo-derived viscose shell is exceptionally soft and breathable, Customers who buy two pillows receive a 50% discount on the second model, Shoppers who want to invest in a long-lasting pillow, Plush mulberry silk provides luxurious softness and exceptional support, Shell composed of breathable, moisture-wicking viscose derived from bamboo, Durable design resists clumping and pilling, People whose loft changes vary night to night, Fill contours deeply around the head and neck to alleviate pressure, Sleepers who experience pressure buildup in the neck, Extra-soft feel allows generous contouring for the head and neck, Solid memory foam construction supports the neck, Easily compressible to fit in a travel bag, Cotton cover allows airflow to regulate temperature, Plant-based down alternative fill cradles the head and neck to help alleviate pressure buildup, Shredded memory foam fill can be added or removed to change the loft, Neck pain, especially during repetitive activities or long periods of sitting upright. Down alternative microdenier fiber cushion the inner pillow to enhance the plushness without compromising support. Read our top picks to learn more about each ones materials and unique qualities. While stomach sleeping isnt recommended when you have neck pain, you can only do so much to adjust your go-to position. If your pillow is too thick or too thin, it can force your neck into weird angles that put stress and tension on your body, resulting in neck pain. To help you get started, weve made a list of the most important factors. This accommodates your shoulders and provides the needed support to reduce neck pain. /Rttm%fH~ 0Dw).TQPfK7_jN"jqp- \0%am=Un0}#4kaF iP"O': :kw8+l=;mImz4# aXcpI{FF03?,^Xez,)0&Cw8 I16f0h,r You also want to take a pass on anything thats old, lumpy, flat or too puffy, as that will throw off your alignment and put you at risk for more pain, says Nicole Nagle, DPT, an assistant professor in the department of kinesiology and health at Rutgers University. The pillow contoured closely to cradle our testers heads and necks to alleviate pressure, but it didnt sink too much. Although Sleep Foundation maintains affiliate partnerships with brands and e-commerce portals, these relationships never have any bearing on our product reviews or recommendations. The best pillow for neck pain is one that has the right loft, firmness, and shape for your preferred sleeping position. In our testing, we examine how they stand up to wear and tear, decide who will find them comfortable, and determine whether or not they could help reduce neck pain. This configuration has an 8-inch loft that helps keep a side sleepers head and neck aligned with other areas along the spine. At the same time, we found the pillow retains a medium feel that prevented our testers heads from sinking deep into the pillow. With the wrong pillow, your neck muscles are working overtime at night and this is not going to help your neck pain, she says. The pillow can be on the firmer or on the softer side depending on how you fill it, and you can experiment to get that just-right feel. For example, side sleepers usually need a medium to high-loft pillow, while stomach sleepers require lower pillows so as not to crane their neck upwards. The outer cover is made of breathable organic cotton. The company permits returns and exchanges within 100 days of the purchase date. The proprietary cover material helps to offset some of the foams heat-absorbing properties, resulting in less heat buildup and cooler sleep. The pillow is also backed by a 3-year warranty. The Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillows adjustable design accommodated most of our testers regardless of their loft and firmness preferences. If you sleep on your stomach, you often require low-loft pillows to keep your head aligned with your spine. Standard and king sizes are available. Choose from three sizessmall, medium and largeto find the pillow thats right for you and your neck. As a bonus for owners, both the cover and microdenier pillow can be laundered at home, allowing you to avoid inconvenient hand washing or dry cleaning bills. The Luxome LAYR is one of the most customizable pillows weve tested. For best results, back and side sleepers should ensure that their head, neck, and top of the spine form a straight line. A thick gusset helps the pillow maintain a full shape, earning it high marks in our shape retention tests. The correct pillow loft for alleviating neck pain is one that will hold your head and neck at a neutral angle in alignment with the natural curve of your spine. Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Brooklyn Bedding pillows. Shipping within the contiguous U.S. and all Canadian provinces is free. Some people find that memory foam pillows relieve their neck pain while others are much more comfortable with microfiber filling. It also works for side, back and stomach sleepers. The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is an exception to this rule. Each pillow comes with three inserts. This firmness level best suited back and stomach sleepers on our team, who often prefer softer pillows that allow their heads to sink in comfortably. During the testing process, our team members lie on each pillow for a period of time to evaluate firmness, support, pressure relief, and other performance features that are relevant to sleepers with neck pain. The Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow has you covered. Our fact-checking guidelines are as follows: Want to read more about all our experts in the field?Learn About The Editorial Team. This pillow allows you to remove large amounts of foam in order to achieve this low loft. Our guide will showcase some of the top options, Choosing the best CPAP pillow is more complicated than it looks, but well walk you through everything you need to. This allows us to represent as wide an array of sleep preferences as possible in our findings. Our testers fall into different categories based on body type, sleep position, and personal preferences. Our editorial team is dedicated to providing content that meets the highest standards for accuracy and objectivity. Our best pillow for shoulder pain guide includes, The best hotel pillows add luxury and comfort to your bed. The pillow is medium soft in terms of firmness, which made it popular among our stomach sleepers. It can take some getting used to, so give it a little time. The best pillow for neck and shoulder pain is firm enough to hold your head at a healthy angle, but soft enough to alleviate pressure points. Natural cotton makes up the pillow shell, which is breathable and moisture-wicking. These testers found relief for pressure buildup in the neck without excessive sinkage. You can also purchase additional fill if you prefer an even thicker profile. This is a great pillow option if youre looking to relieve neck pain. Talalay latex makes up the pillow core, offering gentle cradling for the head and neck to alleviate pressure points. The Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow features a core made from botanically derived down alternative fibers that deeply cushion the head and neck. Each guide and article includes a comprehensive bibliography with full citations and links to the original sources. Learn more. The pillow is adjustable, so you can find the level of firmness and fill that works best for you. This feature and the two-pillow bundle make the pillow a great value for shoppers on a budget. The cover unzips and can be tossed in the wash. Made from hyper-elastic polymers arranged in a smart-comfort grid, The Purple Pillow is specifically designed for head and neck support. The core features shredded gel-infused memory foam that contours to the head and neck and relieves pressure without sinking too deeply. Making sure that you have one of the best pillows for neck pain in your nighttime setup can go a long way toward kicking off your morning on a good note. Nagle recommends keeping the following factors in mind when looking for a pillow to help ease pain: Sleeping on the wrong pillow can cause or exacerbate neck pain. Latex and cotton are both naturally breathable materials, so the internal components didnt retain too much body heat and the pillow slept fairly cool during our tests. You should find this pillow very comfortable if you sleep hot, since latex retains minimal heat. In addition to choosing the right pillow, you can reduce neck pain through lifestyle changes like adopting proper posture, taking stretching breaks, and generally being more active. Nest Beddings Easy Breather pillow is fully adjustable, so you can find the level of firmness thats right for you. Special cut-outs on the side help provide a comfortable spot for your arms to rest. The right pillow will depend on your individual needs. Given the adjustable design, the Silk & Snow was compatible with most of our testers sleep positions. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Most people dont give much thought to their pillow, beyond choosing a pillow thats nice and squishy for immediate comfort. This feature made it a hit for our teams stomach sleepers and side sleepers. An independent study from researchers at Johns Hopkins University has even proven the effectiveness of water pillows for reducing pain in the morning. Specially designed for side sleepers, Eli & Elms side sleeper pillow has a unique U-shape to support your neck and promote spinal alignment. We recently added a video that offers a more in-depth look at our top pillow picks for neck pain. A breathable cotton shell encases the pillow. Stomach sleepers on our team enjoyed the soft feel that provided an even sleep surface. t0Q_UqH6V_]o4be;\)TYYGj(/dh&X} x] `=d&HL2!t1JOTiy1*+51f$!j=`IOITbt. Our editors and medical experts rigorously evaluate every article and guide to ensure the information is factual, up-to-date, and free of bias. Is It Better To Lease Or Buy A Car In Summer 2022? The curved shape offered space for their shoulders and enabled stronger contouring to their necks. If you experience neck pain, choosing the right pillow can be a key step toward living pain-free. The pillow core features two layers of plant-based fibers. Usually pillows with strong contouring have a tendency to trap heat. A pillow thats too high or too low can cause pressure to build up as the neck tries to compensate for the lack of support. Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Its also anti-microbial, mildew-proof and dust mite-resistant, if allergies are a concern. Made to avoid the dreaded pillow pinchwhen a pillows fill slides out from under your neck and support vanishesthis memory foam pillow from Coop Home Goods is a sturdy option that makes support a priority. Reading independent reviews can help you understand these factors, as can speaking to any health care professionals treating your neck pain.