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If you are suffering from neck pain you know how difficult a good nights sleep can be. Waking up with a stiff neck can be a thing of the past with the best pillow for neck pain.
We will look at neck pillows that will keep you comfortable, and your spine in proper alignment. We’ve the done research so you don’t have to.
Let’s get started so you can get a good nights sleep!
Best Neck Support Pillows
| EPABO Contour Memory Foam Orthopedic Sleeping Pillow | Arc4life Cervical Neck Traction Pillow | Royal Therapy Memory Foam Neck Pillow | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Size: | 24” x 15” | 24” x 17” | 14" x 17.5" |
| Fill: | Memory Foam | Polyester Fiber Fill | Memory Foam |
| Support Level: | Regular | Regular/High | Regular |
| Cover: | Rayon/Polyester | Hypoallergenic, latex-free | Bamboo |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Pillows For Neck & Shoulder Pain
- EPABO Contour Memory Foam Orthopedic Sleeping Pillow
- Arc4life Cervical Neck Traction Pillow
- Royal Therapy Memory Foam Neck Pillow
- Therapeutica Orthopedic Sleeping Pillow
- Cradle Me Cervical Pillow
- Coisum Back Sleeper Cervical Pillow
- WonderSleep PREMIUM Adjustable Loft Pillow
We’ve reviewed the top rated pillows for neck pain followed by a comparison table and buying guide to help you decide on a pillow that will work best for you.
Neck Pain Pillow Reviews
#1 EPABO Contour Memory Foam Orthopedic Sleeping Pillow
Not only does the EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow look the best pillow for neck pain, it’s ultra-comfortable as well. Not to mention it’s quite versatile! Neck pain is unfortunately what many of us in today’s modern day society deal with, but we don’t have to.
Having the right pillow can make a world of difference. Made for side, back, and stomach sleepers, you’ll love how well this best neck pillow places your neck and head into alignment.
Expand To See More The contour design also ensures that your shoulders and back are properly placed in relativity to the rest of your body, so you can remain comfortable and experience a deeper sleep. Initially you may experience a bit of discomfort, but after the first couple of weeks, you’ll definitely notice a difference. The interior is made with premium memory foam, ensuring excellent air flow to keep you cool and dry while you rest. The hypoallergenic rayon/polyester pillow case that comes included is super soft and silky, too. Every material used is free of harmful chemicals, and doesn’t promote the growth of bacteria like down does. A 30-day guarantee has you covered in case you’re unsatisfied, but we don’t think that will be the case!
#2 Arc4life Cervical Neck Traction Pillow
If you’re looking for an adjustable pillow, the Arc4life Cervical Neck Traction Pillow is one of the very few out there. It’s perfect if you have a neck injury, sleep issues, or just want to be able to get comfy and fall asleep faster.
Hand-stuffed with high-density polyester, you don’t have to worry about it going flat or squishing up which doesn’t help at all. If you want the best pillow for neck pain and headaches, keep on reading.
Expand To See More If you’re suffering from military neck or a reverse curve, then you’ll love how well this promotes proper neck and spine alignment. Whether you’re sleeping on your side, stomach, or back, it will keep you in check. To stretch out the tight muscles in the neck, lay on the traction V side on your back. The design is made to give you excellent support no matter how you sleep. If you need extra padding, simply fold down the top. In addition, you can choose from the V side of the neck roll side for added versatility. If you’re someone who enjoys soft and squishiness, you’re probably not going to find this pillow to your liking. It’s notable durable and doesn’t have a lot of give, however, if you’re serious about neck recovery and want the best pillow for neck and shoulder pain, you won’t be disappointed!
#3 Royal Therapy Memory Foam Neck Pillow
If you want a pillow that’s practically guaranteed to work for you, take a look at the Royal Therapy CertiPUR-US Certified (free of harsh chemicals/toxins) Memory Foam Pillow.
Working to eliminate any painful pressure points and pinching, it gently supports the head and the neck by creating uniform pressure. Another one of the few that are adjustable, you can easily remove the middle foam layer to work with your individual needs.
Expand To See More While we highly recommend letting it sit for 24 hours to air out, there is a very faint smell to the pillow a few days afterward. It does go away, so you don’t need to worry about that. Thanks to the bamboo cover and safe memory foam interior, it’s naturally hypoallergenic. This is great for those with allergies, as it prevents the growth of bacteria, mold, fungus, and dust mites. While it’s not quite as firm as the Arc4life model, it works well to not go flat like your average pillow tends to. When you wake up, it will still be perfectly supportive so you can wake up ready for the day, rather than in pain. With their 100-night money-back guarantee, you’re not risking anything except perhaps a happier and healthier body!
#4 Therapeutica Orthopedic Sleeping Pillow
One of the hardest, but also one of the most effective best pillows for neck support is the Therapeutica. It’s so firm, in fact, that we think the word “pillow” may be a bit generous here. Despite this, if you’re serious about getting your neck and spine into proper shape, this is the one to do it with.
Expand To See More Made from non-toxic, hypoallergic foam, it’s both safe and healthy, so you can focus on your recovery rather than weird smells. While the pillow may look a bit odd in design, it’s made with specific purposes. One, is to achieve proper spinal alignment, no matter what position you sleep in. This will allow for a greater amount of comfort, and a deeper, more effective sleep each night. You no longer have to deal with waking up with pain or discomfort, but rather relief. It will never lose shape or integrity, however the foam does tend to soften up a bit over time.
#5 Cradle Me Cervical Neck Pillow
While the Cradle Me Cervical Pillow looks more like a Pokemon than what one would normally expect to be laying their head down on, it’s definitely one of the best pillows for neck and shoulder pain.
The orthopedic design is made to support you throughout various sleep positions, thanks to the perfect cervical contour. The foam butterfly shape gives you the option to choose between various heights to give you the ideal comfort and fit.
Expand To See More The safe and odorless memory foam used with this product is non-toxic and hypoallergenic; perfect if you suffer from allergies or are easily irritable. Through various testing, they’ve found a balance between comfort and sturdiness that’s neither too soft nor too firm. The memory foam will let the stress melt away while your neck, shoulders, and back fully relax. What’s more is the high-quality quilted, hypoallergenic cover are made to be breathable, so you’ll stay cool and dry all night long. What really sets this pillow apart from so many others, was that instead of just aligning your spine, it also cradles your head gently with the wings of the pillow. It won’t hurt your ears, or feel like you’re in an unnatural position like so many others cause.
#6 Coisum Back Sleeper Cervical Pillow
Is neck pain affecting your ability to get a good night’s sleep? We, along with countless others understand. Not to worry; the best neck pillow for sleeping is here, and it’s called the Coisum Back Sleeper Cervical Pillow. Wake up feeling refreshed and maintain your health by taking charge with this orthopedic design.
Working for both back sleepers and back-to-side sleepers, they’ve used 60 density slow-rebound CertiPUR-US certified memory foam to properly support your head and neck.
Expand To See More The unique hole design will actually adapt to the shape of your head, so you won’t be left overly tilted back or forward. It also isn’t going to go flat while you’re sleeping. The design looks pretty interesting, but that’s due to the three different areas. Area A has a cut out inside to relieve pressure from your head and neck while dozing off. Area B lets your shoulders fit in nicely, keeping proper alignment and letting the muscles in your chest stretch out. Area C features wedge extensions on each side to keep your posture in the ideal position. Finally, the hypoallergenic pillow cover is made out of polyester, keeping dust mites, mildew, and harmful bacteria at bay.
#7 WonderSleep PREMIUM Adjustable Loft Pillow
Quite possibly the best cervical pillow on the market today is the WonderSleep PREMIUM Adjustable Loft. One of the few other adjustable pillows on the market today, you can easily change up the thickness by removing or adding in more filling to suit your body and your needs.
As you’re bound to have someone in your home try and steal it so they can use it, the fact that they come with two is a great bargain.
Expand To See More Filled with customized memory foam, it works to provide personalized support the the head, neck, and shoulders to all kinds of sleepers. The pillows also come with a cover made of 40% bamboo-derived rayon and polyester, which not only holds up well, but is hypoallergenic. As it is notably breathable, you’ll always have exceptional airflow to keep you cool and dry as you use it. The zippered cover and the pillow itself are both machine-washable which only adds to its convenience. If you’re worried about how you’ll like it, don’t. First off, it’s an amazing pillow. Second of all, it comes with a 1-year warranty against defects, so you can rest assured it will fit your standards.
Neck Pain Relief Pillow Comparison Table
| Neck Pain Relief Pillow | Size | Fill | Support Level | Cover | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPABO Contour Pillow | 24 ”x 15” | Memory Foam | Regular | Rayon/Polyester | 4.3 / 5.0 | |
| Arc4life Cervical Neck Traction | 24” x 17” | Polyester Fiber Fill | Regular/High | Hypoallergenic, latex-free | 3.8 / 5.0 | |
| Royal Therapy Neck Pillow | 14" x 17.5" | Memory Foam | Regular | Bamboo | 4.7 / 5.0 | |
| Therapeutica Orthopedic Pillow | 26" x 15" | 100% Foam | High | N/A | 4.0 / 5.0 | |
| Cradle Me Cervical Pillow | 21.4 ”x 14” | Memory Foam | Regular | Rayon/Polyester | 4.0 / 5.0 | |
| Coisum Back Sleeper Pillow | 21.6” x 15” | Memory Foam | Regular | Polyester | 4.5 / 5.0 | |
| WonderSleep Adjustable Pillow | 16” x 10” | Shredded Memory Foam | Regular | Rayon/Polyester | 4.6 / 5.0 |
How to Choose the Best Pillow For Neck Pain
When purchasing such a personal item such as a supportive neck pillow, it can be hard to make the decision of selecting just one. There are countless models of pillows out there, but only a few can be considered the best cervical pillows. That’s why we’ve decided to go ahead and create this handy buying guide. It will take you through each step you need to consider while making your decision.
Sleeping Position
First off, you must know the kind of position you sleep in. If you don’t, pay attention to how you wake up. Are you on your stomach? Your back? Curled up on your side? Perhaps you do a combination of more than one.
Once you figure this part out, take a look at the pillows that work with your sleep position. Most of them will work with just about any kind of sleepers, which is nice.
However, know that stomach sleepers will either typically need a thinner pillow or one that can be adjusted to a lower height. The same amount of support a back or side sleeper needs will be too much for a stomach sleeper and could ultimately cause even more pain and discomfort.
Support
Although these are all excellent pillows, the truth is that they’re not all going to be ideal for you. While it’s not a rule, those that are certified orthopedic will provide better support.
That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll provide more support, but they’ll be better designed to cradle the head and neck and encourage proper posture. You not only want something that will hold your neck and head up, but will align the spine as it should be.
In this regard, we loved the Arc4life, which gave you the option of the V side to stretch out the tight muscles in your neck while keeping your neck in the perfect position.
Firmness
What kind of pillows do you prefer?
Are you someone who really revels in those soft, poofy pillows they have at hotels, or do you like something with a bit more substance and sturdiness? While all of the above pillows are going to provide a good amount of support, they do vary with how hard they are.
For example, the WonderSleep is a pillow that can change in thickness, and ultimately isn’t all that firm in comparison with other neck pillows. In contrast, the Therapeutica is so firm that many users complained it was uncomfortable until they got used to it or until the foam softened up after continuous use.
If you prefer neither soft nor firm, the majority of the pillows on our list fall somewhere in the middle.
Filling
Most pillows out there are filled with down, or feathers. However, if you’re looking at our guide then you probably have realized that’s not the best material for keeping your head supported properly. On our guide you’re going to find that most either have memory foam, or shredded foam of some type.
Shredded Foam: The benefit of shredded foam is that you can adjust it and move it as you wish. Some even let you remove or add foam to change the thickness to your liking, which is pretty cool.
Memory Foam: Memory foam is an amazing material for eliminating pressure points and letting the muscles in the upper body truly relax. As it contours around the individual shape of your neck and head, you don’t have to worry about it not working for you.
We highly recommend getting a foam that’s certified to be safe, non-toxic, and free of any potentially harmful chemicals. Look for a CertiPUR-US certification if you have any doubts.
Size
Keep in mind that if you do go with a full memory foam pillow, that they’re typically much smaller when you first receive them, then they will be normally. When you open them up and take them out of the box, you’ll want to let them “breathe” for at least the first 24 hours.
This will not only get rid of most of the weird smell memory foam often comes with, but will let it fluff up to its ideal size.
Most pillows we’ve featured also come in various sizes. The size that fits most adults is a Queen size. If you’re doubtful of the size you should get, we recommend going for one that is adjustable or comes with various heights.
FAQs About Neck Support Pillows
Q: What sleeping position is the healthiest?
A: This is a bit of a complicated subject, but sleeping on your back generally is the most advantageous. When you’re in the supine position, your blood circulation is regulated well and breathing becomes a bit easier. In addition, it’s supposed to be the best for preventing wrinkles.
However, it is closely associated with Sleep Apnea and snoring. Sleeping on your stomach is considered the worst, as you’re straightening the natural curve of the spine.
Q: Is pain normal when using my new pillow?
A: Pain may be a bit extreme, but you should definitely expect some discomfort the first couple of weeks of using your new supportive pillow. This is because your spine and neck are getting used to being in the proper position. Of course, if the discomfort extends beyond a few weeks, you may want to adjust it or consider another model.
Q: What are the benefits of a supportive neck pillow?
A: The benefits are practically endless. However, the main upsides to these are that your spine will be in proper alignment which will not only decrease pain, but make your body work more efficiently. Blood flow and even breathing can improve, while you’ll be at a lower risk of injury. Your quality of life will also improve due to being in less pain!
Tips For Using Your Neck Pain Relief Pillow
#1: Make sure that your pillow is keeping your spine in a straight line.
The pillow should be tucked well under the neck and shoulders to support the head entirely. You don’t want the spine to curve upwards or downwards.
#2: To decrease the appearance of acne and/or wrinkles, choose a hypoallergenic pillow.
Most on our list are hypoallergenic, reducing the production of bad bacteria and dustmites. These will leave your skin cool and dry thanks to the good amount of airflow.
#3: Wash your pillow regularly.
You don’t have to wash the entire pillow as often as you would your pillowcase, but at least once a month is a good idea. Even though you may have a case on it, bacteria from your skin can still travel through it and into your pillow.
#4: Once your pillow has lost its original shape, you should replace it.
Don’t just keep it because you’ve become attached to it. The pillow was made to be that specific shape because it works the best for the body.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve read through just about everything you could ever want to about the best supportive neck pillows, which one will be taking up residency in your home?
Remember, it’s most important to get the one that suits you the best, not the one that looks the coolest or has the highest price tag. We hope that our guide has helped you select the perfect product for you. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you again shortly!
Notice:
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