Best Pillow For Neck Pain
Chiropractic Recommended
As a chiropractor, one of the most common ailments I see patients suffering from is chronic neck pain. Neck pain has a variety of causes, but often includes discomfort and inflammation that can greatly impact your quality of life. It’s no wonder we refer to something annoying or unpleasant as “a pain in the neck!”
When treating patients for neck pain, I am often asked what I recommend for pillows. There is no denying that the type of pillow you sleep on at night can either help or exacerbate your pain. Ensuring your neck is well supported throughout the night can reduce stress on your spine, keep your vertebrae aligned, and ultimately make for a better night’s sleep.
Now that we’ve established that a high-quality pillow can help, let’s talk through some of the best options. With so many brands and models on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose. Fortunately, I have seen firsthand which pillows have made a world of difference for patients with neck pain. That’s why I want to share some guidance on what you should look for in a pillow, along with some of my top picks so you can be pain free sooner! Read on to see which option is best for you and your neck pain.
#1 Best Pillow For Neck Pain - Pluto Pillow
- Customizable materials, density, height, and more – over 35 different options so you can be sure there is a pillow just right for you!
- Patented process for determining a pillow that best suits your needs
- Hybrid design, solid foam core with plush outer pillow that offers support and comfort
- Free shipping and 110-night risk-free trial
#2 Best Memory Foam Pillow - Saatva Memory Foam Pillow
- Luxurious memory foam for pain and reduced pressure on neck
- Breathable and comfortable materials
- Gel-infused memory core that adapts to your sleep position
- Contours to neck placement and accommodates combination sleepers
#3 Best Pillow For Neck Pain - The CBD Pillow
- CBD-infused microcapsules slowly release to support restful, restorative sleep
- Unique “microdose” technology that sets this pillow apart from other more standard options
- High-quality gel memory foam that offers excellent neck support and alignment
- Customizable filling for your preferred height and density
#4 Best Cooling Pillow - Layla Kapok Pillow
- Shredded memory foam and Kapok fibers for silky, luxurious feel
- Ideal for a variety of sleep position preferences and body weights
- Blends support and comfort a “cloud-like” sleep experience
- Cooling pillow cover with copper infusion for hygienic, relaxing sleep
A Few Things To Look For When Buying A Pillow For Neck Pain
First things first. Before buying a pillow for your neck pain, it is helpful to know what results you are looking for. When it comes to reducing or alleviating neck pain, ensuring your neck is well supported and stays aligned throughout the night is top priority. Support is essential for maintaining the curvature in your neck, which reduces stress and strain on your spinal cord and nerves. You want your pillow to push up into these areas to keep it in its optimal position, therefore a medium-firm material like a memory foam is good to look for.
There are also factors like comfort, cost, and materials to consider (e.g. memory foam; Kapok fiber, etc.), and this often comes down to your specific sleep preferences. The good news is many of these top-rated pillow options are customizable and adjustable so you can achieve the optimal level of support for your needs.
Some Things To Avoid When Purchasing A Pillow
It goes without saying, but not all pillows are created equal. There are many options on the market that can contribute to neck pain because they offer little support. A pillow that does not support your head and neck properly can create more tension in your neck muscles, causing irritating neck pain. For that reason, it is best to avoid lumpy or uneven pillows and instead seek out high quality materials that keep your neck supported. I typically do not recommend down or feather pillows for this reason. They lose their resilience and will flatten out throughout the night, leaving your neck unsupported, your spine out of alignment, and your muscles achy.
Read on for more details on the pillows I recommend as a chiropractor.
#1 Best Customizable Pillow For Neck Pain - Pluto Pillow
You can say “goodbye” to the guesswork and awkward pillow “testing” at the big box store and instead, opt for the custom comfort and convenience offered by Pluto Pillow. Pluto Pillow is a top choice because it is made just for you. This customizability is a huge plus for finding an option that will best suit your needs.
After taking a brief questionnaire, Pluto Pillow uses the responses in its patented process to create a unique sleep profile and a pillow customized to your specifications. It is custom-built to your body stats, how you sleep, and what you like as a sleeper.
The pillow is a hybrid design (pillow within a pillow), crafted from a solid foam core and encased in a plush outer pillow. The difference in materials results in a smooth, soft, and cooling surface, perfect for supported and comfortable sleep. No matter which pillow cover you match with, each one has silky fibers that offer a plush, cozy feel.
The height, density, and other features of the fibers vary depending on your answers, so the item is tailored exactly as you like it. Materials can combine for over 35 variations, so you can be sure there is an option that is perfect for you. Once your responses are submitted, the Pluto algorithm generates a unique sleep profile custom to you. From there, a Pluto representative reviews your additional requests to ensure the final product is made as you like it.
For $110, you can enjoy a trial with your personalized pillow to see for yourself. Once your custom pillow is created it is delivered to your door with free shipping, where you can enjoy 110 risk-free nights to test your Pluto Pillow out from the comfort of your home. Many patients have noted a difference in sleep quality and improvement in neck pain, even within only a few nights of replacing their old pillow with Pluto.
What Some OF Pluto's Customers Say
Out of this world…
I was skeptical. This is the best pillow I’ve found since my childhood pillows at my moms house. Most pillows nowadays are like too puffy and not comfy. Whatever they did when they made this for me…it’s perfect. I want another one so I do t have to worry about which one is in my arms and which one is under my head.
Love this pillow!
Their algorithm nailed it with regard to my pillow preference. I am very happy with my purchase. The pillow construction quality is very high, and it comes nicely packaged. They said it would take 3 weeks due to the high level of orders, but it was about a week less than that.
Finally, comfortable sleep
After spending years as Goldilocks of pillows, I finally found the PERFECT one! I love the hybrid pillow and the great sink in, cozy feel with support. I can sleep on my side again and it sleeps cool. I love my Pluto pillow. Best money I’ve spent on a pillow ever!
Finally the Perfect Pillow!!!
I have been on the hunt for a pillow that works for me for several years. I’ve tried all of the expensive major brands, I’ve gone through the different discussions on what was the right one for me, and prior to this the best that I could do is using a combination of 2 pillows that still led to stiff necks, headaches, and overall just an unsatisfying night of sleep.
#2 Best Memory Foam Pillow - Saatva Memory Foam Pillow
For those who regularly experience neck pain, memory foam is a great option because it offers adaptable support and neck stability. The appeal of memory foam is that it softens with body heat and conforms to your shape, molding to the unique curvature of your neck. This makes it an excellent support and helps keep you in alignment.
Saatva’s luxury bedding includes memory foam pillows that aim to relieve pain and pressure, and Saatva buyers can attest to the benefits. Patients of mine have also tossed out their old pillows in favor of Saatva after finally achieving restorative, pain-free sleep.
Engineered for breathability and comfort, the Saatva memory foam pillow features a cooling cotton cover, graphite memory foam layer, and gel-infused memory foam core. This layered combination makes for a high-quality pillow that stays cool to the touch, contours to your specific head and neck placement, and offers excellent support in all sleeping positions. This makes it a great choice for combination sleepers. Its adaptability allows for a variety of sleep styles and adjusts to your position as you move throughout the night.
Cost of the Saatva memory foam pillow varies by size, $165 for a Queen and $185 for a King, respectively, and trust that these pillows will make you feel like royalty. The contouring support and cooling comfort are worth every dime.
#3 Best Pillow For Neck Pain - The CBD Pillow
Dubbed the “World’s Most Relaxing Pillow,” the CBD Pillow features CBD-infused fabric that creates all-night calm. The pillow has a patented technology that embeds millions of CBD microcapsules into the pillow. With friction, these capsules burst and are released throughout the night, micro-dosing the CBD as you sleep in a safe, natural way.
The benefits of CBD are wide-ranging and include improvements in anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and more. It can be taken in many forms, though unlike oil or gummies, the CBD pillow slowly releases mini doses throughout the night, leading to a more sustained uptake. The pillow material is pressure sensitive, so the CBD is released throughout the night as the microcapsules burst. This creates a slow-release and absorption of CBD that supports calming sleep. For sleepers who are used to waking throughout the night, this technology may reduce your restless sleep.
Above and beyond the beneficial aspect of lab-certified CBD, the pillow also consists of a gel memory foam that will keep your neck well-supported and aligned throughout the night. The premium materials and adjustable comfort offered by the CBD pillow are why it is listed among other top-rated pillows. With a machine washable outer liner and medium-firm, customizable blend of shredded memory foam and plush microfiber, the height and density of the CBD pillow is also customizable to your sleep preferences.
For $99-$129, the CBD pillow – and a refreshing, balanced night’s sleep – can be yours. Whether you are a slide sleeper, back sleeper, or prefer other positions, the durable memory foam will adapt to keep you supported and soothed all night long. The enhanced CBD technology is what really sets this pillow apart.
Elizabeth
The Pillow of My Dreams (No pun intended)
I love this pillow so much that I can’t quit talking about it. It’s remarkable how it works. I don’t really understand how they get the CBD in there but it helps me sleep through the night, something I haven’t done in so long. I’ll be ordering another pillow case in the next few months. And the pillow itself is so comfortable, I can’t even describe it. THANK YOU to the makers or CBD pillow!!!
Sarah
Worth The Money
I have a neck injury that causes me a lot of pain and issues sleeping. I have bought four expensive pillows in the last three years and finally found this CBD pillow. I was skeptical because the other pillows I have purchased have ended up in a growing pile of pillows that make my neck pain worse. I’m happy to report that after two weeks I have noticed a significant decrease in my neck pain during the day. I really do think this pillow has helped as it shapes to my neck exactly where I need it but also is…
Ariel
So Worth It!
Love it. Note that the first night is not a good reflection of the pillow’s effect on your sleeping experience; I first woke relaxed but physically uncomfortable- then later found it was because the pillow was too firm for me. But upon removing 2-3 handfuls of memory foam, I slept incredibly and was well-rested the next day. The CBD part itself definitely works, they use the word drowsy to describe how you may feel but I much rather say it “relaxed” me as it was comfortable but not excessive.
Steve
It’s A Must Buy!
The CBD Pillow Purchase will make you a believer! Since I have Started using it I have slept better and my skin texture changed and feels really smooth and great. And its also really comfortable pillow with the pillow case or no pillow case on it. And I slept faster and longer and I believe it does other things when you use it also. And it has a 10 year warranty which is superior. The only thing I wanted it to do is take my lower back pain away it has not done that at all.
#4 Best Cooling Pillow - Layla Kapok Pillow
The Layla Kapok pillow includes a unique combination of shredded memory foam and Kapok fibers. Kapok fibers offer a very natural silky feel that make for a luxurious sleeping experience. Together with memory foam, this pillow is moldable as a result, making it a great choice for side sleepers who prefer an indent where they lie their head. It is both plush and airy, yet soft and supportive. This is ideal for those with neck pain, as it conforms to you to provide the optimal amount of support and comfort.
The Kapok Pillow’s cover includes yarn that is infused with copper. The copper helps to prevent bacterial growth for enhanced hygiene and a cooling effect. Best of all, it is customizable. Sleepers can adjust each pillow’s firmness by unzipping the cover and adding or removing fill.
At $109 – $129 (cost varies by size), this option is comparable in price and benefits to sleepers who experience neck pain. It offers just the right support without being too firm or too soft, so you no longer have to wake up feeling stiff and sore. As a result, the Layla Kapok Pillow is highly rated among sleepers of a range of sleep position preferences and body weights.
I was having lots of trouble getting comfortable with my normal pillows. I broke down and bought two luxury pillows. Layla was the winner. It’s a simple pillow. It’s soft, yet firm and I now only need the one pillow.
I was having neck pain with my older down pillows and was looking for something with more stability. This pillow has relieved all tension in my neck during and after sleep. It’s my favorite.
Love this pillow. I use a cpap and sleep on my side and this pillow has been great for me. I will likely buy another one soon!
Very comfortable has been very pleased with softness yet also very comfortable have slept very well since purchasing the pillow must say the best pillow I have had.
FAQ's
This likely means you may need to change out your current pillow and/or sleep position. Be sure to check the age of your pillow and consider a replacement if the neck pain is waking you up through the night. If the neck pain is affecting the quality and duration of your sleep, this indicates it may be an issue with your pillow.
You should also consider how your sleep position may be contributing. Ensuring your spine is in alignment – avoiding twisting or uneven pressure on joints – is very important. The two best options are generally your back or your side (with a pillow between your knees to reduce pressure). If you are a back sleeper, you can also put a bolster or pillow under your legs to allow for more comfort and support.
If you suffer from neck pain, sleeping on your back or side are the best positions. Back sleeping in particular is preferred, as it is the easiest on your neck. If you are a side sleeper, ensure you avoid lying at an awkward angle and keeping your neck aligned with your head.
The best pillow that doctors typically recommend for neck pain are hybrid memory foam. The specific firmness depends on your preferred sleeping position. Back and stomach sleepers should prioritize more firmness, where side sleepers may want to look for more moldable, medium firm memory foam.
This depends mostly on your preferred sleeping position. Shredded foams offer more response and moldability, which can be an asset to side sleepers who would like an indented space for their head to rest. Back sleepers and stomach sleepers may benefit from a more solid memory foam that keeps the neck well supported and in place. Overall, memory foam is a great option for sleepers who move throughout the night, as it adapts to your position.
Summary
In summary, what constitutes the best pillow for neck pain is one that keeps your neck well-supported throughout the night. Medium-firm memory foam or a combination of shredded memory foam with other fibers are ideal for offering adaptability and comfort, keeping your neck aligned in all sleep positions. If you aren’t already a person who brings your own pillow on trips, you might become one after purchasing one of these high-quality pillows.