Welcome, readers! If you are reading this article, chances are that you’re waking up with neck pain and a headache. You’re not alone, and we understand how frustrating and debilitating this can be. That’s why we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll be showcasing our top picks for the best pillows to help with neck pain.
Before we get into the main event, let’s discuss what you should look for if you’re shopping for a pillow to help with your neck pain. First and foremost, you want to think about your alignment. Your pillow should help you maintain what we call a neutral alignment. This means that if you’re resting on your side, your ears will line up with your shoulders. But if you’re resting on your back or your stomach, you want your chin to line up with your sternum. Along those same lines, you also want to think about the loft of your pillow. This can depend on your sleeper position as well. So, for example, if you’re a side sleeper and you have a really low loft pillow, that means that your neck is going to crane out of alignment, which can cause pain. Similarly, you want to think about your pillow’s firmness level. So if it feels nice and firm and lofty and supportive at first, but if it sinks during the night, that’s not good.
Another factor to consider is body type. Everyone’s body is different, and therefore, requires different levels of support. If you’re a larger person, you’re going to want a pillow that’s taller, especially if you’re resting on your side. On the other hand, if you’re a petite person like me, you might find that a medium-loft pillow works best for you. Lastly, you want to think about what your pillow feels like. This is up to your personal preference. You can find pillows that will help with your neck pain, whether they are down alternative, memory foam, or a mix of both. Ultimately, it just depends on what you like. Do you want your head to kind of sink into a cloud-like comfort, or do you want to feel that malleable, fluffy pillow inside? Either way, we’ve got some great options for you.
Let’s dive into our top picks for the best pillows to help with neck pain.
1- Tuft and Needle
The Tuft and Needle pillow is a personal favorite of mine. I’m a combination back and side sleeper, and this pillow is the perfect loft for me. But what also I love about it is that it doesn’t sink or compress as the night goes on. So whenever I switch to my side in the middle of the night, I still get the support that I need. No lie, this pillow was a game changer for me.
A couple of other really cool features about this pillow is that it’s also super breathable. So if you’re like me and you tend to run hot at night, but you don’t feel any heat retention around your neck at all. And that’s because this pillow has a soft, breathable cover and the foam inside is actually ventilated for airflow so it doesn’t trap body heat. Another great thing is that this is one of the more affordable options on our list, and we expect it to last a long time.
2- Saatva Pillow
Our pick for the best orthopedic pillow is the Saatva Pillow. Orthopedic is a fancy way of saying that it will help you maintain a neutral alignment, which, as we now know, will help you with your neck pain. This pillow has a unique construction.
Another great feature of the Saatva pillow is that it comes in two different lofts, a low loft and a high loft. So, depending on your body type and sleep position, you can choose the one that’s right for you. We found that the low loft option works best for stomach sleepers, while the high loft option works best for back sleepers.
One thing to keep in mind with the Saatva pillow is that it is on the heavier side, so it may not be the best option for people who prefer a lightweight pillow. However, we found that the weight was well worth it for the level of support and comfort it provided.
3- Casper Foam Pillow
If you’re looking for an all-foam pillow, the Casper Foam Pillow is an excellent option. This pillow is made with a combination of high-density and low-density foams, which work together to provide optimal support for your neck.
The Casper Foam Pillow is available in two different lofts, a low loft and a mid loft, which makes it a great option for both back and side sleepers. We found that the mid loft option worked best for us, but the low loft option is perfect for stomach sleepers.
One thing to note about the Casper Foam Pillow is that it may not be the best option for people who tend to sleep hot. While the foam is breathable, it still retains some heat, which may be uncomfortable for some people.
4- Tempur-Cloud Pillow
The Tempur-Cloud Pillow is an excellent option for people who prefer a slow-moving, luxurious feel. This pillow is made with Tempur-Pedic’s signature memory foam, which contours to your head and neck for personalized support.
The Tempur-Cloud Pillow is best suited for back sleepers, as the foam sinks in a bit and provides a soft, cradling feel. We found that this pillow was incredibly comfortable, and the slow-moving foam made it easy to adjust and find the perfect sleeping position.
One downside of the Tempur-Cloud Pillow is that it may not be the best option for people who sleep hot. The memory foam can retain heat, which may be uncomfortable for some people.
5- Purple Pillow
Last but not least, we have the Purple Pillow. This pillow has a unique construction that sets it apart from other pillows on the market. It is made with a three-inch layer of Purple’s proprietary gel grid, which provides excellent support and pressure relief for your neck.
The Purple Pillow is best suited for people who prefer a firmer feel. The gel grid is incredibly supportive, and the cloth boosters allow you to adjust the height to your liking. We found that this pillow worked well for people with larger heads and necks, as it kept the head elevated and in a neutral alignment.
Another great feature of the Purple Pillow is that it is incredibly breathable. The gel grid allows for plenty of airflow, which helps regulate your body temperature and prevents overheating.
Our Final Thoughts
Neck pain can be a real pain in the neck, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to be. With the right pillow, you can help maintain a neutral alignment, get the support you need, and wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free.
As you can see, there are a lot of great options out there for pillows that can help with neck pain. The key is to find the one that’s right for you based on your sleep position, body type, and personal preferences.
So whether you’re a side sleeper, a back sleeper, or a stomach sleeper, we hope that this guide has helped you find the perfect pillow for your needs. And don’t forget to check out our full reviews on Mattress Clarity for even more in-depth information on each of these pillows and more.
As always, sweet dreams!
So helpful! I have so much trouble finding pillows that work for me. I generally just don’t use a pillow to prevent the neck pain. Will have to try one of these out!
I have severe chronic neck (three herniated discs) and severe back (three back surgeries!!) pain. We got a Tempur-Pedic mattress in January which has been a game changer for my hip pain (I don’t expect much to help my back) but we also got Purple pillows at the same time. However, I’m still waking up with really bad neck pain. I keep switching out the loft by removing one or two layers but haven’t seemed to find the magic solution yet. I’m on opioids and still suicidal from pain.
*Thank you for your Information… It is so hard to find the right pillow when you suffer with chronic neck pain and headaches… I’ve tried so many… I wish there was the perfect pillow… I may look into one of these… Haven’t yet on these brands!