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6 Best Pillows for Neck Pain in 2022

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Updated December 5, 2021

The best pillow for neck pain that we tried is the EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow. This ergonomically designed memory foam pillow is designed to match the body’s natural curvature and is appropriate for sleepers of all positions. We also loved that it ships with a free bamboo fiber pillowcase.

To help you find the best pillow for neck pain or other assorted ailments, we have tried out a multitude of models, testing to ensure they were manufactured using long-lasting and comfortable materials and making sure we chose options for side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers. We also preferred pillows that adhered to the natural curvature of the spine, so as to alleviate pain. Keep reading to learn more about the EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow and the other items on this list.

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Top 6 Best Pillows for Neck Pain

 #1  EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: One of the best pillows for side sleepers, in addition to other positions, thanks to an ergonomic memory foam design that contours to the neck and shoulders and the free bamboo fiber pillowcase that is included.

Pros
  • Design contours to body’s natural curvature
  • Free pillowcase included
  • Breathable memory foam works to keep you cool
Cons
  • Design is not thin, which may not suit all consumers
  • Causes discomfort at first until body gets used to curvature

The EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow is the best pillow for neck arthritis that we tried, as it is made from high-quality and ultra-breathable memory foam that contours to the neck, shoulders, and back. The breathable memory foam provides excellent air circulation, helping to keep you cool as you sleep, and the free bamboo fiber pillowcase that ships with the pillow is comfortable and lush.

This is a thick memory foam pillow, nearly five inches high, and may not suit consumers looking for thin pillows for neck pain. Additionally, we experienced some initial discomfort at first, for around a week or so, until our bodies adjusted to the correct position. After that, it provided a fantastic night’s sleep. Give it time, this could quickly become the best pillow for sleeping, though have a look at that guide as well.

 #2  UTTU Adjustable Sandwich Pillow for Neck Pain

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: The best pillow for shoulder pain that we tried, thanks to being made from pressure-relieving dynamic foam and featuring a removable middle layer, for height adjustment, in addition to shipping with a cooling bamboo fabric pillowcase.

Pros
  • Best for those with shoulder issues
  • Removable middle layer allows for height adjustments
  • Bamboo cover is comfortable and machine washable
Cons
  • May be too soft for some consumers
  • Chemical smell upon opening, though it faded

The UTTU Adjustable Sandwich Pillow is made from a proprietary type of memory foam called dynamic foam, which helps relieve common pressure points, allowing for neck and shoulder pain relief. There’s no doubt that you need this pillow in your bedroom. This foam does not stiffen up in cold weather, like many memory foam pillows, and the pillow features a removable layer that allows for height adjustments to suit a variety of sleepers. We also loved the bamboo fabric cover, which is comfortable, cooling, and machine washable.

This dynamic foam is on the softer side, however, which may not suit all consumers. Also, we did notice a fairly strong chemical odor upon unpackaging the pillow, though it faded within a day or two.

Related: For your bedside, check out the best accent table.

 #3  Milemont Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain

We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock

Award: BEST PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT OPTIONS

WHY WE LIKE IT: Available in multiple sizes and color options, suiting a variety of consumers, and made from CertiPUR-US certified memory foam, which features excellent pressure adjustment capabilities.

Pros
  • Non-chemical formulation
  • Washable zippered cover
  • Hypoallergenic polyester exterior provides protection against dust mites
Cons
  • Not as effective for stomach sleepers
  • Pillow is on thick side, at nearly 5” tall

This Milemont Memory Foam Pillow is particularly effective at reducing neck and shoulder pain, thanks to being manufactured with pressure-sensitive CertiPUR-US certified memory foam. The memory foam is certified to be free from toxic chemicals and the hypoallergenic polyester exterior provides adequate protection against dust mites and other creepy crawlies. We also loved the multiple size and color options available here, with purchase availability in king, queen, and standard along with a range of three colors.

Though this pillow is a fantastic choice for back and side sleepers, as it is optimized to suit both sleep styles, we found it not to be quite as perfect a choice for stomach sleepers, thanks to the thick memory foam. To that end, the pillow is on the thicker side, at nearly five inches tall, which may not suit consumers looking for a thin pillow to sleep with. If you need a way to get a better night’s sleep on your best twin futon, this pillow is a must.

 #4  LEREKAM Cervical Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain

Award: BEST ON A BUDGET

WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-friendly pillow for neck pain that doesn’t skimp on the high-end features, including a number of built-in massage nodules, for relaxation, and a polyester pillowcase that is removable and machine washable.

Pros
  • No harsh chemical smell or off gassing
  • Built-in massage nodules offer extreme relaxation
  • Polyester pillowcase is removable and machine washable
Cons
  • Takes several hours to unfurl after opening
  • On the firmer side, which may not suit all consumers

The LEREKAM Cervical Memory Foam Pillow comes in an extremely budget-friendly price point while still offering similar ergonomic support for neck and shoulder pain as our top pick. We loved the built-in massage nodules, which help to relax before sleep, and the removable and machine washable polyester pillowcase. We also noticed that this pillow offered no chemical smell whatsoever upon arrival, which was great.

Though this pillow lacked a harsh chemical smell, it did require several hours to fully unfurl upon opening, so take that into consideration. Also, this pillow for neck pain is on the firmer side, which may not suit consumers looking for a soft pillow. You’ll be sleeping so well, you’ll need the best alarm clock to make sure you wake up in time for work.

 #5  MARNUR Contour Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain

We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock

Award: BEST FOR HOT BODIES

WHY WE LIKE IT: Highly ventilated design that allows for maximum coolness and comfort, with a machine washable polyester pillowcase that inhibits mold growth and includes armrests, for the purposes of relaxation.

Pros
  • Included arm rests for relaxation
  • Adequate support for stomach sleepers
  • Washable cover inhibits mold growth
Cons
  • On the heavy side, at 3.5 lb
  • May be too firm for some consumers

This MARNUR Contour Memory Foam Pillow is made from ventilated memory foam, that allows for maximum breathability and coolness, and ships with a machine washable polyester cover that inhibits mold growth, further increasing comfort. We also loved the versatile design, as this pillow is not only great for side and back sleepers, but we found it to be the best pillow for neck pain for stomach sleepers. The included armrests were also a novel and comfortable addition.

This pillow for neck pain is on the heavy side, however, at nearly 3.5 pounds, which may impact the needs of certain consumers looking for lighter pillows. Additionally, this is a fairly firm pillow and may not suit those looking for thin and light pillows. If you love this pillow, you’ll just be missing the best mattress for a restful night of sleep.

 #6  Coisum Back Sleeper Cervical Pillow for Neck Pain

Award: BEST QUALITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: Made from high-quality 60 density memory foam, with some unique design features, including a hole in the middle to relieve head pressure and dual contour heights to suit different sleep positions.

Pros
  • Specially designed hole in middle relieves head pressure
  • The inner cover protects against dust mites
  • 2 contour heights, to suit different sleep positions
Cons
  • Unique design may not be for everyone
  • Not for stomach sleepers

The Coisum Back Sleeper Cervical Pillow is an extremely innovative and unique pillow for neck pain, featuring a high quality 60 density memory foam interior and a hole in the middle for the purposes of relieving head pressure. We also loved the dual contour heights available, suiting different body types and sleep styles, and the inner cover which is designed to protect against dust mites.

Though we found the unique design to be highly effective in the removal of neck pain, it may not suit the tastes of all consumers, as a lowered head ridge in the center of a pillow takes some getting used to. If your pain is in your back, try one of the best mattresses for sciatica. Also, though this pillow is perfect for both side and back sleepers, it does not intend for stomach sleepers.

How We Decided

To help narrow down to the above list, we focused primarily on ergonomic pillow designs made from high-quality foam, typically memory foam, that matched the body’s natural curvature and worked to correct potentially damaging sleep positions. To that end, the pillows on the above list are excellent for the relief of neck pain but also excel with relieving shoulder and back pain.

We also made sure that these pillows for neck pain were appropriate for a range of sleep styles, as we tested all of the above pillows with side sleeping and back sleeping. It must be noted that not all of the above pillows are an excellent choice for stomach sleepers, but we made sure to include a couple of options for that sleep position on our list.

Coolness and breathability were also of paramount importance as we went about testing the pillows, preferring highly ventilated pillows that help to regulate body temperature as you sleep. We also liked pillows that came with removable and machine washable covers and pillowcases, with these covers often designed to eliminate dust mites and mold growth.

Best Pillows for Neck Pain Buyer’s Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

  1. Memory Foam
    Memory foams, and similar types of foam, are designed to align to the natural curvature of your body, which helps to correct and adjust unnatural sleeping positions. The end result is a comfortable night’s sleep and the elimination of neck and shoulder pain but, it must be noted, as your body adjusts to the contours of the foam, you may experience some discomfort until you become used to the position.
  2. Sleep Positions
    Most of the above pillows for neck pain are an excellent choice for both side sleepers and back sleepers, due to the nature of the memory foam design. Stomach sleepers, however, call for a slightly different approach, design-wise. Memory foam pillows for neck pain can still accommodate stomach sleepers, but be sure to read the fine print before making a purchase.
  3. Breathability
    In order to help stay cool as you sleep, look for pillows that offer supreme breathability and ventilation, typically via micro-vents located throughout both the pillow itself and the cover. This will make sure that air flows naturally and that the pillow will not become too hot.
  4. Additional Features
    Some of these pillows for neck pain contain additional features, such as removable and machine washable pillowcases or covers. These cases often feature vents of their own, to assist in breathability, and are designed to limit mold growth and dust mite infestation. Some of these pillows for neck pain come in a wide variety of sizes and color options.

Pillows for Neck Pain FAQs

Which pillow is best for neck pain?

This depends on your sleep position and the source of your neck pain. Having said that, however, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention our top pick, the EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow. This pillow is designed to alleviate neck pain by contouring to the body’s natural curvature and is made from high quality memory foam.

Can a pillow cause neck pain?

Yes, depending on your body. An improperly designed pillow can contribute to neck pain gradually by not offering enough support to your neck, head and shoulders as you sleep.

How should I sleep to relieve neck pain?

Generally speaking, the two best sleep positions to relieve neck pain are the side and the back. The pillows for neck pain on the above list are all designed with these two sleeping positions in mind.

Do cervical pillows help neck pain?

Absolutely. Cervical pillows are a great choice to alleviate neck pain, thanks to designs that maintain the body’s natural alignment and material that helps to support the neck, shoulder and head.