Pillows should be firm enough to support the neck without creating pressure points, but the precise firmness of a pillow depends on your usual sleeping position. When fully filled, the pillow measures 6 inches thick. The softest insert is made from down alternative fibers, the medium feel features shredded gel-infused memory foam, and the two firmest inserts contain solid gel-infused memory foam. Having neck pain can seriously impact your life. At the same time, we found the pillow retains a medium feel that prevented our testers heads from sinking deep into the pillow. Cervical pillowsthe ones that have a depression in the center and raised edgesare also top picks. The adjustable loft and balanced feel also make this pillow ideal if you experience neck pain at night. The proprietary cover material helps to offset some of the foams heat-absorbing properties, resulting in less heat buildup and cooler sleep. All scientific data and information must be backed up by at least one reputable source. It has a butterfly-shaped contour to perfectly support your neck while you sleep, while aligning your head with the rest of your body and spine. The core contains shredded Talalay latex that feels soft and responsive in equal measure. At SleepFoundation.org, we personally test every product featured in our reviews and guides. This allows us to represent as wide an array of sleep preferences as possible in our findings. Not only can an unsupportive pillow exacerbate your neck pain, but studies show that the wrong pillow can be the direct cause of discomfort during the night. 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. We also make sure to test all pillows on the same mattress so our ratings are consistent. Thanks to this feature, you shouldnt need to fluff it very often. Pillow is one of the best pillows for neck pain. We recently added a video that offers a more in-depth look at our top pillow picks for neck pain. 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. The curved shape offered space for their shoulders and enabled stronger contouring to their necks. Read our full. Filling can be added or removed to adjust the loft, which also had an impact on the firmness during our tests. The TEMPUR-Cloud pillow is one of the companys most affordable pillows, and shipping is free to customers living in the contiguous U.S. Tempur-Pedic does not offer a sleep trial, but pillow purchases come with a 5-year warranty against structural defects. Each insert has a distinct feel, and all of our testers found at least one configuration that felt thick and supportive enough. /Rttm%fH~ 0Dw).TQPfK7_jN"jqp- \0%am=Un0}#4kaF iP"O': :kw8+l=;mImz4# aXcpI{FF03?,^Xez,)0&Cw8 I16f0h,r Each guide and article includes a comprehensive bibliography with full citations and links to the original sources. Theres also a contoured version thats made specifically for side sleepers. This level of diversity helps to ensure our product ratings are holistic and inclusive of all sleepers. You can choose between using the inner pillow and the core together or using just the inner pillow. 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. If you sleep on your stomach, you often require low-loft pillows to keep your head aligned with your spine. Few materials can match the softness and durability of mulberry silk, but most pillows we test with silk fill carry expensive price-points. The pillow is medium soft in terms of firmness, which made it popular among our stomach sleepers. The picks above reflect the pillows that out-performed all other models. We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guide to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations. Some of our side sleepers also enjoyed the higher loft that helped keep their head and neck aligned with the rest of their body. The shell is made of organic cotton, a naturally breathable and moisture-wicking material. Our team at Sleep Foundation includes experts and testers with years of experience in the sleep product industry. Testers shift around to evaluate the pillow in different positions. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Plant-Based Pillow purchases are backed by 1-year warranties that cover structural defects. Our testers really enjoyed the GhostPillows adjustability, which allowed most of them to find a loft that fit their needs. 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. 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. Shop Cozy Earth's biggest sale yet and get 25% to 30% off sitewide. This feature and the two-pillow bundle make the pillow a great value for shoppers on a budget. Well walk you through the most important considerations, including how to choose the best material, shape, and thickness for your individual sleeping style. The pillow offers up firm but soft support to mimic the feel of a down pillow, while still cradling your neck while you sleep. The medium feel offered a comfortable balance of cushioning and support that most of our team enjoyed. Writers and editors caught stealing content or improperly citing sources are immediately terminated, and we will work to rectify the situation with the original publisher(s). 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. This means that when we do realize our pillow may be contributing to our neck pain, we may not know how to go about choosing the best pillow. It also felt nice and cool. A knit polyester shell encases the pillow. The Saatva Latex Pillow checked boxes for many of our testers thanks to its adjustable design. The Eli & Elm Organic Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow is offered in just one size, suitable for a queen or a king mattress. Standard, queen, and king sizes are available for the pillow. Learn more. While the core of the foam should still provide enough support, its contouring qualities may make it feel subjectively softer and therefore more comfortable. As part of your sleep setup, a supportive pillow should promote proper neck and spine alignment. Regardless of your chosen loft, the plush fill gives the GhostPillow Shredded a medium feel. The fill is soft yet supportive, and the moisture-wicking shell should suffice if you tend to sleep hot. Given the adjustable design, the Silk & Snow was compatible with most of our testers sleep positions. The pillow contoured closely to cradle our testers heads and necks to alleviate pressure, but it didnt sink too much. Sleeping on your stomach causes your head to bend at a sharp angle and arches your spine, which puts unwanted pressure on your neck. The right loft therefore depends on your preferred sleeping position. tj@E Breathable memory foam helps keep this pillows shape and allows you to stay cool and sweat-free while you sleep. Your pillows job is to hold your neck and head at the right height to prevent unnecessary strain. 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. Back and side sleepers usually require firmer pillows than stomach sleepers, while combination sleepers and people whose firmness preferences change may want to consider an adjustable pillow. Since weight and sleeping position both affect how your pillow feels, we make sure to use testers from multiple weight groups and sleeper types. You may opt-out by. The pillow is adjustable, so you can find the level of firmness and fill that works best for you. You should replace your pillow when its no longer able to provide the proper support. 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. 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. Prefer a more traditional cervical pillow to tackle your neck pain? 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. It also has a firm feel for next-level support. The pillow core features two layers of plant-based fibers. Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Sweet Zzz pillows. The cover can be removed and machine washed whenever it needs to be cleaned, though Sweet Night recommends hand washing in order to preserve the fabrics lifespan. This accommodates your shoulders and provides the needed support to reduce neck pain. Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Tempur-Pedic pillows. The Luxome LAYR is one of the most customizable pillows weve tested. Its originally filled with a high contour of 4.7 inches and 3.9 inches of low contour. These testers noted they were able to sink comfortably into the pillow with no neck strain. To avoid neck pain, its best to sleep on your back or your side. 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. The Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow offered excellent cushioning for our testers who experience pressure buildup in their necks. The right pillow will depend on your individual needs. Solid memory foam makes up the pillow core, offering cradling for the head and neck while preventing excessive sinkage. An independent study from researchers at Johns Hopkins University has even proven the effectiveness of water pillows for reducing pain in the morning. Tempur-Pedic Promo Codes | 20% Off In May 2022 | Forbes, PwC Cloud and Digital Transformation BrandVoice, How To Earn Cash Rewards For Everyday Spending. A member of our medical expert team provides a final review of the content and sources cited for every guide, article, and product review concerning medical- and health-related topics. You can also purchase additional fill if you prefer an even thicker profile. Our editorial team is dedicated to providing content that meets the highest standards for accuracy and objectivity. The softest insert is best if you enjoy exceptionally plush pillows. This pillow allows you to remove large amounts of foam in order to achieve this low loft. The foam should never be cleaned. The pillow is also backed by a 3-year warranty. Usually pillows with strong contouring have a tendency to trap heat. The cover is composed of breathable fabric that helped keep our testers cool despite the foams heat-absorbing properties. Learn more about our process here. Meanwhile the firmest insert delivers even support, which made it popular among our side sleepers. The Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex model is offered in two profile options, so most of our testers found a comfortable option. Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Brooklyn Bedding pillows. side sleepers who weigh 130 to 230 pounds). Specially designed for side sleepers, Eli & Elms side sleeper pillow has a unique U-shape to support your neck and promote spinal alignment. Our testers fall into different categories based on body type, sleep position, and personal preferences. Talalay latex makes up the pillow core, offering gentle cradling for the head and neck to alleviate pressure points. The pillow cover is fully removable and machine-washable for easy care, but you should only spot clean the memory foam insert. We also found the pillow recovers its shape very well during our tests. A slope in the center also keeps your head from drifting out of position while you sleep. The cover is also very breathable, so the pillow surface stayed fairly cool during our temperature neutrality tests. Your Silk Pillow is backed by a manufacturers warranty that covers defects such as shifting fill for up to 10 years. The fill consists of shredded memory foam, polyfoam, and down alternative clusters that offer close contouring for the head and neck to relieve pressure buildup. Choose from full and mid-size optionsboth fit into a standard pillow case. If you prefer very soft pillows that do not adequately support your neck, you may enjoy a memory foam pillow with significant pressure relief. Plagiarism is never tolerated. A temperature-neutral gel grid allows for passive airflow while a moisture-wicking breeze mesh cover keeps you cool while you sleep. The pillow retained its shape very well during our tests, and it should last longer than other pillow types thanks to the all-foam composition. Sleep experts recommend either back or side sleeping if you experience neck pain. The cover and insert shells are machine-washable, but you should avoid laundering the foam or down alternative fill. All of the options give you comfort and support to help ease your pain, and hopefully get you on the right path to making it disappear entirely. Latex is a naturally breathable material, and the filling features gel infusions for enhanced cooling. With that in mind, these are the best pillows for neck pain. t0Q_UqH6V_]o4be;\)TYYGj(/dh&X} x] `=d&HL2!t1JOTiy1*+51f$!j=`IOITbt. The 8 hours you spend in bed every night is a critical time if you experience neck pain. Use code: SLEEP. Down alternative microdenier fiber cushion the inner pillow to enhance the plushness without compromising support. It comes with extra fill you can add or remove for maximum comfort, and its also hypoallergenic and dust mite-resistant to help lower the risk youll wake up with a stuffy nose. Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Silk & Snow pillows. With its contoured shape that follows the natural curve of your spine, the Tempur-Pedic Tempur Neck [+] Pillow is one of the best pillows for neck pain. Likewise, sleeping with your head rolled to one side or the other is also likely to cause neck pain. The pillow has a relatively high loft that our side-sleeping testers thoroughly enjoyed. Our best pillow for shoulder pain guide includes, The best hotel pillows add luxury and comfort to your bed. You should only spot clean the latex core. A pillow with proper support for the neck is crucial to avoiding neck pain. Nest Beddings Easy Breather pillow is fully adjustable, so you can find the level of firmness thats right for you. We recommend this pillow if youre seeking a model that offers enough support to help you maintain healthy sleep posture. Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on GhostBed pillows. After all, its hard to think of anything else when youre struggling to turn your head or hold it upright without wincing in pain. If you have neck pain and have struggled with softer pillows in the past, we recommend this model. e6)EIgf"{lf||U7$8GzR'F5'_)F]TH_rGetd|lF hV23dp",5g;p~Y7U?K The pillow features a core made of shredded memory foam that helps lift the head while remaining quite moldable. Read our top picks to learn more about each ones materials and unique qualities. As part of your purchase, you may include two sateen pillowcases for an added charge. A cover made of viscose derived from bamboo encases the inserts. The outer cover is made of breathable organic cotton. Even if your pillow feels comfortable at first, its possible that its not giving you the right amount of support. It may stem from an injury or a chronic condition such as arthritis, or it may arise from daily habits such as poor posture or too many hours of sitting at a computer. The polyester cover is engineered to be waterproof, which can be helpful if you tend to sweat at night. The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow has a luxurious feel that performed well across our various product tests. You may wash and dry the pillow in commercial-size machines. 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. Well take a deeper look at how body position and pillow construction can enhance comfort, and well teach you what to look for when shopping for a pillow for neck pain. 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. People who experience neck pain should avoid shoulder bags, slouching, and long periods of sitting at the computer. The medium firm feel ensured that their heads remained supported. We also assign ratings based on feedback from testers who fall into specific categories based on weight and sleep position (i.e. Each type of sleep product is tested using a unique set of performance criteria. The Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow comes in 2 profile options that back sleepers on our team thoroughly enjoyed. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and dry on low heat. Each pillow comes with three inserts. This feature made it a hit for our teams stomach sleepers and side sleepers. If you remove the middle layer, youll get 3.5 inches on the high contour and 2.8 inches on the low contour. This is a great pillow option if youre looking to relieve neck pain. SleepFoundation readers get 20% off. The pillow comes with a 45-day return policy and a 5-year warranty. 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. The LAYR Customizable Pillow carries an approachable price-point. Dr. Iyo is a Doctor of Physical Therapy at an orthopedic clinic in Seattle. If youre in this position, you may be susceptible to misleading marketing and end up choosing a pillow thats ill-suited for your needs. Psst: Use code FORBES30 to receive 30% off a TEMPUR-Cloud mattress to go with your new pillow. 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. This option performed best among our back-sleeping testers, whose needs tend to be more flexible. Inaccurate or unverifiable information will be removed prior to publication. Two sizes are available: standard and king. The company permits returns and exchanges within 100 days of the purchase date. We recommend this model if you tend to run hot or sweat at night. Are you in the market for a pillow that alleviates shoulder pain? Neck pain can be caused by a number of factors. Its unique D-shaped center helps cradle your head while its structured cervical roll aligns your neck while you sleep on your back. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S. However, choosing the right pillow and adopting a healthy sleeping position can help ease pressure on your neck. Each purchase comes with two pillows, which works out to be a good value compared to competing foam pillows. Your pillow is unlikely to be the sole source of your neck pain. We only cite reputable sources when researching our guides and articles. Even stomach sleepers on our team, who typically have a harder time finding suitable pillows, found this pillow comfortable. Luxome allows returns and exchanges within 30 days of the delivery date as long as the pillow is clean and not damaged. Your head and neck should be on your pillow, while your shoulders remain slightly below it. Many of the latex pillows weve tested are too thick for our teams stomach and back sleepers. 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.