Each insert has a distinct feel, and all of our testers found at least one configuration that felt thick and supportive enough. If you prefer very soft pillows that do not adequately support your neck, you may enjoy a memory foam pillow with significant pressure relief. The GhostBed GhostPillow Shredded catered to our testers diverse sleep positions and personal sleep needs thanks to its customizable design. The pillow has a breathable cover made of an organic cotton and polyester blend, which you can machine wash for easy care. A shell made of bamboo-derived viscose encases the silk. We also make sure to test all pillows on the same mattress so our ratings are consistent. If you experience neck pain at night, you can benefit greatly from a pillow that alleviates pressure. 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. This leads to nighttime awakenings, creating a vicious circle that makes it difficult to get the rest you need to recover from neck pain. SleepFoundation.org does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment options. Silk & Snow offers a 100-night sleep trial, during which you can test the mattress and return it after a mandatory 30-day break-in period. Our testers fall into different categories based on body type, sleep position, and personal preferences. Its also infused with cooling gel to shuttle away extra heat and keep you comfortable while you sleep. The core features shredded gel-infused memory foam that contours to the head and neck and relieves pressure without sinking too deeply. The Eli & Elm Organic Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow is offered in just one size, suitable for a queen or a king mattress. If youre in this position, you may be susceptible to misleading marketing and end up choosing a pillow thats ill-suited for your needs. The best pillow for neck pain is one that has the right loft, firmness, and shape for your preferred sleeping position. The 8 hours you spend in bed every night is a critical time if you experience neck pain. In the buyers guide section, well break down the reasons you could be experiencing neck pain and how your pillow can help. This gesture and the medium feel made the pillow popular among our testers with sharp pressure points. Each type of sleep product is tested using a unique set of performance criteria. Saatva provides free shipping to all customers in the contiguous U.S. The pillow offers up firm but soft support to mimic the feel of a down pillow, while still cradling your neck while you sleep. Choose from full and mid-size optionsboth fit into a standard pillow case. The cover is also very breathable, so the pillow surface stayed fairly cool during our temperature neutrality tests. Inaccurate or unverifiable information will be removed prior to publication. If you often find yourself waking up with a sore neck, chances are your pillow could be partly to blame. For starters, getting a pillow for neck support is crucial. Natural cotton makes up the pillow shell, which is breathable and moisture-wicking. 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. Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on GhostBed pillows. Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Tempur-Pedic pillows. The pillow has a relatively high loft that our side-sleeping testers thoroughly enjoyed. You also want to take a pass on anything thats old, lumpy, flat or too puffy, as that will throw off your alignment and put you at risk for more pain, says Nicole Nagle, DPT, an assistant professor in the department of kinesiology and health at Rutgers University. The fill consists of mulberry silk strands that provide plush cushioning for your head and neck without sacrificing even support or sinking too much beneath your weight. A proper pillow keeps your head parallel with your mattress, rather than bent up or down. Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Brooklyn Bedding pillows. Your pillows job is to hold your neck and head at the right height to prevent unnecessary strain. With that in mind, these are the best pillows for neck pain. Each guide and article includes a comprehensive bibliography with full citations and links to the original sources. Shop Cozy Earth's biggest sale yet and get 25% to 30% off sitewide. There isnt one single pillow out there thats perfect for everyone, but the best pillow for neck pain has two main characteristics: its firm enough to keep your head at a neutral angle so your spine stays aligned while you sleep, but yet somehow soft enough to allow some give to help alleviate pressure points. The Original Pillow by Sweet Night is a standout adjustable model stuffed with shredded memory foam that can be added or removed to change how thick the pillow feels. Every member of our team brings years of industry experience and knowledge to our hands-on evaluations. The Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow offered excellent cushioning for our testers who experience pressure buildup in their necks. Even if your pillow feels comfortable at first, its possible that its not giving you the right amount of support. Given the adjustable design, the Silk & Snow was compatible with most of our testers sleep positions. The pillow can be on the firmer or on the softer side depending on how you fill it, and you can experiment to get that just-right feel. The pillows Tempur material never loses its shape and is designed to help relieve pressure and support you while you sleep. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. Silk & Snow recommends you wash on a cold cycle and dry on a low setting. This ergonomic pillow has a wavy shape to follow the natural curve of your head and neck. These include peer-reviewed journals, government reports, academic and medical associations, and interviews with credentialed medical experts and practitioners. The fill shouldnt shift or clump even after prolonged use, so you wont need to fluff the pillow very often. However, choosing the right pillow and adopting a healthy sleeping position can help ease pressure on your neck. Meanwhile the firmest insert delivers even support, which made it popular among our side sleepers. Save an extra 5% for up to 45% off mattresses and up to 60% off accessories. 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. There are also variations within pillow types memory foam pillows are available as a solid piece or with shredded foam filling, and each variant works well for some people but not others. The positions you adopt as you sleep can either relax your neck or put it under additional strain. 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. This feature made it a hit for our teams stomach sleepers and side sleepers. Sleeping with a pillow thats too high or too low can cause aches and pains. This pillow is thin and flat, making it perfect for those who like to snooze on their stomach. Mediflows water pillow is fully adjustablejust add or take out water as needed. Our teams back sleepers loved the Sweet Night Original Pillow thanks to the adjustable design. If you remove the middle layer, youll get 3.5 inches on the high contour and 2.8 inches on the low contour. The right loft therefore depends on your preferred sleeping position. Breathable memory foam helps keep this pillows shape and allows you to stay cool and sweat-free while you sleep. This cover is also removable and machine-washable for easy care. To help you get started, weve made a list of the most important factors. It also works for side, back and stomach sleepers. A pillow with proper support for the neck is crucial to avoiding neck pain. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and dry on low heat. The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is an exception to this rule. The pillow is backed by a 45-night sleep trial and 1-year warranty. Standard and king sizes are available. When you make a purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. If you sleep on your stomach, you often require low-loft pillows to keep your head aligned with your spine. Compared to traditional down, it also slept much cooler. 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. We loved the plushness of the Silk & Snows down alternative combined with the contouring of the foam. The shredded memory foam compositions also offered cushioning to the head and neck to relieve pressure. Adjusting the loft can affect the firmness level, though we noticed this pillow maintains a comfortable balance of contouring and support regardless of its overall volume. The Original Pillows sticker price is quite low compared to other adjustable, shredded foam pillows. The American Chiropractic Association notes that neck pain often goes hand-in-hand with high stress levels and obesity. Some people find that memory foam pillows relieve their neck pain while others are much more comfortable with microfiber filling. A pillow filled with water may seem a little unconventional, but that just might be what your neck needs. It also felt nice and cool. The pillow is available in two loft options, low and high. This accommodates your shoulders and provides the needed support to reduce neck pain. A cover made of viscose derived from bamboo encases the inserts. It can take some getting used to, so give it a little time. Discount automatically applied to cart. These internal links are intended to improve ease of navigation across the site, and are never used as original sources for scientific data or information. e6)EIgf"{lf||U7$8GzR'F5'_)F]TH_rGetd|lF hV23dp",5g;p~Y7U?K These testers noted they were able to sink comfortably into the pillow with no neck strain. Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. This is a great pillow option if youre looking to relieve neck pain. A temperature-neutral gel grid allows for passive airflow while a moisture-wicking breeze mesh cover keeps you cool while you sleep. Standard/queen and king sizes are available. The medium feel offered a comfortable balance of cushioning and support that most of our team enjoyed. The pillow features a core made of shredded memory foam that helps lift the head while remaining quite moldable. Cervical pillowsthe ones that have a depression in the center and raised edgesare also top picks. It also has a firm feel for next-level support. Each purchase comes with two pillows, which works out to be a good value compared to competing foam pillows. Cozy Earth recommends spot cleaning or dry cleaning instead, and using a protector can help keep the pillow clean. 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. The side sleepers on our team welcomed the recessed design of the Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow. You should replace your pillow when its no longer able to provide the proper support. The gentle wave of the Uttu Sandwich Pillow helps support your neck while you sleep. 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. The core also stays cooler than other models weve tested thanks to enhanced airflow from the shredded design. 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. Most sleepers find success with either a memory foam, latex, buckwheat, or feather pillow, as these materials offer the best balance of support and pressure relief. Many of the latex pillows weve tested are too thick for our teams stomach and back sleepers. An independent study from researchers at Johns Hopkins University has even proven the effectiveness of water pillows for reducing pain in the morning. Plant-Based Pillow purchases are backed by 1-year warranties that cover structural defects. The company permits returns and exchanges within 100 days of the purchase date. Keep in mind that the best pillow for neck pain may not feel totally comfortable at first. Usually pillows with strong contouring have a tendency to trap heat. Neck pain can be caused by a number of factors. The plush fill and memory foam together offer excellent contouring for your head and neck, which goes a long way toward relieving aches and pains. This pillow from Epabo features a strategic ergonomic design to help support and cradle your head, neck and shoulders, allowing you to drift off into uninterrupted sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. Sleepfoundation.org is reader-supported. 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. Our fact-checking guidelines are as follows: Want to read more about all our experts in the field?Learn About The Editorial Team. The pillows extra soft feel and 5-inch loft earned high ratings from back sleepers on our team. The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow offers a great balance of cushioning and support, thanks to the extra-soft feel and solid memory foam composition. 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. The pillow core features two layers of plant-based fibers. The pillow is adjustable, so you can find the level of firmness and fill that works best for you. 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. 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. 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. The cover and insert shells are machine-washable, but you should avoid laundering the foam or down alternative fill. Since weight and sleeping position both affect how your pillow feels, we make sure to use testers from multiple weight groups and sleeper types. Our testers really enjoyed the GhostPillows adjustability, which allowed most of them to find a loft that fit their needs. 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. The second insert feels slightly firmer, but also provides deep cushioning for your head and neck. We have tested over 300 pillows in order to determine which ones are best suited to sleepers with different needs. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. As part of your sleep setup, a supportive pillow should promote proper neck and spine alignment. If you sleep on your stomach, you may find the loft too thick. Tempur-Pedic is a huge name in the sleep world, and with good reason: The company knows how to make a quality product. Theres also a contoured version thats made specifically for side sleepers. Latexs natural responsiveness ensures the pillow wont sink too deeply beneath your heads weight. The pillow cover may be removed and machine washed on a gentle setting, then tumble dried on low heat. Mesh panels on the side promote airflow throughout the interior and the fabric has moisture-wicking properties. This pillow also has a cover made of 40% bamboo viscose for a cooling feel to keep you from overheating at night. Regular exercise and a healthy body weight are thought to have a positive impact on chronic neck pain. 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. The Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow has a unconventional shape with a recessed middle for the shoulder, designed to fit to your body while side sleeping. We only cite reputable sources when researching our guides and articles. 15 Photo Printers Thatll Preserve Your Memories True To Life, The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Ends TonightShop These 32 Deals Before Theyre Gone, Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2022: 19 Last-Minute Deals On Baby Gear And Kids Fashion, The Best Backpacks For Kids To Tote Their School Essentials, Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2022: Shop These 37 Fashion, Beauty And Home Deals Before The Sale Ends Tomorrow, The 72 Best Sales Online Right Now: Nordstrom, Outer, Charlotte Tilbury And More, The Best E-Readers To Immerse In Books Anywhere You Go, The 25 Best Washer And Dryer Sales To Shop Right Now, Core Products D-Core Cervical Support Pillow, Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow. Queen and king sizes are available. /Rttm%fH~ 0Dw).TQPfK7_jN"jqp- \0%am=Un0}#4kaF iP"O': :kw8+l=;mImz4# aXcpI{FF03?,^Xez,)0&Cw8 I16f0h,r While the core of the foam should still provide enough support, its contouring qualities may make it feel subjectively softer and therefore more comfortable. The video explores the design and performance of each pillow. 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. Meanwhile, our side sleepers found the 6-inch loft comfortable, as well as some back sleepers The latex core conformed closely to their heads and necks, which helped reduce pressure buildup. Keith is a sleep product expert with nearly a decade of experience researching, developing, and testing sleep products. You should only spot clean the latex core. All products and services featured are independently selected by Forbes Vetted contributors and editors. If you sleep on your side, we recommend using both pillows. The foam core is surrounded by a chamber of microfiber fill that mimics the plush feel of down, offering cushioning for the head and neck. The outer cover is made of breathable organic cotton. Thanks to this feature, you shouldnt need to fluff it very often. Most people dont give much thought to their pillow, beyond choosing a pillow thats nice and squishy for immediate comfort. The filling is a blend of latex and polyester fiber that provides enough resistance to hold your head aloft. Gel infusions in the foam are designed to absorb and dissipate excess body heat. Our best pillow for shoulder pain guide includes, The best hotel pillows add luxury and comfort to your bed. Neck pain plagues many Americans, and the causes arent always clear. Luxome allows returns and exchanges within 30 days of the delivery date as long as the pillow is clean and not damaged. Regardless of your chosen loft, the plush fill gives the GhostPillow Shredded a medium feel. A slope in the center also keeps your head from drifting out of position while you sleep. In addition to testing products, weve spoken to sleep experts and toured manufacturing sites. We recommend this model if you tend to run hot or sweat at night. A breathable cotton shell encases the pillow. The polyester cover is engineered to be waterproof, which can be helpful if you tend to sweat at night. The fill is soft yet supportive, and the moisture-wicking shell should suffice if you tend to sleep hot. Theres a lot to consider when it comes to picking out the right pillow for you. A nice perk: It comes overstuffed so, if your pillow preferences lean heavily on the side of extra-firm, you should be good to go right out of the box. t0Q_UqH6V_]o4be;\)TYYGj(/dh&X} x] `=d&HL2!t1JOTiy1*+51f$!j=`IOITbt. Our stomach sleepers tend to have a hard time finding a pillow with the low loft they need, so they particularly enjoyed the adjustable design. The medium firm feel ensured that their heads remained supported. Cozy Earth offers free shipping for orders within the contiguous U.S. Our editorial team is dedicated to providing content that meets the highest standards for accuracy and objectivity. 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. Your pillow is unlikely to be the sole source of your neck pain. This level of diversity helps to ensure our product ratings are holistic and inclusive of all sleepers. Read our top picks to learn more about each ones materials and unique qualities. You can choose between using the inner pillow and the core together or using just the inner pillow. The pillow is medium soft in terms of firmness, which made it popular among our stomach sleepers. The right pillow will depend on your individual needs. Psst: Use code FORBES30 to receive 30% off a TEMPUR-Cloud mattress to go with your new pillow. Even stomach sleepers on our team, who typically have a harder time finding suitable pillows, found this pillow comfortable. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S. Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Luxome pillows. This hands-on approach allows us to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations for mattresses, pillows, sheets, and other sleep essentials. Its unique D-shaped center helps cradle your head while its structured cervical roll aligns your neck while you sleep on your back. 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. Few materials can match the softness and durability of mulberry silk, but most pillows we test with silk fill carry expensive price-points. Two sizes are available: standard and king. You can also purchase additional fill if you prefer an even thicker profile. A pillow that contours to your bodyespecially the neck areacan make a world of difference for anyone with chronic pain. Instead of focusing on the type of pillow, it is more important to determine the loft, shape, and filling that will work best with your body type in your preferred sleeping position. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S. Simply wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle, and tumble dry it on low heat. We recommend this pillow if youre seeking a model that offers enough support to help you maintain healthy sleep posture. Shipping within the contiguous U.S. and all Canadian provinces is free. 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. Although Sleep Foundation maintains affiliate partnerships with brands and e-commerce portals, these relationships never have any bearing on our product reviews or recommendations. Plagiarism is never tolerated. Your purchase includes a 101-night sleep trial, which is generous for a pillow, and youll also receive a 5-year warranty against structural defects. The LAYR Customizable Pillow carries an approachable price-point. The whole thing is encased in a bamboo-polyester cover that wicks away moisture. The pillow is fully washable in household machines. We found the Silk & Snow Pillow provides enough cushioning to cradle your neck, thus relieving pressure buildup, while still maintaining moderate support. 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. Our team includes back, side, stomach, and combination sleepers, as well as sleepers of different body types. This allows us to represent as wide an array of sleep preferences as possible in our findings. That said, laundering the pillow too often can affect its structural integrity and cause permanent damage. We also assign ratings based on feedback from testers who fall into specific categories based on weight and sleep position (i.e. Down alternative microdenier fiber cushion the inner pillow to enhance the plushness without compromising support. You should find this pillow very comfortable if you sleep hot, since latex retains minimal heat. Special cut-outs on the side help provide a comfortable spot for your arms to rest. The curved shape offered space for their shoulders and enabled stronger contouring to their necks. For example, side sleepers usually need a medium to high-loft pillow, while stomach sleepers require lower pillows so as not to crane their neck upwards.