Banish Neck Pain With These Top 10 Pillows Recommended by Experts

Some people dislike memory foam and similar types of fillers because the material often has poor breathability and may trap allergens. For those, natural latex is the way to go — and in that vein, the Saatva Latex Pillow is our choice for the best latex pillow. But what makes latex a good material for a pillow? “Choosing a material that will hold its shape may provide the best support. Natural latex foam may be a good choice if chemicals or allergies are a concern,” says Kevin Lees, doctor of chiropractic, director of chiropractic operations at The Joint Chiropractic in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Saatva Latex Pillow has a shredded latex fill that holds its shape and aims to keep the neck in proper alignment for side or back sleepers. “Firm or extra-firm pillows can reduce neck pain,” says Dr. Lees. “They provide more support, so the neck does not have to bend as much while asleep.” Keeping the neck in better alignment through a firmer pillow, such as the Saatva, can lead to overall better form and result in a better night’s sleep.

There’s a removable and washable organic cotton cover, but the inner latex core cannot be washed. When you purchase on the Saatva website, returns are free within 45 days; the company asks that you wash the pillow before returning it, as all returned bedding is donated to charity.

Purple burst on the scene with its signature elastic honeycomb GelFlex Grid mattresses. After finding success with mattresses, the company has developed the Purple Harmony Pillow, our pick for best hybrid pillow for neck pain. What makes it a hybrid? Purple’s signature GelFlex Grid is wrapped over natural latex, which provides firm support with a plush and springy feel. The GelFlex Grid is highly breathable and designed specifically to disburse heat, rather than trapping it inside the pillow.

The washable cover material also wicks moisture and aids in the breathability of the inside elements. The result is a durable, hypoallergenic, and Certified Clean Air Gold nontoxic pillow that helps provide proper neck alignment to alleviate neck pain while also keeping sleepers cool. For travelers, try the Purple Harmony Anywhere, a smaller version of the pillow that’s easy to pack and take.

When you purchase from the Purple website, you get free returns within the first 100 nights. There’s also a one-year warranty if something is wrong with the pillow you purchased.

Side sleepers have unique needs when it comes to maintaining a good neck and pillow position. “Side sleepers typically need more loft, or thickness, to fill the gap created by their shoulders,”  says Lees. The higher the loft, the better for those, like me, who prefer to sleep on their sides. The Sealy Super Firm Support Pillow has a two-inch gusset that helps support the neck and keeps the pillow from collapsing too far down.

The hypoallergenic polyester fill is breathable and dense, and although it’s made to be firm, it’s also pliable enough to allow you to sink into it, while keeping the neck comfortable without gaps or dips. The fiber fill has bit more give than latex or memory foam, and it may appeal to sleepers who prefer feather pillows. At the same time, it’s dense enough to keep the neck in the proper position for the entire night.

Tempur-Pedic has been on the market for a long time, and its proprietary memory foam is known for its durability and pressure-relieving effect on the body. The Tempur-Neck Pillow is our top pick for back sleepers because its ergonomic shape is meant to follow the natural curve of the head and neck, allowing for support and alignment all night long.

“Contoured cervical pillows help maintain proper neck alignment during sleep, whether you rest on your back or your side,” Gbolahan Okubadejo, MD, head of The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care in New York and New Jersey. The all–memory foam construction allows it to easily conform to the shape and weight of individual sleepers. The Tempur-Material returns back to its normal shape after pressure is released, ensuring that the pillow is always ready for use the next night — no fluffing or reshaping required. This pillow is meant to last, which is why it carries a five-year replacement warranty if something should happen before then. The pillow cover is removable and washable.

For people who don’t have an all-night sleep position on their back or side, a great pillow can be tricky to find. Some (like my husband) switch pillows in the middle of the night, while others muddle through with the wrong one. The Stearns & Foster Continuous Comfort Quilted Pillow seems to be a solid middle ground for those who can’t stay in one position.

The inside is made of LiquiLoft, a patented gel-like fiber filling. During our online research, we found that while some users complain that the pillow is heavier because of this, others rave about the versatility and comfort of its pliable yet medium-firm support. Created for those who want to maintain neck alignment from back to side without waking up with pain, this Stearns & Foster pillow provides stability and comfort for both.

Our experts all agree that sleeping on your stomach with your head facing to the side all night can lead to frequent neck pain. “Sleeping on the stomach puts the neck in a twisted position throughout the night,” says Dr. Okubadejo, making neck and spinal alignment impossible. He also cautions that sleepers “should not stack pillows or sleep face down because both practices put unnecessary tension on your neck.” So what are stomach sleepers to do? One solution we found is the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow.

“Stomach sleepers should opt for a soft, low-loft pillow to minimize neck strain,” says Leah Kaylor, PhD, a psychologist and sleep expert in practice in Pittsburgh. The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow doesn’t have much loft, and its silk filling makes it extremely malleable and compressible. It’s similar in feel and compression to a feather pillow — without the problematic issues of allergens and shifting filling while sleeping. Plus, the silk filling keeps the pillow cool, which is welcome news for anyone who sleeps hot. While stomach sleeping may not be ideal, it is possible to bypass neck pain with the proper pillow.

Cozy Earth offers a 100-day trial and 10-year warranty.

Side sleeping is often the preferred position for those with sleep apnea, because it helps keep the airway from closing so easily. “There isn’t a universally ‘best’ sleep position, but sleeping on the side is often recommended for overall health benefits,” says Dr. Kaylor. “Side sleeping can reduce snoring, improve breathing (especially for people with sleep apnea), and support spinal alignment.”

For those who tend to sleep warm, like me, the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Breeze Pillow is a game changer. I say this confidently because it’s the pillow I’ve been sleeping on for a couple of years, and it has yet to fail me. As with the Tempur-Neck pillow, the Tempur-Breeze is made of a highly durable memory foam that conforms to the shape of your head and the contours of your neck and shoulders.

We found that the shredded foam filling in the Sealy Adjustable Pillow gives sleepers the best option for customizing a pillow to fit their needs. The adjustable filling is shredded foam that helps keep the pillow firm for those who prefer it that way. By removing some of the filling, you can create the pillow that will ultimately give you the support and comfort you need. Side and back sleepers may need to keep it built up more, while stomach sleepers will likely want to remove a lot of filling to ensure that their neck is in as flat a position as possible. In addition, the cover is removable and washable. The options for customization are virtually endless with this adjustable pillow.

It’s worth noting that this pillow is not returnable, but it is covered by a five-year warranty.