Best Pillows for Neck Pain (2026)
Written by Kenny Timper, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Chronic neck pain is a common problem for all kinds of sleepers. No matter which sleeping position you prefer, it’s possible to strain your neck muscles, especially if you’re using the wrong pillow. The right pillow can improve posture, neck support, and overall comfort to enhance your sleep quality.
If you tend to wake up with neck pain or stiffness, a new pillow could make all the difference. Our top ten picks include a wide variety of pillows, from traditional pillows made from memory foam or down, to orthopedic pillows specifically designed for neck support. Find out which one is right for you.
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The Best Pillows for Neck Pain of 2026
- Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow – Best Pillow for Neck Pain Overall
- Saatva Latex Pillow – Best Latex Pillow for Neck Pain
- Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow – Best Adjustable Pillow for Neck Pain
- TEMPUR-Neck Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain
- Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow – Best Pillow for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain
Current Top Deals
- Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow – Up to 35% Off Sitewide | $150 Off Mattresses + Free Sleep Bundle with Mattress Purchase
- Saatva Latex Pillow – Take $350 Off Orders of $1,000+
- Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow – 25% Off Pillows, Bedding, and Other Holiday Gift Items
- TEMPUR-Neck Pillow – $300 Instant Gift with Qualifying Mattress Set Purchases; 30% Off Tempur-Cloud Mattress with Code CLOUD30; Save Up to 25% on Bedding
- Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow – Up to 20% Off Select Bedding & Gifts
Watch Our Review
More of a visual person? Watch our video review for a closer look at each model.
Silk & Snow S&S Pillow – Best Pillow for Neck Pain Overall
Silk & Snow Adjustable Pillow
The Silk & Snow pillow comes with an adjustable, shredded memory foam core with a down-like microfiber fill for an airy, yet supportive feel. Even better, this quality pillow comes at an affordable price and excellent customer policies, including a three-year warranty.
How We Selected the Best Pillow for Neck Pain Overall
The Silk & Snow Pillow was the obvious winner when it came time to choose our best pillow for neck pain. Like other options on this list, the S&S Pillow is adjustable and allows sleepers to find the perfect loft based on their preferences. Its removable cover is also super easy to clean. During testing, we gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 in most categories, including price, materials, and overall experience.
The only area that our tester wasn’t impressed with was how it felt for stomach sleeping. No matter how she adjusted the loft, she felt smothered by the pillow. She also noted a slight off-gassing smell when she first took it out of the plastic, but it dissipated within a couple of days.
What our testers say: “This pillow feels absolutely luxurious and high-quality. The cover is removable and has that nice thick cotton feel like a cool temperature down comforter. The fill has a nice level of plushness that feels super comfy.” – Our in-house tester
Who Might Like the S&S Pillow
- Budget shoppers looking for a deal on a luxurious pillow should appreciate the S&S Pillow’s sub-$100 price tag.
- Back and side sleepers with neck pain should have no trouble adjusting this pillow to their specifications.
- Hot sleepers will appreciate the Silk & Snow Pillow’s crisp, breathable cover.
Who Might Not Like the S&S Pillow
- Stomach sleepers might have a hard time finding the perfect setting on this pillow.
- Sleepers who are sensitive to scents should note that the S&S Pillow has a slight off-gassing smell at first.
Saatva Latex Pillow – Best Latex Pillow for Neck Pain
Saatva Latex Pillow
The Saatva pillow features a pillow-on-pillow design that enables users to easily adjust the height to their needs, leading to a great night’s sleep. Its hypoallergenic design stays cool thanks to its shredded Talalay latex foam creating a breathable construction.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.6 / 5
How We Selected the Best Latex Pillow for Neck Pain
Many sleepers gravitate to latex mattresses and pillows for their responsive feel and hypoallergenic properties. The Latex Pillow by Saatva is no exception. Our testers loved this pillow for side sleeping because of its fluffy yet supportive feel and naturally cool-to-the-touch texture. During testing, we gave this luxurious latex masterpiece a perfect 5 out of 5 score in the materials, experience, and care categories.
The only fault our tester found was the price. She noted that the $165 price tag was a bit hard to swallow, but that its quality more than made up for it in the long run.
What our testers say: “This pillow is comfortable and fluffy for side sleeping, which is my preferred position. I also found it wasn’t too high for back sleeping, particularly when you remove the inner fill. I like that the pillow doesn’t separate and leave a gap in the middle where my head is as I lie on it. I think this pillow delivers the ideal amount of lofted support and pressure relief for side sleeping, and a good amount for back sleeping.” – Our in-house tester
Who Might Like the Saatva Latex Pillow
- Shoppers looking for a long-lasting pillow will find that in Saatva’s high-quality, natural latex.
- Sleepers with allergies will appreciate that latex is naturally hypoallergenic.
- Side sleepers and back sleepers should find the Saatva pillow balanced enough for both positions.
Who Might Not Like the Saatva Latex Pillow
- The $165 price tag might be a bit too steep for some budget shoppers.
Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Pillow – Best Adjustable Pillow for Neck Pain
Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow
This shredded memory foam pillow is premium and adjustable, sold with a customization option that allows it to accommodate virtually any body size and sleep position.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.3 / 5
How We Selected the Best Adjustable Pillow for Neck Pain
The Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow is one of the best in its class because its adjustable memory foam fill lets sleepers find the perfect loft for them. The Coop pillow’s memory foam molds to the sleeper’s head and neck, providing deep, pressure-relieving contouring. Better yet, it’s under $100. Our professional pillow testers awarded this pillow a 4 out of 5 or higher in the price, experience, and care categories.
That said, our tester noted it took her a while to find the perfect loft, given how the memory foam compresses after lying on it overnight. She also docked half a point in the care category (4.5 out of 5) because the instructions did not specify when to replace the fill altogether.
What our testers say: “I have neck pain frequently, particularly if I sleep wrong, so the right pillow is super important. I have to readjust the fill nightly, but after I find the sweet spot, it’s superb! I feel really supported in the right areas.” – Our in-house tester
Who Might Like the Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Pillow
- Sleepers with neck pain who need to adjust their pillow frequently to get comfortable.
- Budget shoppers looking for an affordable adjustable option.
- Traditional memory foam lovers will love the slow-moving feel of the Coop’s all-foam fill.
Who Might Not Like the Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Pillow
- Sleepers who prefer a firmer pillow will probably find the memory foam fill too soft for their liking.
- People who prefer a low-maintenance pillow may find the adjustment process frustrating, as it can take some trial and error to find the right feel.
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain
TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
The Tempur-Neck by Tempur-Pedic is designed for back and side sleepers who need a pillow that will provide exceptional support for optimal neck pain relief.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.2 / 5
How We Selected the Best Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain
Made especially for sleepers with neck pain, the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow has a unique shape that conforms to your neck and supports it through the night. Better yet, the soft Tempur foam also cushions and comforts the rest of your head. Our tester praised this neck support pillow for its thoughtful materials, easy care, and overall sleeping experience, scoring it 4 out of 5 or higher in each category.
The main drawback was the pillow’s lack of adjustability, which made it more challenging to find the right fit. He felt that sizing up may have been a better choice (he chose the medium over the large). He also found that the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow’s unique shape didn’t fit well in some traditional pillowcases.
What our testers say: “This is a thoughtfully made pillow from a materials perspective. The cover has a metal zipper, not one of those cheap plastic ones that easily break. The cover materials are thick, well-stitched, stretchable, and breathable. The foam feels dense and supportive. The cover stretches, so it’s tight around the foam and does not slide around. It has a nice curve for neck support.” – Our in-house tester
Who Might Like the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
- Memory foam lovers who are already familiar with the Tempur material can expect more of the same from the brand’s TEMPUR-Neck Pillow.
- Sleepers who need more support for their necks will appreciate the supportive hump in this pillow’s design.
- People wanting a no-fuss pillow that’s easy to wash should love the machine-washable cover layer.
Who Might Not Like the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
- Shoppers who want an adjustable pillow will need to look elsewhere as the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow only comes in three predetermined sizes.
- Some may be disappointed to find that their traditional pillowcases don’t fit around the TEMPUR-Neck’s unorthodox shape.
Parachute Home Down Side Sleeper Pillow – Best Pillow for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain
Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow
Side sleepers seeking the classic, fluffy feel of down without the neck and shoulder strain should love this lofty and supportive Parachute Home Down Side Sleeper Pillow. Its unique 3.5-inch gusset and dense build make it ideal for this position.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.0 / 5
How We Selected the Best Pillow for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain
If you love the feel of a traditional down pillow but need a little more support to keep your neck in a healthy position, Parachute’s Down Side Sleeper Pillow might be just what you need. This pillow’s 3.5-inch gusset is designed to take the strain off your neck and shoulders during sleep, and product tester Sosha Lewis confirmed that it does exactly that. She gave it a 4.5 out of 5 or higher in materials, care, and overall experience during testing.
What she didn’t appreciate, however, was its higher-than-average price tag ($185 or $235, depending on size) and the fact that its care instructions called for a wool dryer ball. Still, she found this pillow comfortable, easy to care for, and well worth the money overall.
What our testers say: “I think the materials are top-notch. The cover is sturdy but soft, and the stitching seems like it would last during intense pillow fights.” – Sosha Lewis, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Who Might Like the Parachute Home Down Side Sleeper Pillow
- Side sleepers looking for a supportive pillow to prevent neck and shoulder strain at night.
- Sleepers that are drawn to the feel of an old-school down pillow.
- People looking for a durable, long-lasting pillow.
Who Might Not Like the Parachute Home Down Side Sleeper Pillow
- Budget shoppers looking for an affordable pillow might want to opt for the brand’s down alternative pillow instead.
How Pillows Contribute to Neck Pain
The irony of the pillow market is that even the softest of pillows can exacerbate neck pain in some individuals if they’re not a good fit. A pillow that’s too thin will encourage the head to fall back, and a pillow that’s too thick will bring the chin too close to the sternum. Studies show that poor sleep posture can lead to pain, and a “goldilocks” pillow that helps you maintain neutral alignment can help immensely.
When you’re lying in bed, you should never feel like your head is being forced too far upward or extended too far backward. In the ideal position, your ears should be in line with your shoulders and your chin should be in line with your sternum.
Other Tips for Improving Neck Pain
A new pillow could go a long way toward improving your neck pain, but it might not be the only solution you need.
One way to prevent neck pain from developing throughout the day is to check in on your posture, especially if you sit at a desk most of the day. Make sure you sit with your feet flat on the floor, your back flat against the back of your chair, and your computer monitor at eye level. If you tend to slouch, set a periodic reminder on your phone to help you remember to sit up straight.
If your pain isn’t limited to your neck, you might want to start looking at new mattresses as well. Shoulder pain,back pain, and hip pain can go hand in hand with neck pain caused by a mattress that isn’t well-suited to your sleep needs. If you’re experiencing chronic pain in your neck or elsewhere, a new mattress could do you a world of good.
Types of Pillows for Neck Pain
Some pillows help reduce neck pain simply because they keep your spine properly aligned at night, but some pillows are specifically designed for neck pain relief. Check out the types of pillows for neck pain that you can choose from.
Ergonomic Pillows
Pillows that are labeled “ergonomic,” “orthopedic,” or “chiropractic” typically do the same thing: They keep your spine properly aligned while you sleep. “Ergonomic” means something is designed for comfort, while “orthopedic” and “chiropractic” both mean something is designed for proper spine, bone, or muscle care.
Side-Sleeper Pillow
Some pillows are specifically designed for side sleepers because side sleeping presents a unique problem for proper neck alignment. When you sleep on your side, you can get a crick in your neck from poor spinal alignment. Side-sleeper pillows provide the support you need to help prevent neck pain.
Cervical Pillows
Cervical neck pillows, or cervical support pillows, are pillows designed with an indentation in the center. Your head rests in the indentation, and the raised parts of the pillow surrounding it provide the support your neck needs. They typically don’t work for stomach sleepers, but for side and back sleepers, they can make a big difference when it comes to preventing neck pain.
Considerations for Pillows for Neck Pain
Sleeping Position
Regardless of sleeping position, proper spinal alignment is the key to relieving neck pain throughout the night. Here’s a brief guide to the best pillow height, loft, and support levels for achieving a neutral spine by sleeping position:
- Back sleepers want to strike a balance with regard to the loft when shopping for a pillow. A thick pillow will tilt the head upward and close off the airways, while a thin pillow will overextend the cervical spine. Medium or high-loft pillows will work best. Look for pillows that are known to retain their shape throughout the night to help maintain proper spinal alignment for the full duration of your sleep.
- Side sleepers require pillows that are elevated underneath the neck, filling the gap that naturally occurs between the sleeper’s neck and the pillow, and slightly lower beneath the head. Because this position requires such a specific shape for neutral spinal alignment, customized pillows designed specifically for side sleepers are usually the best option.
- Stomach sleepers who aren’t open to transitioning to a new sleep position, as stomach sleeping isn’t recommended because of the strain it causes on the lower back and neck, will do well on a very low loft pillow, which will aid in preventing the spine from overarching.
Portability
Once you start using a pillow for neck pain, you won’t want to leave it at home when you travel. Make sure it’s reasonably easy to bring your pillow with you when you go out of town. Memory foam pillows are great for this because they compress easily, which allows them to be stored in a suitcase without taking up all the space. Some brands also make travel pillows that are easy to take with you on an airplane or train.
Temperature Regulation
If you sleep hot, you don’t want a pillow that traps heat. If a brand advertises its pillow as a “cooling pillow,” make sure to look for breathable materials like latex and cooling gel memory foam. Pillows with a polyester or 100 percent cotton cover also tend to be more breathable than other options.
Washability
Our pillows collect a lot of dirt and bacteria over time, so it’s important that they are at least somewhat washable. Even if your pillow can’t be washed completely, make sure it at least has a washable cover. Allergy sufferers should wash their pillowcases frequently as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to have a firm or soft pillow for neck pain?
The best firmness for a pillow is one that comfortably supports your head to ensure proper alignment. A soft pillow may lack the support needed to keep the head properly elevated, while a firm pillow could be so hard it pushes the head up too high. Using the wrong pillow could lead to waking up with a stiff neck or chronic pain down the line. Sleepers need a pillow firmness and loft that will best match their body type and sleep style.
Can a pillow help prevent headaches?
Proper head and neck support while you sleep can reduce pressure pain and tension that might otherwise lead to headaches. In that sense, a pillow designed for proper cervical alignment can help prevent headaches. For more information on sleeping with headaches, check out our article on sleeping with a migraine.
References
- Salamon, M. (2025, November). Is your sleep position helping or hurting you? – Harvard Health. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging-and-longevity/is-your-sleep-position-helping-or-hurting-you
- Lee, W.-H., & Ko, M.-S. (2017). Effect of sleep posture on neck muscle activity. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 29(6), 1021–1024. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.29.1021
