Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for our health, but waking up with neck pain can leave you feeling frustrated, especially when you’re unsure about the cause.
While there are several reasons behind persistent neck pain, one of the most common culprits is poor sleep posture, which often results from misalignment between the body and pillow.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the risk of neck pain—primarily through choosing sleep positions that promote proper alignment and using pillows that provide the right support for your neck, helping it stay in a neutral position in line with your spine.
I’ve compiled my top six picks for the best pillows for neck pain, explaining why they offer excellent support and comfort. These pillows cater to different sleeping styles and filling preferences, and many are adjustable to help you achieve optimal head and neck alignment.
Our Verdict: Best Pillow for Neck Pain
We’ve selected the Saatva Natural Latex Pillow as the top choice for neck pain relief. With two loft options, it’s designed to keep back and side sleepers in neutral alignment, while its organic materials help with breathability and heat regulation.
Top Picks for the Best Pillows for Neck Pain
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Saatva – Best Pillow for Back Sleepers with Neck Pain
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Lagoon Fox – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain
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TEMPUR-Neck – Best Pillow for Combination Sleepers with Neck Pain
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Purple – Best Firm Pillow for Neck Pain
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Coop Sleep Goods Original – Best Pillow for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain
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Luxome LAYR Pillow – Best Cooling Pillow for Neck Pain
How We Choose Our Products
Our sleep specialists tested numerous pillows to find the best options for neck pain relief. We focused on pillows specifically designed to address neck issues or those that could be adjusted to align the head and neck properly.
We offer various options so you can select a pillow that suits your preferences while ensuring durability, breathability, and comfort. Be sure to check out our Buyer’s Guide below for a deeper dive into these important features to help you make the best purchase.
Video Review: Best Pillows for Neck Pain
Best for Back Sleepers – Saatva Natural Latex
The Saatva Latex Pillow features an organic cotton cover with a removable design, surrounded by hypoallergenic microfibers. Inside, you’ll find a pillow-within-a-pillow structure: fluffy microdenier fibers on the outside and shredded latex foam inside for a balanced combination of support and pressure relief.
Pros:
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Ideal loft for back sleepers
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Breathable materials that prevent heat buildup
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Made with certified organic materials
Cons:
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High price point
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Too tall for stomach sleepers
Why We Love It:
The Saatva Latex Pillow offers an eco-friendly, luxury feel with its breathable, GOTS-certified organic materials. Its dual loft options provide excellent support for back sleepers, keeping the head and neck properly aligned.
Keep in Mind:
At $165, it may be out of some budgets, and both loft options are too high for stomach sleepers.
Best Memory Foam – Lagoon Fox
The Lagoon Fox Pillow is made with CertiPUR-US certified memory foam, offering a soft, slow-moving feel that conforms to your head and neck. It’s adjustable, allowing you to find the ideal loft for your comfort.
Pros:
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Soft, memory foam feel
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Adjustable loft
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Long trial and warranty
Cons:
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Price may be high for some
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Adjusting loft can be messy
Why We Love It:
This pillow’s adjustability helps you customize the loft to relieve neck pain. Its breathable design ensures a cool, comfortable sleep, and it comes with a generous trial and warranty.
Keep in Mind:
Adjusting the foam fill can be a bit messy, and it’s priced around $120, which may not fit everyone’s budget.
Best for Combination Sleepers – TEMPUR-Neck
The TEMPUR-Neck Pillow is specially designed with an ergonomic shape to provide targeted support for your neck. It features a firm piece of TEMPUR material that contours to your head and neck, offering excellent support for those with neck pain.
Pros:
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Ergonomically shaped for neck support
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Firm and supportive
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Ideal for back and side sleepers
Cons:
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Not suitable for stomach sleepers
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May trap heat
Why We Love It:
The TEMPUR-Neck Pillow is perfect for combination sleepers who need reliable support for neck pain. Its firm, contoured design promotes neck alignment and pain relief over time.
Keep in Mind:
It can trap heat, and its unique shape may be uncomfortable for stomach sleepers.
Best Firm – Purple Original
The Purple Original Pillow uses their unique Smart Comfort Grid polymer material, providing both plushness and support. It’s adjustable, allowing you to customize the loft to your liking.
Pros:
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Does not trap heat
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Firm and supportive
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Adjustable height
Cons:
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High price point
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Gel grid may not be for everyone
Why We Love It:
The Purple pillow features a responsive gel grid that offers firm support while promoting airflow. It’s especially great for people who sleep hot and need a durable pillow for neck pain relief.
Keep in Mind:
Priced at $250, it’s quite an investment, and the gel grid may not suit everyone’s preferences.
Best for Side Sleepers – Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Pillow
The Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow is filled with shredded memory foam and microfibers, offering a soft yet supportive feel. Its adjustable loft allows side sleepers to find the perfect height for proper neck alignment.
Pros:
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Adjustable loft
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Hypoallergenic and breathable cover
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Supportive shredded memory foam
Cons:
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Adjusting the fill can get messy
Why We Love It:
This pillow is perfect for side sleepers with neck pain because it allows you to customize the loft to maintain proper neck alignment. It’s hypoallergenic and breathable for a comfortable sleep.
Keep in Mind:
The process of adjusting the fill can be messy, and finding the perfect loft may take some trial and error.
