My search for the best pillows for neck pain came about early this year when my trusty duck down pillow decided to give up the ghost, and a determination to hold onto it for much longer than I should have induced some serious neck ache. A bed without a pillow is like trying to fall asleep on a plank of wood – no matter whether you have the best duvet or how good your mattress, mattress topper and bedding is. In comparison, sleeping with a neck pillow is comparable to snoozing on a cloud. So dreamy.
There’s no one-size-fits-all supportive pillow design, however, and soon into my research I became aware that there’s a whole plethora of shapes and styles to fit a whole range of aches, pains and sleeping positions (stomach sleepers we’re looking at you). Who knew? Neck pain seems to be the most common issue, with most brands offering more shapely, firm pillows for side sleepers and back sleepers to conquer those creeks and cramps that never seem to go away – no matter how many massages you get. Excellent levels of support and a wonderfully good night in bed? Sign me up.
Why is my pillow making my neck hurt? | What is the best rated pillow for neck pain? | Our pick of the best pillows for neck pain
The best pillows for neck pain, at a glance:
- Best overall – Brightr® Sleep Eclipse Firm Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow, WAS £99 NOW £59.90, Brightr
- Best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain – Memory Foam V-Shaped Firm-Support Pillow, £50, Dunelm
- Best pillow for back sleepers with neck pain – The Simba Pure Pillow, £33, Simba
- Best pillow for front sleepers with neck pain – Brightr® Stella Hybrid Pillow, WAS £79.90 NOW £54.90, Brightr
Why is my pillow making my neck hurt?
If your pillow doesn’t support your head and neck properly (especially if you have a preference for side sleeping), it can create tension in your neck muscles which in turn causes neck pain. Research shows that a pillow with good neck support can help to relieve pain and improve posture – so they kind of do what they say on the tin. It’s a no-brainer that help in all these areas means a better night’s sleep, and who wouldn’t want that? So, yes, neck pillows are good for you.
While you may not necessarily have any achy joints now, it’s always better to be safe (and preventative) than sorry. You’ll thank yourself later for purchasing a pillow for neck pain instead of a standard pillow, and so will your future self’s corrected spine alignment. Think about it; keeping everything in check now means that you won’t need to further down the line. There’s nothing quite like resting your head down on a plush, fluffy pillow – but is it best for your body? If you wake up with any form of stiffness, chances are you need a pillow for neck pain. Technically it’s called a cervical pillow (and has nothing to do with your cervix) and provides cervical support for the nerves extending out from the spinal cord – talk about chiropractic know-how, eh?
What is the best rated pillow for neck pain?
There are so many pillows for neck pain on the market, which can be quite daunting when you don’t know what shape or firmness will benefit you specifically. Our bodies have natural curves, so flat and thin pillows are a no-go when it comes to maintaining the health of our spines. This Specialist Synthetic Contour Support Pillow from John Lewis is uniquely designed to offer targeted support for your back and neck by allowing your shoulders to nestle in the cut-out. Ideal for side sleepers, it’ll cradle you and ensure the correct alignment throughout the night to avoid any pains come the morning.
Elsewhere, Amazon’s Contour Memory Foam Pillow with Cooling Tencel Fibers offers its specialised shape specifically for people who suffer with neck pain. The ergonomic design aligns your spine and releases the pressure of your head and neck by increasing blood flow and opens up your air passages therefore decreasing the risk of snoring. The hypoallergenic fabric and ventilation holes mean that there’s no need to swap to the ‘cool side’ either, and it makes a good case for an anti-allergy pillow. Sign me up.
After more sleep content? Head this way for low platform bed frames and in this direction for mattress protectors, cooling pillows, the best memory foam pillows, body pillows, duvets, bed sheets and weighted blankets. Phew.
For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Associate Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.