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Latest update: March 28th, 2024
Latest update: March 28th, 2024

2024’s Top Rated Pillows for Neck Pain

Don't buy a pillow until you read this!

2024’s Top Rated Pillows for Neck Pain

Finding the right pillow can be a pain in the neck (literally). Sleep experts say that we get the deepest, healthiest sleep with a pillow that provides the perfect combination of softness and firmness, as well as the ideal loft to help support your neck and spine.

Getting a good night’s sleep and finding the best pillow for neck pain relies on three key factors: Comfort, Support, and Value for Money.

Most people are likely sleeping on lackluster, traditional pillows because of a lack of knowledge or because the price point is low. The issue with that is traditional pillows are not the best “one size fits all” option in terms of style of sleepers, especially for those who suffer from neck pain. Here’s why:

Traditional pillows can be too soft, which is not ideal if you suffer from neck pain. This is because your head can sink into the pillow too much, which offers zero comfort or support for your neck and shoulders. If you didn’t have neck pain before, you probably would after a while with this type of pillow. Additionally, traditional pillows run warm likely resulting in you sweating all night.

Adjustable memory foam pillows have started gaining major popularity because of their superior benefits and are the best pillow for neck pain. The majority of these pillows can come with a heft price tag. However, we discovered the top brands of the year which have been creating waves on social media and in the news with their high-quality pillows that comes with a ridiculously low price tag.

So, what’s so great about adjustable memory foam pillows? First, they allow for the perfect loft and firmness. Therefore, they can match any style sleeper—side, stomach, or back—to help relieve neck pain. They’re the perfect middle ground by offering a soft and plush feel while also providing ideal comfort, firmness, and support to alleviate neck pain. Second, pillows like Cosy House’s that come with a thermal regulating bamboo viscose cover allow you to stay cool all night long, resulting in less tossing and turn (which may also reduce your neck pain issues).

Finally – you’ll want some pillows which are Temperature Regulating (stays cool at night) and hypoallergenic. We've found that cotton isn’t very good at doing either of these things & tends to sleep warm, hold pollen, allergens & bacteria until it’s washed!

It can be difficult to know which are the best pillows on the market for relieving neck pain. That's why Great Life Tips has compiled months of research about this emerging category. We’ll show you what to look for and what to avoid when picking your perfect pillows, and how they can help transform your sleep.

Benefits of Extra Sleep & Rest:

Helps you maintain weight

  • Better energy control
  • Maintain correct hormone levels

Cognitive Health

  • Boosts Memory
  • Enhances Processing Speed

Cardiovascular Health

  • Aids Cardiovascular Function
  • Helps Maintain Normal Blood Flow

Stronger immune system

  • Bolsters Immune System
  • Helps to fight off illness &  infection

What You Need In The Perfect Pillow for Neck Pain

Taking all of the healthful attributes listed above into consideration, we've boiled down a list of four key characteristics you should always look for in a great pillow for sleeping. Try to seek out all of these qualities:

Adjustable Support

The best pillow for neck pain includes adjustable support, whereas traditionally pillows have been designed as a one-size-fits-most method that just doesn’t work well. To relieve neck pain, you need to maintain a healthy posture while you sleep, and, unfortunately, many ordinary pillows cannot offer you that luxury. Too lofty and your head is craned too upward, resulting in neck pain. Not enough loft, and you’re lying too flat.

As mentioned above, adjustable pillows are the perfect middle ground. Depending on your sleep style or position, a pillow with a medium loft (height/thickness) may suit you best. The ability to adjust the overall loft results in a much higher comfort level and less waking up with a stiff or sore neck in the morning.

Softness & Comfort

Your pillow should ensure ultimate comfort and support while remaining soft to the touch. The CertiPUR-US memory foam found in many high-quality adjustable pillows is perfect for cradling your head to sleep while feeling like you are laying on a cloud.

Pillows that are too soft for your head are not the best option as your head can sink in, causing pain and discomfort in both your neck and shoulders. An adjustable pillow is the perfect middle ground where it is soft and plush to the touch, but has a firm and comfortable support that side sleepers need.

Temperature Regulation

The problem with most pillows on the market is that they are not very versatile in regards to temperature regulation and temperature changes that come with the seasons. Polyester is great for the winter months, while cotton is great for the summer months, but not vice versa.

Seek out a pillow that is crafted with bamboo viscose as the outer encasement. This material is naturally temperature regulating and wicks away moisture, allowing you to stay cool and dry year-round. This could ultimately mean that you’ll experience less tossing and turning which can play a role in that pesky neck pain you are experiencing.

Hypoallergenic Materials

Irritants can tend to build up beneath the surface of your pillow as you sleep, causing endless nights of feeling stuffy or just plain uncomfortable. Ideally, we want to minimize anything that could cause us to toss and turn all night, and many traditional pillows can’t offer that.

Bamboo viscose is also hypoallergenic and breathable, repelling common household non-living allergens. It is the combination of these features, working together, that raises their individual benefits exponentially and allows your pillow to stay fresher for longer between washes. Less tossing and turning (and potential neck pain) and more restful sleeping.

What To Avoid When Buying Pillows

Pricey Pillows That Can't Adjust

You can always assume the highest-priced pillow is always the best, right? Actually, no (We were shocked to discover this too!) So many traditional-style pillows for sleeping are made using outdated methods with the assumption that ‘one size fits all.’ It’s actually best to consider a pillow that’s adjustable to avoid any strain on your neck or spine.

Traditional pillows also often use cotton pillow covers that absorb moisture, which can cause skin irritation.

Harmful Chemicals

Many pillows are finished with chemicals that are harmful to your skin and body. Companies process their pillows with chemical finishes to shop shrinking, wrinkling, and pilling in the wash. It’s incredibly important to look for CertiPUR-US certifications when buying pillows.

Consumers often think they’re safe with cotton pillows, however, because of the way cotton is grown, it is often sprayed with chemicals and pesticides that carry over into the final product. This is a recipe for disaster when you’re sleeping on these pillows for 7-8 hours a day.

The best way to ensure your pillows are free of chemicals and/or harmful substances is to buy from one of the reputable brands carrying a CertiPUR-US Certification. CertiPUR-US certifies that the product has been tested for harmful substances and that they are, therefore, harmless for human health and safe to use.

Top 5 Pillows for Neck Pain

Based on our own extensive research, the metrics provided by our Great Life Tips Ranking System, and consideration of thousands of reviews by shoppers just like you, we’ve compiled a list of what we’ve found to be the top five products in this category on the market today.

 

Luxury Bamboo Pillows

Total Ranking

476 votes

9.7/10

A+

Overall Grade
  • Material
    9.7 Avg.
    9.7/10
  • Softness & Comfort
    9.7 Avg.
    9.7/10
  • Value
    9.6 Avg.
    9.6/10
  • Return Policy
    9.8 Avg.
    9.8/10
  • Customer Satisfaction
    9.5 Avg.
    9.5/10

PROS

  • Adjustable Loft for Optimal Neck Support & Comfort
  • Removable Bamboo Viscose Cover
  • CertiPUR-US Certified
  • Durable & Easy to maintain
  • Stays Cool All Night
  • Best Value & Quality for Price
  • Excellent US-based Customer Service
  • 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee

CONS

  • Only available online
The Bottom Line

Cosy House Collection's Luxury Pillow offers an incredible value featuring adjustable memory foam, giving you that ‘just right’ support and comfort that’s ideal for those suffering from neck pain. The bamboo viscose cover is temperature regulating for year-round use and is removable for easy washing, so your pillow is always fresh.

Sleep with peace of mind knowing these pillows are CertiPur-US certified and have been tested rigorously to ensure there are no harmful chemicals and contaminants.

Their return policy includes a 90-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee, proving the company stands behind its products.

*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

Learn About Our Top Pick

2. Premium Adjustable Pillow

white cotton bed sheets

Total Ranking

214 votes

9.1/10

A-

Overall Grade
  • Material
    9.2 Avg.
    9.2/10
  • Softness & Comfort
    8.1 Avg.
    8.1/10
  • Value
    9.1 Avg.
    9.1/10
  • Return Policy
    8.0 Avg.
    8/10
  • Customer Satisfaction
    8.5 Avg.
    8.5/10

PROS

  • Bamboo Pillow Cover
  • Adjustable Foam
  • CertiPUR-US Certified
  • Minimalistic Design

CONS

  • Smell/Bad Odor
  • Foam tends to clump together after a few nights
  • Pricey
  • Some reviewers mentioned mold issues
The Bottom Line

Coop's Pillow offers adjustable memory foam like the Cosy House Collection pillow we tested, however, the foam seems to clump up a bit easier.

Coop also does have a variety of pillows to choose from, but value wise we didn't see enough of a difference in actual performance to make it worth the higher price tag

*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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3. Foam Pillow

Total Ranking

263 votes

8.7/10

B+

Overall Grade
  • Material
    8.7 Avg.
    8.7/10
  • Softness & Comfort
    8.4 Avg.
    8.4/10
  • Value
    6.0 Avg.
    6/10
  • Return Policy
    8.0 Avg.
    8/10
  • Customer Satisfaction
    7.1 Avg.
    7.1/10

PROS

  • Breathable
  • OEKO-Tex Certified
  • CertiPUR-US Certified

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Not Adjustable
  • Extremely Firm
  • Only 30-Day Return Policy
The Bottom Line

The Foam Pillow for Sleeping by Casper features CertiPUR-US Memory foam, however it is not adjsutable.

While the pillow does offer decent support for some, the 2" loft can leave much to be desired for many sleepers.

Some reviewers also state they have had issues with firmness, waking up itchy and the price. While it's still a decent pillow, if you're looking for the best pillow for your money we recommend skipping this one.

*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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4. Adjustable Pillow

Total Ranking

494 votes

8.0/10

B-

Overall Grade
  • Material
    7.0 Avg.
    7/10
  • Softness & Comfort
    8.2 Avg.
    8.2/10
  • Value
    7.7 Avg.
    7.7/10
  • Return Policy
    5.0 Avg.
    5/10
  • Customer Satisfaction
    7.3 Avg.
    7.3/10

PROS

  • Adjustable
  • Moisture Wicking Pillow Cover
  • Live Customer Support

CONS

  • Bad Odor/Smell
  • Expensive
  • Not as adjustable as other picks
  • Limited return period
The Bottom Line

Purple's Adjustable pillow can be pretty comfy, however, the adjustable boosters don't work as well as we hoped. While it is easier to deal with then foam, it just doesn't give you the same amount of customization you get with the Cosy House & Coop pillow to get the perfect fit.

*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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5. Memory Foam Pillow

Total Ranking

571 votes

7.9/10

C+

Overall Grade
  • Material
    8.5 Avg.
    8.5/10
  • Softness & Comfort
    7.3 Avg.
    7.3/10
  • Value
    5.0 Avg.
    5.0/10
  • Return Policy
    8.0 Avg.
    8.0/10
  • Customer Satisfaction
    7.0 Avg.
    7/10

PROS

  • Adjustable
  • CertiPur-US Certified
  • Hypoallergenic

CONS

  • Foam Hardens Quickly
  • Not As Breathable
  • Price
  • Bad Odor/Smell
The Bottom Line

Snuggle-Pedics Bed Foam Pillow features an adjustable memory foam that seems like it's made of factory excess from creating other products and not as good of a quality foam as the others, however it is still CertiPUR-US Certified.

As of writing the King Pillow is currently $70. Not a very good value overall when compared to the others, and while a decent performer, this would be our last pick.

*Results are based on the Great Life Tips Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

Learn More

Citations

DISCLAIMER: This scientific research is for informational purposes only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Wholesome Goods provides this information as a service but does not endorse it. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific products.

Disclaimer

Our top ranked products are reviewed on the basis of our own views, knowledge and opinions. We do not review all products in a given category. All opinions expressed on this site are our own.

We are able to provide you with our free comparisons due to referral fees we receive from a number of companies that are compared and reviewed on our website. We do have an ownership interest in certain categories with our top picks.

How We Rank

The featured products that appear on this site are owned by companies from which we may receive compensation or have an ownership interest in. The compensation may impact how and where products appear on the site including the order in which they appear. Ranking and order of products on the site are subject to change and the site does not include all available products in their respective categories. Additional elements that impact our rankings may include the user device, operating system, location, the day of the week, time of day and cookie data or any self-assessed data we may generate on this site.