If neck pain is coming between you and a good night’s sleep, your pillow may be to blame. Whether you sleep on your side, back or stomach, switching to a more supportive pillow could make a huge difference in your comfort, making it easier to fall asleep soundly without the aching, shooting pains that can be all too familiar to those who experience neck pain.
In the same way that you might choose a mattress, you want a pillow that’s neither too soft nor too firm. Extremely soft pillows might not offer the proper amount of support, and ultra-firm pillows just aren’t comfortable and can lead to neck pain as well. It’s a tricky balance to get just right for your body, but don’t despair — we’ve done the leg work for you and rounded up our favorite neck pillows to help solve neck pain.
Mediflow The First and Original Water Pillow
A pillow filled with water may seem a little unconventional, but that just might be what your neck needs. Mediflow’s water pillow comes highly recommended by over 3,000 Amazon customers for its ability to relieve neck pain in any sleep position. An independent study from researchers at Johns Hopkins University has even proven its effectiveness.
Purple Pillow
This is the high-tech option you were looking for. The Purple Pillow is made from hyper-elastic polymer arranged in a smart-comfort grid, specifically designed for head and neck support. Thanks to its futuristic fill material, it never loses its shape for consistent maximum comfort and relief to the neck.
Coop Home Goods Eden Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Made to avoid the “pillow pinch” (when a pillow’s fill slides out from under your neck and support vanishes), this memory foam pillow from Coop Home Goods is a sturdy option that makes support a priority. It also offers breathable material that helps keep sweaty bedhead at bay and comes highly recommended by hundreds of Amazon customers.
To complete the look of your bed, there are a few more essentials to keep in mind: if a good night’s rest has been elusive, check out our suggestions for weighted blankets.
Or, if you want to change out your old sheets, we have the perfect guide for you. Our guide to choosing between satin, percale and linen is one of our most popular guides of all time.
Finally, no pillow can soothe your neck pain on its own. Here are our recommendations for the best mattresses that you can order online.