The Best Pillows For Neck Pain As Reviewed By Our Experts
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
This Kally Sleep Cervical Neck Pain memory foam pillow features a butterfly shape with a divot in the middle that gently cradles the head, while simultaneously offering cervical support. Filled with soft memory foam, the slow-rebound inner is medium-firm in density, coming in at a seven for firmness on a scale of 1-10.
The breathable, 100% cotton outer will also help those who tend to suffer from overheating at night or who often find themselves waking up feeling hot and wondering how to get back to sleep in the middle of the night. Its slightly smaller than a standard pillow though, so its wise to invest in bespoke covers as extras, which can be bought online. Kallysleep also offers a 14-night trial so you can test it out for a couple of weeks to ensure its the right fit for you. One of our best pillows for neck pain overall, offering good value-for-money, a good trial period, and great support.
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
While front sleeping is not really recommended and it can cause neck issues for some, if youre unable to sleep any other way, then this strangely shaped offering the MARNUR Contour Memory Foam Pillow Orthopedicmight help.
Reasons to avoid
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Reasons to avoid
Made with the same space-age material that fills its mattresses, the Tempur Original Support pillow has been specifically designed to cradle the neck and shoulders to provide pain-free slumber.
Reasons to buy
Milemont Memory Foam Pillow
Why You Should Buy
Its double-sided design is highly fit for all seasons. One side of 50% ice fabric + 50% polyester makes an unbelievably sleek, soft, and light fabric for a cool summer. Whereas, the other side of 65% polyester + 35% Tencel is suitable for warm winter.
This pillow helps those with neck and back pain due to its superior memory foam. With its medium-height and medium-firm, the pillow will keep your head and neck contours perfectly, distributing the weight equally, which alleviates the pressure.
The gel-infused memory foam also regulates the body heat and sleep temperature, as well as improves the pillows density, durability, breathing ability, and comfort.
This Milemont Memory Foam Pillow is designed in luxuriously attractive color and size, highly suitable for back sleepers, side sleepers, chest sleepers, and other healthier sleep postures.
The Pros:
- Molding to the head shape
- Zippered cover for easy care
The Cons:
- The certain smell after unpacking
- Too stiff for some people
- Some find it too hard
Do You Prefer Firm Or Soft Pillows
Some individuals have a preference for either a firm or soft pillow. In general, a softer pillow will provide better relief from pain. Firmer pillows will help to restore the curve of the neck better. Pillows vary in firmness levels. Even memory foam pillows can be firm depending on the density and if it is an open or closed cell foam. Firmness can also be subjective, with some thinking a pillow is firm, while others feeling the same pillow is soft. In general, our memory foam pillows are soft, along with the inflatable and water pillows. The neck pillow tends to be firm along with buckwheat pillows, however, the egg crate pillow is one of the best firm pillow options.
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Other Remedies You Can Try
There may be more to your neck pain than your pillow and sleep position. Here are some other things you can do besides finding the perfect pillow to treat your neck pain :
- Massage – massage in the area of pain can be especially effective at providing relief when done by a professional
- Go to a Chiropractor – Chiropractors are a great resource for pain sufferers. They can help you identify issues with your sleeping position and perform an in-depth evaluation of your pain areas and offer ideas to treat them
- Over-the-counter pain relief – for times when your pain is at its worst, over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be a great help
- Try adding more movement to your day-to-day routine – many neck exercises will reduce inflammation in your neck. Working these exercises into your daily routine may reduce neck pain over time
- Try Inversion – inversion tables can offer great relief for your entire spine by taking up to 250% of the strain off your vertebrae depending on the angle of inversion. While some dispute its claimed benefits, most agree it can help with back and neck pain.
Mediflow Water Base Orthopaedic Pillow
Why We Love It…
Ranked best for cervical pain reduction and sleep quality in Johns Hopkins study Ideal for all sleep positions Allows you to adjust firmness based on water level Suitable for back sleepers, side sleepers and stomach sleepers alike
Not the Best For…
Those requiring an especially firm pillow Those who constantly toss and turn at night
Editor’s Verdict: While we have yet to see the waterbed perfect, we believe Mediflow have found the perfect balance between a water base and top cushioning with the Mediflow Water Based Orthopaedic Pillow. A top-reviewed option from our customers, this pillow was found to provide exceptional pain relief and overall sleep quality in a comprehensive study from John Hopkins University, and was found to relieve back pain, neck pain and migraines among other issues.
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Which Pillow Is Best For Neck Pain
There isnt one single pillow out there thats perfect for everyone, but the best pillow for neck pain has two main characteristics: its firm enough to keep your head at a neutral angle so your spine stays aligned while you sleep, but yet somehow soft enough to allow some give to help alleviate pressure points.
Memory foam and feather pillows are excellent options because they provide support, but also cradle your head to keep your spine neutral. Cervical pillowsthe ones that have a depression in the center and raised edgesare also top picks. Keep in mind that the best pillow for neck pain may not feel totally comfortable at first. It can take some getting used to, so give it a little time.
The Best Pillow For Neck Arthritis
There are mainly two types of Arthritis that can affect your neck area, leading to neck pain, Cervical Spondylosis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Both cause pain and discomfort in your neck, which can be especially annoying when you try to sleep.
The right sleeping aids and position, including a good pillow, can make a huge difference in this regard and provide you with a pain-free and discomfort-free nights rest.
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Epabo Contour Memory Foam Pillow Orthopedic Sleeping Pillows
Are you in a hurry? Then you can undoubtedly pick the Epabo Contour Memory Foam Pillow Orthopedic Sleeping Pillows. You had to put it on the top of the list because of its usability and vast popularity. But whats so special about it? The pillow has a contouring form with one end elevated and the second end medium and the middle part low. Moreover, at one end of the pillow, it contains a cradle to hold your head and neck accurately in the middle.
This style changes and fits all sleeping positions, and thats why you wont have to face any kind of neck pain in the morning. Unsuitable height of the pillow is one of the major reasons for your neck pain. For this reason, the Epabo allows you to adjust the height manually. Yes, you can do that by yourself and adjust the height according to your needs. This is probably not necessary because the form of its foam memory system shifts to match the sleeping style.
Besides, its premium memory foam enables sufficient airflow to keep you cool and dry. The cover of this pillow is completely made of polyester fabric, which makes the pillowcase soft and smooth. In order to avoid all the risks of allergens, it is entirely hypoallergenic. So, what else would you need from a pillow?
Pros
- The cases completely machine washable
- Conforms to body shape
Ecosa Adjustable Pillow Editors Pick
Highlights
Ecosa pillow is a height-adjustable cervical pillow designed to offer neck pain relief to sleepers of all kinds. The pillow has a high side and low side and depending on your body type and sleep preference , you can use it either way. It also comes with multiple height pads to achieve the perfect elevation for your sleeping needs. All this helps maintain the head and necks natural alignment, which is quintessential for any neck pain relief pillow.
But Ecosa has thought about more than just the loft. Their unique design has three distinct layers: a machine-washable cover, a top grid of 3D memory foam that cuts down heat and moisture buildup, and a memory foam base infused with activated charcoal to eliminate odour and provides anti-bacterial protection.
If youre a frequent traveller, youll know the pain of leaving your favourite pillow behind and the anxiety of finding out what flat, lumpy hotel pillow youre stuck with. Ecosa makes it easy to pack your pillow with two compression bags that will let you shrink your pillow down to the size of a small loaf of bread, perfect for stowing in a carry-on or duffle bag.
Ecosa has managed to maintain a 4.9-star rating across a whopping 6000+ verified reviews, with owners making the switch from almost any material type you can imagine. Heres what Carol S. had to say about hers:
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Do You Travel For Business Or Leisure Use A Favorite Chair Or Recliner For Sleeping
Traveling can be stressful, resulting in tension headaches and stiff neck muscles. Riding for long periods can place the neck in poor posture causing strain. Even though many recliners look and feel comfortable, many do not provide proper neck support. Fortunately, there are pillows for neck pain that can help. For reclining or traveling, u shaped pillows can help provide support and comfort. They can also prevent the head from falling to one side, which can result in a stiff neck. There are pillows for neck pain that support posture while sitting and this can be helpful for poorly designed seats. For those who sleep away from home, there are smaller versions of standard pillows that are compact and still provide the support and comfort you need.
Sleeping Style And Body Weight
Sleep experiences with pillows depend greatly on sleeping style, body weight, and mattress firmness. Well break down how the original Saatva Pillow performs for sleepers of different styles and weights.
Side Sleepers
For a comfortable night of sleep, side sleepers require a pillow with a loft that fits the space between the shoulder and head. The pillow should not be too thin, or the sleepers head will angle down too far. The loft of the Saatva Pillow is adjustable, so sleepers can customize their experience by removing the inner pillow.
Side sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds will likely have the best experience and feel properly supported in the head and neck. Side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds will also receive adequate support from the pillow. However, because the Saatva Pillow is medium soft and conforms to the shape of the head, sleepers over 230 pounds may find themselves sinking into the pillow too deeply, which can cause the head to angle down too far. These side sleepers may prefer a firmer pillow that also provides the higher loft necessary for support.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers over 230 pounds may find the Saatva Pillow less comfortable. They may sink too deeply into the pillow and therefore not experience proper support for the head and neck. This could make it difficult for these sleepers to keep the neck and spine aligned properly.
Stomach Sleepers
The Saatva Pillow
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Shoulder Pain And Sleep
According to Ruben Gobezie, M.D., founding director and chief of surgery at the Cleveland Shoulder Institute, discomfort in bed and sleep problems are common issues for people with shoulder pain. Patients frequently feel discomfort regardless of which sleep position they employ. Some also feel numbness, tingling, and muscle spasms.
While any of the conditions listed above could contribute to shoulder pain-related sleep problems, Dr. Gobezie notes three specific conditions are the most common culprits:
- Bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa sacs that cushion bones around joints in the body. Inflamed bursa produce more liquid which can lead to painful swelling.
- Biceps tendinopathy, a condition that occurs due to prolonged deterioration of the biceps tendon that connects shoulder bones and muscles. Tendinopathy is characterized by sharp pains around the tendon.
- Tears and other injuries to the rotator cuff, a grouping of muscles that cushions and stabilizes the shoulder joint.
Before seeing medical attention for any of these conditions, Dr. Gobezie recommends taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can also try sleeping in a recliner, applying ice or heat to the pain-affected areas, or wearing a compression sleeve.
Best Pillows For Shoulder Pain
The Proper Pillow has a unique multi-layered design that optimizes pressure relief for sleepers who experience shoulder and neck pain at night.
The pillow has a medium feel and features a core layer that is ergonomically shaped to cradle the head while providing support for the neck. A layer of memory foam surrounding this core provides additional contouring. This combination of support and cradling is ideal for sleepers who need some cushioning to relieve pressure buildup but also require support to keep the head and spine properly aligned. Shoppers may purchase an additional foam insert to increase pillow loft, which is ideal for back sleepers who need to keep their heads elevated for healthy sleep posture. The entire pillow is encased in a zippered quilted cover.
The interior memory foam layers must be hand washed and air dried, but the quilted cover is machine washable using cool water and a low dryer setting. The ergonomic layer may be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth.
Shoppers can return the pillow for a full refund within 60 days of the order date, minus return shipping fees.
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Top Pick: Quick Summary
The EPABO Contour Memory Foam Orthopedic Sleeping Pillow is my top choice in the best pillow for neck arthritis review.
For those of you who dont like to read lengthy reviews I will give you the short version first. For those of you like me that want the full meal deal review read beyond this paragraph.
Getting down quickly to the details this great pillow will work for side, back and stomach sleepers.
EPABO is made of memory foam and cradles your head while providing the proper alignment of your spine. They provide a 30-day 100% worry free guarantee and will offer a full refund.
This provides you with a no risk opportunity to see if this pillow will work best for you.
For those looking for the quick answer you have it, hit the link below and you will be satisfied. Keep reading to get the full review of the best pillow for neck arthritis.
Which Shape Is Best For My Sleeping Position
The right pillow shape for you will largely depend on personal preference, but you might consider paying attention to your doctors medical advice based on your sleeping position. Alleviating neck pain often has much to do with maintaining proper spine alignment, which may be more difficult for stomach sleepers.
Many pillows are made to accommodate a variety of sleep positions, so whether you prefer sleeping on your back or are among the side sleepers, the needed support for your neck is similar. For stomach sleepers, there are still options that may help, though training yourself to sleep on your side may be more helpful for neck pain in the long run.
Learn More: How To Properly Sleep On Your Side
Keep in mind that while some options will include more mobility than others to combat neck stiffness, others will keep you more rigid. Your choice is up to preference and preferably advice from a medical professional.
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The Top 7 Cervical Pillows For Neck Pain
Through our research, here are our recommendations for the 7 best neck traction pillows of 2022. Below the table, youll find our full reviews.
- Size 3 sizes (small/queen/high queen.
- Cover hypoallergenic rayon/polyester proprietary blend
- Warranty 30-day trial
The Epabomemory foam neck support pillow is Amazons best-seller in neck pain pillows and is made with breathable memory foam, in 3 different sizes.
This pillows special design allows you to take out a removable piece of memory foam at the bottom of the pillow if it feels too high for you.
However:
This mainly applies to stomach and back sleepers. The height on the sides stays the same. See the image below:
Control the height of the pillow with this special design
We also find this pillow is the best pillow for a military neck, see the image below:
EPABO helps to relieve and heal military neck
- Cover polyester/cotton machine washable zippered pillow cover
- Size 5 sizes
- Warranty 5 years
The Therapeuticaorthopedic cervical pillow incorporates 2 pillow shapes into one with different heights for back and side sleeping. Although it has an odd shape, it correctly positions the head and neck, both when sleeping on the side and back.
The center tongue, which supports the neck towards the area between the shoulder blades, works very well.
A unique feature in this pillow is the wedge extension which supports your upper back as well.
Related: pillows for side sleepers with neck pain
Therapeutica Pros
Cons
Buying Guide For Best Cervical Pillows
The wrong pillow can be a real pain in the neck, and even more so if you suffer from health issues like arthritis or cervical degenerative disk disease. But even without an underlying condition, poor sleeping posture can lead to neck strain, aching muscles, and pounding headaches definitely not the best start to anyone’s day.
Cervical pillows are specially designed to keep your cervical spine in proper alignment while you sleep, so you wake up feeling rested, refreshed, and pain-free. If you’re ready to ditch your dumpy old pillow in favour of something more supportive, a cervical pillow is a sound choice. But with hundreds of options on the market, finding the perfect shape, size, and texture can be a challenge.
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