The best pillows for neck pain to reduce aches for front, back and side sleepers in 2024

One of the best pillows for neck pain is essential if you're dealing with this problem at night. How your head rests controls how your spine rests, which is almost synonymous with how comfortable you'll feel going to sleep - and how you'll feel waking up in the morning. If your pillow is too flat or soft, you'll likely need something more supportive. 

But sleeping comfortably isn't as simple as replacing your old pillow with a brand-new one. Finding the best pillow for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. From how tall you are, to which side you sleep on, it's worth researching before you buy a pillow that may not be the best fit. 

"It’s quite common to get neck pain at night, and people often report waking with a stiff or locked neck. There are several reasons for this, but the most common reason for neck pain during the night is having an underlying neck problem. Issues such as neck tension, disc problems, and degenerative changes in the neck can all cause pain while sleeping. However, neck pain can also be exacerbated by sleeping in an awkward position, and the poor use of pillows," says Tim Allardyce, a physiotherapist and osteopath.

To help you find the best pillow for neck pain, I've gathered pillows and put them to the test from popular and smaller wellbeing brands looking to make their mark on the sleep industry. I've assessed pillows based on how well they support spinal alignment and compared them for material, cost, how well they wash and, importantly, whether they helped me sleep better. 

Best pillows for neck pain - the quick list

The best pillows for neck pain, reviewed by us

Best pillow for neck pain overall

Simba does some of the best mattresses and their pillows are equally good. From high-quality materials to specialist sleep tech, the Simba Hybrid pillow is designed with you in mind. Filled with hundreds of foam Nanocubes that cushion your head while supporting your neck and spine in the right places. You can add and remove the loose cubes as you please as well, creating the ultimate sleep surface. 

To help you keep cool at night, especially if you suffer from hot flushes, the cubes are sandwiched between a hypoallergenic fibre, enriched with minerals, called Aerelle Cool Night that dissipates heat, and a microfibre padding for softness. 

Overall, I loved this pillow's versatility. Not only can it help you learn how to control sweating at night, making for a more comfortable night's sleep if you're sleeping in the summer and/or going through perimenopause, but the removable cubes allow you to find the perfect fit for your neck - even if that fit changes over time. While it is more expensive than many of the pillows on the list, if the budget allows, it's a one-time investment that may be able to save you hundreds in the long term. 

See our full Simba Hybrid pillow review

Best eco-friendly pillow for neck pain

The Panda Hybrid bamboo pillow is one of the most eco-friendly pillows on the market as the material is made from ethically sourced bamboo grown in a pesticide-free environment and it's vegan-friendly. 

Traditional foam pillows are typically recommended to those who suffer from neck pain as they cushion the joint whilst offering firm support - and the Panda Hybrid pillow is exactly this but better as it's filled with specific orthopaedic foam infused with charcoal and cased in a 100% bamboo cover, which makes it both incredibly supportive and comfortable around the head and neck, and cooling during warmer nights. For this reason, it's also on our list of the best cooling pillows money can buy.

In testing, I did find it to be exactly as firm and supportive as I thought it would be. However, it's not as plush as other pillows I tried in this guide - our top pick, the Simba Hybrid would be a better choice for this, for example. Plushness preference aside it did alleviate my consistent neck pain. I also wouldn't recommend this pillow for those who sleep on their front as it would prop your neck up too high to be comfortable or supportive.

Best firm pillow for neck pain

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. For those who like a firm support around this area, it's a perfect choice.

Through the night, the firm memory foam filling gently moulds to the shape of your head and neck, offering complete stable support, and then springs back to its original shape when you get out of bed, ensuring that each sleep is as comfortable as the last. I found it to be a little difficult to get used to when I first started sleeping on it as I tend to go for medium to firm pillows but within a few weeks, it felt so comfortable and I couldn't imagine my bed without it. 

The Tempur Original Support pillow is also versatile pre-purchase, as it's available in three height sizes so you can pick the one that suits your sleep style. Tempur recommends the medium or large for women and the large or XL for men.  It's best for back sleepers who need a harder surface that sits at the right height, however, so one to avoid if you prefer sleeping on your side or on your stomach.

Best for all sleep styles

No matter whether you prefer to sleep on your back, side, or stomach, the Levitex Sleep Posture Pillow is designed with you in mind. Rather than focusing on filling, the brand prioritises firmness and size to meet the needs of whoever is sleeping on the pillow, with four different sizes to make sure all sleepers are supported. 

I tested the medium size pillow after having a sleep consultation with the founder who suggested it based on my height and sleep position. It was higher than other pillows we tried, which meant there was no need to stack two pillows together, making it a great option for those who prefer feeling more upright as they sleep. Given that I woke up in the morning without any pain, I feel confident in saying it kept my spine aligned and supported all night long.

The pillow is made from Levitex foam, specially designed to offer comfort and support in this way. However, I'd recommend leaving it out to air before putting it on your bed as it did come with a slightly off smell, which is to be expected from some foam pillows. It's also quite firm compared to others, so we wouldn't recommend it to those who would prefer a feather or down feeling. 

Best orthopaedic pillow for neck pain

If your neck isn’t supported properly when you sleep, it can lead to tension headaches. If you're experiencing severe neck pain an orthopaedic pillow could help - but we'd always recommend you see a GP first to assess any underlying issues. 

Having created cervical spine support pillows for more than 30 years, expert brand Sissel know what they're doing when it comes to specialist pillows. While it may not look the comfiest, this orthopaedic foam pillow is designed to sit snugly in the space between the neck and shoulders, working to effectively reduce any aches and pains at the nape of the neck with supreme support. I found it kept my muscles feeling relaxed throughout the night and aligned with the rest of my body.

Given its shape, it's not suitable for font sleepers and it's hardly the most aesthetically-pleasing pillow on our list - even with a cover on it. In fact, we suggest you swap it out for a cheaper decorative pillow when you're not sleeping. 

Best soft pillow for neck pain

The most unique aspect of The Aeyla Dual pillow is its pillow-in-pillow design, providing a comfy blend of squish and support. This pillow comes recommended by osteopath Anisha Joshi, of OsteoAllies, who praises its support for the neck. "The best pillows for neck pain are the Aeyla Dual Pillows, which support your neck whilst also allowing movement," she told w&h. "It's important to look for a pillow that allows you change sleep positions during the night and still be supported, because whilst we all have a certain sleep style, we all toss and turn. 

That being said, it is relatively soft compared to most pillows for neck pain. The dual design allows for extra plushness. Upon test, we found two pillows were needed to gain enough height, and it did flatten throughout the night. 

Best value pillow for neck pain

If you're someone who loves the feel of hotel bedding, but find feather pillows don't do you any favours when it comes to neck pain, then the Sealy pillow offers the best of both worlds. We'd be hard-pressed to call it 'affordable', given that it's £80 a pillow, but I'm confident in saying that you'd get good value for money with this pick of the best pillows for neck pain in terms of support, comfort, and premium feel.  

It offers comfort and support but without the 'not-so-aesthetic' looking, or feeling foam block. The cooling gel inside and crisp cotton cover adds extra elements of luxury you'll appreciate especially in the hot summer months.  

This also means it is suitable for all sleep styles. It's not as flat as most which works to align back sleepers perfectly and the two firmness options work for both those who need a harder surface and those who prefer a marsh-mellow plushness. We did find it needed re-plumping throughout the night, but for the price, it's the best value-for-money neck pillow I've tested. 

Read our full Sealy Zonal Support pillow review

How to choose the best pillow for neck pain

The best pillows for neck pain are not a one-size-fits-all solution. "There are many different types of pillow and no one pillow will suit everyone. Some of the most common is what I call the “bog standard”. These are your cheap, comfy, cotton pillows that often come in a two-pack and usually cost about £7.50 each. I love these pillows, they are often hypoallergenic so they’re good if you are a bit sensitive," says Allardyce, also the group clinical director for Surrey Physio.

"Memory foam is also common, but some people find them too firm. However, the head will sink into the memory foam more than the neck area, providing good support for the neck. They often come with a curve on one edge for extra support, but sometimes they suit people, and sometimes they don’t. The only way to know if it will feel comfortable for your neck is to try it," he says. 

Many pillows offer a trial period or warranty should the pillow not suit your needs. If you've had problems buying pillows for neck pain, opt for a pillow that offers one of these guarantees. 

What to consider when buying a pillow for neck pain

• Your sleeping position: Neck pain could be caused by the way you sleep and what you're sleeping on - and a pillow isn't going to solve this problem. "Sleeping on your side tends to suit the neck well, and it's easy to give the neck plenty of support. Sleeping on your front tends to be the worst position, as you are forced to rotate your neck significantly to one side or the other," says Allardyce. 
• Pillow size: If your pillow is too big your head will be propped up, too small and you won't have enough support. A pillow at the right height will keep your neck, spine and shoulders aligned as you lie down. 
• Mattress: Some mattresses are firmer than others, so choose a pillow that matches and offers the right support, advises osteopath Caroline Baker. "A softer mattress could benefit from being paired with a firmer pillow. However, if you use this same pillow with a super firm mattress, you could be met with a loftier combination that will do your neck and spine alignment no favours."
• Material: A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health shows pillows made from latex or memory foam offer the best neck and shoulder support. Baker also advises taking note of the label on pillows you've loved at family and friends' houses, or hotels, for inspiration on the type of material and firmness you like best.

Is a high or a low pillow better for neck pain?

According to chiropractor Dr Xandra Middleton, both can present a problem for neck pain as we're striving for a neutral alignment. "Both high and low pillows can be an issue. Both push the neck into an unnatural position, which can create tension in the neck," she told w&h. 

"The ideal is neutral, which means you preserve the natural curve of the neck when sleeping on your back and a straight spine if lying on your side."

What's the best filling for pillows for neck pain?

The most popular pillows for neck pain are usually filled with memory foam (standard and memory), latex, buckwheat, or feathers. These materials offer the best balance of support and pressure relief. However, Dr Middleton says one of the most popular fillings is memory foam, which won't be right for everyone. 

"I find that some of my patients dislike the hard feeling of memory foam and, if you get warm at night, memory foam in a pillow can make this worse. I like a supportive-but-light foam for my patients to give them both support and comfort," she says. 

However, memory foam is still a good choice for combating neck pain. "Memory foam can be too firm and 'unforgiving' for some people, but it comes in different densities so don't be afraid to 'try' pillows just as you would a mattress," says Dr Stefaan Vossen, a chiropractor at Core Clinics. 

"Non-memory foam which still has enough density to offer support is probably best for most neck pain sufferers because it moulds to your face, head and neck but still offers good support," he notes. 

How can you prevent neck pain in future?

While investing in one of the best pillows for neck pain is a great start, there are other measures you can take to prevent neck pain in the future. "Address the underlying issue first of all," says Allardyce. "If you are suffering with neck pain at night, there’s probably something driving it. Maintaining good neck mobility and keeping your neck strong are important factors to reduce neck pain at night. Also, try your best throughout the day to maintain good posture. That means reducing forward neck bending from regular phone or laptop use."

If you're suffering from lower back pain instead, our expert guide to the best pillows for back pain is key to getting a great night's sleep.