Our Top Pillows for Neck Pain (Cervical) for 2021

Once you decide to search for special neck pain pillows, you’ll jump into the sea of never-ending offers. There are many online stores that sell cervical models and before you actually purchase one, it’s important to know several things.

Our mission is to help our readers to pick the best-rated pillow, especially when comes to people who have pain in a neck, which can be tiring, persistent, harsh and can complicate your day and night.

Before you waste your precious time, without actually knowing what you truly need, read our extended guide and learn all the things you need to know.

Your neck is a gentle part of your body and yet it is strong enough to carry your head, helps you turn it, lift it or lower it down.

Whatever caused the pain (injury, disease, poor posture, sleeping on a pillow that wasn’t suitable for your sleeping position etc.) must be taken seriously. After you get a doctor’s opinion it’s time to get yourself a suitable pillow, but searching only vague words like “neck pain pillow” will only lead towards confusion.

If you are wondering which pillow is the best for neck pain, then this guide is here to help you pick the ideal model (check our review list as well) that will help you sleep without problems.

See our overall best ever pillows here.

The Reasons Why You Have Neck Pain

There are many reasons why you could feel neck pain.

This part is an extension of the spine and contains vertebra, muscles, and nerves. It connects the spine with the head and allows the head to move up-down, left-right.

This area is very strong, but sometimes it takes just a little sudden movement to make you feel harsh pain.

Injuries like whiplash (sudden and fast movement backward, then forward) occur mostly in car accidents, but also can happen during physical attack, bicycle or motorcycle accidents, hitting the head with something heavy, sport accidents and so on. Needless to say, the pain is harsh and must be treated medically.

This pain can also occur because you sleep on a pillow that doesn’t fit your needs (thick model for stomach sleepers or thin one for side sleepers, for example).

Your neck has many muscles and nerves, which if aren’t supported well and are exposed to extended pressure, will result in pain, feeling stiffed (you can’t twist your neck as normally and so on).

Migraines can also cause this type pain, as well as fibromyalgia, arthritis, muscle injuries and so on. This pain can occur because of poor posture, holding your neck in unnatural position for an extended time (staring at computer screen, phone, working physical work, reading in bed or sitting on a chair that doesn’t support your spine).

Why Your Mattress Could Be the Issue

Very often, people feel neck pain without even being ill or facing some injury. In most cases, the pain is caused by sleeping on the wrong mattress.

This happens because many people buy their new bed believing that what they want is the same with what they need. Understandable, a soft mattress seems appealing and fluffy, but unless you are a side sleeper, you need to avoid such construction. The same goes for firm beds that are ideal only for back sleepers. Medium firmness is usually the top-grade because it’s good for all sleeping positions.

Side sleepers that rest on firm beds made of materials like innersprings are exposing their entire body to pressure; the neck isn’t an exception as well.

The more pressure you feel, the more your body will feel sore and tired.

The same goes for stomach sleepers that pick either too firm or too soft beds; the spine should remain in a natural position without any part (pelvis or head sinking). Add the wrong pillow to this, and it’s a recipe for pain.

Back sleepers can be at risk as well, mostly if their bed is soft and their pillow extremely high.

Pick your bed wisely and know the difference between soft, medium firm and firm; the materials play a big role as well, and can change your sleep for the better or worse.

Buying Guide for Cervical Pillows

Different Materials

The materials that are used to fill the inside of the pillow are very important, especially for neck pain. Not every material is suitable for a great support nor it can sooth the pain, which is why you need to be careful when you invest your money.

One of the most popular materials is memory foam and makes one of the best cervical pillows that add great comfort, but also superb support without drastic sinking. We recommend both molded and shredded pieces of this material because both work therapeutic and won’t let you down during your most painful moments.

Latex is also a good material because it’s firm enough to support you, it gives great contouring and cooling, but also is hypoallergenic and has no off-gassing.

Among the therapeutic cervical pillows, you can find water models as well. Perhaps water isn’t the first thing that comes to mind as a material for pillow, but it’s also an excellent option if you have frequent neck pain or headaches.

Height 

The standard height for these pillows is 4-6 inches. This height fits most people and is ideal for filling the gap between the shoulder and the neck.

One thing worthy of mentioning is that such pillows are suitable only if you’re a back or side sleeper. The loft is superb and gives the highest level of support and comfort, without adding pressure to the nerves. Also, the shoulders remain in a natural position and altogether keep the spine aligned.

Usually molded firm pillows have this standard height, while models with shredded filling can be thicker.

Stomach sleepers wont’ benefit from these pillows; they need a flat pillow that won’t elevate their head too much and put their spine in an unnatural position (and under pressure).

So, if you feel such pain and sleep on your side or back, always make sure you get the lofty model, with the right thickness and firmness because you need support and lift during the entire night (avoid materials that flatten like cotton or polyester for example).

Shape 

The shape depends a lot on the material and whether it’s molded or shredded.

When you seek cervical models you’ll get a lot of curved options; this is the most common shape that guarantees an ideal support. It’s excellent for side and back sleepers and truly gives the support and elevation you need.

Usually made of memory foam or latex, these curved pillows won’t lose their shape, nor will flatten after a while. The materials are responsive and provide the perfect contouring (they are specially cut to contour your head).

Shredded pieces can’t make a curved shape, but rather a flat model. Although they are quite popular as well (you can adjust and shape them just how you want), they can’t compete with curved or cervical models, because no matter how adjustable, they simply can’t fill the entire gap between your shoulders and neck.

How Firm it Is

Painful neck needs a good support and responsive materials, but you certainly won’t benefit from extremely firm or super soft pillow.

The firmness should be somewhere in the middle, going more towards the firmer side. It shouldn’t feel super soft, but it shouldn’t feel as if you lied on the floor as well.

One thing is important here – your neck shouldn’t be exposed to any pressure when you lie down. So, a pillow made of memory foam or latex (molded or shredded), water, buckwheat or blends (foam and fibers for example) will give you the ideal comfort and support.

The thickness is far more important than the firmness, but don’t neglect this feature as well.

Very soft materials like cotton blends, for example, may create fluffy and airy pillows, but you need a stable support, a material that will remain solid and won’t lose its shape after a while (or as you move in your sleep).

Spinal Alignment

Poor posture, carrying bags and backpacks that are extremely heavy, sitting without proper support (especially in your lower back), sleeping on the wrong bed or pillow can cause spine misalignment.

When you lie down, your spine must remain aligned by all means. If you worry how you’d be able to control that, the simple answer is by sleeping on a mattress that works for your sleeping position and a pillow that provides the right support.

Cervical models give the ultimate support; this means that the spine doesn’t get twist; extended or extremely pressured (the head is lifted enough for the spine to remain aligned).

Only the proper support that fills the gap between the neck and the shoulder and lifts the head for 4-6 inches can lead towards aligned spine free of pressure and twists.

What About Your Sleeping Position

Side

The side sleeping position is one of people’s favorite, although it’s the one with the least support from the mattress. Since your weight is not equally distributed on the mattress, your body must be positioned and supported so your spine, shoulders and neck won’t be exposed to pressure or misalignment.

You will support your neck with a contouring or cervical pillow that will lift your head just the right amount (not too low or too nigh). This way your head will remain aligned with the spine.

If you still feel pain, this position may be a little tricky without the suitable pillow; the higher the loft, the better the filling of the gap and support will be.

Memory foam and latex are the most recommendable materials, but water, buckwheat, and even feathers can add wonderful support and head elevation.

Molded cervical pillows are excellent options for side sleeping, but you can also get the proper support from shredded pieces fillings as well.

Also see: Our top pillow picks for side sleepers with a neck pain.

Back

This position is one of the best when comes to complete support of the back. Your weight gets ideal weight distribution (if we assume you sleep on a medium firm or firm bed, suitable for this position), so no part of your spine sinks in the layers. Your hips may make deeper compression (in case your mattress is soft enough).

Back sleepers need a comfy pillow with a decent lift of their head as well, but nothing drastic. If this is your favorite position, then using a cervical pillow will be of great help.

Your head will be lifted just enough so you can breathe properly and without snoring, and yet there won’t be any pressure to your neck and shoulders. Again, the empty space between your neck and the mattress gets the best filling, so no muscle or nerve will be left unsupported.

Stomach

This position also requires a mattress that isn’t too soft; medium firmness is the highest-rated one.

Sleeping on your stomach may feel comfy, but is not recommendable if you have neck pain. Naturally, when you lie on the front part of your body, you have to turn your head to the side so you can breathe.

This position isn’t natural and puts big pressure to your upper vertebra and twists the nerves and muscles. Of course, your neck can endure this, but if this is your go-to position, just imagine what 6-8 hours per night can do after a prolonged time.

No wonder people wake up with stiffed necks, pain in their shoulders and even in the upper back.

Besides, the breathing is burdened and doesn’t go as naturally like when you lie on your side for example.

Stomach sleepers need a low pillow; the head must not get a high lift, otherwise, you’ll feel discomfort and pressure almost immediately. Stay away from contouring and thick pillows if you sleep on your stomach.

Overview of Other Medical Conditions

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can occur because of various reasons such as arthritis, bone cancer, injuries or fractures (car accidents, sport injuries, physical attack, dislocation, etc.), lifting heavy objects, carrying heavy bags or backpacks, but also because of poor posture during your day and night, bad mattress, and pillow.

When you suffer from shoulder pain, you must avoid sleeping on your side (at least not to the painful side). Sleeping on the back is the most recommended because you get support all over your body and you aren’t struggling to keep balance, and your weight is well distributed.

A supportive pillow is a must, preferably a contouring model that will fill the space between your neck and shoulder (if you sleep on the healthy side).

The height is important (4-6 inches), but the material should also be responsive and comfortable, and firm enough to keep its shape.

Allergies

Allergies are a common problem and can occur in both older and younger individuals. Whether it manifests with rashes or respiratory problems, it’s important to treat them properly and of course to be careful with the materials you pick for your clothes, but also for your bed and pillow.

Luckily for most of us, the market offers excellent models that besides their wonderful features that you need (support, comfort, great materials, contouring and so on) are also hypoallergenic.

A hypoallergenic pillow is a good choice even for people who don’t have allergies. You won’t be exposed to any risk and this type of pillow guarantees to use materials that are either natural or are specially made to keep away allergens and bacteria.

Natural latex is one of the top-rated options for hypoallergenic pillows (it doesn’t emit dangerous chemicals; it feels cool and will protect your skin and respiratory system).

Buckwheat, cotton and organic foam are also excellent materials for allergies.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea happens mostly when you sleep on your back. The breathing stops for a few moments and then starts again; sleep apnea can happen when you snore very loud (another symptom is waking up very tired the next morning).

It means that your body doesn’t get enough oxygen during your rest and it works hard to keep you alive.

People who have this condition are advised to sleep either on their side, or to lift their head with a pillow.

If you decide to sleep on your side, contouring and higher models are excellent (you’ll get the top-level of support and spine alignment, and you’ll breathe properly). Thicker pillow with shredded filling is also a good idea, because it will lift your head well and will fill all the empty space under your neck.

If you continue sleeping on your back, again you’ll need good support; the best is a contouring model made of firmer but responsive materials.

Snoring

The loud sound coming out of someone’s throat isn’t the nicest thing to hear. These sleepers are exposed to a risk of sleep apnea, and improper breathing.

Your upper respiratory system (soft and hard palate and tongue) tend to drop, if your head isn’t elevated properly. Therefore the air gets blocked whenever you breathe in and out. That’s when the sound comes out.

Just like for sleep apnea, the number one position for this condition is sleeping on your side or stomach.

Low pillows are great for the stomach position, while lofty models will serve you well if you switch to your side.

But, if you decide to continue sleeping on your back, then you’ll need a good head support. It’s crucial to lift your head just enough so the upper respiratory parts won’t block the air.

Pick a pillow suitable for this condition, but you can do well even with a pillow for neck pain because it gives good support and comfort.

Our Highest Rated Neck Supportive Pillows Review

Layla – Best Support

Layla offers excellent quality and was made with supportive materials. The manufacturer offers one size only (18″ x 26″ x 4″). The pillow is 4 inches thick (practically the standard for a good support).

The manufacturer made an excellent mix of memory foam and Kapok fibers. The ratio is 70:30 in favor of the foam (it gives great responsiveness, support and comfort). The Kapok fibers actually make the pillow fluffy and lightweight.

Since the filling is shredded you can easily adjust the height and the thickness by your preferences (Layla is suitable for all sleeping positions).

Layla is not going to harm your health and is safe for your home thanks to the CertiPUR-US certificate; the materials aren’t burdened with harsh chemicals.

It’s hypoallergenic, and won’t become a place for bacteria and allergens.

The cover is copper-infused which provides additional breathability and coolness

This is a model that offers superb support and comfort and will sooth any possible neck pain. Also, its maintenance isn’t complicated at all.

Nest Bedding Easy Breather – Excellent Value

Nest Bedding has a great design and is ideal if you seek support, comfort and fresh rest free of pressure. We recommend it because it keeps the spine in a natural position. Also, for everyone with neck issues, this pillow will contour the head, will soothe the pain and will not flatten or lost its shape under your compression.

Nest Bedding is filled with shredded latex, and has a thickness of 8 inches.

Shredded latex works even better than the molded one because it gets constant airflow and keeps the surface dry and free of odors. The support and the cooling remain great just as in a molded option.  The height is ideal for adjustments for every sleeping position.

The filling is wrapped in a breathable cover that is fresh and soft to the touch.

Latex is known as a hypoallergenic material, therefore, an excellent choice for people who struggle with allergies.

The great news is that the manufacturer offers this model in standard, king and queen size.

Purple – Unique Design

Purple contains the same hyper elastic polymer that is used for their top-quality mattress. This purple material that looks like gel is one of the most durable and elastic materials that provide great comfort and support.

People who have neck issues will get a great support from this pillow; the hyper elastic polymer won’t lose its shape under deep compression. The pillow is firm enough to give a great head lift and comfy enough to reduce any pressure from the neck muscles and nerves.

Purple’s inside is filled with the triangle-like net that can be shaped just however you want; on top of that, the manufacturer made the pillow adjustable, so Purple is good for every sleeping position. Even stomach sleepers that need lower a model, can sleep on Purple without feeling any pressure.

The cover is made of polyester blend (it contains viscose, spandex and bamboo) and feels quite soft to the skin.

Conclusion

You need to have a precise idea on what sort of pillow you are looking for, especially if you have problems with your neck. This type of pain can be excruciating and can turn the resting hours into a night mare full of pain, lots of moving and sleepless hours.

People who have discomforts like this should seek contouring or cervical models that will provide the perfect amount of support. In this case you need a model that is four to six inches thick.

Your head should be lifted enough so your shoulders remain in natural position, as well as your spine.

If you sleep on your side, a thicker pillow is a better option; the gap between your shoulder and neck must always be filled. Only then you will have the ideal support and your muscles can relax completely.

Be careful when you search for the right materials; you need a responsive one that won’t lose its shape. Latex, buckwheat and foam are great options.  Stay away from flattening materials that feel too soft or fluffy, because you need a firm support.

We hope that our review list and our entire guide helped you learn what exactly it’s important when you have a neck pain problem and you’re searching for the best pillow.

Read:

• Top Cooling Pillows Reviewed This Year– Guide & Overview

Sources:

• Effectiveness of Functional Pillow on Neck Pain, Disability, Quality of Sleep and Life (EPNS) – https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02240849
• Global Perceived Effect in Chronic Neck Pain – https://www.nwhealth.edu/research/original/chronic-neck-pain-study/