Are you waking up wondering why the back of your neck always hurts? A reason for this could be the way you are sleeping. One of the easiest remedies for neck pain while sleeping is to change the pillow you are using for one that has been designed for your sleeping position.
It is advisable to take into account your sleeping position as well because this can also play a part in the quality of sleep that you are getting. Sleeping on your side is the best sleeping position for upper back and neck pain while sleeping on your stomach with the incorrect pillow could be the cause of neck pain after sleeping.
There are literally hundreds of pillows out there. It is virtually impossible to know which one is the best pillow for a sore neck. We have done all the hard work for you and have put together a comparison of the top 10 pillows specifically to help with back and neck pain.
Mediflow Water Pillow
This pillow is a water-based pillow, making use of proven technology to give you a good night’s sleep. Water has been proven to improve sleep and this pillow has been designed to reduce neck pain. This pillow will not be the cause of neck pain after sleeping, in fact, it all but guarantees a goods night’s sleep!
Pros: It can be customized to suit your specific requirements. Reviewers reported that this pillow has drastically reduced pain in their back, arms, and neck.
Cons: It does take some getting used, it could take a few nights to get comfortable. The instructions can be a little unclear.
EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow Orthopedic Sleeping Pillow
Made from breathable good quality material this luxury pillow provides therapeutic relief for sleepers waking up with a sore neck. It has an ergonomic design to align your head, neck, shoulders, and back. This is a hypoallergenic pillow and the cover can be removed and washed.
Pros: It is a firm, supportive pillow that reduces neck pain. It also reduces migraines and the shape of the pillow provides maximum comfort.
Cons: It was hard to find and cons of this pillow but back sleepers did not seem to enjoy this pillow as much as side-sleepers did.
LOVSOUL Goose Down Pillow
This goose down pillow is made from 100% Egyptian Cotton and has 1000 thread count, making it one of the more luxurious pillows. There are 3 chambers to this pillow for 3 times the enjoyment. The outer chamber is 100% goose down while the inner chambers are 90% goose feather and 10% goose down. The goose feather adds to the firmness and the goose down adds to the softness. It is recommended that you dry clean this pillow.
Pros: It has a 30-night return policy. It is versatile, not too hard or too soft. Reduces neck pain. It is super soft.
Cons: It is a small pillow. The feathers can poke through the cover.
Belly Sleep Gel Infused Memory Foam Pillow
Designed for stomach sleepers this thin pillow overs the spinal support that belly sleepers need. It is made from supportive polyurethane memory foam with gel-infused particles that prevent you from overheating. The cover of the Belly Sleep pillow is made from 60% bamboo and 40% polyester.
Pros: You will not overheat while sleeping. It is comfortable and cool. Reviewers have said this is the perfect pillow. Reduces neck pain in belly sleepers.
Cons: Too thin if you are not a stomach sleeper.
Xtreme Comforts Slim Pillow
The foam in this pillow is CertiPUR-US certified and meets stringent standards and has no ozone depleters and other heavy metals. The shredded memory foam will not go lumpy or flat but will maintain it’s shape. This pillow features kool flow technology to keep you cool during the night. It is hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant.
Pros: Helps with migraines, tingling in your fingers and sore necks. Perfectly conforms to your head and neck. It doesn’t get hot during the night.
Cons: It is a very slim pillow, which won’t work for everyone. The worst reviewer still gave this pillow 3 out 5 stars, it is that good!
Sunshine Pillows Chiropractic Neck Pillow
If you are struggling with a sore neck, a chiropractic pillow might be the solution for you. This pillow is made in the USA from 100% polyester. The supportive column of this pillow is filled with flax seed, for support and comfort for people who have sensitive necks. The narrow area of the pillow fits perfectly between your neck and headrest of a car or airplane seat. This neck pillow is adjustable to suit your needs.
Pros: Perfect for traveling. It helps with headaches and knots in your neck.
Cons: Could be too high and firm for some.
EcoGreen Cervical Pillow
Soothe your neck pain with this pillow. The pillow cradles your neck, removing the pressure and weight of your head resulting in the correct alignment of your spine. It is a lightweight, portable pillow that is as effective as a chiropractic session.
Pros: It is a versatile pillow that can be used when sleeping, driving or sitting. Decreases migraines.
Cons: Plastic used is not uncomfortable for some.
Coop Home Goods Shredded Pillow
The Coop pillow is an adjustable pillow made from 60% Polyester and 40% Rayon derived from Bamboo. The soft bamboo allows for better ventilation so you can remain cool all through the night. It is hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant and machine washable. The shredded foam is CertiPUR-US Certified Foam and the pillows are made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP, TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead and heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates regulated by the CPSC, or CFCs.
Pros: It is adjustable. Some of the reviews on Amazon claim that this pillow has increased their quality fo life. It is soft like you are floating on clouds.
Cons: Based on the reviews left, a few people struggled with the fluffiness of this pillow and adjusting the height was tricky.
Elite Rest Contour Sleeper
Designed specifically to alleviate neck pain in both back and side sleepers, this pillow will leave you feeling refreshed and energized when you wake up. The contour memory foam conforms to the shape of your body, providing the right kind support and body alignment. This pillow comes with two different height contours, with the lower one only 2.75inches. The 100% cotton cover of this pillow is removable and can be machine washed.
Pros: Offers just the right amount of support. Cradles your head. It doesn’t flatten and holds it’s shape.
Cons: It is a narrow pillow, people with larger shoulders may struggle.
Pancake Pillow
The main reason we added this as one of the best pillows for a sore neck is because it is adjustable and really is suitable for all types of sleepers. Stomach and back sleepers can remove layers making it flat while side sleepers can add in layers until it provides them with the right amount of support for their neck. It is a luxury pillow with a 300 thread count, 100% cotton outer case.
Pros: Reviewers of this pillow rave about how it has eased their neck pain and help with symptoms of arthritis. Works well for people with wide shoulders.
Cons: It is not a cheap pillow. Can get too hot.
Changing your pillow is the quickest and easiest way to try to reduce waking up with a sore neck. That said, don’t rush into buying a pillow until you have taken both the pros and cons into account. Hopefully, our comparisons will help you to find the best pillow for you.