If I tell you that modern time pushes “an average Joe” to its limits, I won’t tell you anything new. Since we are all chasing career or other occupation such as college or high school, at the end of the day all that Joe wants is to kick off his shoes and fall asleep.
I didn’t look into the overall quality of my bed until I realized that I’m much more nervous recently, that my head hurts more than often and no matter if I manage to take a quick nap in the afternoon, I’m still tired the following morning. All of this was because of the lousy pillow.
If you can find yourself in these words, don’t fret, I got you covered.
In this topic, I’m going to present you ten of the best pillow for neck pain available in the market today.
Kick back, read on and enjoy, soon you will wave that pain goodbye.
Why Pillow Matters In The First Place?
For more than nine millennia, humankind uses pillows. In the beginning, those were made of wood, stone, bronze or ceramics, and besides being uncomfortable had the goal of keeping the bugs out of user’s face.
Luckily, today pillows are a synonym of comfort and relaxing. Their importance is not just to provide a place to rest your head, but to keep the body balanced and leveled in the first place. Also, since neck muscles are active throughout the day, they need relaxing, which pillow provides.
The pain which tends to “crawl” up the neck and causing headaches is from the unfitting pillow, especially when the pillow is a bit higher or lower than it is supposed to be. This situation puts a strain on muscles and causes this problem.
Best Pillows For Neck Pain – Comparison Chart 2019
Here’s a quick glimpse into which ones to expect later in the text.
| Product Name | Material | Heat | Thickness | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiroflow Premium Water Pillow | Water core with threads 9.9 | Almost none 9.7 | Adjustable 9.8 | Very comfortable 9.9 | Check Price |
| Sleep Innovations Memory Foam Contour Pillow Pillow | Memory foam 8.0 | Small quantity 9.5 | Soft 8.7 | Average 8.5 | Check Price |
| Core Products Tri-Core Orthopedic Neck Support Pillow | Fiber and memory foam 8.9 | Some 9.1 | Firm 9.3 | Average 9.0 | Check Price |
| Mediflow Original Waterbase Pillow | Water core and threads 10 | None 10 | Adjustable 9.9 | Extremely comfortable 10 | Check Price |
| Cr Sleep Memory Foam Contour Pillow | Memory foam 10 | High 7.6 | Thin 8.9 | Average 8.9 | Check Price |
| My Pillow Premium Series Bed Pillow | Polyurethane 7 | Medium 8.3 | Adjustable 9 | Comfortable 9.6 | Check Price |
| Xtreme Comforts Hypoallergenic Pillow | Memory Foam 9.3 | A Little 9.5 | Adjustable 9.4 | Very Comfortable 9.9 | Check Price |
| Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow | Memory Foam 9.1 | Some 9.2 | Adjustable 8.8 | Decent 8.5 | Check Price |
| OXA SPRING BED PILLOWS with 40 Separate Pocket Springs | Springs and fiber 9.7 | None 10 | Medium 9.5 | Comfortable 9.0 | Check Price |
| Coop Home Goods PREMIUM Adjustable Loft | Memory Foam 9.0 | Some 9.3 | Adjustable 8.7 | Comfortable 9.5 | Check Price |
Top 10 Best Pillows For Neck Pain – The Products Review
So, here we are, this is the fun part. There are ten pillows listed below, and I tested all of them, so the results are here, and you can use them to your advantage. Undoubtedly, this only represents my opinion, but I did my best to be as objective as possible.
1Coop Home Goods PREMIUM Adjustable Loft
Earlier in this article, I have mentioned adjustable pillows. The first one on this list is one such.
From Coop Home Goods, we have PREMIUM Adjustable Loft. As the name suggests, this pillow is stuffed with shredded memory foam, so that you can adjust the thickness to fit your needs. This approach has both pros and cons.
If you are turning over a lot during the night, from side to side, it may happen that the filling will get lumped into one spot, forcing you to redistribute it. On the other hand, if you don’t change side a lot, it will meet your expectations.
Pros
- Affordable
- Adjustable height
- Anti-bacterial and resistant to dust mites
- Filling is made of memory foam
- Materials used are safe
- Good air flow
- Can be washed in the machine
Cons
- No Jumbo size available
- If you switch sides a lot during night, it can get a bit lumpy
As for the filling, it is made of shredded pieces of memory foam, which gives excellent support and is also anti-allergic and safe for usage. Several laboratories have tested the material and decided that it can be used.
Concerning size, it comes in three different ones; Standard, Queen, and King, so if you have one of such already, you can take another, if it fits you. The lack of Jumbo offer is a bit disappointing, but nothing drastic.
Probably the best and most useful feature is that you can wash this pillow in the washing machine.Just throw it in, and remove the dust!
Even with this procedure and regular usage, the manufacturer gives a five-year warranty that it won’t flatten or lose form. In case that you return it in thirty days, no questions will be asked.
The price is more than affordable, and when that ratio of price and quality is concerned, it is clear that this is one significant investment.
Emily’s Take:
The material of which this pillow is made features some exotic items, and to be honest; I was a bit skeptic when I saw that there are bamboo fibers intertwined with polyester. Nonetheless, this improvement gets the job done since I haven’t noticed any increase in the temperature while testing it.
2OXA SPRING BED PILLOWS with 40 Separate Pocket Springs
Just when I thought that nothing could surprise me, I found this model.
OXA made a pillow which features standard filling but has one exciting addition. Namely, they decided to insert 40 springs which will support the head along with the most sensitive spots on the head and along the neck.
Pros
- Good support
- Mechanical parts are more likely to maintain form
- Mesh on the side ejects hot air and intakes cold one
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Only one size available
Concerning material, the quality is apparent, and top and bottom side are gentle to touch, and what drew my attention were the sides of it. Namely, an area of mesh goes around the pillow, so each time you lift your the head, cold air is sucked in, and when you rest your head, the hot one goes out.
This principle is rather simple, and I don’t know why any other manufacturer hadn’t thought of it earlier.
Lack of other sizes is noticeable, and it is available only in non-standard 16.5”x26”, so custom-made covers will be required. At least one or two more would be great to have.
As for maintenance, this model cannot be washed in the machine, nor dried in the drier. This leaves only the option of sun-bathing and aerating by fluffing. In case that you are using a pillowcase, this will be more than enough.
Emily’s Take:
I think the price of this model is a bit high. This number is somewhat alleviated by the fact that there is a three-year warranty and in case that you decide that it doesn’t suit you, there is a possibility to return it in 90 days, with no question asked.
3Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Apparently, there is something useful in using bamboo threads, and this pillow follows this formula as well.
Snuggle-Pedic made a pillow with the already seen concept. It is adjustable since it features filling made of shredded pieces of memory foam, so you can remove or add the quantity needed to make it a perfect fit. They made the parts irregular shapes, which makes customization precise.
Pros
- Adjustable height
- Anti-allergic and resistant to dust mites, hence safe for people who have asthma
- Bamboo threads are useful; no temperature rises have been noted
- Three sizes are available
- 120-days of the trial period
- 20-year warranty
- Can be washed
Cons
- The filling can shift and move during the night
As I mentioned, the outer cover of the pillow features bamboo threads combined with polyester with micro-holes which are improving the ventilation. The quality is apparent since I haven’t noticed increased temperature while sleeping.
Since it doesn’t feature any heavy metals such as lead or mercury, it is entirely safe and resistant to mites and allergies. Simply put, everyone can use this pillow.
This pillow comes in three sizes, Standard, Queen, and King. Again, there is no Jumbo option, but three out of four is not that bad at all. I’m sure that these differences in size won’t affect you as much, as it didn’t affect me.
When it comes to price, this model follows the golden middle. It is not too expensive, nor cheap. For a family with an average budget, at least they can afford two without much calculating. However, since the manufacturer gives a 120-days tryout and 20-year warranty, you can seriously consider it.
Emily’s Take:
A significant feature of this pillow is that it is entirely washer-safe, and I have even dried it in the drier, without any problems. Naturally, you can wash the cover whenever you like, but the overall easiness of the maintenance is apparent
4Xtreme Comforts Hypoallergenic Pillow
The bamboo threads are again present, which makes them more or less a standard in this field.
Adjustable filling of this pillow makes it highly customizable. Since the pieces of it are small and soft, they provide proper support for neck region and the head. Of course, you can take some out, if it is too high, or add it, if it is too low.
Pros
- Somewhat lower price
- Adjustable height
- Memory foam filling provides good support
- Bamboo threads are improving ventilation
- Doesn’t lose shape or form
- Washing machine friendly
Cons
- Only 30 days of trial period
- No Jumbo size
Even with the additional cover, there was no significant increase in temperature, and this is very important if you wish to save the protection which comes with the pillow.
There are three sizes of the pillow available, and you can choose from Standard, Queen and King size. A general recommendation would be to consider Queen size, but again, it is up to you which one to choose.
The maintenance of this pillow is almost trivial. It is washing machine safe, and all you need to do is to follow the label and dry it properly. Also, in case that it loses form a bit, a few rounds in a dryer will bring it back to life.
When it comes to price, it is not something unusual. It is lower by a few dollars, but it also comes with only 30-days, and no questions asked policy, followed by a 6-year warranty. Thirty days may seem as enough, but be sure to try it out thoroughly.
Emily’s Take:
I’ve used cotton-made one, which can be washed at highest temperatures.
5My Pillow Premium Series Bed Pillow
From time to time, comes a product which brings something interesting.
Regarding material, the manufacturer opted for cheaper polyurethane filling, which may lead to a bit more increased temperature. What makes things better a bit is that they make three different-sized shapes of the filling.
Pros
- Filling is made of three different-sized small pieces
- Can be washed in the washing machine and dried
- Gives good support for the head and neck
Cons
- Only Queen and King varieties are available
- The price should be lower
- Isn’t adjustable
- Filling is made of polyurethane instead of memory foam
However, what delighted me was the way to determine the amount of filling. Since this is not an adjustable pillow, the manufacturer gives a table with different colors which define the height. According to the size of your t-shirt, you can choose how thick it will be.
Concerning size, it is available only in two varieties, Queen and King. However, since this one covers the needs of an average user, I believe that they will fit.
When it comes to maintenance, it is super easy. The pillow is washing machine friendly, and it is easy to keep it clean. Just wash it once in two weeks, and you shouldn’t have any problems. I’ve also used dryer without any harmful consequences.
Emily’s Take:
The matter of price is not that elegantly solved. I believe that this pillow had to be at least 10$ cheaper since it can’t be adjusted, and since it doesn’t feature any cover, pillowcase will be needed. Simply put, it is a bit overpriced.
6Cr Sleep Memory Foam Contour Pillow
There are those contour pillows with their wavy line which gives better support in the neck region.
When it comes to material, Cr makes this pillow of memory foam, which reacts right to pressure. Of course, when it arrives, it will look thin, but give it a day, and will puff up into needed shape. The outer layer is not flat, and these bumps are providing nice feel when touched by the skin.
Pros
- Cheap, yet the quality is good
- Wavy line provides great support
- No sweating is noted
- Outer cover is nicely made
- Maintenance is an easy thing to do
Cons
- You need to be careful when choosing the height of the pillow
The size of the pillow, as well as its height, are unchangeable, and 24″x16″ (WxL) is not a standard one so that custom-made pillowcases will be needed. As for thickness, it can come in three heights, depending on your physique. For example, I will need a higher pillow than the one my husband uses since my shoulders are broader.
Maintaining of this pillow wasn’t the problem. Although the manufacturer recommends it not to be washed, I put it in a washing machine, and it took it like a champion. However, I don’t recommend you to do it, since I can’t tell whether there will be any long-term damage.
Emily’s Take:
One of the best things about this pillow is its price. It is very affordable, and although you don’t get an adjustable pillow, this one is firm, resistant to dust and mites, and the manufacturer gives a present with it. All in all, great deal!
7Mediflow Original Waterbase Pillow
Well, it was about time that someone reduces the waterbed and to make a pillow out of it!
Mediflow had taken the somewhat new concept. Instead of bothering with memory foam and other materials, they made a “pocket” which you can fill with water, and thus created one of the best adjusting pillows in the market.
Pros
- Amazing support for neck
- Relieves pain
- Superb adjustability
- Can be washed in the machine
Cons
- It needs some time to remove air from the pocket, to eliminate squishing sound
Of course, they strengthen the pocket with several layers of water-resistant materials, so bursting in the middle of the night and waking you with a head in a puddle is out of the question.
As for the size, only one is available, but its dimension is more than fitting for an average user. This dimension is an oversight, but I think the manufacturer couldn’t make different ones due to the complicated process.
Maintenance is great since you can wash the pillow in the washing machine, and dry it manually. Of course, I don’t recommend ironing. With proper maintenance, it will last much longer than a one-year warranty.
Emily’s Take:
The price seems a bit high when compared to others, but this system is far more rewarding. Simply put, the support is so good that it is worth considering. Also, the 30-day trial period is perhaps a tad short, but you will get the feel rather good.
8Core Products Tri-Core Orthopedic Neck Support Pillow
Some products look like medical equipment, but their purpose is not as strict.
This pillow combines cotton, thread, and foam which are supporting the neck and the head. The center of it is lowered, so when you are sleeping on your back, it is firmly cradled by sides. However, that lower part tends to be a bit hard.
Pros
- Good neck strain support
- Three sizes and two heights are available
Cons
- Had to be washed by hand
- A tad expensive
- Head area might be a bit hard
There are three sizes available, so according to your physique, you can choose from Full Size (24×16”), Midsize (22×15″) and Petite (19×12″). Of course, full size was ideal for a male adult such as me, midsize is for girls, and kids and teenagers can, in general, consider petite.
Maintenance can be tricky since machine washing is out of the question. It has to be washed by hand in warm water, which requires a lot of effort. Drying must be on the flat surface, or it will lump on one side.
Emily’s Take:
As for the price, it is low, but considering that this pillow might be uncomfortable, at least 15$ less would be much better. Still, even if you buy it, you won’t make such a big mistake.
9Sleep Innovations Memory Foam Contour Pillow
Sometimes, the best thing to do is to return to the basics.
People from Sleep Innovations decided to keep things simple. They make their pillow of one piece of memory foam, and it features that curved, contour shape. Because of this, you can use either higher or lower side of it, depending on which suits you better.
Pros
- Affordable
- Two sides can be used, depending on your physique
- Contoured shape
Cons
- Soft, which might cause trouble to people who need good support
- Only two sizes available
Concerning sizes, there are only two available, but since contour pillows are sporting full shape, you won’t have any troubles, even if you are using King sized ones.
Keeping this pillow clean is easy. All that is needed is to wash the outer case once every two weeks. As for the pillow, washing it is not recommended, since it can lose its form, which means that it will be useless afterward.
Emily’s Take:
As for the price, it is very affordable. However, since it targets a group of people who prefer soft pillows, if you are not one of them, this might seem like a missed investment. Take this into consideration as well.
10Chiroflow Premium Water Pillow
Another “water-based” pillow, this one has something to offer as well.
There is something with these pillows since both of those featured on this list I consider as top-notch quality. Whether that be because of the unusual system used, or because the liquid adjusted the best, I still haven’t determined.
Pros
- Adjustable height
- Durable and will last long
- Tap water is sufficient
- Fits standard pillowcases
Cons
- Cannot be washed
- Splashing sound might be difficult to eliminate
- Accurate amount of water needed can only be learned by trial and error
In any case, with this pillow, we have a combination of water base, or as I called it earlier, pocket enveloped in several layers of polyurethane and rubber to provide excellent protection from bursting and threads, which are adjusting along with the rest of the pillow.
Only one size is available, but this isn’t the issue here. The manufacturer went with a middle solution; it is not too big nor too small. Let’s say that it will fit standard or Queen sized pillowcases. So, if you have those, you are good to go.
As for maintenance, unfortunately, it cannot be washed, which would be nice to refresh it, but if you are using a pillowcase, replacing those can eliminate the need of washing in the machine.
Emily’s Take:
The price is a bit higher, and I believe that the manufacturer could lower it without a problem by at least 5$. Still, if you are having trouble with neck pain, feel free to try it out.
How to choose a good pillow – The Definitive Buyer Guide
There are many factors which determine whether a pillow is a quality one or not. To make this competition a fair one, I’ve set specific rules. I’ve merely applied them, and the picture was clear. The better features, the pillow will be more likely to be a good one.
Thickness
One of the first things you should take into consideration is the thickness of the pillow. Not all people have the same demands when it comes to this. Some are sleeping on the side, and the pillow must meet the expectations, and being thick enough to give proper support.
Others, like my husband, for example, love to sleep on their stomach. For these situations, thinner ones are better options, and it didn’t happen once that I found a pillow next to a bed, with my husband sleeping on the mattress.
There are some kinds of pillows which can be more or less adjusted to fit your needs, but in general, consider the height of one when you buy it. That way, you will be sure that it will suit you.
The material
Have you ever awoken in the middle of the night with the side of your face which was on the pillow burning? Along with hair wet with sweat? This happens because of the lousy quality of the material used for making a pillow.
As I said, long ago, pillows were made of wood and similar stuff. Somewhere in between, people decided that hay or feathers are far more comfortable to use. Of course, feathers and cotton remained in usage until today, but we had to push things even further.
Instead of growing superpowered geese, scientists made memory foam. Astronauts was primarily use it but somehow managed to enter our homes. This material is highly porous and lets the air flow through it. Moreover, once pressed, it returns to its previous shape.
Of course, the material of which the outer layer is also made matters. A quick rule to remember is “if it looks like a towel, it’s good.” In general, closely-knit cotton can prevent the flow of the air, which is equal to sweat and faster development of harmful microorganisms.
Size
Since pillows can vary significantly regarding size, like Standard, Jumbo, Queen, and King in the USA, I’ll list each product by this criteria. This list will give you a pretty good image whether new pillowcases will be required or not.
Of course, if it is possible, take the one which is approximately close to that pillow which you have, and it suits you. On the other hand, if you consider your current one to be too small or too big, choose according to this feature.
Anti-allergic features
Speaking of microorganisms, many people have asthma nowadays. It is not sure what causes this number to increase, but the fact is that you don’t need dust in your pillow which can worsen the condition, and cause troubles.
I had a friend who couldn’t sleep if the pillow is stuffed with feathers, and if you have this situation as well, I recommend you to consider some of those antibacterial ones. Generally speaking, anti-static and antibacterial are not the same but you can often pair under the category of “anti-allergic” pillows.
They can make of special foam or some other filling which doesn’t trigger any condition. Even if you are not allergic to dust and mites, it doesn’t mean that this won’t change. Therefore, this is a great investment, and I’m a firm advocate of this opinion.
Maintenance
This is also an important question when it comes to pillows. Many of those will feature a removable and washable cover, which needs to be thrown into the washing machine at least once in every two weeks. This is natural since this is the part which is contact with your face the most.
But, there is more to it than that. If the pillow as a whole can be washed, it is a fantastic feature. Not all are suitable for this, and for example, those made of memory foam cannot be certainly considered as washable. On the other hand, polyester is fit for a few rounds in the washing machine.
Using pillow cover is essential, since it prolongs the lifespan of it, and it also makes maintenance easier. Simply put, there is no mistake in using cover, and its usage is highly recommended.
The price
Naturally, one of the essential things when buying something (not just pillows) is a relation of price and quality. It can be explained merely by what you are getting at a certain cost. However, things are not that simple.
Some manufacturers will try to sell an average product at the insanely high price. This is a situation you need to avoid, and I will point it out if I think that particular pillow is overpriced.
On the other hand, some are making cheap ones, which are below average regarding quality. This choice might be an acceptable solution if you are short on cash, but don’t expect spectacular results. The perfect outcome is when you find great item at affordable price.
My top pick – Mediflow Original Waterbase Pillow
I’ll admit it; I’m delighted by new things and unusual approaches to almost everything. This pillow is the winner for me because of other reasons, however. It has an excellent ratio of quality and price, offers fantastic support for the head and the neck, and it is also possible to adjust the height of it.
Moreover, I haven’t noticed any excessive heat absorbing, which is great, especially during summer. On the other hand, people who are turning a lot during the night, and tend to move the pillow around might find this a bit difficult, since the amount of water will be slightly more massive than you have used to.
In any case, these are the best pillow for neck pain I could find in the market.
Keep in mind that these are merely my opinions, and if something doesn’t fit me, it doesn’t mean that you will be dissatisfied with it. Care to experiment, and I’m confident that you will find your perfect pillow.
Water pillow is a thing? Wow, I never knew about these. I’m really interested – Can you tell me a bit more about them?
Yeah, it is a new concept in recent times. And believe me, it does make a difference! The adjustability to your head profile and overall firmness are surprisingly good! I suggest you to give it a shot!