There is nothing worse than waking up with a stiff neck. If you find yourself starting your morning in pain, it’s time to reevaluate your pillow situation. Keep reading to learn more about the best pillows for managing neck pain.

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Pillows for Neck Support: What to Consider

When choosing the best pillow to prevent neck pain, there's a few different factors to consider, such as your sleeping position, your mattress and of course, the pillow itself. It's important to find a pillow that will help keep your neck in a neutral position when sleeping. Your cervical area, including the neck, shoulders and spine should be aligned to help you wake up feeling fresh and ache free.

Tip: Finding that your pillow is getting flat or lumpy? Perhaps you’re waking up with pain in the neck and shoulders? Then it may be time to replace your current pillow. Check your pillow every 12 – 18 months to see if it just needs a quick fluff or if you need to replace it.

Your Mattress

Depending on the firmness of your mattress, the softness of your pillow will play a part in your neck pain.

Firm Mattress: If you sleep on a firm mattress, look for a softer pillow. With a firmer mattress, there is less cushion for your shoulders to sink into. A softer pillow tends to be thicker, which will help create distance between your mattress and your head, ensuring that your spine and your neck are aligned.

Plush Mattress: For anyone who loves a softer, plush mattress, opt for a thinner and firmer pillow. A plush mattress allows for your shoulders to sink into the bed and a thicker pillow will elevate your neck, which could make you wake up in pain. A thinner, firmer pillow will help keep your spine and your neck aligned and in a neutral position.

Your Sleeping Position

When you're sleeping, you want to ensure that your neck does not extend in any specific direction. Choosing a pillow that is right for your body and your sleeping position will keep your body aligned and help prevent neck pain.

Side Sleepers: If you're a side sleeper, opt for a thicker pillow to help keep your spine aligned with your mattress and to keep your spine and neck aligned. The pillow that you choose should help keep your ears in-line with your shoulders.

Tip: If you're having trouble with your pillow, try putting your pillow against your shoulders. This will help provide support at the base of your neck and keep you more comfortable.

Back Sleepers: For back sleepers, it’s important to find a pillow that will keep your neck from arching forward. Look for a pillow that has medium thickness and will provide you enough support to keep your neck in a neutral, aligned position. You will know if this is the right pillow for you if your nose and your chin are level when you lie down.

Stomach Sleepers: Neck pain is commonly found in stomach sleepers because this position can put extra stress on your neck. Opt for a thinner pillow; it will help you keep your neck neutral while sleeping. If you find yourself waking up with a stiff neck, try placing a pillow under your shoulder. It can help your spine stay aligned while snoozing.

Tip: Tossing and turning while you sleep? Opt for an adjustable pillow. It will allow you to customise the shredded memory foam so that it fits your needs and your prefered comfort level, and it will help prevent you from waking up in pain.

Your Comfort Level

Medium: If you're looking for a thicker pillow that provides support you, opt for a medium pillow. It ranges between plush and firm and can help support your neck.

Plush: If you love to lay on a squishy, soft pillow, then a plush pillow is your best option. Plush pillows are incredibly cushy, meaning your head will sink right into it.

Firm: A firm pillow is more solid and really helps to support your neck and head. It is also a good option if you have a softer mattress.

Best Pillows for Neck Pain

Finding the best pillow for neck pain will depend on your sleeping position and ultimately on what helps you sleep comfortably.

Pillow Fillings

Down: A down bed pillow will give you just the right amount of support while being light and soft. You can move the filling around, which lets you customise the support wherever you need it most.

Feather: Feather pillows are soft and offer support to your neck while remaining versatile. Feather-filled pillows are a good choice if you want various sleeping options, as they provide comfort and support for each position. Just note that if you do suffer from allergies, then a down or feather-filled pillow is not the right option for you as both aren't hypoallergenic.

Polyester: Polyester-filled pillows are a good, synthetic alternative to down pillows. While they share some similarities, polyester pillows are not as light or soft as down or feather-filled. They vary in cervical support but typically range between soft and medium firmness.

Memory Foam: Memory foam pillows are a common favourite. They offer superb neck support and help to release pressure in your cervical area. Memory foam pillows react to your weight and body heat and are known for conforming to your natural shape. You’ll find that there are some memory foam pillows that are contoured to provide extra support for the curve in your neck, to give you a pain-free sleeping experience.

Wool: Wool pillows are naturally on the firm side, which is perfect if you love a plush mattress. Wool-filled pillows are ideal at regulating your body temperature and preventing excess moisture while you sleep.

Cotton: Cotton pillows are very similar to wool pillows. They're naturally flat and firm – perfect if you love a softer mattress. Cotton-filled pillows are naturally hypoallergenic, making them a great option if you suffer with allergies.

Latex: Latex pillows are known for being great for neck support without being too hard and uncomfortable, making them one of the best pillows for neck pain.

Tip: If you're looking to learn more about different types of bed pillows and pillow fillings, check out our guide Choosing the Perfect Pillow Types..