The type of pillow you use can make your neck pain worse or improve it. That is why it is advisable that you invest in the best pillow for neck pain.
As far as we are concerned, this is none other than a cervical pillow. It features a proven contour design that cradles and supports the head and neck while you sleep.
Go through the following consumer reports to see the brands we believe are suitable for you.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Power of Nature Cervical Bed Pillow. PON Cervical Pillow for Sleeping not only alleviates neck pain but also can help with migraines.
Runner Up: Mkicesky Cervical Contour Pillow. This memory foam neck pillow is suitable for all types of sleepers – back, stomach, and side sleepers.
Best Pillow for Neck Pain Side Sleeper: DMI U Shaped Contour Body Pillow. Apart from being the best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain, DMI Body Pillow works great as a pregnancy pillow.
Budget-Friendly Cervical Pillow: SEPOVEDA Contour Cervical Pillow. If you want a good quality neck support pillow but do not want to spend the extra dollars everyone else is spending, SEPOVEDA Cervical Contour Pillow is for you.
8 Best Cervical Pillow for Neck Pain Reviews
1. Power of Nature Memory Foam Contour Cervical Pillow for Sleeping
Power of Nature Contour Pillow will help you fall asleep faster and deeper. It has an ergonomic design that fits the curve on the neck and head perfectly. In so doing, the ergonomic design provides the body with natural spine support as well as fully relaxing the muscles. The contour pillow is made of top-notch material that plays a massive role in further promoting its performance.
Besides, it comes with a hypoallergenic pillow case, which is smooth, soft, and highly breathable. The pillow case is removable and machine washable for easy care. The pillow case may have an odor when new, but this is nothing because the “Fresh Foam” odor is totally harmless. You can air out the pillow case for a few days so the odor can dissipate much faster.
The fact that the outer cover is breathable means it promotes good air circulation. And this, in turn, will provide you with a healthy and cool environment to sleep in. The inner cover is dustproof and helps lengthen the lifespan of the memory foam core. The two covers combine to create an amazingly comfortable place for sleeping.
Highlights
- White color goes with almost any bed décor
- Material used is memory foam
- Measures 23 by 13 by 4 inches
- Weighs 1.29 kilos
- Brand is Power of Nature
Reasons to Buy
- The price is decent
- The outer cover has a good zipper
- The pillow stays cool
- Gets rid of migraines and neck pain
Take Note
- The unique shape might make falling asleep on the pillow for the first time a little awkward
2. Mkicesky Memory Foam Cervical Contour Neck Pillow for Sleeping
The best pillow for neck pain is not necessarily expensive. Instead, it features a unique design that other pillows simply find hard to match. The Mkicesky Memory Foam Neck Pillow, for instance, has a hollow design that reduces head pressure. The design is ergonomic and does a stunning job of making sure pressure on your spine and cervical are effectively nullified.
Additionally, the 2 ends of the sides of this pillow have different heights, i.e. 3.93 inches and 5.12 inches. This means you will have an easy time choosing the height that best suits your needs. This cervical pillow also features a unique curve, which is ideal for your neck contours and helps promote sleep.
Because of its well-thought-out design, the Mkicesky Neck Pillow for Sleeping is perfect for all kinds of sleepers. So, whether you are a back sleeper, side sleeper, or stomach sleeper, this is what you should go for. It not only alleviates back & neck pain but also promotes proper spine alignment, gets rid of shoulder stiffness, and helps the muscles relax. As if that’s not enough, this cervical pillow for neck pain can help with snoring since it lets you breathe more freely.
Highlights
- Breathable, washable pillowcase is included
- Made of 60-density slow-rebound memory foam
- Pillow can be pressed or folded
- Measures 23 by 14.56 by 4.72 inches
- Rectangular in shape
More about the Product: The pillowcase is both hand and machine washable. For proper care, make sure the temperature does not exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). The memory foam core should not be washed. When new, the pillow may produce a natural foam odor. If you find this bothersome, simply wash the pillowcase before use and allow the pillow core to air off near an open window or outdoors for around 3 – 5 days.
Reasons to Buy
- The manufacturer is outstanding
- It is worth the money
- Firm yet not stiff
- Can be used for recovering from surgery
Take Note
- There is only one place to put your head
3. DMI U Shaped Contour Body Pillow for Side Sleeping & Pregnancy
What makes the DMI U Shaped Contour Body Pillow a great purchase is that it is perfect for side sleepers and pregnant women. The pillow alleviates neck pain and provides proper cervical support. It supports the head, shoulders, and neck, thereby, reducing pressure and strain on these areas.
Additionally, this body pillow for neck pain molds to the body contours as well as holding its shape beautifully. Needless to say, the pillow supports all sleeping positions. It is particularly perfect for stomach and side sleepers who love to hold their pillow while asleep.
The pillow comes with a removable and washable cover, which is hypoallergenic and made of poly cotton. The cover is machine washable, and this means you will have an easy time caring for it. The pillow is highly supportive, and it is what you need to wake up in the morning without shoulder, head, or neck pain.
Highlights
- Measures 22 inches long by 17 inches wide by 3 inches high
- Outer material is made of polyester
- White in color
- Weighs 1 lb
- Brand is DMI
Reasons to Buy
- Firm yet comfortable and supportive
- Provides deeper and more restful sleep
- The price is competitive
- The filling is pretty good
- The longer side provides good back support
Take Note
- The cover is quite rough when new
4. Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Support Pillow for Neck Pain
Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Support Pillow relieves neck pain and headaches. It also helps correct the spinal posture of the neck. It has a concave center that will cradle your head to make sure you are comfortable throughout the night. The pillow also features a cervical roll, which provides awesome support to the neck.
Because of how it is designed and works, this neck support pillow can be used in the treatment of many different conditions that affect the shoulders and neck. It is important to note that this pillow is firm so it can provide therapeutic benefits. This means immediate overuse can lead to neck pain. So, make sure you ease your way into orthopedic correction by alternating between this pillow and your current pillow.
Ideally, if you are looking for the most aggressive correction, go for the Standard Firm option. The neck pillow is available in 3 different sizes so you can easily get what is suitable for your needs. There is Full Size, which is suitable for men and taller women and Midsize, which is perfect for most women, children over 10, and petite men. The third size is the Petite Size, and it is ideal for children between 6 and 10 as well as petite women.
Highlights
- Blue in color
- Core Products is the Brand
- Material is polyester fiber
- Weighs 1.5 lbs
- Material for cover is 50/50 cotton/polyester blend
- Made in the USA
Reasons to Buy
- Keeps the head and neck in proper alignment
- The support at the base of the neck lets the neck relax in a natural position
- Perfect for people recovering from spine surgery
- Well made and seems to last long
Take Note
- It is pretty tricky to tell which neck roll is taller side and which one is lower
5. Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain (White-S)
The proven contour design enables the Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Neck Pillow to perfectly align and support your shoulders, neck, head, and back. The slope ensures your head is kept in a stable position and will not roll out while sleeping. In a nutshell, the proven contour design reduces stress in the cervical vertebra and spine. This, in turn, helps improve sleep and relieves neck and shoulder pain.
This memory foam pillow also works great as an anti-snore pillow. Since it supports the natural curve of your body, the pillow allows air to flow freely, which ensures more restful sleep and less snoring. The cutouts on the side of the pillow are super useful as well. They provide your top arm with a convenient place to rest. They also keep the arm at a wonderful angle that prevents the shoulder from hunching over in front of you.
Additionally, this pillow for neck pain is perfect for both side and back sleepers. If you are a back sleeper and have cervical issues, you should sleep on the higher side, which is 4.9 inches. This side has 2 horns and provides enhanced support for the cervical and head. It keeps your neck beautifully aligned with the rest of your body. If you do not have cervical issues, the lower side (4.1 inches) is perfect for you.
Highlights
- Made of high-density slow rebound memory foam
- Pillowcase is made of 38-percent ice silk viscose with 62-percent polyester
- Pillowcase is breathable and allows air to circulate and keep the pillow cool while you are asleep
- Pillowcase has a zipper and is removable and machine washable
- White in color
- Material contains no chemicals
More about the Product: When unpacked, the pillow has a light smell. Well, if you cannot stand the smell, consider leaving the pillow next to an open window or even outdoors for 3 – 5 days. Also, before you buy the pillow, make sure you are okay with the 2 heights. In other words, you can compare these heights with the heights of pillows you normally use and prefer.
Reasons to Buy
- Supports all kinds of sleeping positions
- Seems to fit in a normal pillowcase without any issues
- Soft enough to prevent your ear from getting sore in the morning
- Firm enough to provide decent support every night
Take Note
- Since the pillow is firmer than the average brands, it might take a while to get used to it
6. EPABO Memory Foam Ergonomic Cervical Pillow for Neck Pain
EPABO Memory Foam Cervical Pillow is innovatively designed so it can provide effective therapeutic relief. It is a perfect pillow for alleviating neck pain and waking up the next morning feeling recharged and ready to tackle the day’s challenges. It is made of high-quality fabric that will keep you cool and comfortable while you are asleep.
The pillow also features a proven contour design that provides excellent support to the shoulder, neck, back, and head. With it, you will be able to fall asleep deeper and faster. You should note that during the first 2 weeks, you are likely to experience some discomfort. However, this is nothing since your body is trying to adjust to the correct and healthy position.
Whether you are a stomach sleeper, side sleeper, or back sleeper, this neck support pillow will work for you. All the materials this pillow is made of are free of chemicals. Furthermore, the manufacturer promises to provide a 30-day satisfaction guarantee in case you are not completely happy with the pillow.
Highlights
- Pillow case is made of hypoallergenic rayon/polyester blend that makes it silky soft
- Measures 21 by 13 by 3.9 inches
- White in color
- Weighs 2.8 lbs
More about the Product: The pillowcase of this pillow is both hand-wash and machine washable. Instructions say that it should be washed in temperatures not exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). The memory foam core should not be washed.
Reasons to Buy
- Customer service is excellent
- Provides good support and improves sleep
- The memory foam contours to the neck nicely
- The height can be adjusted
Take Note
- Since the pillow is a little too firm, it is not the perfect option for when you have migraines
7. SEPOVEDA Contour Memory Foam Cervical Pillow for Neck Pain
SEPOVEDA Memory Foam Cervical Pillow for Neck Pain is ergonomically designed to provide relief to the shoulder and neck muscles. It allows the muscles to relax completely so you can wake up the next morning feeling great. The contoured shape of this neck pillow ensures proper alignment, thereby, getting rid of discomfort caused by back and neck pain.
The pillow is made of slow rebound memory foam that maintains its shape even under intense use. The slow rebound memory foam plays a role in lengthening the lifespan of this pillow. The memory foam is breathable and, therefore, provides enhanced air circulation to help keep you dry and cool at night.
Moreover, this pillow comes with a cover that is silky soft and smooth. The cover is made of a hypoallergenic rayon/polyester blend, and this is what makes it unbelievably soft. The cover also offers unrivaled dust mite protection. Plus, it is chemical-free to make sure your health is not in jeopardy every time you are using the pillow. Well, it is normal to feel some discomfort during the 1st two weeks of using this pillow.
Highlights
- Blue in color
- Measures 23.62 by 13.39 by 2.36 inches
- Pillowcase is machine washable
- Material used is memory foam
- Center cavity in the middle cradles the head to provide optimal support
Reasons to Buy
- Lets you sleep on your side without any issues
- No need to readjust it at night
- Airs out and puffs up quickly
- Cradles the neck wonderfully
Take Note
- Not suitable for someone that prefers a very thick pillow
8. ZAMAT Contour Memory Foam Cervical Pillow for Neck Pain Relief
This is another best pillow for neck pain. It is designed for someone tired of waking up each morning with a painful neck. The pillow is ideal for stomach, back, and side sleepers. It features an innovative, contoured cervical design that combines with memory foam to cradle and provide amazing support to your neck.
The contoured design also aligns the spine. The pillow boasts a medium soft feel, and its height can be adjusted. The manufacturer provides a removable memory foam insert, which is 0.8 inches thick, to help you adjust the height of the pillow. If you prefer to sleep on low pillows then all you have to do is rotate the ZAMAT Cervical Pillow 360 degrees to get a different height.
This is a unique feature that makes it easy to switch the pillow between an ordinary brand and an orthopedic pillow. The memory foam used to make this pillow is odorless and CertiPUR-US certified. Needless to say, this pillow is worth considering if you are looking for something 100-percent natural. It is a great pillow, which is safe to use and promotes a more restful sleeping experience.
Highlights
- Comes with double pillowcases
- Outer cover provides extra plush and is easy to remove for washing
- Outer cover is breathable and made of hypoallergenic cotton/polyester
- Backed by a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee
- Outer cover features a polyester liner to help the pillow hold its shape
Reasons to Buy
- The price is reasonable
- Seems to help with snoring
- The support is wonderful
- It is easy to lower the height of the pillow
Take Note
- Has a slight chemical smell out of the box
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Pillow for Neck Pain
The best neck support pillow is not there for the taking. You must have a clear strategy on how you will get it. With that said, go ahead and check out the factors below.
- Ergonomic Design
For a cervical or any other neck pillow to support your neck well and perform as imagined, it must be ergonomically designed. The above pillows feature a proven contour design that cradles the head and provide great support to the neck, shoulders, head, and back. Ergonomic design also enables a pillow to support all types of sleepers.
- Size
Although cervical pillows are more or less the same shape, they come in different sizes. That is to say; there are small, medium, and large cervical pillows for neck pain. While the size of your bed can play a part in determining the size of the neck support pillow to end up with, make sure what you are buying is not too small or too large. A pillow that is too small is unlikely to provide you with the comfort you are looking for, whereas one that is too large is likely to be so bulky that it can disrupt your partner’s sleep.
- Pillowcase Included?
A pillowcase keeps a neck cervical pillow clean and hygienic. It also provides additional comfort, especially if it happens to be made of good quality material like a blend of rayon and polyester. So, before you buy a neck pillow for sleeping and to help you alleviate neck pain, make sure it comes with a pillowcase. The pillowcase should be both hand-wash and machine-washable for quick, easy care.
- The Material Used
We advise that you go for a neck pain reliever pillow made of slow rebound memory foam. This type of memory foam gets back to its original shape when you are not using the pillow. Needless to say, this type of memory foam plays a huge role in extending the lifespan of the pillow. It also provides stunning firmness that is badly needed to alleviate neck pain. Better yet, slow rebound memory foam is firm without being uncomfortable.
FAQs for the Best Pillows for Neck Pain
Q1. How do cervical pillows differ from ordinary pillows?
Cervical pillows are specifically designed to get rid of neck pain. They feature an ergonomic design that supports and cradles the head and neck beautifully for a more restful sleep. The appearance of cervical pillows is also different from that of ordinary pillows.
Q2. Which pillow type is the best for side sleepers with neck pain?
The best pillow type for side sleepers with neck pain is one made of memory foam. This is because memory foam is pretty solid and provides decent firmness, which, in turn, provides exceptional support.
Ideally, if you are a side sleeper and love a cervical pillow for neck pain, we advise that you go for a brand whose sides are spacious enough to support your head without putting any kind of pressure on your shoulders.
Q3. How firm should my cervical pillow be to alleviate neck pain?
A neck pillow that is too soft may provide you with much-needed comfort, but it cannot be trusted when it comes to supporting the neck and head. Consequently, a neck pillow that is too firm may provide great support to the head and neck but fail spectacularly in promoting comfort.
For this reason, we advise that you go for a neck support pillow with medium firmness. You should also note that the level of firmness varies from one type of sleeper to another. For example, side and back sleepers normally need firmer pillows than stomach sleepers.
Best Cervical Pillows Reviews: Conclusion
A cervical pillow is no doubt the best pillow for neck pain. It features an ergonomic design that molds to your curves to provide unparalleled support. What’s more, the best cervical pillow is not just popular for keeping neck pain at bay but also does a wonderful job of eliminating snoring. It can also help with migraines and stiffness, not to mention relaxing the muscles.
Disclaimer: This piece provides general information only. It should not be used as a source for medical advice, treatment options, or diagnosis.
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