Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Here are 7 of the Best Pillows for Neck Pain

There’s nothing worse than lying down for what you hope to be a restful night of sleep only to be sabotaged by that uncomfortable, ever-present ache in your neck. Chalk it up to sedentary office culture or a bad habit of looking down at our devices – neck pain is an extremely common issue in our modern day. In fact, roughly 70-75% of the population will experience neck pain some time in their lives.

With neck pain affecting so many, it’s vital to have a solution close at hand to maintain healthy, rejuvenating sleep. Luckily, there are plenty of tools to help achieve this goal. It’s important to take a look at what you’re sleeping on every night when it concerns neck pain. Obviously, the thing you lay your head down on every night will affect your level of neck pain.

Pillows aren’t as cut and dry as you may assume. The shape, material, and stiffness all come into play when it comes to your comfort level and restfulness at night. This is especially true for those who experience aches and pains. Ready to achieve your best night of sleep yet? Take a look at our 7 best pillows for neck pain of 2022.

TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pillow
Jump to details
Purple Harmony Pillow
Purple Harmony Pillow
Jump to details
Tuft and Needle Pillow
Tuft and Needle Pillow
Jump to details
Avocado Green Pillow
Avocado Green Pillow
Jump to details
Saatva Latex Pillow
Saatva Pillow
Jump to details
Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow
Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow
Jump to details
Nest Bedding - The Easy Breather Pillow
Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow
Jump to details
A Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Cloud + Cooling pillow.

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pillow

This is a familiar brand known for its high-quality mattress selection. But did you know they also offer a plush pillow made from the same proprietary memory foam material? Designed to embrace the unique contours of the body, this pillow is ideal for neck pain. It holds your head in place rather than letting it sink too far in and offers pressure-relieving support to the neck. Its cooling effect is also desirable for those who sleep hot.

TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pillow
The Purple Harmony pillow over a plain background.

Purple Harmony Pillow

Renowned for its patented lattice hyper-elastic polymer Purple Grid, Purple is known for its suite of mattresses, pillows, seat cushions, and even pet beds. They recently released an updated version of their popular Purple Pillow – the Purple Harmony Pillow. It’s still comprised of those signature hexagonal cells wrapped in breathable Talalay latex but it’s slightly smaller than its predecessor. It comes in two heights to accommodate a range of sleep styles and body types.

Purple Harmony Pillow
Purple Harmony Pillow
The Tuft & Needle foam pillow against a cream background.

Tuft and Needle Pillow

Breathable cooling gel beads meet a clever foam open-cell design to create the Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow. This medium to medium-firm option is built to both relieve pressure and provide support.

Tuft and Needle Pillow
Tuft and Needle Pillow
A woman rests her head on an Avocado Green pillow.

Avocado Green Pillow

If you also suffer from allergies, this is the pillow for you. It is hypoallergenic and dust mite-resistant. As for support, the Avocado Green Pillow is built to avoid the “pillow pinch” that can happen as the weight of your head pushes aside the fill. This memory foam pillow is ideal for neck support and it even comes with extra fill you can add if you need even more lift.

Avocado Green Pillow
Avocado Green Pillow
A woman in sleeveless top sleeping on a Saatva Latex Pillow on white bed.

Saatva Pillow

You’ll love this adjustable pillow. Filled with shredded Talalay latex and lined with a layer of down alternative microdenier fibers, the Saatva Pillow is as plush as it is supportive. The inner latex layer can also be removed if the loft is too high for your neck. This is perfect for those with achy necks as some days you might need more support than others. That also makes it a great fit for the side sleeper.

Saatva Latex Pillow
Saatva Pillow
Brooklinen Pillow with Brooklinen sheets on a wooden bed frame.

Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow

Side sleepers with neck pain may also enjoy the Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow. The feel is almost indistinguishable from real down. It’s available in three firmness levels: plush, mid-plush, and firm. Side sleepers will likely do best with the firm option.

Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow
Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow
Nest Bedding Easy Breather pillow over a plain background.

Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow

The Easy Breather Pillow from Nest Bedding is another adjustable option side sleepers with neck pain will gravitate toward. Filled with a blend of shredded memory foam and polyester fiber, it offers a solid structure and superior neck support. The Tencel-blended cover also allows for a pleasant softness as well as moisture-wicking properties.

Nest Bedding - The Easy Breather Pillow
Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow

Frequently Asked Questions

How Should I Sleep if my Neck Hurts?

According to Harvard Health Publishing, there are two positions that are best to alleviate neck pain: on your side or on your back. They also recommend sleeping with a down or down alternative pillow since they are excellent at conforming to the shape of the neck. Just be aware that they will go flat after about a year so they need to be replaced often.

You should avoid pillows that are too high or stiff if you have neck pain. This will only aggravate your pain and create more stiffness. Instead, go for a more pliable, less lofted option.

Finally, try to avoid sleeping on your stomach if you can. This position can be extremely tough on the spine and will likely make your neck pain even worse. I know, I know; old habits die hard. If you can’t switch your sleep position to the side or back, try getting a pillow built for stomach sleepers.

Editors' Recommendations

Tempur-Pedic Pillow Sale 2022: Best Deals You Can Shop Today
Tempur-Cloud Pillow placed on a bed.

Whether you're seeking out the best pillows for neck pain or the best pillows for side sleeping, Tempur-Pedic offers a range of great options to ensure you get the best night's sleep every time. That's why we've picked out all the best Tempur-Pedic pillow deals currently available and taken a look at why they're worth your time and money. We've picked out bundle deals that are the best value to ensure no one misses out. Read on while we take you through them.
Tempur-Pedic Pillow Sale: Best Deals Today

Tempur-Cloud Adjustable Pillow -- 2 for $99, was $138
Tempur-Cloud Pillow -- 2 for $119, was $158
Tempur-Symphony Pillow -- 2 for $189, was $238
Tempur-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow -- 2 for $259, was $378

Read more
The 6 Best King-Size Mattress Toppers for Extra Comfort
A couple having breakfast in bed.

Do you have a hard time sleeping at night? Is your mattress too firm, or is your partner keeping you awake? While it might be tempting to buy a new bed, if your current king-size mattress is less than 10 years old, a king-sized mattress topper may be a better and more affordable solution.

Couples generally prefer a king-size mattress because it gives them extra room to spread out and be more comfortable. But while you have more space, this still doesn't mean the mattress itself is ideal. Everyone has different sleep positions and needs different options for a mattress. A mattress topper is an excellent option for relieving pressure points when a mattress is too soft or firm. It's an additional removable layer of comfort and support, like adding an extra cushion to the mattress. It's called a topper because it's laid on top of the mattress. Toppers are a great option for changing the feel and comfort of a mattress without buying a new one. They also absorb a lot of the mattress's surface wear and tear and extend the life expectancy.

Read more
The Best Planners to Organize Yourself in 2022
person writing in their planner.

While 2021 may have presented many unexpected obstacles, 2022 is now here and ready for you to make it the best year yet. A new year usually comes with new and updated goals, whether they be personal or professional. You may have an endless list of things you want to achieve this year, but it is hard to actually accomplish them if you don't have a plan and a timeline. That's where a planner comes in!

Planners come in different sizes and designs to complement your personality. Prioritizing aesthetics is okay, but the primary use of a planner should be to help you stay organized and focused. Most of all, they should not be too costly because you will get another one the following year. To get you started, we’ve researched and selected some of the most stylish and cost-effective planners for every type of person to jumpstart 2022.

Read more