The best pillows for easing neck pain, tried and tested by our panel

Score: 94/100

Latex foam is an unusual filling for a pillow but one that shouldn’t be overlooked – especially if you’re looking for a good level of support. There’s no plasticky smell and our panellists loved its bouncy, mouldable sleep surface.

While not specifically adjustable, it does boast a thick quilted cover that can be removed if you prefer a slightly thinner design. Plus, every single panellist said it regulated their temperature well and told us they would continue to use the pillow after the trial.

Score: 93/100

A firm pillow often provides better support, and this one was a hit with our panellists, particularly for those who slept on their side.

There’s an inner layer of foam-enclosed springs and two softer cotton layers, which create an effect that’s both supportive and yielding. You can also switch up or remove the layers to achieve the perfect combination for your sleep style.

Opting for all the layers made it trickier to fit inside a standard pillowcase, so you may need to invest in some new bedding, but that aside, this handy design is a winner in our eyes.

Score: 90/100

Two removable inner sections mean you can customise this pillow to your sleep preferences. One layer is filled with shredded memory foam that adapts to your sleeping position, which our testers described as soft yet supportive; the other layer is filled with microfibre to create a soft but supportive surface.

The pillow suited a range of sleepers, including those with neck or back pain, with several reporting improved comfort and noting the adjustability as the key factor.

Like many of our top-rated designs, it is slightly more expensive than your average pillow, which put some testers off slightly at first. But after extended use, most agreed it was worth the investment.

Score: 89/100

If you’re a fan of firmer pillows, this one may be for you. It’s made of three layers of memory foam and can be easily adjusted to cradle your head at the perfect height.

While many like memory foam for its buoyancy, others may not find it soft enough. However, there is a 30-night free trial so you can return it if it doesn’t ease your aches and pains.

Score: 87/100

Designed specifically to alleviate neck pain, the Original Groove Pillow features a unique ergonomic dip that’s perfect for back sleepers. If that’s you, the groove should keep your spine in a neutral position and cradle your neck, while side sleepers are treated to additional support on the edges of the pillow.

Our panel praised the mouldable foam design for its comfort and pain-relieving abilities, but some found the unique shape and firmness took a bit of getting used to.

Score: 87/100

Memory foam isn’t for everyone and that’s why our testers loved this natural fibre pillow from Woolroom. It contains Allergy UK-approved British wool, which can be removed or added to create the height needed for your head and neck.

Wool can be noisier to sleep on but it’s good at naturally regulating body temperature and our panel said the filling remained light and fluffy, even after washing. The pillow also comes with a 30-night trial offering, so you can decide if it's right for you.

Score: 86/100

Our testers rated this pillow highly, with one describing it as “truly the most comfortable pillow I’ve ever used.” It features 60 individually wrapped pocket springs, which provide structured support for the neck and shoulders. Panel members described it as firm with a little ‘give’, with several telling us it was comfortable and didn’t aggravate existing aches. That said, some front sleepers found it a little too high, so it may be better suited to side and back sleepers.

It also scored nearly full marks for breathability, thanks to the layer of light, ventilated white fibres that surround the springs, making it a good choice if you run hot at night.

Score: 86/100

No matter what type of sleeper you are, our panel found this adjustable memory foam pillow comfortable and plump, providing a good amount of support without flattening overnight.

The filling is made of microfibre and Simba’s Nanocube technology – otherwise known as a zipped inner bag of tiny foam cubes that optimise airflow and can be removed to customise the height and firmness of the pillow. Just note, it wasn’t the most breathable on test.

Score: 80/100

Another adjustable option, the customisable filling makes this pillow suitable for different types of sleepers. Simply unzip the side to access the removable memory foam clusters, which can be tweaked to suit your preferred level of support. The pillow also comes with a small storage bag for any excess filling.

“Comfort lasted through the night, and the pillow kept its shape through to the morning,” said one satisfied tester. Just note, it’s quite soft and bouncy, so may not suit those who prefer a firmer design.

Our other niggle was the lack of clear washing and care instructions, although these are available online (the removable quilted cover is machine washable at 40°C).

Score: 78/100

If you’re a side sleeper who tends to run hot, this could be the perfect pillow for you. The long, body pillow combines a temperature regulating fibre filling with a breathable 100% cotton cover. And testers noticed the cooling effect, both initially and throughout the night, describing it as consistently fresh – although it was slightly less noticeable when used with a pillowcase.

The elongated shape provides full-body support, helping to keep your spine in a more neutral position and reducing pressure around the neck and shoulders.

Sure enough, our testers found it helpful for maintaining a comfortable sleeping position, especially when placed along the body. One even used it as a backrest for reading in bed.

Score: 70/100

Designed with neck support in mind, the Original Groove Pillow features a distinctive ergonomic dip that’s well suited to back sleepers. This central groove helps encourage a more neutral sleeping position while cradling the neck. Side sleepers are also catered for, with raised edges designed to provide additional support and help maintain a comfortable position overnight.

Our panel praised the mouldable foam design for its comfort and pressure-relieving qualities, with some noting reduced stiffness over time. The foam adapts to the shape of the head and neck, offering a supportive yet cushioned feel.

That said, some found the unique design and firmer profile took a little getting used to. Another gripe for some was its larger-than-average size, which may not fit standard pillowcases – something to consider before you buy.

Score: 70/00

This V-shaped pillow is quite different to traditional designs. According to the brand, it’s designed for orthopaedic use, nursing support or simply propping yourself up in bed.

Many of our testers appreciated the added support around the neck and shoulders, as well as how easily it could be moulded into different positions for personalised comfort.

While it performed well as a backrest for sitting up in bed, some testers felt it could benefit from a firmer filling for overnight use, particularly when used as a primary sleeping pillow. Its large size also divided opinion – the generous surface area offers enhanced support and versatility, but some found it bulky to store when not in use. You need to purchase a pillowcase separately.