The Best Pillows for Neck Pain of 2026, Reviewed by Doctors
If you start waking up with a stiff neck or soreness, it's time to replace your pillow.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rahul Shah M.D.Orthopedic Spine SurgeonTested by Grace WuSenior Analyst
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As someone who struggles with neck pain, I know how much the right pillow can affect the way you feel the next morning. After testing more than 200 pillows in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab and analyzing feedback from consumer testers who have chronic neck pain, I found the following pillows to provide the best combination of support and comfort while encouraging proper spinal alignment. The Tempur-Pedic Tempur Neck Pillow continues to be our top recommendation for people with neck pain because of its firm, contoured foam and is sold in three sizes, ideal for back and side sleepers. This story was medically reviewed by orthopedic spine surgeon, Dr. Rahul Shah, M.D.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Tempur-Pedic Tempur Neck Pillow
- Best value: Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow
- Most supportive: Purple Harmony Pillow
- Best for side sleepers: Honeydew Essence Side Sleeper Pillow
Best Deal
Pros
- Contoured shape designed to fit curves of head, neck, and shoulders
- Made of firm memory foam to excellent support
- Earned high scores in our in-Lab tests
Cons
- May be too firm for some
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Side and back sleepers with chronic neck pain who want firm stability
WHAT TO KNOW: Contoured or cervical pillows have a unique design to fit the curves of your head, neck, and shoulders for proper support. This one from Tempur-Pedic has been on the market for ages and continues to be popular, thanks to how well it supports your neck and keeps your ears in line with your shoulders.
It's made of extra-firm memory foam and comes in three thicknesses tailored to back and side sleepers of different statures. The material helps keep your head and neck stable while you sleep, preventing you from bending into a position that strains your neck. Memory foam tends to hold onto heat, so hot sleepers have the option to add a cooling cover for an extra cost when purchasing directly from the brand.
TEST RESULTS: Beyond acing our pressure-resilience tests, which measure how well a pillow maintains and recovers its shape, the firm and resilient foam received praise from several of our consumer testers. And those who prefer firm pillows told us it felt supportive to lie on and highlighted how the foam slowly molds to their head and neck. One commented, "It fit around my neck and shoulder perfectly."
| Sleeping position | Side or back |
| Fill | Memory foam |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Sizes | Small, Medium, or Large |
Pros
- Earned top testing scores across the board
- Plush fill can be adjusted to fit your body
- Cover and fill are both machine washable
Cons
- Outer cover showed some signs of pilling after long-term use
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Budget-savvy shoppers who are looking for a plush yet supportive pillow designed for all sleeping positions
WHAT TO KNOW: If you're waking up constantly with a sore neck, it's likely due to poor spinal alignment. This pillow offers a simple solution: adjustable fill. You can easily adjust the firmness and density by adding or removing fill to find the perfect height to keep your neck aligned. Filled with a blend of shredded foam and microfiber clusters, the pillow feels both supportive and plush, molding to the head and neck. And while most pillows for neck pain cost well over $100, this affordable pick is less.
TEST RESULTS: After earning some of the highest scores in our laundering evaluations, pressure tests, and pillowcase-fit test, this pick also earned top marks from our consumer testers. They unanimously agreed that it was better than other pillows they've slept on, noting improved sleep quality without any soreness after waking. One highlighted the comfortable feel, saying, "It wraps around my head, and I sink into it."
In the Textiles Lab, the fill maintained its shape during pressure tests, and it did well in our laundry tests—both the cover and fill are machine washable and dryer safe. Lab analysts noticed some pilling and wear on the cover after continued use.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Coop Original Pillow
| Sleeping position | All |
| Fill | Shredded memory foam and polyester fibers |
| Firmness | Adjustable |
| Sizes | Queen and King |
Pros
- Airy, innovative polymer grid is good for hot sleepers
- Supportive yet plush
- Easily bounces back to shape
Cons
- Heavier than other pillows
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Neck pain sufferers who are willing to try a unique material that testers with chronic neck pain found comfortable and supportive. It's also great for hot sleepers.
WHAT TO KNOW: There's no pillow quite like this one from Purple. It's made of the brand's signature elastic grid material with a latex core and has a squishy, bouncy feel that falls between soft and firm. It's sold in three heights, so sleepers of all positions and body shapes can find the right pillow height for them. The grid has open channels for increased airflow, making it a good pick for hot sleepers. Plus, latex doesn't hold on to heat as much as memory foam does (a common material found in pillows for neck pain!).
The outer grid and latex core pair together to cradle your head and neck with Medium firmness that's comfy if you tend to change positions in the night. This pillow is heavier than other pillows because of the latex and polymer grid.
TEST RESULTS: It earned high scores in our Lab tests, maintaining its shape during our weighted pressure tests and washing beautifully. Latex tends to maintain its shape better long term compared to memory foam because of its elasticity and open-shell structure.
On top of that, the pillow was a hit with our testers, especially those who sleep hot. One shared, "I loved that it did what it says it’s going to—maintain its shape, provide support, and keep you cool." Our consumer testers also noted that it kept their necks in a neutral position and looked nice on their bed.
| Sleeping Position | All |
| Fill | Polymer grid and latex core |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Sizes | Standard and King (Low, Medium and Tall heights) |
Pros
- Hybrid fill is adjustable for a soft yet supportive feel
- Side sleepers applauded the top-notch neck support from the curved shape
- Brand will send extra fill if you need more
Cons
- Curved shape fit awkwardly in a pillowcase
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Side sleepers who can benefit from a curved shaped pillow for increased neck support
WHAT TO KNOW: With a curved shape and hybrid fill, this Honeydew sleep pillow is designed for side sleepers. The fill is a mix of memory foam pieces and microfiber clusters that's entirely adjustable to find your perfect height—the brand will even send you extra fill if you need more. When sleeping on your side, the curved shape can help alleviate pressure on your shoulders.
TEST RESULTS: "I love how supportive the pillow is while still being soft," shared one tester. "It was completely comfortable from the moment I put my head down on the pillow." Testers liked that they could add and remove the fill to find the best support for them and how supportive it was. One said, "The unique shape allows for a lot of shoulder comfort," but the curved shape did fit awkwardly in a Standard-sized pillowcase. The pillow returned to its original shape quickly in Textiles Lab pressure-resistance tests.
Features at a Glance
| Sleeping position | Side |
| Fill | Memory foam pieces and microfiber clusters |
| Firmness | Adjustable |
| Sizes | Standard |
Pros
- Plush fill is shredded memory foam and kapok, a natural fiber
- Ability to adjust fill amount to customize the height and firmness
- Highest comfort score from testers
Cons
- Gray color may be visible in white pillowcases
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Combination sleepers or anyone who sleeps on their side, back, or stomach
WHAT TO KNOW: A pillow with an adjustable, plush fill can help keep your neck properly aligned in every sleeping position—especially helpful if you change positions throughout the night. The Layla pillow has an adjustable fill made with a mix of shredded memory foam and kapok, a natural fiber with a fluffy feel. The blend offers a great balance of plush comfort and necessary support, making it great for side, stomach, and back sleepers. You can add or remove the amount of fill in the pillow to customize the firmness and height of the pillow to achieve your optimal spinal alignment.
TEST RESULTS: This pillow received the highest overall score from our consumer testers, with all testers giving it perfect scores for comfort and support. One called it "soft yet supportive," and highlighted how it "holds its shape all night long." And although it leans soft on the firmness spectrum, the fill impressed us in our Lab tests, bouncing back to shape quickly after our eight-hour pressure test. If you love white bedding, note that the grey pattern on the outer cover was visible under some white pillowcases.
| Sleeping position | All |
| Fill | Kapok and shredded memory foam |
| Firmness | Adjustable |
| Sizes | Queen and King |
Pros
- Affordable price for solid memory foam pillow
- Testers of all sleep positions gave it high comfort scores
- Cover showed no signs of wear after laundering
Cons
- Some testers said it's not tall enough
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Memory foam fans who want a solid sleeping surface that'll maintain its shape night after night
WHAT TO KNOW: Tuft & Needle's Original Foam Pillow uses solid memory foam (rather than foam clusters) to cradle your head and neck for support and pressure relief. The foam is infused with graphite and cooling gel and has holes throughout for ventilation to prevent overheating. While some memory foam tends to slowly sink under pressure, this surprisingly affordable pillow has a squishy yet supportive texture that stands out compared to our other solid foam picks.
TEST RESULTS: Overheating is a common complaint with memory foam pillows, but all of our testers said this pillow kept them cool. On top of that, it received top marks from side, back, and stomach sleepers alike, although some side sleepers found it a bit too short. Despite that, our testers unanimously agreed that it felt like an upgrade from the pillow they normally use. One described it as "firm enough to keep its shape but overall soft." The cover showed no signs of wear after laundering, but one tester did notice a slight chemical smell when unboxing that took a few days to fully dissipate.
| Sleeping position | All |
| Fill | Memory foam |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Sizes | Standard and King |
How we test the best pillows for neck pain
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has evaluated all types of bedding, including pillows, for over a century through rigorous in-Lab and consumer testing. In recent years, we've tested more than 200 different pillows in the Lab with more than 700 consumer testers.
For this story, we drew from our broader pillow testing data and prioritized models that performed well in Lab evaluations, then considered feedback from at-home testers with neck pain, and input from physicians on spinal alignment. Here are some of the aspects we evaluate when testing pillows:
Ease of use: We put each pillow in a standard pillowcase to gauge overall fit, noting any excess fabric or poor fit.
Durability/washability: Our analysts score each pillow on its care label instructions to see how easy it is to clean. We then wash the pillows and check for any changes, first after an initial wash, and once again after several washes.
Performance: Depending on the type of fill (down or fiberfill vs. foam or latex), we place weights on each pillow for a set amount of time and record the amount of time needed for the material to fully recover (or bounce back). For down and fiberfill pillows, we first fold the pillows in half before placing weights on top.
Consumer testing: We match consumer testers with a pillow based on their personal preferences and sleeping style. Testers then use the pillow at home for several weeks before rating it on overall comfort, support, temperature regulation, and more. They also provide in-depth feedback on their experience, including any change in sleep quality or soreness over time.
Claim validation: Our analysts always vet the brand and product listing to verify any organic certifications or other claims made.
Partner with physicians: We work alongside physicians to answer the most common questions about how to buy the best pillow for neck pain and other ways to help find relief when sleeping. They also advised on spinal alignment, sleep position, and what features to look for in a pillow for neck pain.
What to look for when shopping for the best pillows for neck pain
When it comes to pillows, the main factors to consider are the height and materials. To find what's best for you, consider your sleep position, body type, and any personal preferences. Also, make sure to check the care label, as not all pillows can be easily washed.
✔️ Loft and firmness: The right pillow loft (a.k.a. height) will keep your spine in proper alignment, so your head isn't bending in any direction. To figure out which loft is best, consider your sleeping position (more information below) and body shape. If you have a larger frame, you will need a thicker pillow, while those with a smaller frame will need something thinner.
Ultimately, you want your pillow to help keep your neck in a neutral position, but it still needs to feel comfortable. Therefore, make sure you choose a pillow firmness that you'll enjoy sleeping on each night.
✔️ Sleeping position: When shopping, it's helpful to look for pillows designed for your sleeping position. Here's what to look for:
• Side sleepers need a thicker pillow to “keep their ears in line with their shoulders” to prevent their neck from extending in either direction when sleeping on their side, according to Jaspal R. Singh, M.D., co-director of the Center for Comprehensive Spine Care at Weill Cornell Medicine.
• Back sleepers should opt for a medium-thick pillow that still provides support to keep their neck aligned and prevent the neck from arching forward.
• Stomach sleepers should choose a thinner pillow to keep the neck in a neutral position. Placing a pillow under your shoulders can help keep your spine aligned too.
✔️ Materials: Pillows of all fill types can help reduce neck pain. Firmer materials like memory foam and latex are popular because of their stable feel that prioritizes support. If you prefer plush pillows or sleep on your stomach, down and down alternative can still provide relief, as long as they're thick enough to keep your neck in a neutral position.
• Memory foam: Pillows made with memory foam are available in two different styles: solid or shredded. Solid memory foam pillows are designed to give you that super supportive feel as your head sinks into the pillow, but the fill cannot move. Shredded memory foam pillows still give you a supportive feel, but the fill can be moved around for a plusher experience. These are often mixed with microfiber clusters or kapok for added plushness.
• Latex: With a squishy feel similar to memory foam, latex, however, bounces back much quicker. Like memory foam, latex pillows can either feature solid or shredded fill.
• Down: For the ultimate fluffy pillow, all-down pillows are the way to go. For a lower price, look for pillows that are part down and part feathers.
• Down alternative: If you have a down allergy or want a more affordable option, down alternative pillows are typically filled with polyester fiber that has a similar feel to down at a fraction of the cost.
✔️ Shape: Contoured or cervical pillows have a unique shape to promote spinal alignment. The cut-outs in the pillow are designed to keep your head stable, so your neck stays in a neutral position all night long. They are best suited for back and side sleepers—not necessarily combination sleepers. Because of the unconventional shape, they do not fit well in traditional pillowcases, and the brand sometimes offers specific cases for a better fit.
Why is a pillow important for relieving neck pain?
We spend around a third of each day sleeping, so your pillow can have a big impact on neck pain and spine health. Naimish Baxi, M.D., physiatrist at The Hospital of Special Surgery in New says there's no perfect pillow for everyone, but "to avoid neck pain during sleep, it’s important that your neck stays ‘neutral.’”
An uncomfortable pillow can cause neck pain, poor sleep quality, stiffness, and even headaches. To keep your neck and shoulders in a neutral position, you need a pillow that will keep your neck aligned without tilting in any one direction.
Is a firm or soft pillow better for neck pain?
It depends on your sleeping position and preferences. Both firm and soft pillows can be effective in reducing neck pain. If you sleep on your side or back, opt for a firmer pillow such as the solid memory foam Tempur Neck Pillow. Ergonomic pillows with cut-outs or curved shapes are generally firmer since memory foam helps the pillow keep its shape. Softer pillows with a plush fill, like the Layla Adjustable Kapok Pillow, are great for stomach sleepers.
Many of our testers reported that when trying a new pillow, they realized their old pillow was too soft and flat for proper neck support. Older pillows that have lost their shape can worsen neck pain.
Other ways to relieve neck pain while sleeping
✔️ Upgrade your mattress: While you may think your pillow is the only part of the bed that can cause neck pain, your mattress plays a huge role in supporting your whole spine. Check out our mattress shopping guide and our round-up of the best mattresses for back pain to learn more about how to buy the most supportive and comfortable mattress for you. Consider adding a mattress pad or mattress topper to upgrade your bed's feel without buying a whole new mattress.
✔️ Add a body pillow: Head pillows help support your head, but a body pillow can help encourage full-body alignment—and they also help promote side sleeping. Pregnant testers especially appreciated body pillows for belly support.
✔️ Avoid slouching: While it can be tempting to slouch and lie down when reading or watching TV in bed, it can lead to more neck pain later. A wedge pillow can help you maintain proper posture when sitting up in bed. "While many individuals place an increasing importance on pillows, mattresses, and sleep position, the most common cause of spinal issues is posture and mechanics throughout the day," says Dr. Singh. "Avoid slouching and sitting in a chair all day. Changing positions throughout the day will maintain blood flow in the spine and mitigate degeneration," he adds.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is the associate Textiles Lab director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has rigorously tested more than 200 pillows in the Textiles Lab in recent years, and she has coordinated pillow sleep testing with hundreds of at-home testers. Seymour has a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University and has been testing bedding for over seven years at Good Housekeeping.
Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and oversaw recent in-Lab pillow testing of 40 pillows. Wu has previously written about the best mattresses for back pain and interviewed medical experts for additional insight. Prior to joining GH, she earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University.
We partnered with physicians to help learn more about how to shop for a pillow that'll help alleviate neck pain:
• Jaspal R. Singh, M.D., co-director of the Center for Comprehensive Spine Care at Weill Cornell Medicine
• Naimish Baxi, M.D., physiatrist at The Hospital of Special Surgery in New York
• Rahul Shah M.D., an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in complex spine conditions at Premier Orthopedic Associates in New Jersey.
Dr. Rahul Shah is board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon, who specializes in complex spine conditions. He is a partner with Premier Orthopaedic Associates in the State of New Jersey.
Grace Wu (she/her) is the senior analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
