We've all heard that old saying, 'a pain in the neck' - but nobody ever wants this to be literal!

Do you suffer from neck pain? Are you wondering how you can sleep your way to better neck muscles? You're in luck.

This article will give you the rundown on the best pillow for neck pain and headaches. We have six different models just waiting for you below, so you'll be spoilt for choice!

Find your dream pillow and say goodbye to neck pain. Read on to find out how.

How Can The Right Pillow Help With Neck Pain?

It's all well and good to say that you need to find your dream pillow, but how do you know that a pillow is the right product in the first place?

Maybe you've gone through every gel your local Boots can offer - perhaps you've tried a million different pillows before, including shredded memory foam or even cooling pillows.

But what makes a pillow right for your neck? And how can it ultimately help?

Simply put, gauging the specific location of your muscle pain will help you target areas that need the most support. For example, an extremely popular pillow for neck pain is a core cervical support pillow.

6 Of The Best Pillows For Neck Pain

Now that you know how the right pillow can help soothe neck pain, you will want to know what is the best pillow for neck pain. Below you can find our pick of the six best options for a wide range of sleeping experiences.

So whether you are a side sleeper or a budget shopper, you are sure to find the best pillow for neck pain!

Best value: Slumberdown V-Shaped Support Pillow

You may think that shopping on a budget locks you out of some of the top products out there, but the Slumberdown V-Shaped Support Pillow shows otherwise. This fantastic but affordable neck pain pillow is the best choice for any budget shopper.

It features a medium support design that perfectly balances comfort and support. This is reinforced with its spectacular V-shaped design, offering you added support when sitting up reading in bed.

The pillow itself is packed to the brim with a hollowfibre filling. This allows the pillow to wrap around your body's natural contours providing added support where needed. The pillow is also non-allergenic, which adds a whole new layer!

If you're on a strict budget but are still looking to invest in a pillow designed for neck pain, the Slumberdown V-Shaped Support Pillow is the best choice!

Best memory foam pillow for neck pain: Snuggledown Bliss Contour Memory Foam Pillow

Memory foam is one of the best materials used in any bedding product, including neck support pillows. The Snuggledown Bliss Contour Memory Foam Pillow is one of the best memory foam pillows out there, guaranteed to provide comfort in bed.

Alongside the impressive memory foam pillow design, the Snuggledown Bliss Contour Memory Foam Pillow is coated in a bamboo cover. Bamboo covers are exceptionally soft and help reduce moisture build-up due to sweat when sleeping.

Due to its contoured shape, the Snuggledown Bliss memory foam pillow can be used in three different ways. You can easily find the exact position you need to reduce your neck pain and support you during sleep.

Best for side sleeping: Slumberdown Super Support Pillow

Designed with side sleepers in mind, the Slumberdown Super Support Pillow is an excellent option for soothing neck and back pain. Side sleepers will generally require a firm and supportive pillow, which this option provides.

Deep inside the pillow sits a one-of-a-kind pillow block designed to lift your head and align your back and neck. Correct alignment is essential when it comes to sleeping on your side, especially if you want to avoid neck pain.

In terms of filling material, Slumberdown has opted for a 100% hollowfibre option. This provides high levels of comfort and can prevent allergies - it's more than just a good pillow for neck pain!

There are many fantastic options out there for side sleepers. But, when it comes down to the best pillow for neck pain, a side sleeper will find few can compete with the Slumberdown Super Support Pillow. If you suffer from neck pain, add this to your shopping list today!

Best for back sleeping: Sleepseeker WonderFull Back Sleeper Pillow

One of the most common sleeping positions is back sleeping. However, back sleepers regularly suffer from neck and back pain due to a lack of support during sleep. If you can relate to this, then check out the Sleepseeker WonderFull Back Sleeper Pillow!

The non-allergenic cluster fibre keeps sniffly noses away and is soft enough to feel comfortable throughout the night. In terms of support, this Sleepseeker pillow consists of a medium firmness design - which is the perfect balance for comfort and support.

The pillow has been designed to maintain its shape and the filling is encased in a 230 thread count cotton cover. If you have ever rested in a luxurious hotel bed, this pillow may feel familiar.

Neck pain can lower your mood and get in the way of everyday tasks. Thankfully, with products such as the Sleepseeker WonderFull Back Sleeper Pillow, neck pain can be a thing of the past!

Best for front sleeping: Snuggledown Hungarian Goose Down Pillow

When it comes to quality, few options on the market can compete with the Snuggledown Hungarian Goose Down Pillow. This premium pillow is easily one of the best pillow options for stomach sleepers suffering from neck and shoulder pain.

Each pillow is packed to the brim with luxurious quality goose down, which is one of the finest fillings available. The 300 thread count cotton cover prevents any goose feathers from poking through, which is a common complaint in goose down products.

As it is designed to offer front support when sleeping, the Snuggledown pillow is on the softer side. Firm pillows can cause pain when sleeping on your stomach, so this product provides a soft but supportive sleeping experience.

If you are on the market for a premium-style pillow that can help prevent neck pain from front sleeping, this is the best option!

Best for extra support: Slumberdown Memory Plus Firm Support Pillow

Generally, when comparing pillows best suited to neck pain, you will want to find options that provide the best support. Look no further, as the Slumberdown Memory Plus Firm Support Pillow offers fantastic support that anyone can appreciate.

Designed with side sleepers in mind, this extra-firm pillow keeps your spine and neck aligned whilst sleeping, reducing neck pain. However, although it is surprisingly firm, it still provides a comfortable experience.

The memory foam wrap inside helps the pillow bend around your head and neck. As you might expect, this offers extra levels of comfort and is also known to reduce pain associated with the upper body.

An extra-supportive pillow can be the difference between constant neck pain and no neck pain. If you are a side sleeper or just someone looking for the best memory foam pillow for support, then be sure to check out the Slumberdown Memory Foam Plus Firm Support Pillow.

Choosing The Right Pillow For Neck Pain

Before you head out and buy the most expensive pillow available, you should consider a few things. Here are a few tips and aspects you should consider before making your pillow purchase!

Support

One of the most significant benefits of neck pillows is their support for your neck. A large percentage of neck pain problems are caused by poor posture or a lack of neck support, which is precisely what the best pillows can provide.

Most pillows for neck pain will be designed to support a specific sleeping position. The most common options are for both side sleepers and stomach sleepers. This doesn't mean back sleepers are left out, however.

Different sleeping positions will require differing levels of support. Back and side sleepers will need slightly more support than front sleepers, but this comes down to personal taste.

If you are unsure which level of support is best for your pain, consider making an appointment with a chiropractor. They will be able to offer professional advice tailored to your needs.

Firmness

Before splashing out on a pillow, you will want to know exactly how firm it is. Firmer pillows generally offer more support for your neck and back, whereas a softer pillow can provide high comfort levels.

Ideally, you will want to find a reasonably firm pillow without being uncomfortable. A significant deciding factor between your choice of firmness will be your tastes - some people prefer firmer pillows whilst others prefer softer options.

As long as your pillow is firm enough to offer your neck, back, and shoulders support, it should be an excellent investment. Memory foam designs are perfect when it comes to levels of firmness as they will mould around your natural body shape!

Loft

The loft of a pillow is how much it raises a particular body part whilst resting. In most cases, this will either be your head or your back. It can be tricky to know what loft is suited to your needs as too much loft can cause more pain, and too little is pointless.

A great way to figure out the ideal loft for your pain is to lift your head whilst lying down. Keep an idea in mind of when the pain starts to kick in, as this will help you know how much loft is too much.

The majority of pillow products on the market will provide details regarding how much loft they provide so you can find out quickly. If you are still unsure, get in touch with the manufacturer as they will surely know!

Strain relief

A significant reason you may be tempted to purchase a brand new set of pillows is the strain relief they provide. This is especially true when it comes to a new cervical pillow.

Strain is a constant cause of pain in the neck and shoulders, so you will want to check out what relief a pillow can provide. We recommend you check out a few customer reviews, as these will give you a decent idea of how much relief you can expect from your pillow.

Shape

In the world of pillows, there are an incredible variety of pillow shapes designed to offer differing levels of support. One of the best pillow shapes on the market for neck pain is a cylindrical design.

Rounded designs will rest under your neck, helping keep your neck aligned with your back. This can reduce aches and pains associated with bad posture and can even help reduce your shoulder pain.

If you find yourself reading in bed or watching shows on a tablet, then a V-shaped pillow is an excellent option. This provides support across your back and will give you added support when sitting.

There are many pillow shape options, too many to list here. If you come across a particular design, research what support it is designed for. This can help you find out whether or not it is suited to your specific needs!

Materials

The material your pillow is crafted from can impact whether or not it is suited to relieving neck pain. Memory foam is especially popular in neck support pillows as it moulds to your body's natural contours. This ensures that your pillow supports the right areas and will help soothe a stiff neck.

Bamboo covers are also fantastic as they reduce moisture build-up and offer a cooling sensation throughout the night. They are exceptionally soft; however, they do cost a little more than your typical pillow for neck pain.

When comparing materials, it's also a good idea to consider your budget as some options, like goose down and bamboo-covered pillows, can be more pricey than others. 

Cost

Perhaps the most important consideration when purchasing any new product is the cost. Before you start comparing the many options available, you will want to set yourself a monetary budget.

This will help limit the products to options that you can genuinely afford, saving you time and effort when browsing online. It can also help offer you a realistic view of what types of pillows are within your budget.

Deciding on a budget before you start browsing is almost always a good idea. You don't want to spend more on a pillow than you are comfortable doing so. Goose down pillows tend to be the most expensive option, so keep that in mind when deciding what you can afford!

Extra features

There are a few extra features you may want to keep your eyes peeled for when it comes to the world of pillows. If you are the type of sleeper who gets extremely warm when sleeping, a cooling pillow could be a worthy investment.

As you might guess from the name, a cooling pillow is designed to help keep you cool throughout the night. This can truly enhance your sleeping experience, which may help reduce neck pain.

An adjustable pillow is also worth checking out if you struggle to find that perfect sleeping position. Your typical adjustable pillow will provide support for any sleeping position!

Should I Change My Sleeping Position To Help With Neck Pain?

It can be hard to adjust to a new sleeping position, especially if you suffer from pain. If you find that your usual position aggravates any muscular pain, you can always try a new position - you might find it helps you get a good night's sleep!

More Tips To Help With Neck Pain

Pillows are an excellent way to help relieve neck pain. But what other options are out there? There are a few methods you can try to ease neck pain; you can find these below!

Consider a new mattress

Did you know that an old mattress can be the cause of your neck pain? Over time, mattresses begin to wear down, adding pressure to your back and spine, which in turn can lead to long-term neck pain.

If you regularly wake up with a bad neck or back, it may be time to invest in a new mattress. You could also consider buying a mattress topper, such as a memory foam topper - this can save you some cash if you don't want to buy a whole new mattress.

There are a few mattresses out there that are designed to lower neck pain and provide back, side and stomach sleepers support. Take your time to consider what options are out there before you splash out; this will ensure your new mattress provides the relief you need!

Use physical therapy

Physical therapy, such as massages or chiropractor appointments, is highly recommended if you suffer from constant neck pain. As we are not trained medical professionals, it's always a good option to seek advice from a chiropractor.

A typical chiropractor procedure will involve physical therapy such as neck massages and exercises. These exercises will be tailored to specifically suit your personal needs.

Severe neck pain can significantly impact your quality of life and is something you will want to get sorted out as soon as possible. Only a true professional will be able to help you diagnose what is causing any neck and shoulder pain.

Use hot and cold compresses

Depending on the cause of your neck pain, a hot or cold compress could offer you temporary release. A cold compress may help relieve swelling, which in turn will lower the neck pain you are suffering from.

On the other hand, a hot compress will help promote natural blood flow and relax your neck muscles. This will help relieve some of the tension you are feeling, which again may help lower your neck pain.

Hot and cold compresses won't work all the time as it depends entirely on why you are suffering from neck pain. For example, if your pain is due to a spinal or back problem, a compress may not offer relief.

It is always worth trying to use a compress when relaxing to see if it does help as long. Just make sure you don't hold the compress on for too long, as both low and high temperatures can cause skin damage.

FAQs

What pillows do chiropractors recommend for neck pain?

Typically, most chiropractors will recommend a memory foam pillow or a cylindrical design when it comes to neck pain. There are a few alternatives that are still great such as latex and feather pillows!

Are latex pillows good for neck pain?

Latex pillows can provide good support if you’re suffering with neck pain, however they will often become compacted and uncomfortable over time. This means they may help to reduce the pain in the first instance, but a memory foam pillow may be better suited for longer term pain.

Which pillow firmness is best for neck pain sufferers?

Your choice of pillow firmness will largely depend on your taste and how severe your neck pain is. For severe cases of neck pain, you will ideally want to invest in a softer pillow that doesn't apply too much pressure to sore spots.

If your neck pain is due to bad posture, a firmer pillow may be best. This will offer you better support and keep your neck aligned with your back.

Is it worth buying an expensive pillow?

If you suffer from chronic neck pain investing in an expensive pillow can be worth it. Premium pillows can help alleviate neck pain and ensure that your neck and back are correctly supported.

Where can I find the best pillows for neck pain?

Finding the perfect place to purchase the best pillow for body pain can be challenging. Luckily, that's what we are here for. Here at Sleepseeker, we offer a fantastic range of pillows suitable for neck and back pain.