Best pillow for neck pain and side stomach sleeper
Choosing the right pillow is crucial for alleviating neck pain, especially if you’re a side or stomach sleeper. Each sleeping position requires specific support to maintain proper spinal alignment. Here’s a guide on the best pillows for side and stomach sleepers who experience neck pain:
Best Pillows for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain
Side sleeping requires a pillow that offers proper support for the neck and head to keep the spine aligned. If you’re a side sleeper with neck pain, the best pillows should help fill the gap between your neck and the mattress.
- Memory Foam Pillows:
- Benefits: Memory foam contours to the shape of your head and neck, providing custom support and helping with alignment. It reduces pressure points and can ease neck pain.
- Recommendation: A medium-firm memory foam pillow is ideal, as it provides enough support without being too stiff.
- Example: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow – Specifically designed for neck support, it comes in various shapes and sizes.
- Latex Pillows:
- Benefits: Latex is durable, supportive, and offers excellent resilience. It can keep your head and neck in a good position, even for side sleepers.
- Recommendation: A medium-firm latex pillow works well for side sleepers.
- Example: Saatva Latex Pillow – Provides good support and comfort for neck pain relief.
- Contour or Cervical Pillows:
- Benefits: These pillows have a distinct contoured shape to support the natural curve of your neck, promoting better spinal alignment.
- Recommendation: If you have neck pain, look for a contour pillow that supports both your head and neck while side sleeping.
- Example: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cervical Pillow – Designed for side sleepers with neck pain, it helps align your spine correctly.
- Adjustable Pillows:
- Benefits: These pillows allow you to add or remove filling to adjust the height and firmness to suit your neck pain needs.
- Recommendation: Adjustable pillows are versatile and can cater to your specific needs.
- Example: Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow – Features adjustable shredded memory foam, allowing you to modify the loft for optimal comfort.
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Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers with Neck Pain
Stomach sleepers often face neck pain due to the unnatural angle the neck is twisted to keep the airway open. The pillow for stomach sleepers should be low loft and soft, so it doesn’t elevate the head too much.
- Thin Memory Foam Pillows:
- Benefits: A thin memory foam pillow can help reduce the angle of your neck by maintaining its natural alignment, which can minimize neck pain.
- Recommendation: Look for a pillow with low firmness and thinner profile for the best support without over-elevating your head.
- Example: Marlow Pillow by Brooklinen – A soft, thin pillow that’s great for stomach sleepers.
- Down or Down-Alternative Pillows:
- Benefits: A soft, down-filled pillow molds to the head and neck, making it ideal for stomach sleepers, who require minimal elevation.
- Recommendation: Choose a down or down alternative pillow that is soft and pliable to prevent your neck from being forced into a high position.
- Example: Parachute Down Pillow – Provides soft support while allowing your neck to rest comfortably.
- Buckwheat Hull Pillows:
- Benefits: Buckwheat pillows conform to your neck while providing firm support. The natural filling allows for better airflow, which can reduce heat build-up.
- Recommendation: Buckwheat is great for stomach sleepers who need support without extra loft.
- Example: Hullo Buckwheat Pillow – Fully adjustable, the hulls inside can be removed for a more customized feel.
- Adjustable Loft Pillows:
- Benefits: Adjustable loft pillows allow you to remove or add filling, giving you the freedom to fine-tune the pillow height for better support.
- Recommendation: Opt for an adjustable pillow with low loft that you can adjust to reduce neck strain.
- Example: Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow – While good for side sleepers, it’s also adjustable enough to work for stomach sleepers by reducing the loft.
Pillow Tips for Side and Stomach Sleepers with Neck Pain:
- Side Sleepers: Make sure the pillow is thick enough to support the space between your head and the mattress, keeping your spine aligned.
- Stomach Sleepers: Use a soft, thin pillow to avoid straining your neck by pushing your head too far up.
- Positioning: For both positions, consider placing a pillow under the knees for added spinal alignment and comfort.
When selecting a pillow for neck pain, the goal is to provide adequate support for the neck’s natural curve and maintain proper spinal alignment while sleeping. The type of pillow that works best can depend on your sleep position, the severity of your neck pain, and your personal preferences.
What Kind of Pillow is Best for Neck Pain?
The best pillow for neck pain generally provides proper support, promotes spinal alignment, and relieves pressure points. Key factors to consider include the pillow’s firmness, shape, and adjustability:
- Cervical (Contour) Pillows: These are specifically designed with a contoured shape to support the natural curve of the neck. They help maintain spinal alignment and are often recommended for neck pain.
- Best for: Side and back sleepers with neck pain.
- Example: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow or EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow.
- Memory Foam Pillows: Memory foam conforms to your head and neck, providing customized support by adjusting to your body’s pressure. This can reduce strain on the neck muscles and improve sleep comfort.
- Best for: Those seeking a medium-firm pillow with a custom fit.
- Example: Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Pillow.
- Latex Pillows: Latex offers a firm and resilient feel that supports proper alignment. It’s a good option for those who need support but want a pillow that doesn’t sink too much like memory foam.
- Best for: Side and back sleepers who need a firmer pillow.
- Example: Saatva Latex Pillow.
- Adjustable Pillows: These pillows allow you to add or remove filling, providing a customizable loft and firmness level. They are a good choice if you need to adjust the height of the pillow to match your neck alignment.
- Best for: Back and side sleepers who need flexibility in adjusting pillow loft.
- Example: Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow.
Are Firm or Soft Pillows Better for Neck Pain?
When it comes to neck pain, firmness is important, but it depends on your sleep position and personal preference.
- Firm Pillows:
- A firmer pillow is often better for side sleepers, as it helps maintain proper neck alignment by filling the gap between the head and the mattress. If the pillow is too soft, your head will sink too much, misaligning your spine.
- For back sleepers, a medium-firm or firm pillow provides adequate neck support and helps maintain the natural curve of the cervical spine.
- Best for: Side and back sleepers.
- Soft Pillows:
- A soft pillow may work for stomach sleepers, who typically require less loft to prevent straining the neck by raising the head too much. However, stomach sleeping is often not recommended for neck pain because it can put undue stress on the neck.
- Best for: Stomach sleepers (though sleeping on your stomach can exacerbate neck pain).
In summary: A medium-firm to firm pillow is generally better for neck pain, as it helps keep the neck in proper alignment, especially for side and back sleepers. Soft pillows are better for stomach sleepers, but they may not offer enough support for those with neck pain.
What Pillows Do Orthopedic Surgeons Recommend?
Orthopedic surgeons typically recommend pillows that offer proper neck support and help maintain the natural alignment of the spine. They often suggest:
- Cervical Pillows: These are designed to cradle the neck and keep the head in alignment with the spine, which is essential for alleviating neck pain.
- Example: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow.
- Memory Foam Pillows: These can conform to the shape of the neck and head, providing relief from pressure points and maintaining proper alignment.
- Example: Brookstone BioSense Memory Foam Pillow.
- Adjustable Pillows: Orthopedic surgeons often recommend pillows that allow for adjustments in height and firmness to provide optimal comfort and support.
- Example: Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow.
- Latex Pillows: They provide firm support without sacrificing comfort and help maintain alignment for people with neck pain.
- Example: Saatva Latex Pillow.
Orthopedic surgeons generally emphasize the importance of using a pillow that aligns the head and neck in a neutral position to reduce neck strain.
What Pillows Do Chiropractors Recommend?
Chiropractors also recommend pillows that help with spinal alignment and reduce neck strain. Chiropractors typically recommend:
- Contour or Cervical Pillows: These pillows are designed to support the curvature of the neck and provide proper alignment for people with neck pain. They can alleviate pressure on the cervical spine and reduce pain.
- Example: EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow.
- Adjustable Pillows: Chiropractors often recommend adjustable pillows that can be customized to fit your specific needs. This allows you to adjust the pillow height, ensuring proper neck support.
- Example: Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Pillow.
- Memory Foam or Latex Pillows: Both memory foam and latex pillows are recommended because they conform to the head and neck, providing good support and pressure relief. They help maintain proper alignment during sleep.
- Example: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow (memory foam) or Saatva Latex Pillow.
Chiropractors generally recommend pillows that offer medium-firm support, as these provide the best balance between comfort and support.
If you’re looking for the best pillow for neck pain, here are some great options from Amazon and other sources, specifically for various needs like neck and shoulder pain, headaches, and side sleeping.
1. Best Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain
For neck and shoulder pain, you need a pillow that supports both the neck and shoulders to relieve pressure and maintain proper alignment.
- EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow
- Description: This ergonomic pillow is designed to relieve neck and shoulder pain by supporting the natural curve of your neck and offering firm support.
- Best For: Side, back, and stomach sleepers looking for firm support.
- Features: Memory foam, removable breathable pillowcase, and a contour shape to support neck curvature.
- Price: Around $40–$50 on Amazon.
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
- Description: Specifically designed to alleviate neck pain, this cervical pillow provides excellent support and helps with neck alignment.
- Best For: People with chronic neck pain or anyone seeking targeted relief.
- Features: Tempur material that conforms to the shape of your head and neck.
- Price: Around $80–$100 on Amazon.
2. Best Pillow for Neck Pain and Side Sleepers
Side sleepers need a pillow that keeps the head aligned with the spine to prevent neck strain. A medium-firm pillow with a contoured shape is ideal.
- Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Pillow
- Description: This adjustable pillow is filled with shredded memory foam, allowing you to adjust the loft for side sleepers, ensuring proper support for the neck.
- Best For: Side sleepers with neck pain.
- Features: Adjustable filling, hypoallergenic, and breathable cover.
- Price: Around $60–$70 on Amazon.
- Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
- Description: This pillow has a unique shredded memory foam design that allows for adjustable height. It keeps the neck properly aligned, especially for side sleepers.
- Best For: Side sleepers and those looking for personalized loft adjustment.
- Features: Shredded foam for adjustability, breathable bamboo cover.
- Price: Around $50 on Amazon.
3. Best Pillow for Neck Pain and Headaches
If neck pain is contributing to headaches, you need a pillow that relieves pressure on the neck and promotes proper spinal alignment.
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow
- Description: This soft yet supportive pillow provides a gentle feel that alleviates pressure points and can help reduce headaches associated with neck strain.
- Best For: People with both neck pain and headache issues.
- Features: Soft TEMPUR material, supportive yet gentle.
- Price: Around $70–$100 on Amazon.
- PureFlow Memory Foam Pillow by Sleep Innovations
- Description: A hybrid pillow with a unique design that provides support and relieves neck pressure, helping reduce tension headaches.
- Best For: People who experience headaches linked to neck tension.
- Features: Cool, breathable design, ergonomic shape.
- Price: Around $35 on Amazon.
4. Best Pillow for Neck Pain – Reddit Recommendations
Reddit users often recommend pillows that have helped them manage neck pain, and here are some of the most popular choices based on discussions and reviews:
- Hullo Buckwheat Pillow
- Description: A buckwheat pillow is adjustable and supportive, conforming to the shape of the neck and providing relief from neck pain.
- Best For: Those seeking a natural and customizable pillow option.
- Features: Buckwheat hull filling, adjustable firmness, breathable cover.
- Price: Around $80 on Amazon.
- Xtreme Comforts Memory Foam Pillow
- Description: With excellent reviews for neck pain relief, this pillow helps maintain proper alignment, providing relief from neck tension and headaches.
- Best For: Side and back sleepers with neck pain.
- Features: Shredded memory foam, adjustable height, and a cooling cover.
- Price: Around $40–$50 on Amazon.
5. Orthopedic Pillow for Neck Pain
Orthopedic pillows are designed specifically to support the neck and ensure proper spinal alignment, which is essential for those suffering from chronic neck pain.
- Mediflow Waterbase Pillow
- Description: This pillow has a water-filled base that adjusts the firmness level to your liking, providing customized support to reduce neck pain.
- Best For: People who need adjustable firmness and support.
- Features: Water-based filling, adjustable firmness, orthopedic support.
- Price: Around $50 on Amazon.
- ChiroFlow Water Pillow
- Description: Another water pillow, it provides customizable support and is often recommended by chiropractors to maintain neck alignment.
- Best For: People with severe neck pain who need a customized firmness level.
- Features: Adjustable water base for personalized support.
- Price: Around $60–$80 on Amazon.
6. Orthopedic Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain
Pillows designed to relieve both neck and shoulder pain focus on maintaining overall neck and upper body alignment.
- EPABO Memory Foam Pillow
- Description: The contoured design helps relieve both neck and shoulder pain by providing targeted support and reducing pressure on sensitive areas.
- Best For: Side and back sleepers with neck and shoulder pain.
- Features: Memory foam, ergonomic contour design.
- Price: Around $40–$50 on Amazon.
- Orthopedic Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief Pillow
- Description: A cervical support pillow designed specifically to target neck and shoulder pain through ergonomic contouring.
- Best For: People who need simultaneous neck and shoulder relief.
- Features: Memory foam, orthopedic design, pillowcases with cooling fabric.
- Price: Around $40–$50 on Amazon.
7. Best Pillow for Neck Pain 2025
As of 2025, some of the best-rated options for neck pain relief include:
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow (2025 Updated Version)
- Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Pillow
- EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow
- ChiroFlow Water Pillow
These pillows are often considered the best by both experts and users for their ability to support the neck’s natural curve and alleviate tension, helping with neck pain relief.
Conclusion
To find the best pillow for neck pain, it’s important to consider your sleep position, personal preferences, and pain severity. Some of the top-rated pillows on Amazon for neck pain are memory foam, contoured cervical pillows, and adjustable loft pillows. You may also consider water pillows if you want customizable firmness. Check customer reviews to find what works best for your neck pain and sleep needs.
- Best Pillows for Neck Pain: Contour (cervical) pillows, memory foam, latex, and adjustable pillows are all great options.
- Firm vs. Soft: For most people with neck pain, a medium-firm or firm pillow is better, especially for side and back sleepers. Stomach sleepers may need a softer pillow, but stomach sleeping is generally discouraged for neck pain.
- Orthopedic Surgeons’ and Chiropractors’ Recommendations: They typically recommend contour cervical pillows, memory foam, latex, and adjustable pillows for proper neck support and spinal alignment.
Choosing the right pillow for neck pain involves considering your sleep position and finding a pillow that provides the right level of support and comfort to maintain proper alignment and alleviate strain.
- Side Sleepers: Opt for a medium-firm memory foam or latex pillow, or a contoured cervical pillow.
- Stomach Sleepers: Choose a soft, low-loft memory foam, down, or buckwheat pillow to avoid neck strain.
- Consider adjustable pillows for both types of sleepers to customize the loft and firmness to best suit your needs.
Selecting the right pillow based on your sleep position is essential in alleviating neck pain and improving sleep quality.
Best pillow for neck pain and side stomach sleeper