What Is The Best Pillow For Your Neck?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The best pillow for neck and shoulder pain is firm enough to hold the head at a healthy angle, but soft enough to alleviate pressure points. Most sleepers find success with either a

memory foam, latex, buckwheat, or feather pillow

, as these materials offer the best balance of support and pressure relief.

What kind of pillow is best for your neck?

The best pillow for neck and shoulder pain is firm enough to hold the head at a healthy angle, but soft enough to alleviate pressure points. Most sleepers find success with either a

memory foam, latex, buckwheat, or feather pillow

, as these materials offer the best balance of support and pressure relief.

What pillow do doctors recommend for neck pain?


Memory foam and feather pillows

are excellent options because they provide support, but also cradle your head to keep your spine neutral. Cervical pillows—the ones that have a depression in the center and raised edges—are also top picks.

Is a firmer pillow better for your neck?

Take a Position

Side Sleepers. If you are a side sleeper, which accounts for about 70% of us, you should consider a firm or

extra firm

pillow to maintain a proper alignment of the neck and head. … By using a softer pillow, your head will be closer to the mattress, keeping the integrity of your neck’s natural alignment.

What is the best pillow for neck & shoulder pain?

  • Best Overall – Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow.
  • Best Value – Casper Foam Pillow.
  • Best Cooling – GhostBed GhostPillow – Memory Foam.
  • Best Luxury – Saatva Latex Pillow.
  • Best Pressure Relief – Amerisleep Comfort Classic Pillow.
  • Best for Side Sleepers – Layla Kapok Pillow.

How should I sleep to relieve neck pain?

If you’re dealing with neck discomfort, the best positions for sleep are

on your back or side

. These are both less stressful on your spine than sleeping on your stomach. It may be difficult to change your sleeping position, since your preferred position is often determined early in life.

How do I choose a pillow for neck pain?

  1. A pillow that is too high or firm does not allow the neck to relax fully during sleep. …
  2. On the other hand, a pillow that is too flat also puts strain on the neck.

Do pillows cause neck pain?

Your pillow

A

pillow that doesn’t support your head and neck properly can create tension in your neck muscles

, and cause neck pain. Feather or memory-foam pillows may allow your head to be “cradled” at night, allowing for a neutral spine and neck.

How do I pick the right pillow?

Look for one that’s

as thick as the distance between your ear and outside shoulder

. Stomach sleepers may need a soft pillow—or no pillow at all—underneath their head. A pillow under your stomach and pelvis may help prevent back pain. Back sleepers may need a flatter pillow, to keep your head and neck in alignment.

What pillow do chiropractors recommend?

  • Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Pillow. …
  • Tempur-Pedic Ergo Neck Pillow Firm Support. …
  • BioPosture BioMemoryFoam Cervical (Wave) Pillow. …
  • puredown Goose Down Feather White Pillows. …
  • MedCline LP – Shoulder Relief System. …
  • Pancake Pillow Adjustable Layer Pillow.

Do neck pillows work?

You

may feel better and sleep better

with a neck pillow. It’s sometimes called a cervical pillow because the upper part of your backbone (where your neck is) is called the cervical spine. Research suggests that a pillow with good cervical support can help relieve neck pain and improve rest.

Why do I always get neck pain?

Many people experience neck pain or stiffness occasionally. In many cases, it’s due

to poor posture or overuse

. Sometimes, neck pain is caused by injury from a fall, contact sports, or whiplash. Most of the time, neck pain isn’t a serious condition and can be relieved within a few days.

Is it better for your neck to sleep without a pillow?

While research is limited, anecdotal reports show that

sleeping without a pillow can help reduce neck and back pain

for some sleepers. Stomach sleepers are generally best suited for going pillowless, because the lower angle of the neck encourages better spinal alignment in this position.

Where do I put my arms when sleeping on my side?

  1. Lie down on a medium-firm mattress, using one firm pillow underneath your head.
  2. Shift over to your left side first. …
  3. Keep your arms and hands below your face and neck, preferably parallel to the sides.
  4. Put a firm pillow between your knees (especially if you have low back pain).

Is Side sleeping bad for shoulders?


Some doctors discourage side sleeping because it can cause damage to the rotator cuff of your shoulder

. Side sleepers place a lot of pressure on this group of tendons, so they need a pillow with good support. Minimize left or right shoulder pain by making sure you’ve got your three pillows in check.

How can I prevent shoulder pain while sleeping?

  1. Avoid sleeping on the affected shoulder. …
  2. Utilize a pillow. …
  3. Stay active. …
  4. Know your limits. …
  5. Use OTC pain relievers. …
  6. Practice good sleep habits.
Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.