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Waking up with neck pain? GQ’s guide highlights the best pillows for neck pain for all sleep styles to fight soreness and restore morning bliss
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
An aching neck is far from enjoyable, stealing precious sleep and leaving you feeling stiff throughout the day. Did you know the best pillows for neck pain can sort discomfort out easily, and that it might be your sleeping arrangements that are the problem, rather than just the way you sit at your work desk? The wrong pillow can throw your spine out of alignment, straining your neck muscles and leading to all kinds of aches and pains.
Finding the right place to lay your weary head at the end of the day can make a world of difference, relieving pressure points and offering effective pain relief, so we’ve rounded up the best pillows out there for neck pain sufferers. Changing your pillow may not be the answer to all your neck pain problems, but if there’s any chance it could help you wake up pain-free some mornings, then we'd say it's worth a try.
Your sleep position impacts your pillow needs so you'll need to consider that before you can decide whether memory foam, down, or microfibre is the best filling for you, as well as what the ideal firmness level is for optimal support. Our in-house sleep experts can help you out though, don't worry.
From the best cooling options to support your neck whilst also keeping you comfortably cool if you're a hot sleeper, to the best pillows for side sleepers and the fancy adjustable ones that allow for custom comfort, we've got you covered. If you're ready to ditch the morning neck ache, these are our pick for the best pillows for neck pain to help you achieve a restful – and hopefully pain-free – slumber.
Skip to: Which are the best pillows for neck pain? | What type of pillow is best for neck pain? | How firm should my pillow be for neck pain? | How we chose the best pillows for neck pain: GQ's review process | Shop GQ's edit of the best pillows for neck pain in 2024...
Which are the best pillows for neck pain?
We’ve dived into more detail about our top picks for the best pillows for neck pain a little further down, but if you're in a hurry and you need a quick fire round up of our favourites, you can find those directly below.
Emma's Original Pillow is great for neck pain sufferers with adjustable layers that allow you to tailor it to your preferences, whether you’re side sleeping or chilling on your back. Gel memory foam supports your head and neck, while other layers distribute pressure.
Dunelm’s Comfortzone Contour Pillow is ideal for neck pain sufferers on a budget. It provides firm neck support for side sleepers and features a machine-washable, breathable cotton cover for comfort.
The Aeyla Dual Pillow combines an inner pillow for support within a soft pillow for comfort. It adapts to your sleep position, is breathable, hypoallergenic, and machine washable. Tick, tick, tick.
- Best pillow for neck pain overall: Emma Original, from £79 at emma-sleep.co.uk
- Best memory foam pillow for neck pain: Kudd.ly Dream Pillow,
£99£49 at kudd.ly - Best synthetic pillow for neck pain: Aeyla Dual Pillow,
£89£69 at aeyla.co.uk - Best budget pillow for neck pain: Dunelm Comfortzone Contour Pillow, £22 at dunelm.com
- Best luxury pillow for neck pain: Tempur Comfort Pillow Original,
£109£94 at uk.tempur.com
What type of pillow is best for neck pain?
Choosing the right pillow for neck pain will depend on your sleeping style and sleep posture. Someone that sleeps on their front will need to consider different options to someone that sleeps on their back, for example. Those that sleep on their back should opt for a low-lift pillow that cradles your head and neck into a neutral position without pushing your chin up. Memory foam or latex options are good for offering good pressure relief and reducing shoulder and neck pain as they mould to your neck and head for support.
For side sleepers, a thicker, supportive pillow is ideal to fill the gap between your neck and shoulder. You could consider a cervical pillow with a curved shape that aligns your spine. Again, memory foam options are good for providing comfort and medium-firm support.
For those that sleep on their stomach, you should opt for the thinnest pillow option, or an adjustable pillow where you can remove layers to avoid straining your neck. Shredded memory foam or a down alternative will offer some support while maintaining a flat profile.
How firm should my pillow be for neck pain?
Similar to the type of pillow you should be using, the firmness level of your pillow also depends on what type of sleeper you are. Determine whether you're a stomach sleeper, back sleeper or side sleeper before you pick your pillow. Side sleepers are recommended to use firm or extra firm pillows to maintain alignment of the head and neck, so memory or latex pillows are considered best rather than down.
For back sleepers, consider firm or very firm too, or a wedge to help elevate the top half of the body. Stomach sleepers should look into a soft pillow to keep the neck within its natural curve, while combination sleepers should try a pillow that has a lower centre for when you sleep on your back and higher sides for when you sleep on your side to avoid a stiff neck when you wake up.
How we chose the best pillows for neck pain: GQ’s review process
We have reviewed a huge range of pillows at GQ, all of which have contributed to our main best pillow guide. For this guide specifically, we were focusing on the best pillows for neck pain and so if those tried and tested by our writers, editors and testers were good for neck pain in our experience, you'll also find them in this round up.
For the pillows we have recommended for neck pain that we haven't tested, we have considered various factors, including night trials, warranties, materials used and comfort based on customer reviews. We have also selected various different types of pillows from down pillows to cooling pillows and memory foam options to find the best neck pillows out there from trusted retailers that we know produce good quality products.