A sore and stiff neck can disturb your morning routine and even turn your entire day into hell. Luckily, our reviews and guide can help you find the best cervical pillow for your neck and back and prevent such things from happening to you.
So, if you struggle with neck pain, strain, or sprain, and conventional pillows haven’t offered much relief, take a look at our favorite cervical pillows. We have compiled a list of the finest ones based on:
So, get ready to discover your new favorite pillow that’ll finally let you get some proper rest and shake off that pesky neck stiffness!
Affiliate Disclosure
This page may contain affiliate links which in no way diminish your experience. For more information, read our affiliate disclosure.
Years of experience with patients suffering from poor sleep and insomnia have inspired a sports chiropractor to create the best cervical pillow of 2021—the SpineAlign pillow. This patented product is made of safe and non-toxic CertiPur-US-certified polyurethane foam and a polyester cover with mesh strips. The cover is soft and breathable, which results in cool and breezy sleep.
Moreover, the pillow promotes proper alignment and supports your neck while you’re sleeping on your side or back. Three strategically placed zippers allow you to add or remove the foam filling and customize the height.
An overwhelming number of positive cervical pillows reviews confirm that the SpineAlign alleviates back and neck pain and arthritis aches, but it takes a little while to adjust to it first. If you sleep on your back, the pillow will perfectly cradle your head. However, if you’re a larger than average person sleeping on your side, the chambers might be an inch or two too narrow.
The company offers a 60-night trial, but in case you decide it’s not right for you, you’re required to have used the pillow at least 30 nights before you return it. Years of poor sleep can’t be reversed in one night. Your body needs time to adjust to the change, so you’ll need more than a couple of nights to determine whether this top rated cervical pillow suits you.
According to reviews and user experience, the DreamCloud Contour pillow is the best cervical pillow for neck pain. It’s made of CertiPur-US-certified memory foam that’s firm but supportive. It will conform to your neck and relieve the pressure, resulting in a thoroughly relaxing and pain-free sleeping experience. The pillow also comes with an insert so you can adjust the height according to your preference.
The memory foam filling follows the natural curve of your head, shoulder, and neck. This is what makes the DreamCloud pillow an excellent choice for back, side, and even stomach sleepers.
The memory foam cervical pillow also features excellent temperature-regulating technology. It has internal ventilation, a cool gel coating, and a knit cover that wicks away the moisture and doesn’t trap the heat. Not only will it keep you comfortable, but it’ll also maintain the pleasant temperature throughout the night.
DreamCloud’s contour pillow will lead you into the world of plush and luxurious sleep, and free you from the annoying pain. This best contour pillow for neck pain can be tested out for 50 nights, and you can return it with no hassle if you decide you don’t like it.
Side sleepers usually have a hard time finding a pillow that’s comfortable enough and provides enough support. If you’re one of them, turn to Eli & Elm’s side-sleeper pillow. Since it was designed specially with side sleepers in mind, it conforms to the head and shoulders to support them properly, making it the best cervical pillow for side sleepers.
The unique U-shape design alleviates neck pain and aligns the head with the spine. It also allows you to slip your arm under the pillow without scrunching it up and straining your neck. This provides excellent shoulder comfort and prevents aches.
Eli & Elm’s side-sleeper pillow is made from premium sourced materials. The cover is made from smooth cotton, ultra-fine polyester, and spandex. It’s also removable and machine-washable. The filling consists of 75% natural latex and 25% polyester fiber for maximum support.
Moreover, this latex cervical pillow is fully adjustable. You can remove or add the filling to adjust the height and firmness. If the pillow is too soft for you even when it’s fully stuffed, you can request additional filling for a $20 fee.
The pillow is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, mildewproof, and dust mite resistant. The latex and polyester filling is removable, so you can fully adjust the height of the pillow. Just remove some of the filling for a softer sleep experience, or add some for a firmer feel. Also, the combination of materials will keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
However, according to the best cervical pillow reviews, there is one drawback. The filling sometimes shifts to the sides and parts when you turn on your back. The unconventional shape is not a good fit for standard-shape pillowcases and instead requires custom-made ones. Luckily, you can remove and wash the cover.
All Nest Bedding’s pillows are amazing, but their Easy Breather Contour model is the best cervical pillow for sleeping on the side and back. It’s filled with CertiPur-US-certified foam and it’s latex-free, which makes it suitable for people with latex allergies. It’s also packed in a soft Tencel cover which doesn’t trap the heat.
According to cervical pillow reviews, the entire filling is removable, so you can adjust the height and firmness to your liking. The combination of foam density and unique design keeps the neck supported and aligned with the rest of your body. The pillow comes with a middle chamber that supports your head and shoulders while you’re sleeping on your back. It has two side lofts, raised to suit side sleepers, but also two heights on either side to accommodate sleepers of both larger and smaller body frames.
It should be mentioned that, in case you’re particularly interested in cervical pillows for neck pain, some reviews state this model doesn’t eliminate back and neck aches completely. The good thing is that if you get it and see that it doesn’t help with the given problem, you can return the product 30 days after the purchase.
All these features make the Easy Breather Contour model the perfect “one size fits most” pillow.
If you want a fantastic organic cervical pillow, Sleep Artisan’s got you covered. Like Eli & Elm’s model, Sleep Artisan’s Organic Side Sleeper pillow is also curved to provide extra support where needed.
The product features a proprietary mix of GOLS-certified organic latex and kapok fiber used for the filling. It’s packed in a 100% organic GOTS-certified cover, and it’s non-toxic, dust mite resistant, antimicrobial, and hypoallergenic. You can remove or add the filling to adjust the loft and firmness. Even better—for a reasonable fee, you can get extra filling if you want to make your pillow even firmer.
The natural latex regulates the temperature, and the open-ventilation design will additionally keep you cool and comfortable. This pillow may be made of latex, but it gives you the feel of a traditional one.
Another reason this is one of our top cervical neck pillows is that it’s handmade to ensure the highest quality. The filling is soft to the touch yet supportive enough to hold your head aligned with your spine. The pillow will keep your head in the same comfortable position the entire night.
Furthermore, it’s suitable for back sleepers. Its curve reaches low enough to give your shoulders extra support and ease the pain. Numerous cervical support pillow reviews claim that this design is especially suitable for people with broad shoulders.
As a bonus, the pillow comes in a cylindrical drawstring bag. It comes in handy if you wish to store any excess filling or compress and pack the pillow for traveling.
There is one downside, though. The filling isn’t machine washable, and neither is the cover—it can be spot-cleaned only. However, Sleep Artisan offers organic cotton pillowcases designed to fit the pillow’s unique shape.
If you’re looking for the best contour pillow for back sleepers, Keetsa might have the answer for you. Available in a small and standard size, their Tea Leaf Contour pillow is excellent for relieving pains and aches.
The product is designed to cradle your head and support your neck. It alleviates pressure points and provides a floating sensation, so you’ll be able to sleep in the same position comfortably the entire night.
The shape follows your body and adjusts to it, making Tea Leaf the best contour pillow for a side sleeper as well. However, this shape isn’t particularly comfortable for those who sleep on their stomach, so we advise all such sleepers to look elsewhere.
The Tea Leaf Contour pillow comes with a linen-blend cover that’s soft, durable, and breathable, so you can sleep comfily and peacefully. The filling is made from BioFoam and EverGreen. BioFoam is a memory foam made from a blend of natural and synthetic materials, while EverGreen is made from natural green tea and is embedded into the foam for odor control.
You’ll have a 90-day trial to check if the Tea Leaf is the best contour pillow for you. But you have to use it for at least 30 days before you decide whether you want to return it or not.
Bedsure’s cervical pillow is, without a doubt, the best memory foam contour pillow you can find at such a low price. But, don’t let the numbers fool you—it offers the same (or even more) benefits as some high-end cervical pillows.
Ethically made from sustainably sourced materials, this model is suitable for all sleeper types. There are two sides—the ergonomic side follows your body’s curves and supports your back, neck, and shoulders, and the flat side keeps your neck in a neutral position while you’re sleeping on your stomach.
But, there’s something else that makes it the best contour memory foam pillow, and that’s its dual cover. The silk side is suitable for hot sleepers, as it keeps them cool during the night, while the polyester side is plush and warm.
The memory foam provides firm support while at the same time pampering you with ultimate coziness. It’s also hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. The cover is machine washable and suitable for all seasons.
This is one of the most affordable and versatile memory foam cervical pillows. There’s no more need to flip the pillow or change your sleeping position frequently.
Made with Tempur-Pedic’s patented memory foam, Tempur-Neck is the best contour pillow for side sleepers who frequently experience neck soreness. It also efficiently eases back muscle cramps and chronic neck pain, and helps reduce snoring.
Designed and recommended by doctors, Tempur-Neck’s pillow provides one-of-a-kind pressure relief and a therapeutic experience. The pillow conforms to your body’s natural curve, promoting alignment and providing support and comfort. That’s how it succeeds in helping your neck and shoulders relax and get rid of tension.
What’s really convenient is that Tempur-Neck is available in three sizes. You can determine your pillow size based on the distance between the base of your neck and the outside tip of the collar bone. If you fall between sizes, the brand recommends going for a smaller one.
The brand labels the pillow as extra-firm, but memory foam cervical pillow reviews claim it’s medium-firm.
There’s no doubt that this pillow is excellent, but there are a few drawbacks. Many users complain about off-gassing. This is normal with foam pillows, and it should dissipate after a couple of hours to a day.
Another thing we didn’t like is the lack of trial periods or returns. We hope that the makers of this great product will become more flexible with their return policy since the pillow can only be returned if it has a defect or is delivered damaged. Still, its positive aspects, like its effectiveness in pain relief and 5-year warranty were definitely enough to make us include this model on our list of the best cervical pillows for neck pain.
The Cushion Lab brings us the best cooling contour pillow. Designed by ergonomists and made from proprietary Hyperfoam—gel-infused memory foam—this pillow will ensure you stay comfortably cool throughout the night. The organic cotton cover further enhances air circulation, providing an even more pleasant sleep experience.
User reviews show that this pillow promotes pressure- and pain-relief, all that at a very affordable price. Back and side sleepers will enjoy full support and perfect alignment while their neck and shoulders relax.
The pillow is quite responsive in the sense that it conforms to the body, and you’ll get a 30-day trial period to experience all the qualities it offers. Cervical neck pillow reviews do stress that you’ll need some time to get used to it (which is expected), but once that happens, it’s a total game-changer.
Holy Lamb Organics has partnered up with a chiropractic physician to develop one of the top cervical pillows that ease shoulder pain and headaches.
Since it’s made with premium eco wool packed in an organic sateen cover, this orthopedic pillow won’t flare up any allergies. More precisely, it’s especially suitable for people with latex allergies. Since it contains natural wool, it’s also dust mite resistant.
The unique design allows your head to remain properly aligned with your spine. The edges have differently stuffed bolsters, so you can choose the firmness you prefer. This product is lab-tested for toxins and has GOTS, IAOS, Eco Wool, and FSC certificates.
Bear in mind, however, that some contour pillow reviews mention the possibility of a slight wool smell, which is natural and should dissipate after a few days.
The pillow should be spot-cleaned only. The company also recommends sunning it to keep the wool fresh and revitalized.
Adequate rest and sleep are crucial for our wellness. They influence both our physical and mental health. But what do you do when your neck or backache is so intense that it disturbs your sleep? You turn to orthopedic pillows for help.
However, choosing the wrong one will not only result in you still being tired and aching, but it can also make your condition worse. So, how do you choose the best cervical pillows?
Various factors need to be considered before deciding on a specific purchase. Our guide explains them in detail, so keep scrolling to learn how to make an informed choice.
A cervical, or neck support pillow, keeps your neck in a neutral position. It lifts it to a proper height while you sleep on your back or side, keeping it aligned with your spine.
The neck is a delicate part of the body that can get hurt easily. Up to 50% of middle-aged people suffer from neck pain. It can be caused by injuries, arthritis, working sedentary jobs, and so on.
Neck pain and stiffness can make sleep incredibly uncomfortable, and irregular sleep can further influence our overall health quality. The best cervical neck pillows can help alleviate some (or all) of that unpleasantness.
There are many reasons you should switch to an ergonomic pillow, but the most common ones include:
Purchasing a pillow is typically not a decision people overthink. The majority simply goes for fluffiness and softness, not realizing how many issues sleeping on the wrong pillow can cause.
To get the best cervical neck pillow for you and your family, focus on the following aspects.
The height (loft) of the pillow will determine the angle at which your head will rest compared to your spine. If too high or too low, a pillow can put your neck at an unnatural angle, consequently straining it and causing you discomfort.
So, when choosing the best contour neck pillow, consider the size of your head and shoulder width. If you’re unsure which size would suit you the most, opt for a pillow with an adjustable loft.
Besides keeping your neck properly aligned with your spine, an excellent cervical pillow should provide your head and neck with sufficient support. Cervical pillows usually contour the neck nicely and leave no space unsupported, but it’s always a good idea to try out a given pillow first (if you can) to be sure.
A pillow’s firmness is essential for determining where your head will rest. It mainly depends on the weight of your head, pillow loft, and your sleeping position.
The best cervical pillow for a side sleeper should be thick and firm to keep the neck at a comfortable, natural angle. On the other hand, back sleepers should go for a medium-firm pillow to support their neck but let the head rest. Finally, stomach sleepers should choose a thin pillow to prevent their neck from straining.
The best cervical support pillow should contour the neck, alleviating pressure points, and take the strain off the neck. A pillow of appropriate shape and size for your sleeping position and body will provide adequate pressure relief and ease aches.
Cervical pillows come in different shapes: curved, contour, trapeze centered, v-shaped, pillows with wedge extensions, etc. The shape you opt for will mostly depend on your personal preference. However, make sure it supports your neck and provides relief. Also, don’t forget to check user reviews to see if a given pillow changes shape over time.
We’re all aware that one pillow won’t last you forever. But you want it to last as long as possible and give you your money’s worth. The shelf life depends on the pillow’s overall quality. The quality of the material and stuffing density will significantly influence the life of your pillow.
The best cervical pillows of 2021 usually come with a warranty that lasts a couple of years, or a good return (and replacement) policy. To avoid buying another cervical pillow in a couple of months, try to choose a company that offers a satisfaction guarantee or a generous warranty.
Cervical pillows are usually made from latex, foam, memory foam, or polyester fiber. They all have their pros and cons, the details of which you can usually get acquainted with by reading user reviews online.
Whichever product you decide to get, make sure it’s high-quality to ensure it’ll last long.
Selecting a pillow is a very individual thing since each person has their own preferences and needs. So it’s unrealistic to expect someone else to tell you what exactly is best for you.
However, customer reviews can often reveal what you can expect from a certain company and their pillows. Go through forums and independent reviews, like ours, to determine what people who have tested a specific product think about it. You can also discover a lot about companies and their behavior toward customers.
Affordable doesn’t automatically translate to poor quality, and it also goes the other way around. Buying the best contour pillow doesn’t have to break your bank. Sure, prices can vary depending on the material type, quality, and overall design. Just make sure that the pillow you choose provides you with what’s promised.
A durable, top-quality cervical pillow can help you get rid of muscle stiffness and body pains. Our reviews include products that cover a great variety of preferences and needs, and have something for stomach, back and side sleepers, and people who prefer latex, memory foam, or organic pillows.
You can splurge and treat yourself, or simply go for something more affordable. Our list includes only top rated cervical pillows, so you’ll get a good sleep whichever product you choose.
The answer isn’t simple, as every individual is unique and has different needs. Moreover, neck pain isn’t always necessarily caused by the same thing, it can have a variety of triggers.
That’s why our list has top-rated pillows for cervical pain for different needs. Whichever position you sleep in and whichever materials you prefer, here you’ll surely find a product that will help you with your pain issue.
Compared to conventional pillows, cervical pillows are better for reducing neck pain. They keep your neck in a neutral, natural position, align it with your spine, and alleviate pressure points. All this results in pain relief, better sleep quality, and improved overall health.
This is another factor that depends on your body, sleeping position, and specific needs. As mentioned, our list contains only top rated products. Whichever you choose will provide you with superb neck support.
The Latin word for the neck is cervix, hence the adjective cervical and the name cervical pillow. Cervical pillows are also called neck pillows, ergonomic pillows, orthopedic pillows, or chiropractor pillows.
First and foremost, think about what kind of pain you’re experiencing. Is it neck pain only, or is it accompanied by muscle cramps, back pain, and headaches? Then, consider your sleeping position, the weight of your head, the width of your shoulders. What material do you prefer—foam, memory foam, latex, wool?
You need to ask yourself many more relevant questions to find the best cervical pillow. Luckily, our buyer’s guide will take you through each step of the search and make it easier.