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Pillow Buying Guide: Best Pillows for Neck and Back Pain

Studies conducted from the 1980s to the 2000s by medical professionals found that 60% to 80% of adults experienced back pain. Of those, 20% to 70% reported experiencing neck pain, which was disruptive for some. At any given point, they estimated that up to 20% of adults are experiencing back or neck pain.

When neck or back pain is so disruptive that it hinders your sleep, it is serious. The good news is that the proper pillow can help you sleep better. Models that help you sleep according to your favorite sleeping position, material and shape are available.

Related Buyer's Guides:

Best Pillows for Neck and Back Pain:

D-Core® Pillow - Cervical Support Pillow
Therapeutica® Foam Support Pillow for Support of Upper Back, Neck & Head
Chiroflow® Professional Premium Memory Foam Waterbase Pillow
Petite-Core™ Support Pillow
Core Jackson Roll - Round Bolster-Style Fiber Support Pillow
Cervitrac™ Standard Support Pillow
Mid-Core™ Support Pillow - Orthopedic Cervical Support Pillow
Glideaway® Memory Foam Pillows

For a more detailed view, here is our pillow buying guide for neck and back pain.

Best Pillow for Headache Relief: D-Core® Pillow - Cervical Support Pillow

Size: Standard size 24 inches by 16 inches and Midsize 22 inches by 15
Material: Hypoallergenic Corefill® 100% polyester fiber
Features: Cervical support that leads to restful sleep
Patented D-shaped center supports the head and neck
Designed to help common ailments such as tension headaches, neck spasms, arthritis and snoring
Best for: Back and side sleepers
Additional info: Durable and washable

Pros: Affordable, top-rated by customers
Cons: Overuse may lead to more discomfort

The D-Core® Pillow - Cervical Support Pillow is a solid purchase that helps back and side sleepers get enough rest. It is affordable and available in two sizes. The only drawback is the temptation to overuse it in the beginning. Customers are encouraged to ease into it for best results.

Best Pillow for Side Sleepers: Therapeutica® Foam Support Pillow for Support of Upper Back, Neck & Head

Size: Based on shoulder length - Child less than 4¼ inches, Petite 4¼ to 5¼ inches, Average 5¼ to 6¼ inches, Large 6¼ to 7¼ inches, Extra Large 7¼+ inches
Material: Foam
Features: Unique wedge extension supports the back
Cervical contour maintains natural curve of the neck
Raised side sections accommodate shoulders
Contoured head rests keep the head and neck level
Side cavities support the jaw, which is great for TMJ sufferers
Best for: Back and side sleepers
Additional info: Pillow is ergonomically designed to help you maintain correct spinal alignment while sleeping

Pros: Available in a variety of sizes, top-rated by customers
Cons: Pricier than other pillows, requires measurement for optimal use

The Therapeutica® Foam Support Pillow for Support of Upper Back, Neck & Head is an advanced pillow. It receives high marks from customers who have been using it for at least a decade. For best results, you do have to take a measurement first. Proper sizing ensures that pain will improve rather than intensify.

Best Pillow for Keeping Cool: Chiroflow® Professional Premium Memory Foam Waterbase Pillow

Size: 18 inches by 26 inches
Material: Memory foam waterbase
Features: High airflow pockets that allow air to circulate through the pillow, which takes heat away from your head
Best for: All sleepers
Additional info: Responds to your sleeping position while still supporting your neck and head

Pros: Adjustable firmness, top-customer rated
Cons: Requires thorough draining before cleaning. Then, it must be refilled

Best Pillow for Children: Petite-Core™ Support Pillow

Size: 19 inches by 12 inches
Material: Fiber-filled
Features: Smaller than average size, perfect for petites of all ages
Best for: Back and side sleepers
Additional info: Trapezoid center

Pros: Top-rated by customers, cradles neck for ultimate comfort and therapeutic effects
Cons: Firm pillow that is not intended to be used as a soft, comfort pillow

This pillow was designed for children of age 6–10 in mind. Professionals in the pain alleviation industry, though, have found uses for it in their practice thanks to the size.

Best Bolster Pillow: Core Jackson Roll - Round Bolster-Style Fiber Support Pillow

Size: 17 inches by 7 inches
Material: Fiber-filled
Features: Round bolster-style that can be used to watch TV or sleep
Best for: All sleepers
Additional info: Can be used for neck support or placed between the knees

Pros: Top-rated by customers, small enough to travel with, affordable
Cons: The middle is not as firm as the edges.

This Core Jackson Roll - Round Bolster-Style Fiber Support Pillow can be used for sleeping or leaning on while watching TV. It is so versatile that it can support the head and neck as well as the lumbar.

Best Pillow for Back Sleepers: Cervitrac™ Standard Support Pillow

Size: 27 inches by 18 inches
Material: Fiber-filled
Features: Multi-level support that includes five chambers
Best for: Back sleepers
Additional info: The side chambers cradle your neck when you slip from side to side while sleeping

Pros: Top-customer rated pillow with a unique design that helps relieve spasms, alleviate minor tensions and maintain the natural cervical curve of your neck
Cons: For optimal results, pick the right firmness since it is available in standard and gentle.

Best Pillow for Neck Pain: Mid-Core™ Support Pillow - Orthopedic Cervical Support Pillow

Size: 22 inches by 15 inches
Material: Fiber-filled
Features: Exceptional comfort and durability
Best for: Back and side sleepers
Additional info: Available in standard and gentle

Pros: Bounces back after being compressed
Cons: Some find it too small

The Mid-Core™ Support Pillow - Orthopedic Cervical Support Pillow is considered an upgrade from the standard orthopedic pillow. It is available for children and adults.

Most Options: Glideaway® Memory Foam Pillows

Size: Alto 25 inches by 15 inches by 7.5 inches, Arcus 25 inches by 13–17 inches by 7 inches, Verda 25 inches by 15 inches by 5 inches, Erta 25 inches by 15 inches by 5 inches, Nimbus 25 inches by 16 inches by 4.5–7.5 inches
Material: Antimicrobial memory foam, TEMPTEC™ Fabric
Features: Resistant to allergens, Solid TruGel® Layer absorbs heat
Best for: All sleepers
Additional info: The comfort contour makes it comfortable for CPAP wearers while all the models are engineering to provide the most pain-free sleep experience

Pros: Many types to pick from
Cons: Since there are so many options, you have to find the best one for your pain and sleeping style.

The Glideaway® Memory Foam Pillows are considered to be revolutionary. Some call them the permanent pillow upgrade.

Effects of Pain & Sleep

Chronic back and neck pain do not mix well with sleep. Whether you are experiencing that discomfort due to an accident or injury, the effects are lasting. The best way to help your body heal and rest is to sleep. While your doctor may prescribe medicine to give you the opportunity to slumber, there are several pillows that double as aids.

Let's explore some of the effects of pain and sleep.

Less Sleep

If you are experiencing pain while you are trying to sleep, you are less likely to sleep through the night. Those who have shoulder pain, for example, may wake up when they roll onto the shoulder in question. It is also uncomfortable for those who are experiencing back and neck pain. The discomfort can also be unpleasant for your spine. Aside from medication prescribed to you by your doctor, there are other things you can do to aid your sleep. Finding the right pillow can help immensely.

Types of Pillows for Neck and Back Pain

There are several pillow options designed specifically to alleviate pain while sleeping. They include:

D-shaped centers
Wedges
Lofts
Rolls

These pillows are made from fiber, waterbased or memory foam. They are shaped in a manner that supports your neck, back and spine. The goal is to prevent you from rolling onto your injury. A memory foam pillow is great if you want your pillow to adjust to you rather than you to it. Your sleeping position is important for several reasons. If you are a stomach sleeper and you have a neck injury, you may not be able to sleep on your stomach until you get better. So, a pillow that has lifted sides allows you to slightly roll onto your side while cradling your neck.

Back sleepers have an advantage because they tend to roll around less while sleeping. Pillows that have centers are a great option. It is almost like you sink into the pillow while the other components support your neck and shoulders. Cervical pillows offer ergonomic benefits. Plus, they help you improve your posture while you are sleeping. Since an ergonomic pillow forces you to sleep in a good position, tension in your muscles and neck is actually relieved. As a bonus, professionals believe that it helps increase blood flow to the head.

Those who are side sleepers require a pillow that provides extra support for the neck. Larger pillows are recommended.

Pillow Positioning

The reason why you might wake up with a stiff neck or other discomfort is because your pillow is too stiff or too high. The neck, therefore, remains flexed. To wake up with a neck that feels good in the morning, your spine has to remain straight even if you sleep on your back, stomach or side. One way to accomplish this is by finding a pillow that is higher under your neck than your head.

If you have neck pain due to something other than having slept at an odd angle, pillow positioning is important. The pillow should reach all the way under your shoulder blades. It is not enough for it to be under your neck.

Dealing With Pain

There are several alternative ways to deal with pain that do not involve medication. Acupuncture, massage and rest are some. Light exercise is another. If you couple yoga for pain with a solid pillow for your sleep style, do not be surprised if you feel more rested over time.

Dealing with pain may be as easy as finding the right pillow.