9 cervical pillow options

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The neck makes up a small portion of the spinal column. Healthcare professionals refer to this section as the cervical spine. A specialist cervical pillow adds a layer of extra support for the neck when a person sleeps or lies down.
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Best height adjustable pillow: The Pancake Pillow by Gravity Sleep
The Pancake Pillow by Gravity Sleep
Best memory foam pillow: K Ka Ua
K Ka Ua
Best firm pillow: Tempur-Pedic Neck Pillow
Tempur-Pedic Neck Pillow
Best for all sleeping positions: Pillowise
Pillowise
Best water pillow: The Water Pillow by Mediflow
The Water Pillow by Mediflow
Best for tension relief: D-Core Cervical Support Pillow
D-Core Cervical Support Pillow
Best for snoring: Marnur Memory Foam Pillow
Marnur Memory Foam Pillow
Best hypoallergenic pillow: Nature’s Guest Adjustable Cervical Pillow
Nature’s Guest Adjustable Cervical Pillow
Best for a cool sleep: Bluewave Bedding Hyper Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Bluewave Bedding Hyper Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow
How does neck pain affect sleep?
The cervical spine consists of seven bones, or vertebrae. The neck has less protection than the rest of the spine and may be vulnerable to injury.
seven
less protection
The authors of a 2017 study state that improper cervical posture while sleeping increases stress on the spine. People may experience:
2017 study
cervical pain and stiffness
pain
stiffness
headaches
headaches
arm pain
shoulder blade pain
shoulder blade pain
People who have neck pain may find it harder to fall asleep. However, using a supportive pillow may result in a more restful sleep.
neck pain
sleep
What are cervical pillows?
According to an older study, a pillow’s primary function is to provide direct support for the head to minimize pressure in the neck.
older study
The support helps prevent new neck pain from developing and any existing neck pain from worsening.
Cervical pillows aim to provide support, and a person can use cervical pillows alongside other therapeutic approaches to help relieve neck pain.
help relieve
A person’s sleeping position may affect the type of cervical pillow the person uses.
Do they work?
A 2018 study found that the use of ergonomic latex pillows, alongside physical therapy, can alleviate neck pain symptoms in those experiencing cervical spondylosis.
2018 study
physical therapy
cervical spondylosis
A person should also take into account the height of the cervical pillow. According to a 2016 study, the height of a pillow is an important factor that can influence spinal alignment.
2016 study
Cervical pillow materials
Cervical pillows use a variety of materials, including:
memory foam
memory foam
latex
latex
down or down alternative
water
Some pillows may also offer a cooler sleep by using a moisture-wicking material.
While people may sleep better with a pillow that remains cool, it is equally important to choose the type of material that will feel comfortable.
How to choose a cervical pillow
Medical News Today chooses products that fit the following criteria:
Budget: Products suit a wide range of budgets.
Firmness: Products come in different firmness feels to suit most people’s needs.
Fills: Products feature different materials, such as memory foam and water.
Sleeping position: Products are suitable for most sleeping positions.
Size: Products are available in a range of sizes and are suitable for use at home and while traveling.
Before purchasing a cervical pillow, it is advisable to consider the following:
Firmness: Some individuals may prefer a firm pillow that provides extra support for the head and neck, whereas others may prefer a plusher feel.
Fill: Cervical pillows may contain different fillings, such as memory foam, latex, down, or down alternative. People should purchase a pillow with a filling that provides the most support and comfort.
Size: It is useful to consider the size of a pillow before purchasing. If a person is using a pillow to sleep on, it should be large enough to fully support the head and neck.
Height: Some individuals may sleep better with a flatter pillow or a higher one. Some pillows offer adjustable filling that a person can use to raise or lower the pillow’s height.
Some of the best cervical pillows for neck pain
Below are nine of the best cervical pillows.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Learn more here.
The Pancake Pillow by Gravity Sleep
The Pancake Pillow is height adjustable. The product comes with six thin pillows that can all fit in a single pillowcase.
The company claims that the Pancake Pillow is suitable for those with neck pain and those who sleep on their side, back, or stomach.
This cervical pillow also comes with the following features:
queen and king sizes
down-alternative microfiber fill
a 300-thread count
a soft feel
a weight of 4.81 pounds (lb)
Price: The Pancake Pillow by Gravity Sleep has a list price of around $80.
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K Ka Ua
The K Ka Ua is a cylindrical cervical neck pillow.
It measures 17 inches (in) x 4 in, and the company claims it provides support for the neck, knees, and back.
17 inches (in) x 4 in
According to the company website, the K Ka Ua uses memory foam and conforms to the shape of the neck and back.
Also, the pillow comes in a hypoallergenic bamboo pillowcase.
Some of the other features this memory foam pillow comes with include:
a weight of 8.8 ounces
dimensions of 17.9 x 4 x 4 in
a removable pillowcase
a firm design that provides support
Price: K Ka Ua pillow has a list price of around $25.
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Tempur-Pedic Neck Pillow
The Tempur-Pedic Neck Pillow’s shape may help support the neck and head.
According to the company website, the pillow allows for comfortable sleep for both back and side sleepers.
company website
The pillow is available in four sizes:
Small: 20 x 12 x 3 in
Medium: 20 x 12 x 4 in
Large: 20 x 12 x 4.5 in
Travel: 10 x 12 x 4 in
Furthermore, the Tempur-Pedic pillow has:
an extra-firm feel
a 5-year limited warranty
a polyester knit hypoallergenic cover
Price: The Tempur-Pedic Neck Pillow starts from $109.
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Pillowise
Pillowise offers a supportive pillow that it claims helps align the cervical spine during sleep time. The pillow is available in its standard length and a travel size alternative.
The company offers five different pillow sizes, and it advises that before purchasing a pillow, customers measure their:
advises
neck circumference
neck length
shoulder width
The Pillowise pillow offers support for side, back, and stomach sleepers.
Individuals can also select the firmness they want in their pillow.
The Pillowise website lists the features that the pillow comes with. These include:
moisture-regulating Tencel
a custom-fit support
ventilation channels
dimensions of 22 x 14 in
a removable, machine-washable cover
a 5-year warranty
Price: Pillowise pillows are not available to purchase online. The company sells these pillows through chiropractors and physical therapists.
chiropractors
physical therapists
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The Water Pillow by Mediflow
The Water Pillow by Mediflow contains a pocket of water as part of its core.
A person can remove or add water to adjust the firmness of the pillow.
According to an older study, water-based pillows provide superior pain relief and overall sleep quality.
older study
The pillow has:
a weight of 1.9 lb
dimensions of 28 x 20 x 4.5 in
a sealed, insulated water pouch
firmness adjustability when adding or removing water
polyester filling
a hand-washable design
a 3-year warranty
Price: The Water Pillow by Mediflow has a list price of around $70.
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D-Core Cervical Support Pillow
The manufacturer claims this pillow helps relieve headaches, neck spasms, and tension. It also claims that this pillow is suitable for back and side sleepers.
neck spasms
The company provides different advice depending on a person’s sleeping position. For instance, side sleepers should use the raised areas of the pillow.
Back sleepers, on the other hand, should initially use the thinner edge and progress to using the pillow’s thicker edge.
The product page lists some other features:
virgin polyester fiber fill
a cotton and polyester cover
a shaped center that cradles the head
dimensions of 24 x 16 in for the full size, and of 22 x 15 in for the midsize
According to the company, it may take several weeks for the body to adjust to the pillow. To begin with, a person should alternate between using this pillow and their current pillow.
several weeks
Price: D-Core Cervical Support Pillow has a list price starting from around $38.
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Marnur Memory Foam Pillow
Marnur states that this memory foam pillow is suitable for front, back, and side sleepers and has a breathable design.
The pillow may help support the neck and shoulders and promote spine alignment. Additionally, the supportive nature of this pillow may help reduce snoring.
Other features include:
dimensions of 23.5 x 14.5 x 5.5 in
a machine-washable case
a memory foam fill material
Price: Marnur Memory Foam Pillow has a list price of $45.99.
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Nature’s Guest Adjustable Cervical Pillow
This hypoallergenic pillow is suitable for those who primarily sleep on their backs, or begin sleeping on their backs and then shift to their sides.
People can adjust the fill for their preferred firmness. The manufacturers claim that the filling also offers a cool feel. This pillow is available in three sizes: standard medium, standard soft, and queen medium.
Nature’s Guest pillow has:
a weight of 3.45 lb
microfiber filling
a cotton cover
Price: Nature’s Guest Adjustable Cervical Pillow has a list price starting from around $52.
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Bluewave Bedding Hyper Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow
This gel-infused memory foam pillow offers medium-firm support that may reduce snoring. The manufacturers also state that it may reduce the pressure on the shoulders, neck, and back.
This pillow is available in six different heights and sizes.
Other features include:
dimensions of 24 x 16 x 2.25 in
a removable, machine-washable cover
temperature-regulating cooling gel particles
a weight of 3.19 lb
Price: Bluewave Bedding Hyper Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow has a list price starting from around $40.
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Comparison chart
The following table provides a comparison between the nine cervical pillows.
The Pancake Pillow by Gravity Sleep
K Ka Ua
Tempur-Pedic Neck Pillow
Pillowise
The Water Pillow by Mediflow
D-Core Cervical Support Pillow
Marnur Memory Foam Pillow
Nature’s Guest Adjustable Cervical Pillow
Bluewave Bedding Hyper Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Other treatment options
Other methods to help relieve neck pain are also available.
According to a 2019 article, an individual can apply heating pads or ice packs to help relieve neck pain and tension.
2019 article
heating pads
ice packs
A person can also perform exercises and stretches. One example includes standing with the back against the wall and pushing the head back on the wall for 20 seconds. This may help strengthen the neck muscles.
However, it is essential to contact a doctor or physical therapist before trying exercises. They will be able to advise on how to do the exercises or stretches safely.
Other treatment options include:
physical therapy
massage
acupuncture
acupuncture
prescription medication
steroid injections
steroid injections
Anecdotal evidence suggests there may be some benefit to acupuncture. Although authors of a 2019 article state that “no good quality studies have shown that acupuncture can relieve neck pain,” they add that the risk of any side effects is low.
2019 article
Learn more about treatment options for neck pain here.
Learn more about treatment options for neck pain here.
Sleeping position and neck pain
People usually sleep on their sides, backs, stomachs, or a combination of all three. Sleeping on a pillow that is too high or too low or that does not give enough support may increase a person’s likelihood of neck pain.
While some individuals may prefer different heights of pillows, the following table suggests which pillow a person may wish to use depending on their sleeping position:
Using a pillow that is the correct height can promote proper spinal alignment and therefore reduce neck pain.
When to contact a doctor
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a person should contact a doctor if they experience neck pain that is not due to an injury, such as:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
persistent pain
continuous pain
neck pain that radiates down the legs or arms
neck pain with numbness, weakness, tingling, or headaches
numbness
weakness
Frequently asked questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about cervical pillows.
What a person considers best will depend on their preferences and needs.
People should think about which features best meet their requirements when looking for a cervical pillow. Some individuals may focus on a pillow’s filling, whereas others may prioritize a pillow’s height.
The firmness of a pillow is subjective. What feels firm to one person may seem to have a medium feel to another.
However, pillows should be firm enough to support the head and neck without increasing pressure on the spine.
A person’s pillow should be high enough to keep the spine in a neutral position.
People who sleep on their sides may find that a medium height pillow is more comfortable to sleep on than a flatter one. Those who sleep on their backs or stomachs may find a flatter pillow more comfortable.
Summary
Cervical pillows may offer a solution to people who wake up with neck pain.
When choosing a pillow, a person should keep in mind the position they sleep in and the height and firmness of the pillow.An individual should seek guidance from a doctor if they experience neck pain that does not resolve or has no apparent reason.