Choosing the Best Pillows for Neck Pain Relief

July. 16,2025

Discover expert tips on selecting the best pillows to alleviate neck pain. Learn how correct sleep posture, pillow support, and ergonomic practices can help prevent and reduce neck discomfort. Practical advice includes pillow choice, sleep positioning, monitor alignment, and hydration, offering comprehensive relief strategies for sensitive neck areas.

Choosing the Best Pillows for Neck Pain Relief

How to Select the Optimal Pillow for Neck Pain?

Neck discomfort upon waking is quite common. Studies indicate that around 13% of Americans experience neck pain at any moment, with women more frequently affected than men. Such pain often results from inflammation of muscles, tendons, and ligaments near the cervical spine. Muscle spasms caused by spinal stenosis, arthritis, disc issues, or trauma can also be contributing factors. Fortunately, appropriate treatment options exist.

Pillows for neck pain - How to choose the best?

Select the right pillow, which can significantly alleviate neck pain. It should conform to your spine’s shape, offering a balance of softness and support.

Without proper pillow support, tissues, tendons, and ligaments may stay compressed due to sleep posture, risking future complications. Avoid pillows that are too high or flat. A flat pillow can exert excessive pressure on the neck. Sleeping on your back is recommended for those with chronic neck pain.

Some suggest placing pillows beneath shoulders to lessen spinal pressure or using inclined beds. However, physicians advise placing a pillow under the knees when sleeping on your back. For side sleepers, pillows between 4 to 6 inches thick help keep the neck and head aligned properly, preventing unnatural bending.
Proper monitor positioning is crucial; your gaze should align horizontally with the monitor's center.
Limit texting at sharp angles—bring your device to eye level to prevent neck strain.
Using a headset while on calls reduces head and neck bending.
Staying well-hydrated supports spinal disc health and prevents dehydration of the cushioning discs between vertebrae.