11 Best Pillows for Neck Pain UK (2023): Our Top Recommendations

Whether it’s from working a desk job, being injured, or having poor posture, suffering from chronic neck pain is difficult to deal with. If you’re in search of the best pillow for neck pain, we’ve created this special guide to help you ease the pain. We have included both affordable and high-end options, both pillows that are good for a certain sleeping position and those suitable for all sleeping positions, and pillows made of different types of materials.

By providing you with a variety of choices, we hope to make it easier for you to find the perfect pillow for your preferences. This guide also includes a buying guide that will hopefully be useful to you in your quest for your ideal match.

Let’s start with the best overall pillow for neck pain.

Pillow	Price	Material
Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow	£40	Memory foam Bamboo
LINLIN Latex Bamboo Adjustable Pillow	£78	Natural latex
Bath Pillows 3D Mesh Non-Slip Pillow	£15	Polyester Mesh fibre
ANTONIDAS Relax Cervical Spine Health Pillow	£50	Polyester Memory foam
TLWR Car Seat Headrest Pillow	£23	Memory foam
SEPOVEDA Contour Memory Foam Pillow	£20	Memory foam
Silentnight Impress Memory Foam Contour Pillow	£30	Velour Memory foam
Swilow Memory Foam Pillow	£102	Polyester Memory foam
CHILIMILII Natural Aloe Vera Memory Foam Pillow	£13	Aloe Vera Memory foam
Emma Pillow Visco-Elastic Memory Foam Pillow	£40	Polyester Cotton
Lions Bamboo Memory Foam Orthopaedic Pillow	£15	Bamboo Memory foam

1. Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow: Best Overall Pillow for Neck Pain

Combine three layers of supportive memory foam and a soft bamboo pillowcase and you have the pillow of your dreams. The Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow is our choice for the best overall pillow for neck pain – it’s hypoallergenic, affordable, and it will keep you comfortable while easing your neck pain. It has everything one would want in a pillow, with a few added benefits.

Pros

• Antibacterial
• Sustainable
• Neck support
• Breathable
• 10-year guarantee

The three-layer memory foam gives you support regardless of your sleeping position. The pillow moulds to fit you perfectly and aligns your spine while you’re sleeping.

In addition, the temperature-regulating technology keeps the pillow sufficiently cool during the summer and amply warm during the cold winter months, allowing you to get the most out of your pillow.

Bamboo, one of the materials used in the making of the pillow, is hypoallergenic and sustainable. It will prevent any dust mites and bed bugs, and you will get a luxuriously soft and supportive pillow while being environmentally-friendly.

Panda gives you a 10-year guarantee as well as a 30-day free trial or replacement.

Cons

One of the disadvantages of owning a bamboo pillow is the smell of the bamboo – while some people don’t mind it, others find it too strong. With that said, it does dissipate a few hours after opening it.

2. LINLIN Latex Bamboo Adjustable Pillow: Best Pillow for Neck Pain for Side Sleepers

The next recommendation for the best pillow for neck pain is one for side sleepers. If you mostly sleep on your side and are on the lookout for a supportive and sustainable pillow, we believe the LINLIN Latex Bamboo Adjustable Pillow would be a great choice.

Pros

• Highly adjustable
• Breathable
• Hypoallergenic

What we love about the LINLIN Latex Bamboo Adjustable Pillow is its adjustability – the ergonomic curve is designed to fit every person’s height while also relaxing the muscles of your body.

The natural latex material makes the pillow eco-friendly, anti-allergenic, and anti-mite, all the while allowing for maximum breathability that will prevent any unnecessary sweating or shivers.

Side sleepers need extra support for their neck and shoulders, and the LINLIN Latex Bamboo Adjustable Pillow gives just that. It reduces the pressure of your body while you sleep and adjusts to your body completely.

The pillow also provides proper alignment of your spine, which can help with pain and posture.

For your utmost convenience, the pillow is machine washable.

Cons

The pillow comes a little under £80, so it won’t be an affordable choice for everyone.

3. Bath Pillows 3D Mesh Non-Slip Pillow: Best Pillow for Neck Pain while in the Bath

Your neck requires support not only during sleeping, but also while performing other activities. Bath pillows are a relatively new phenomenon, yet a much-needed one, especially if you’re a fan of long baths or frequent trips to the spa. Designed to fit every bathtub, the Bath Pillows 3D Mesh Non-Slip Pillow will keep you cosy and comfortable while you soak and relax.

Pros

• Fits every bathtub
• Quick-drying material
• Keeps you comfortable in the bath

The bath pillow fits in every bathtub regardless of the size and type. This adjustability allows you to take it with you on holidays and in spa centres, so it will provide comfort and support even outside the house.

It’s made of durable, quick-drying, and odour-resistant material, so you won’t have any issue with its upkeep or if you happen to suffer from any allergies. On top of that, the polyester material is sustainable, so you won’t cause any damage to the environment.

It provides comprehensive protection for your neck, giving you the chance to enjoy long baths without worrying about neck pain afterwards.

4. ANTONIDAS Relax Cervical Spine Health Pillow: Best Orthopaedic Pillow for Neck Pain

Every pillow mentioned in our guide will undoubtedly help you tackle neck pain, but if you’re specifically looking for an orthopaedic pillow to suit your neck and spine simultaneously, look no further than the ANTONIDAS Relax Cervical Spine Health Pillow.

Pros

• Promotes a healthy posture
• Temperature regulation
• Breathable

The temperature-regulating function makes the ANTONIDAS Relax Cervical Spine Health Pillow suitable to use year-round. Additionally, the breathable surface will keep you cool and comfortable even on hot and humid days.

The pillow adjusts completely to your head and neck, keeping you supported while you’re sleeping.

Memory foam, the main material used in the pillow, is a sustainable material and quite easy to take care of, so you won’t have any trouble with the maintenance.

Anyone who suffers from bad posture will benefit from this pillow, as it promotes proper posture and releases stress and tension.

Cons

The ANTONIDAS Relax Cervical Spine Health Pillow will cost you around £50, which can be a bit steep if you’re on a budget.

5. TLWR Car Seat Headrest Pillow: Best Car Seat Pillow for Neck Pain

Long car rides are frequently to blame for nagging neck pain. With the TLWR Car Seat Headrest Pillow, your neck will be supported while you’re on the road, preventing any neck pain caused by your car seat.

Pros

• Supports your neck and spine on long car rides
• Adjustable height
• Prevents neck pain

During your entire drive, your neck will rest gently on this pillow which promotes a good spine alignment and supports your neck, and as a result prevents any neck pain from occurring.

The pillow is entirely adjustable according to your specific height and car seat, so you won’t have to worry about it not being a good match with your car.

One of the best advantages of purchasing the TLWR Car Seat Headrest Pillow is that you can use it outside the car as well. It can be placed on various types of chairs, providing you with proper support for your neck while you’re working.

Cons

The pillow can only be used while seating, so you will need to purchase an additional pillow for your bed, which can be costly.

6. SEPOVEDA Contour Memory Foam Pillow: Most Versatile Pillow for Neck Pain

Whether you’re a side sleeper, a back sleeper, or a front sleeper, the SEPOVEDA Contour Memory Foam Pillow will alleviate any neck pain you might have and provide some much-needed support for your upper body and neck. This is why we consider it the most versatile pillow for neck pain on the market today.

Pros

• Fits the curve of your neck and provides support
• Made of breathable materials
• Suitable for all sleeping positions

The design of the SEPOVEDA Contour Memory Foam Pillow moulds perfectly to your neck, keeping it supported throughout the entire night. This will provide relief from any pain and discomfort you might be experiencing.

In addition, the cervical contour properly aligns your spine, which will improve your posture to a great degree.

The pillow is made entirely of memory foam, which is a soft, breathable, and eco-friendly material.

Unlike most pillows designed to suit your neck, the SEPOVEDA Contour Memory Foam Pillow is suitable for all sleeping positions, making it a no-fuss option for anyone who likes switching their sleeping positions from time to time.

Lastly, the pillowcase is machine washable, so it will be easy to clean. Additionally, you can use your own pillowcase if you have a favourite.

Cons

A couple of customers have noticed that the pillow has a slight chemical smell for the first couple of days after opening it.

7. Silentnight Impress Memory Foam Contour Pillow: Softest Pillow for Neck Pain

Silentnight’s contour pillow, made entirely of velour, is our pick for the softest pillow that also happens to help with neck pain. It relieves neck tension and pain and gives your head a silky and plush surface – an ideal combination.

Pros

• Great for back and side sleepers
• Soft and silky
• Hypoallergenic
• Relaxes the muscles and supports your neck
• Two-year guarantee

The design of this pillow is such that your neck and head will be perfectly cradled while you sleep. It follows the contours of your head and relaxes your upper body muscles.

The pillow is hypoallergenic, meaning it’s suitable for people with allergies and those who have sensitive skin.

The pillowcase is plush and machine washable – cleaning it will take very little time.

As with all Silentnight products, the Silentnight Impress Memory Foam Contour Pillow comes with a two-year guarantee, covering any issues that might arise during that time.

Cons

Some people find the pillow too small, so we recommend checking the dimensions before purchasing.

8. Swilow Memory Foam Pillow: Most Luxurious Pillow for Neck Pain

The innovative and luxurious Swilow Memory Foam Pillow is designed to tackle any neck pain problem with its innovative wave structure. If you’re not on a budget, it’s definitely worth splurging on.

Pros

• Innovative wave structure
• Uses breathable and sustainable materials
• Hypoallergenic

One of the most striking aspects of this pillow is its structure. The waves have a very specific function – they reduce pressure on the face and allow for temperature control, which is crucial if you experience extreme temperatures.

The pillow is double-sided – one side is lower and the other a bit higher, so you can pick the one that suits your body type and height best.

The bamboo charcoal memory foam is breathable and bouncy, allowing it to mould to your neck and head and support you during the night.

Additionally, the materials used are completely hypoallergenic.

The pillowcase can be machine washed, making it extremely easy to maintain.

Cons

The pillow has a mild odor once opened, but it dissipates within seven hours after opening.

9. CHILIMILII Natural Aloe Vera Memory Foam Pillow: Best Aloe Vera Pillow for Neck Pain

Aloe Vera is one of the most breathable and hypoallergenic materials to use in pillows and bedding. If you’re specifically in the search for an Aloe Vera pillow, or if you want a hypoallergenic pillow that falls under most people’s budget, the CHILIMILII Natural Aloe Vera Memory Foam Pillow is an excellent option.

Pros

• Breathable
• Made of sustainable Aloe Vera
• Encourages proper spine alignment

Aloe Vera is naturally hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and sustainable, while also being amazing at temperature regulation.

The memory foam will mould to the shape of your body, provide support, and encourage proper spine alignment.

The CHILIMILII Natural Aloe Vera Memory Foam Pillow will cost you less than £15, making it quite affordable.

Cons

Some people find the pillow a bit too thin for their liking. We recommend taking into account the pillow’s measurements before committing to a purchase.

10. Emma Pillow Visco-Elastic Memory Foam Pillow: Best Adjustable Pillow for Neck Pain

Our pick for the most adjustable pillow is the Emma Pillow Visco-Elastic Memory Foam Pillow. Not only can you adjust its height, but you can also adjust its firmness. Its customizability will allow you to make the pillow of your dreams, one that’s perfectly tailored according to your preferences.

Pros

• Adjustable height and firmness
• Suitable for all sleeping positions
• Breathable and long-lasting

The three layers of memory foam are removable, so you can adjust the pillow to your specific height. Its multi-layer design also makes the pillow suitable for all sleeping positions. Whether you’re a back or side sleeper, comfort is guaranteed.

A common problem people have with pillows is that they tend to sink over time. The Emma pillow keeps its shape as you sleep and throughout the years.

Additionally, it’s vegan and hypoallergenic. There are no animal products present in it and people with allergies and sensitive skin can also use it.

The breathable covers allow for air circulation, keeping you sufficiently cool and warm according to the seasons.

Cons

A few customers have found the pillow to be too big for their pillowcases.

11. Lions Bamboo Memory Foam Orthopaedic Pillow: Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Neck Pain

Made of breathable bamboo memory foam, the Lions Bamboo Memory Foam Orthopaedic Pillow is an impeccable choice for anyone who wants to purchase a high-quality hypoallergenic pillow.

Pros

• Breathable memory foam
• Supports your neck throughout the night
• Moulds to your body shape

The Lions Bamboo Memory Foam Orthopaedic Pillow moulds to your upper body and supports it during the entire night. Customers have reported an alleviation of the pain and stiffness in as little as a couple of days of using the pillow.

The support will continue throughout the entire night, regardless if you shift your position or make a lot of movements.

Using bamboo memory foam as a material guarantees maximum breathability that will keep you dry and cool. If you live in hot and humid climates, this is of extreme importance. To add to that, bamboo memory foam feels luxuriously soft on the skin.

On top of that, it’s also rather affordable for a quality pillow.

Cons

A few customers have found the Lions Bamboo Memory Foam Orthopaedic Pillow to be too thick for their liking.

Buying Guide

We have provided you with a few points to consider when shopping for the best pillow for neck pain.

Support

Arguably, the most important aspect in a pillow designed to soothe neck pain is the amount of support it provides. Make sure the pillow of your choice supports your upper body impeccably and moulds to the contours of your body so there’s no empty space between your neck and pillow.

The range of firmness

Pillows, like mattresses, come in a range of firmness. While there isn’t a universal answer to what the best firmness for neck pain is, it’s a good idea to stay away from any pillows that are too firm. Firm pillows usually work against your body and can leave you with more pain than what you initially had. Medium-firm pillows are a good way to go because they provide a balance between being too firm and hurting your upper body, and not having any support and being too soft.

Price

Needless to say, an important aspect to consider when purchasing a pillow for neck pain is its price. The pillows mentioned in this article cost from £13 to £102, which is typically the range for pillow prices. You should select a pillow depending on your current budget, however, keep in mind that buying a pillow is an investment that can last for many years, so if you have a pillow in mind that’s more expensive than what you’d usually go for, it might be time to invest in it.

Materials

As you might deduce from our guide, there are many types of materials that go into a pillow. The most common material used for pillows is memory foam, closely followed by feathers. Sustainable materials like bamboo and Aloe Vera are also an option.

In order to choose the right material for you, you need to consider what you’re looking for in a pillow first. All the above-mentioned materials serve a particular purpose or come with a specific benefit, so make sure you get acquainted with them before you choose one. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with opting for a specific material if you like the sound of it or you want to try it out.

Sleeping position

Not all pillows are designed to be suitable for all sleeping positions. Before purchasing a pillow, you need to consider what your most frequent sleeping position is and base your choice around that. If you like switching between positions, you can always go for a pillow that provides comfort to every sleeping position, like the SEPOVEDA Contour Memory Foam Pillow.

FAQs

How Should I Sleep to Avoid Neck Pain?

The first step you need to take to prevent any neck pain is to purchase a quality mattress and pillow set that’s catered to your specific needs. The next step would be to consider switching your sleeping position – sleeping on your back or your side can significantly decrease the amount of pain and stiffness you’re feeling in your neck. Lastly, you can try doing some stretches or neck exercises if any pain does occur.

How Do I Loosen Up my Neck Muscles?

Routinely doing neck stretches can alleviate neck pain and prevent any pain from occurring. Stretches like head tilts and shoulder rolls have the ability to both loosen up your neck muscles and make you more flexible. Another way of loosening up your neck muscles is by gently massaging it. Massaging your neck will improve blood flow and help with stiffness.

What Is the Best Pillow for Neck Pain and Side Sleepers?

We have selected the LINLIN Latex Bamboo Adjustable Pillow as the best pillow for back and side sleepers. It’s completely adjustable to your specific body shape and very breathable, which ensures that you’re kept comfortable throughout the entire night. Another option is to select a pillow from our guide that suits all sleeping positions, like the SEPOVEDA Contour Memory Foam Pillow.

Does Sleeping without a Pillow Reduce Neck Pain?

Sleeping without a pillow has proven helpful for some people who suffer from chronic neck pain. However, it’s not a solution for everyone as some people find sleeping without a pillow really uncomfortable. The best thing to do is to select a pillow that’s specifically designed to reduce neck pain, like the pillows mentioned in our guide.

What Is the Best Pillow for Neck Pain?

While all the pillows mentioned in our guide have proven to help with neck pain, our choice for the best overall pillow is the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow. It’s made of sustainable and breathable materials, it’s affordable, and it provides perfect support for your neck – all prerequisites for a pillow that helps with neck pain.

Can the Wrong Pillow Make Neck Pain Worse?

The answer is yes – your neck pain could get worse if you’re sleeping on a pillow that’s not good for your body. Think about it this way – we spend approximately eight hours in bed, which is a long time to spend on a pillow that doesn’t fit right with your body. If you suspect that your pillow is making your neck pain worse, we’d highly suggest choosing a new pillow in order to see if there are any improvements after the switch. 

Conclusion

Having chronic neck pain is not easy to handle, but we hope that our guide has helped you choose the right pillow that will alleviate some of your pain.

The Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow is our choice for the best overall pillow for neck pain and it’s an outstanding option if you’re looking for a breathable, sustainable, and antibacterial pillow that will keep your neck supported, all the while not breaking the bank. The LINLIN Latex Bamboo Adjustable Pillow is ideal for side sleepers, so if you love sleeping on the side but it has caused some difficulty, you should definitely consider it. Bath pillows might be a treat, but they’re definitely worth investing in, and our recommendation is the Bath Pillows 3D Mesh Non-Slip Pillow. Similarly, if long car rides are causing you neck trouble, the TLWR Car Seat Headrest Pillow will do wonders.

The ANTONIDAS Relax Cervical Spine Health Pillow is an incredible choice for an orthopaedic pillow, while the SEPOVEDA Contour Memory Foam Pillow is most versatile. If softness is key for you, we’d recommend the plush Silentnight Impress Memory Foam Contour Pillow. For those looking to splurge on a pillow, the Swilow Memory Foam Pillow is a perfect option. 

Which one of these is a good match for you?