Choosing the best pillow is much like choosing a life partner – you want them to be supportive and comforting, good in bed and ultimately not turn out to be a pain in the neck. That last bit is key. According to a Harvard study , eight in 10 of us will experience neck pain at some point, with the likelihood rising as we get older (women being slightly more prone to it than men, according to The BMJ ).
Finding the best pillow for neck pain is no laughing matter. ‘One in two Brits gets less than six hours sleep a night, with causes including stress, pain or just feeling uncomfortable,’ says James Leinhart, posture expert and founder of mattress and pillow brand Levitex . ‘Your neck is the most delicate part of your spine and needs the most attention.
As is the case when finding the best mattress , you need a pillow that keeps your spine neutral to offer the best support is important. As well as reducing neck and back pain, a good pillow can decrease snoring, improve your circulation, keep you cool and lessen tension in your neck and shoulders.’ In our search for the best neck pain pillows, we’ve focused on contoured pillows and those specifically designed for posture correction – although many of the best pillows for side sleepers will have postural benefits.
You can read our in-depth reviews below , followed by answers to some key questions relating to neck pain and pillows. But if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at our top five: Which are the best pil.