Last Updated On December 27th, 2021
If you suffer from neck pain, particularly when you sleep, then you’re not alone. There are countless people out there, just like you who’ve begun to search for the best pillow for neck pain in the UK, so that they can get some decent rest.
The truth is, your sleeping position does have a significant impact on how comfortable you feel through the day. If you sleep awkwardly, then your spine, shoulders, neck, and other parts of your body can begin to ache. The wrong pillow can even leave you with headaches all day long, just because you don’t have the right support for your neck.
Whether you’re living with chronic neck pain, or you only recently started to suffer after your pillow began to deflate, we’re here to help. We’ve searched the internet for the ultimate pillows for neck and shoulder pain, so you can once again enjoy a peaceful, pain-free evening.
Table of Contents
Our Favourite Pillows for Neck Pain Compared
Best Pillow for Neck Pain – Top 10 Picks
1. Ecosafeter Contour (Editor’s Choice)
What happens when you find the best pillow for a bad neck, and then you have to travel abroad, or sleep at a different house? It won’t always be easy to take your standard cushion with you. The good news is that you can always rely on the Contour Memory Foam pillow by Ecosafeter instead.
Features
This impressive travel size memory foam pillow supports your head and neck with a unique curvature design so you can sleep soundly wherever you are. Additionally, all of the materials that go into this pillow are intended to offer a better experience to allergy sufferers. If you struggle with problems that have to do with dust and odours, you shouldn’t have too much of an issue with this cushion.
Just remember it’s not a full-sized pillow so it might not work for everyday use. Additionally, you will have to air out the chemical smell when you first receive your item.
- Has a high-quality memory foam design
- Excellent contour to suit stomach, back, and side sleepers
- Anti-allergenic pillow with no toxic ingredients
- Money-back guarantee for up to 30 days
- Not a full-sized cushion
- Comes with a chemical odour at first
- Not great at preventing snoring
2. Supportiback Comfort (Best with Cooling Properties)
Usually, the best pillow for neck pain and headaches is one that won’t force you to sleep at either an odd angle or in an uncomfortably flat position. Unfortunately, it’s hard to find a traditional pillow that can offer just the right amount of supportiveness to alleviate the pressure on your spine. With its curved memory foam design, the Supportiback cooling comfort pillow helps to eliminate some of the discomforts from almost all sleeping positions.
Features
The “comfort contours” as they’re called by the manufacturer help to keep your neck in ideal alignment with your spine, whether you’re on your side or your back. There’s also a built-in cooling layer within the cushion to eliminate the risk of a sweaty head during the night. If you sleep hot, you’ll love the Supportiback pillow.
It is a little bit firmer than some people like, so keep that in mind if you like a soft cushion. You also won’t be able to flip the pillow, because the cooling gel is only one side.
- Great spine and neck alignment
- Keeps your head cool throughout the night
- Comes with a free eBook for better sleeping
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Harder than some people would like
- No cover included
- Not ideal for those who prefer to fall asleep on their stomach
3. Sepoveda Ultra Bounce Pack of 2 (Best Set)
The Sepoveda Ultra Bounce pillow makes an excellent choice for anyone seeking a soft pillow with a responsive material. It is also a good choice for people who change sleeping positions frequently throughout the night.
Features
The Sepoveda pillow comes in a pack of two. Each pillow is made with a 100% cotton cover that is anti-stain and has a gusseted side perimeter for added reinforcement. The gusseted edge also helps create a more even and accommodating angle to support your head and neck.
This pillow contains a poly fibre filling that enables an adjustable loft. This means you can easily remove or add filling as needed to suit your specific body shape and support needs. It is odourless and has anti-mite properties.
Sepoveda pillows are easy to clean as the entire pillow can be thrown in your washing machine and tumble dried on low. Thanks to the resilient and bouncy filling, these pillows keep their original shape after washing and even with extended use.
Be aware, Sepoveda pillows do not provide as much contour as memory foam and there are reports of them retaining some minimal heat. Additionally, the filling is made from 100% polyester, not cotton as advertised.
- Odourless and anti-mite
- Adjustable loft
- Comes in a pack of 2
- 100% cotton anti-stain cover
- Entire pillow can be machine washed and tumble dried
- May have less contour when compared to memory foam
- May retain some minimal heat
- Advertising about filling may be misleading
4. Mediflow Waterbase (Best with Water Pouch)
You’ve probably heard of water beds before, but how about a water pillow? The Mediflow waterbase pillow is designed to deliver the ultimate comfort, with a structure approved by a John Hopkins independent study.
Features
Whether you like sleeping on your stomach, back or side, when you use this pillow, you’ll enjoy an excellent level of support that keeps your neck and spine carefully elevated to eliminate unwanted pain. It has a water pouch within it but it is fully sealed and insulated thereby reducing the risk of leaking throughout the night. However, you can always adjust the water level, so you have the right amount of height in your cushion to suit your specific preferences.
Unfortunately, despite the manufacturer’s utmost efforts, some people still say they experience leaking. The good news is that there is a 3-year warranty if anything goes wrong.
- Clinically proven design
- Great for all sleeping positions
- Excellent 100% hypoallergenic cover
- Customisable cushion height
- Doesn’t fit easily into a standard pillowcase
- Can leak at times
- Takes some time to get used to the sound of water when you sleep
5. The Panda Luxury (Best Temperature Control)
The Panda pillow is one of the most well-known sleeping accessories in the UK today. Not only does this neck pain pillow have some of the most desirable reviews on the market, but it also comes with a 10-year guarantee. That’s more than you’ll get from most standard pillow provider.
Features
This brand knows you’re going to love your new pillow, and it’s easy to see why. Along with luxurious visco memory foam, and a soft anti-allergenic bamboo cover, it comes with temperature regulating features that will help to keep you fresh in the summer. According to the company, the three levels of foam in the pillow are recommended by doctors to give you better neck support – particularly if you sleep on your side or stomach.
Unfortunately, it’s not ideal for back sleepers, as it’s a little too high for most. The Panda also comes with a chemical smell, to begin with, though this eases over time.
- Anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic design
- 10-year guarantee and 30-night trial
- Excellent for those who fall asleep on their side and stomach
- Amazing breathable temperature control
- The chemical smell when you first receive it
- Too high for some who likes to fall asleep on their back
6. Martian Dreams Luxury Shredded (Best Adjustable Loft)
For a sleeping experience that’s out of this world, the Martian Dreams Shredded foam pillow is excellent for customisable comfort and high-level neck support.
Features
If you usually suffer from allergies, then you’ll be able to sleep more comfortably using this cushion, as the bamboo covers protect against allergens. Additionally, you can remove portions of the shredded memory foam inside to get the support that’s right for your needs. The moisture-wicking properties in the Martian Dreams’ cushion design mean that you’re less likely to end up covered in sweat.
What’s more, unlike many of the memory foam cushions on the market, this one will fit into a standard pillowcase without much trouble. There’s also a five-year warranty included. Unfortunately, the fill isn’t the same as having a full memory foam experience, and it’s worth noting that you do need to have some patience to wait for the chemical smell to dissipate.
- Bamboo covers for allergy sufferers
- Adjust your fill with additional or less foam
- Fits standard pillowcases
- Five-year warranty
- Not so good at keeping your head cool
- Not a full memory foam experience
- The chemical smell takes a while to disappear
7. Tempur Comfort Original (Best for Side Sleepers)
For people who suffer from neck pain, there are few things more important than having the right support from a comfortable pillow. The Tempur Comfort Pillow Original is the leading company’s iconic approach to luxury memory foam, complete with the perfect balance of firm spine and neck protection, and cosiness.
Features
Get the perfect level of support for your neck with a Tempur pillow, recognised and certified by the Space Foundation. This is the ultimate solution for neck problems, made with the same materials Tempur uses in its best-selling mattresses. The pillow offers amazing comfort for the full night, although you may need to occasionally plump the cushion to keep it in great condition.
This product works well regardless of whether you’re a side, back or stomach sleeper, and the huggable shape means that you’re sure to look forward to every night in bed. This item even comes with a pillow cover included, washable up to a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius.
For extra peace of mind, your Tempur pillow comes with a three-year guarantee too. One slight downside of this pillow is that it might be too soft for people who like the true memory foam experience. However, this won’t be a problem for most sleepers.
- Excellent memory foam support
- Comfortable enough for side, back, and stomach sleepers
- Washable pillow cover included
- Extra peace of mind with a 3-year guarantee
- Requires regular plumping and reshaping
- May be too soft for full memory foam lovers
8. The Casper Microfibre (Best Large)
Casper is another one of the well-known bedding brands in the UK. Not only does it deliver excellent high-quality mattresses and mattress toppers, but you can also get a state-of-the-art pillow from this company.
Features
The unique pillow in a pillow design is intended to satisfy any kind of sleeper, with a firmer cushion feel inside, and extra padding on the outside. When it comes to neck support, you won’t get much better than the construction of the Casper pillow. There’s a kind of material back-bone built-in so that the filling remains evenly distributed in the cushion over time. The five-centimetre padding also encourages better spine alignment, so you wake up feeling refreshed.
Unfortunately, it’s not hypoallergenic like some of the other pillows on the market, and it’s not memory foam either if you’re looking for that “sinking” feeling.
- Comfortable cooling effect
- Doesn’t retain odour or moisture
- Ideal for people who like soft, fluffy pillows
- Excellent for a long-term level of supportiveness for the neck and spine
- Too soft for people who want firmer cushions
- Not memory foam
- Not hypoallergenic
9. Dreamzie Ergonomic (Best Anti-Snore)
If you’re looking for the best pillow for neck pain in the UK, and also something that might help to save your relationship, then this ergonomic memory foam pillow could be it.
Features
This unique wave-shaped cushion is designed to encourage sleepers to have better spine placement, so you’re less likely to feel cramped and achy in the morning. What’s more, because you’re situated properly through the night, your airways stay open – reducing the risk of snoring.
Made in Europe, the Dreamzie anti-snore ergonomic pillow comes with a thirty-day guarantee, and it’s very easy to care for thanks to its excellent bamboo cover. You can even wash it frequently without having to compromise on its softness. Additionally, the fact that the cover is made from bamboo means that you’re less likely to suffer from allergy issues.
Unfortunately, it’s way too hard for some people, as the memory foam is very solid. Additionally, with between 9 and 11cms of padding, it might be too high for some people.
- The wave design is more supportive of the spine
- Can help to reduce snoring
- High-quality materials throughout
- The bamboo cover is hypo-allergenic
- Replaceable bamboo covers aren’t available from the same seller
- Too hard for some people
- Quite high – not ideal for those who prefer to fall asleep on their back
10. MARNUR Contour (Best with Armrest)
Don’t be put off by the unusual shape of the MARNUR memory foam pillow. That strange contour is perfect for giving you a peaceful night’s sleep. The cushion is specifically designed to cradle your head and support your neck properly all night long.
Features
This memory foam pillow comes with pillowcase covers included, so you don’t have to worry about finding one that fits the shape. It’s particularly well suited for stomach sleepers, as it gives you the breathability and supportiveness you need without angling your neck awkwardly. There are even especially built-in armrests so you can relax your hands while you sleep.
If you’re looking for the best pillow for a sore neck, the MARNUR could be what you’re searching for. The biggest issue is that it doesn’t work as well for those who prefer to fall asleep on their back, and you won’t be able to find extra pillowcases easily.
- Inspiring ergonomic design
- Very good for those who prefer to fall asleep on their stomach
- High-quality memory foam
- Great for people who like soft cushions
- Too soft for some people
- Only comes with one pillowcase
- Not ideal for those who prefer to fall asleep on their back
Choosing the Best Pillow for Stiff Neck Problems
Just like with many other things in life, you’ll find that when it comes to neck pain, prevention is often much better than cure. If you’ve ever woken up feeling achy and comfortable, or you’ve found that you struggle to move your neck after a bad night’s sleep, then you might need to look at your sleeping habits.
While some kinds of neck pain are caused by things like age and may be beyond your control, an awkward sleeping position can do more damage than you realise. With the right cushion, you can eliminate stiff and painful neck problems almost overnight. The question is, how do you choose the sleeping solution that’s right for you?
Consider Pillow Shapes
One of the first things you’ll need to think about when you want to buy the perfect pillow is the shape of the cushion. The standard pillow you see in most bedding stores doesn’t give your neck or spine the additional support it needs to get rid of neck issues. However, curved and contoured pillows provide a specific level of supportiveness that cradles your head while you sleep.
Cervical pillows do an excellent job when it comes to filling the empty space between your mattress and neck. This ensures that your head isn’t putting extra weight on your spine during the night. Just as there are good mattresses for side sleepers, back sleepers or stomach sleepers, there is also an ideal pillow for different sleep positions. Depending on how you like to sleep, you might need a higher or lower pillow. For instance, people who sleep on their back often prefer smaller pillows for neck support.
Think About the Available Materials
Another thing to consider is that synthetic stuffing and down are unlikely to hold their shape well enough in a pillow to give you the kind of balance you need. You’ll need a material that’s much firmer to keep your spine straight and aligned during the night.
Memory foam mattresses, as well as memory foam pillows, are by far the most common option for people who want to improve their sleep and reduce neck pain. If you don’t like the firmness or heat that often comes with memory foam but would want to try it as your pillow, then you can try hybrid options that use “shredded” cushion foam as these are usually much softer and provide better airflow.
Water pillows are another great option for people who regularly suffer from neck pain and headaches. Since water can’t be compressed like down or padding, it’s always going to give you a firmer level of supportiveness.
Other Things to Consider with Your Neck Pillow
There are several other factors that you can consider when choosing the ideal cushion, besides the way it’s shaped and the material that the manufacturer uses. For instance:
- Does it have good airflow? Better airflow will reduce the heat around your head while you sleep and eliminate sweating.
- Is it anti-allergenic? Hypoallergenic covers made from bamboo are excellent for preventing sneezing and coughing in the night.
- Does it come with a guarantee? Some pillow providers offer guarantees or free trials so you can check whether the design is right for you.
- Is the case removable? A removable case can make your pillow last longer, as you won’t have to worry about a build-up of odours or stains.
- What kind of sleeping positions does it support? Some pillows are specifically designed to offer better comfort to those who prefer to fall asleep on their back, while others are better suited for those who prefer their side or stomach. Consider how you feel most comfortable, then look for a cushion that suits your habits.
You may also want to find out whether the pillow you would want to buy will fit into a standard pillowcase. This will improve the aesthetic appeal of your bedding set, by ensuring everything blends together in your bedroom.
How to Buy the Right Pillow for Neck Pain
Choosing the best pillow for neck pain that the UK has to offer is an excellent way to improve your quality of life, and make sure you get a good night’s rest. It’s difficult to enjoy your daily routine when you’re constantly suffering from aches and pains caused by an uncomfortable cushion.
Although there are other things that can contribute to the discomfort in your neck, such as wear and tear from regular movement, or even age, your sleeping accessories can make a huge difference too. All of the pillows that we’ve outlined above are amazing for reducing neck pain in one way or another. However, our top choice has to be the Ecosafeter Contour pillow. Its medium-firm feel is suitable for back, side and stomach sleepers and aligns your head and neck. Furthermore, it is hypoallergenic and features a dust-proof and breathable inner cover. For easy maintenance, the outer cover is removable and machine-washable.
Do you have a neck-support pillow that we haven’t mentioned here? Let us know in the comment section below!