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We all know how much more difficult our day is after a rubbish night's sleep, and that’s especially compounded when you have to spend the next day with neck pain and any associated symptoms like back pain, headaches and migraines. That’s why finding a pillow which offers adequate support will not only relieve your pressures but also increase your quality of life.
The marketplace for these types of pillows is vast, and finding the perfect one can quickly become confusing. So, in the name of everyone getting the 40 winks they deserve, we’ve created a simple buying guide that should sleepwalk you through the different features and who they will work best for. We’ll also share our recommendations from Amazon, eBay Argos and John Lewis.
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
In this section, we’ll be identifying the different characteristics, but more importantly who these characteristics suit. Recognising how you sleep is going to be vital to finding the right pillow, so before continuing it's a good idea to think about what kind of sleeper you are, for instance, do you prefer to snooze on your side, back or front?
The first feature you should think about is whether you are going to go for a curved pillow, which is what most people with neck pain tend to prefer, or one with a flat, even surface, which is most like an everyday pillow.
It's generally a given that people who suffer from neck pain prefer a pillow with a curved surface, which is also known as a cervical or orthopaedic pillow. This is because its shape is designed especially to provide additional support to the neck, keeping it more in line with the spine.
They’re also a versatile choice, as they can be used in two separate ways depending on which feels better on your neck – just spin it 180-degrees and you have a new angle to work with, so you can switch it up if you're struggling to get comfortable.
In terms of drawbacks, these uniquely-shaped pillows can take a bit of getting used to, especially as they often come in on the small side.
Flat, evenly-shaped pillows are just like a standard pillow. While they don’t offer any additional support shape-wise, some people naturally prefer their familiarity and larger size.
How they can offer support, though, is through their material. In particular, you can look for those filled with shredded memory foam or feathers which have been specially designed to offer more support to the neck and spine.
Essentially, if you don’t want to mix your shape up, then it’s vital that you find an even pillow that offers as much support as possible through what it is stuffed with.
The 'loft’ simply refers to the thickness or height of the pillow. Although the exact measurements will vary between brands, they typically fall into one of three categories: low, medium or high.
There are several factors to take into account to find the best loft, namely, your sleeping position and weight. The mattress type can also affect this, but it’s not as pertinent. Generally speaking, low pillows are best for those who sleep on their front, while medium or high lofts are best for side or back sleepers.
However, this can change depending on weight. People who weigh around or over 104 kg/16 stone sink more deeply into their mattress, regardless of its material, which creates more of an imbalance between the position of the head and body. In this case, a low or medium loft pillow may be better in order to avoid unnecessary and uncomfortable spine displacement when sleeping.
Cotton is known to come in more at the medium-firm end of the spectrum, which means it can provide good support for neck pain sufferers. It will also stay cooler, which is useful if you’re a hot sleeper.
Polyester does have its draws, such as a lower cost, although its success depends on what type is used. You want to find interlocking fibres as these will not flatten as quickly, which in turn provides more support. The stickler is that it’s rarely stipulated by the company what type of polyester their filling is made of.
The last thing to consider isn’t so much a feature that is going to help your neck pain, but instead, it's something that is going to help your potentially pricey specialist pillow last as long as possible – making sure it comes with a cover.
This isn’t always much of an issue for flat pillows, as you can just use the cases you already have (given that the dimensions match, of course). It is, however, more of a worry if you’re opting for a curved pillow because their odd shape won’t fit as snugly in a normal pillowcase.
In this case, it’s well worth finding one that comes with a cover as an extra layer of protection. That way, you can wriggle or drool all you like now you're finally getting a pain-free night's sleep, and rest assured that the pillow is going to remain in tip-top shape.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Coop Home Goods Shredded Memory Foam Pillow With Bamboo Cover | £127.65 High | A 5* Bamboo Pillow That Will Work for Anyone | ||
2 | Ecosafeter Contour Memory Foam Pillow | £29.99 Mid | The Best Value Neck Pillow for Limited Budgets | ||
3 | Silentnight The Eco Comfort Pillow | £22.99 Low Mid | Save the Planet and Your Neck With an Environmentally-Conscious Purchase | ||
4 | Noffa Low Profile Pillow | £45.99 Mid | A Thin Pillow for Folk Who Sleep in a Thick Pillow World | ||
5 | John Lewis & Partners Synthetic Soft Touch Washable Standard Pillow|Extra Firm | £10.00 Low | A High Loft Makes This Useful for Those Who Like a Firm Mattress | ||
6 | Elviros Cervical Contour Memory Foam Pillow | £32.99 Mid | A Firm, Ergonomic Pillow That Will Relieve More Than Just Neck Pain | ||
7 | Casper Pillow for All Sleeping Positions | £49.00 High Mid | An Intuitive Design That Creates a Unique Product | ||
8 | The Comfort Zone New Orthopedic Memory Foam Pillow With Cooling Tencel Fibers | £25.70 Mid | Premium Memory Foam and Cooling Tencel to Keep You in Good Shape | ||
9 | Sissel Classic Neck Pillow | £44.57 Mid | The Flagship Product From a Classic Scandinavian Brand | ||
10 | Sweetnight Orthopedic Pillow for Neck Pain Sufferers | £33.99 Mid | For Those Who Are Known to Toss and Turn in the Night |
Now we know it's expensive, but if we had to recommend a pillow for anyone, it would be this incredible one from Coop. The main reason for that is simple – it is completely adjustable to your needs, meaning it can be everything to everyone, and therefore it's the most likely to relive your pain.
To achieve this flexibility, the design uses a shredded memory foam filling which can be emptied or filled until your perfect height is accomplished. Not only that, but the design comes with a luxurious bamboo cover that not only keeps you cool and fresh, but also fights dust allergens, mites and mildew.
This is a wonderful pillow that happens to be one of Amazon's bestsellers, and is spot on if you're looking for superior comfort on a budget. It was designed in conjunction with sleep experts and is said to help relieve stress in the neck, back and shoulders.
Not only that, but the product also comes with two covers. One of these focuses on protection from dust, and the other aids in the breathability of the pillow. These inclusions will see that the pillow has a longer life than most others, which again is perfect for those looking for value for money.
If you're the type of person who is concerned about where you spend your money, and what effect that has on the world, then you're going to love the Eco Comfort from Silentnight. As it happens, each pillow is made from 17 recycled plastic bottles, and this prevents them from being dumped in landfill or the oceans.
Not only does it protect the environment, but it can also protect many of those who need a good night's sleep too, as the memory foam comes in both soft and firm options, giving you a little more choice than with other designs.
If you're a stomach sleeper, then you no doubt have the most difficult time out of everyone trying to get a good night's sleep. That said, it's not impossible, particularly when companies such as Noffa produce thin, flat pillows like this one which reduce the strain your neck is under.
Furthermore, this isn't just a great pillow for stomach sleepers, but also people with a heavier build as it won't put your neck at as much of an angle when the mattress is dented.
Although these pillows were not specifically designed with neck pain in mind, it doesn't mean that they can't be of use to a specific type of person. Due to its high loft, this choice is ideal for those that only sleep on their side or back with their head slightly on the pillow.
This thickness also allows it to be of service to those who like to sleep on a firmer mattress, as they won't be sinking as much as other folks. While it's quite a simple product, at only £10 most people will be able to try and see if this works without having to worry too much about wasting their money.
While this might look slightly more complex than your average pillow, we assure you you'll find you way around it in no time. The ergonomic design works by following the natural curve of your body, with a gentle slope that keeps your head from ever rolling out of position.
Moreover, this clever design also incorporates arm rest areas that save you from propping yourself up under the pillow, which in turn reduces the chances of arm or wrist ache too. One thing worth mentioning is that this is supposed to be a rather firm memory foam pillow, so it might not be for everyone.
This offering from Casper has an intuitive 2-in-1 design that sets it apart from the rest, and makes it suitable for any type of sleeper. You see, there is an inner pillow which is designed to provide the support, which is then encased in an outer pillow, whose job it is to add a soft fluffy feel. Clever, right?
The product features a five-centimetre gusset which the company say is perfect for maintaining the optimal alignment of the body, and it's available in two sizes. It is on the pricey side for a regular-style pillow, but if helps you sleep in comfort, then we're sure everyone would agree it's money well spent.
This design from The Comfort Zone uses a well-placed groove through the middle of the pillow to maintain your head position throughout the night. This composition should save you from moving into unnatural positions, and as a result, save you from pinched nerves or muscle strains.
Not only that, but the premium quality memory foam will maintain optimal calibration of the spine, which should help prevent those neck pains. Though its outer fabric is breathable and even cooling, it doesn't come with a removable case. Being such a unique shape, this means finding one it won't fall out of could be difficult.
Sissel is a company based in Sweden, and its flagship product is this classic pillow that has all the credentials. It has a slightly more assertive and unique bevel, which the company claim is ideal for those suffering from tension headaches and neck and or shoulder tension.
Furthermore, the design also works to prevent spinal curvature for those that sleep on their side. Our slight qualm, and it is only minor, is that we'd prefer it to be made from memory foam instead of a cotton and polyester blend, but that's just because the brand don't state which type of polyester is used.
First up is this curved style pillow from the company Sweetnight. The pillow comes in a pretty large size which makes it great for those who often find themselves tossing and turning during the night. Plus, due to the quality knitted cover it comes with, it's very breathable and even anti-allergen.
The size, of course, can be seen as a negative if you prefer to sleep in a smaller bed. Plus, while it is stated as being a medium loft, some users mentioned that they would actually describe it as low – again, though, this will suit some more than others.
On a mission to wave goodbye to nights upon nights of disrupted, uncomfortable sleep once and for all? We're here to help you get there with a few more suggestions for specialist pillows and pain relievers.
Pillows produced for neck pain are more common and easier to find than ever before. They help achieve a much better night's sleep and are generally made of softer and comfier materials, so even if you don't necessarily need one, they can be worth investing for your comfort. So, here's to a good nights sleep – just don't forget to set that alarm!
Author: Lewis Clark
No. 1: Coop Home Goods|Shredded Memory Foam Pillow With Bamboo Cover
No. 2: Ecosafeter|Contour Memory Foam Pillow
No. 3: Silentnight|The Eco Comfort Pillow
No. 4: Noffa|Low Profile Pillow
No. 5: John Lewis & Partners|Synthetic Soft Touch Washable Standard Pillow|Extra Firm
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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