Since you are here, it is obvious that you’re in some way searching for the ideal type of pillow for neck pain. Isn’t it?
To make it easier for you, I have picked five best types of pillow for neck pain, along with the top sleeping pillow brands in India. Also, I’ll talk about how to choose a pillow according to your sleeping position.
Whether you are a side sleeper, stomach sleeper, or back sleeper, there several cervical pillows that will ease your pain.
Alright, let’s first start with the sleeping pillow types that are well suited for people with cervicalgia.
5 best types of pillow for neck pain
1. Memory foam

Memory foam pillows are easily accessible and cheap by being in a solid form or shredded. The memory foam moulds by responding to pressure and forms a supportive cradle around the neck. It is one of the most common, effective sleeping pillows for neck or shoulder pain.
2. Buckwheat pillow

Buckwheat pillows are known to hold their shape and are also durable, naturally breathable, environmentally friendly as well as resistant to allergens. Getting a buckwheat pillow is ideal for your neck support and is somehow adjustable to suit your sleeping style by removing or adding hulls from the pillow.
These pillows provide great support for your spine and head too.
3. Latex pillow

Latex pillows work on your pressure points to hold the neck in a way to provide maximum comfort. Most of these pillows also comprise pin-core holes for better temperature control. It is a go-to choice for many having neck pain and it is an organic and sustainable option.
4. Water pillow

Water-based pillows are different from the rest. It is a great pick for those having multiple sleeping styles as water has this known characteristic of changing shape accordingly and genuinely providing comfort for your neck.
These pillows are also known to make people fall asleep much faster than others and do not cause disturbance while you’re trying to sleep. Water pillows have been there for a while and their importance has grown over the years.
Wait! There’s more to water pillows as these tend to not lose shape or their loft over time.
5. Contour pillow

A contour pillow has a curved design that looks elegant and stylish in its own way. The design adapts to your head, shoulder, neck and it is a great option in case you’re on the lookout for a pillow for neck pain. Apart from being an essential buy for back sleepers and side sleepers, it also relieves headaches, stiff neck, frozen shoulders, and reduces snoring while sleeping.
Contour pillows are good-looking and apart from being attractive, it delivers by helping out your neck pain.
Best pillow brands in India
Can you believe that we spend almost one-third of our lives sleeping? Considering the time we spend on bed, we need quality mattresses and sleeping pillows. Thus, the competition among brands which manufacture sleep products increases.
Below are some of the top brands in India which produce premium quality sleeping pillows:
- My Armor – known for orthopaedic memory foam pillows and memory foam cushions
- The White Willow – deals with top quality and expensive pillows. Probably the best sleeping pillow brand in India
- Tynor Orthotics – medical equipment company that produces orthopaedic and fracture aid products like cervical pillows, ankle binders, and body belts
- Recron by Reliance – specializes in sleep comfort items like mattresses and bed linens
- Sleepwell – India’s most well known mattress brand
- Wakefit – the brand has dominated the sleep products market in India recently. From bed, neck pillows to back mattresses, they produce highly reasonable products.
What to look for while choosing a pillow for neck pain
If you find yourself getting up in the morning with sore neck pain, chances are that the pillow you have been using is the main cause.
First of all, the pillow’s job is to keep your head and neck in the right balance to avoid any kind of discomfort and strain. Unfortunately, not all pillows keep a check on that and it can be troublesome.
Not everyone is focused and keen on what kind of pillows are ideal for them, which later on backfires and could be the sole reason for neck or shoulder pain.
Nevertheless, I have compiled a list of factors to take into consideration when choosing a pillow for neck pain. They are as follows:
1. Shape
Currently, you’ll find a range of ergonomic pillows that can provide support to your neck by adapting to your body. Whether it is V-Shaped, Square, or others, it depends upon personal choice. In case you don’t find comfort from these, cervical pillows are your best bet.
2. Firmness
The firmness of a pillow is essential in a substantial way. The ideal firmness of your pillow depends upon the height of your pillow, the weight of your head, or even how you sleep. It should be balanced, that is, the pillow firmness shouldn’t be too soft or too firm.
3. Loft
Sleep experts say that you should always go for a pillow loft that puts your head and neck in a straight aligned manner with your spine while sleeping. When purchasing a pillow, always consider the size of your head and the width of your shoulders. If you aren’t sure, there’s always an option of going for a pillow with an adjustable loft.
4. Material
There are numerous categories of pillows for neck pain to choose from. Feather pillows or even memory foam are considered top-notch picks that will help you in the long run. Having a pillow with quality materials helps in a big way and has a longer lifespan.
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How to choose a pillow according to sleeping positions
1. Back-sleeper
Most people prefer sleeping in this position. Having a low pillow is the best for back sleepers and a small rolled towel can be placed under the neck.
Also, adding a pillow or two underneath your knees can be a great way to ease your backpressure.
- Material: Memory Foam Pillow
- Firmness: Soft
- Shape: Cervical Pillow
- Pillow Height: Low
2. Side-sleeper
Side sleepers usually require a higher pillow to keep the neck and head aligned over the shoulders, similar to when you’re standing with a good posture.
A thicker pillow is advised and also putting a pillow in between your knees keeps the spine in neutral alignment.
- Material: Memory Foam, Buckwheat, and Latex
- Firmness: Firm
- Shape: Cervical Support Pillow
- Pillow Height: Medium/High
3. Stomach sleeper
Very less people sleep on the stomach and this sleeping pattern somehow causes many problems, including neck pain. This position is generally not advised but in case you have a similar sleeping style, the height of the pillow should be lower.
Moreover, you can place a thin pillow under your pelvis to keep the alignment of your back.
- Material: Memory Foam
- Firmness: Soft/Medium Firm
- Shape: Cervical Pillow, Contour Pillow, Memory Foam Pillow
- Pillow Height: Low
Recap
Neck pain is a common problem among a lot of people; blame it on the type of pillow a person uses. In this article, I have reviewed the best types of pillow for neck pain in India and how you can choose the ideal one, whether you are a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper.
Every person is different and so does their choice. Some may go for a cervical pillow and the other may go according to his preference and simply pick a buckwheat or memory foam pillow.
Most of us these days order or buy a pillow without knowing what benefits does it offer, will it help us in the long run or will the pillow retain its shape.
Hope this article helps you. Stay fit!