Neck Pillows, The Best Support
A neck pillow is always primarily designed to support your head, neck and shoulders in order to provide the ultimate sleeping comfort. A neck pillow is often made from a shape-retaining material, with or without built-in neck support. Shape-retaining materials such as memory foam, Tempur or latex offer a great deal of support and help increase relaxation in the neck and spinal vertebrae.
Do neck pillows really work?
A neck pillow is specially designed to provide the right support for your neck during sleep. This is particularly desirable in cases of neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain. The right neck pillow helps to relieve these complaints and provides relaxation during the night.
Is sleeping on your side bad for your neck?
A neck pillow is in fact especially suitable for side sleepers. For back sleepers, and particularly stomach sleepers, we recommend paying close attention to the height of the neck pillow. We do not recommend a neck pillow with a separate latex neck support for stomach sleepers, as the separate neck support can create too much counter-pressure in the neck.
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Is a neck pillow always orthopaedic?
A neck pillow is specifically designed to support your neck, head and shoulders. With a neck pillow, your head, shoulders and neck can relax more effectively, improving your sleeping comfort and helping to reduce neck and shoulder complaints. Better sleeping comfort naturally leads to deeper sleep and allows you to wake up feeling more refreshed and energised.
With a good neck pillow, everything revolves around proper support. When your body – especially your neck, head and shoulders – receives adequate support, your muscles relax more easily and pain or tension may gradually decrease. Most neck pillows are made from shape-retaining materials such as latex or memory foam (also known as Tempur). Memory foam is particularly effective because it reacts to body heat and adapts to the contours of your head, shoulders and neck, providing precise support exactly where it is needed.
Latex pillows are produced by moulding latex into a specific ergonomic shape. This allows a latex pillow to adapt perfectly to the contours of your head and neck. Unlike memory foam, latex is not temperature-sensitive and therefore remains more resilient. Latex has a higher elasticity than memory foam. Both latex pillows and memory foam pillows provide excellent support and relaxation for people suffering from neck pain, back pain or headaches.
Benefits of a neck pillow
- A neck pillow retains its shape throughout the night.
- The firm structure of memory foam and latex ensures optimal support for the neck, shoulders and head.
- These materials maintain their shape and support, helping your muscles relax during sleep.
- Neck pillows can help reduce neck discomfort.
- By supporting the neck, shoulders and head, a neck pillow can help relieve tension and pain during sleep.
- Neck pillows help maintain a healthy sleeping position.
- The ergonomic design encourages your body to stay in a position that supports the spine properly.
- A neck pillow may help reduce snoring.
- By improving sleeping posture and opening the airways, a neck pillow can help reduce or even prevent snoring.
Choosing the right neck pillow height
The best pillow for neck pain is one with the correct height, firmness and shape for your preferred sleeping position. Personal preferences vary widely. Some people find that memory foam pillows relieve neck pain, while others feel more comfortable with a latex pillow.
There are also variations within neck pillows. Memory foam pillows are available as a single solid piece or as a cover filled with shredded memory foam. Each type may work well for some sleepers but not for everyone. Instead of focusing only on the type of pillow, it is more important to determine which height, shape and filling best suits your body type and sleeping position. Reading independent reviews or consulting healthcare professionals who treat neck pain can also help you make the right choice.
Memory foam neck pillows
A memory foam neck pillow helps keep your spine and head in a straight and natural position during sleep. The unique design supports the pressure points of the head and neck. When exposed to body heat and pressure, memory foam adapts to the contours of your neck and head. This allows your muscles to relax and improves blood circulation, resulting in better sleep and reduced strain on the neck muscles.
A memory foam neck pillow is suitable for side sleepers and back sleepers. If you usually sleep on your stomach, we recommend choosing a lower-profile memory foam pillow.
Comparison of neck pillow materials
The table below provides a helpful comparison of different types of neck pillow materials so you can easily determine which option best suits your personal needs.
| Neck Pillow Material | Support | Pressure Relief | Ventilation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memory Foam | Excellent | Maximum | Moderate | Severe neck pain & side sleepers |
| Natural Latex | Very Good | Moderate | Excellent | Allergy sufferers & back sleepers |
| Cold Foam | Good | Moderate | Good | People looking for firmness |
| Water Pillow | Adjustable | High | Cool | Adjustable height preference |
| Buckwheat | Very Good | Low | Excellent | Firm natural support |
| Down (Neck Support) | Moderate | Moderate | Good | Soft luxury comfort |
Which pillow suits your complaint?
- For herniated discs or arthritis: Memory foam is often recommended because it distributes pressure evenly across the spine.
- For night sweating: Choose latex or a pillow with a Tencel cover for better breathability.
- For changing sleeping positions: A water pillow or adjustable cold foam pillow allows you to easily modify the height.
- For allergies: Latex is naturally resistant to dust mites and mould, making it one of the most hygienic options.
Tip: Measure the distance between the base of your neck and the outside of your shoulder. This indicates the ideal pillow height when sleeping on your side. Also consider mattress firmness: the softer your mattress, the lower your pillow should be.
Frequently asked questions about neck pillows
What is the best sleeping position for neck pain?
The best positions are sleeping on your side or on your back. These positions allow the pillow to properly support the natural curve of your spine. Sleeping on your stomach is generally discouraged because it forces the neck into an unnatural angle.
How do I choose the right neck pillow?
The right pillow depends on your mattress and shoulder width.
- Side sleepers: need a higher, firmer pillow to fill the space between the shoulder and neck.
- Back sleepers: benefit from a pillow that is lower in the middle with a supportive neck roll.
- Material: memory foam adapts to body contours while latex offers more resilience and ventilation.
What are the benefits of an ergonomic neck pillow?
- Reduced morning stiffness and headaches.
- Improved blood circulation during sleep.
- Proper spinal alignment throughout the night.
How should I use a neck pillow with a high and low side?
Most ergonomic pillows have an uneven design. The higher side should support the neck while the lower central area supports the back of the head. This helps maintain the natural S-curve of the neck.
When should a neck pillow be replaced?
A high-quality neck pillow typically lasts between three and five years. Replace it when the material loses resilience, develops indentations or when you start waking up with neck discomfort again.
Can a neck pillow help reduce snoring?
Yes. By positioning the neck correctly and keeping the airways more open, a supportive neck pillow can help reduce snoring.
Is a firm or soft neck pillow better?
This depends on your body weight and mattress firmness. On a soft mattress you usually need a lower pillow, while a firmer mattress requires a higher and more supportive pillow.
Can neck pillows be used by children?
There are special lower-profile neck pillows designed for children. Adult neck pillows are usually too high for a child’s developing neck and shoulders.