The 5 Best Pillows for Neck Pain in 2026

Neck pain is common and increases with age, but the pillow you use can make a difference. Find out which five are worth buying, according to our testing.

May 20, 2026

Expert Reviewed

Product Resources

Jill WaldbieserNCOA Senior WriterWritten by:
Donya CurrieNCOA Associate Director, CommunicationsEdited by:
Samantha CapacilloFormer Program Specialist, NCOA Center for Healthy AgingReviewed by:

We chose the Silk & Snow pillow as Our Best Overall for Neck Pain. This adjustable pillow's memory foam and microfiber filling can be customized to suit your needs. Our testers found it offers a great balance of cushioning and support.
The pillows in this roundup range from $65–$165 (shipping not included).
We tested more than 130 pillows in our in-house lab and evaluated each model for support, cooling, adjustability, and comfort in different sleep positions.
Other top picks include the Saatva Latex pillow, the Luxome LAYR pillow, the TEMPUR-Symphony pillow, and the Brooklinen Marlow pillow.
Our top picks include options for different sleep needs, including cooling, adjustability, and support for combination sleepers.

NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 2,500 hours researching and testing pillows to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best pillows, we:

Consulted with sleep specialists like doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for guidance on choosing the best pillow
Put more than 130 models through a series of 19 different tests at our in-house lab
Mystery-shopped more than 40 brands
Surveyed more than 2,000 older adults on their sleep quality
Interviewed experts on the importance of good sleep for older adults
Worked with older adult testers to evaluate pillows and get their opinion
Read thousands of verified customer reviews

We’re constantly testing new pillows and sleep products to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our sleep accessories review methodology.

Our Top Pick

Silk & Snow

Best Overall

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Breathable cotton cover
Easily adjustable

Less expensive than other options

Saatva Latex Pillow

Best for Neck and Shoulder Pain

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Shredded latex contours for neck and shoulder support
Allergy-friendly materials

Choose from standard or high loft

Brooklinen Marlow: Best for Cooling

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Earned our highest cooling score
Easily adjustable

Comfortable in all sleeping positions

Pillows have a big impact on sleep quality. And choosing the wrong pillow—including one that’s too soft—may contribute to neck, back, and other pain. Just like choosing the best mattress for neck pain can play a role in helping deal with chronic back pain or the pain and soreness of sciatica, finding the best pillow for neck pain may help.

“Neck pain is incredibly common,” said Pamela Mehta, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and founder of Resilience Orthopedics in San Jose, California. Around half of all adults will experience significant neck pain at some point in their lives.¹ “If your neck isn’t properly supported at night, you may wake up with more stiffness. Over time, lack of restful sleep can make your pain worse, not better. It’s a vicious cycle, but the right pillow and sleeping position can make a big difference.” In our review, we highlight the best pillows for neck pain and explain how they made our list. We also provide guidance on how to find the best pillow for your unique needs.

Best pillows for neck pain in 2026

Silk & Snow Pillow: Best Overall Pillow for Neck Pain
Saatva Latex Pillow: Best for Neck and Shoulder Pain
Brooklinen Marlow Pillow: Best Cooling Pillow for Neck Pain
Luxome LAYR pillow: Best Adjustable Pillow for Neck Pain
TEMPUR-Symphony Pillow: Best Neck Pain Pillow for Combination Sleepers

Comparing the best pillows for neck pain

Comparison Features	Silk & Snow Pillow Visit Sitefor Silk & Snow Pillow	Saatva Latex Pillow Visit Sitefor Saatva Latex Pillow	Brooklinen Marlow Pillow Visit Sitefor Brooklinen Marlow Pillow	Luxome LAYR Pillow Visit Sitefor Luxome LAYR Pillow	TEMPUR-Symphony Pillow Visit Sitefor TEMPUR-Symphony Pillow
Score (out of 10)*	9.4	8.7	9.4	9.3	8.1
Best for	Best Overall Pillow for Neck Pain	Best Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain	Best Cooling Pillow for Neck Pain	Best Adjustable Pillow for Neck Pain	Best Neck Pain Pillow for Combination Sleepers
Fill material	Shredded memory foam	Shredded latex	Memory foam and polyester fiber	Gel-infused memory foam	TEMPUR-Material (cooling-infused memory foam)
Loft/Adjustability	9”	6.5”	5”	9.5”	6”
Warranty	3 years	1 year	2 years	Limited	5 years

*Ratings reflect a brand's overall offering; the best overall pick doesn't necessarily have the highest score

What we look for in a pillow for neck pain

We looked for the following features when choosing the best pillows:

Adjustability

Being able to fine-tune your pillow height and firmness can provide more neck support, helping your alignment while sleeping.

Loft or height

Loft impacts whether your head and neck are aligned with your spine. Some studies have found that a pillow height of 3–4 inches is best for easing sleep-related neck pain.²

Spinal alignment support

The right pillow should help keep your head, neck, and spine in healthy alignment while you sleep. Without enough support, your neck can rest at an awkward angle, leading to discomfort.

Shape

The most comfortable pillow shape depends a lot on your preferred sleeping position. For people who sleep on their backs, a traditional rectangle-shaped memory foam pillow was found to be best.³ Other research indicates a contoured pillow with higher sides best suits side sleepers. And back sleepers can use a pillow with a lower, flattened middle to potentially improve sleep quality and spinal alignment.⁴

Silk & Snow Pillow: Best Overall Pillow for Neck Pain

We chose the Silk & Snow as our Best Overall Pillow for Neck Pain because it received top scores for support and pressure relief from testers who have neck pain. It is also adjustable and did well in our cooling tests, both features that may help with a comfortable night’s sleep.

Silk & Snow

Best Overall

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Uses shredded memory foam and microfiber to cradle the neck and head
Easily customizable

Works well for all sleeping positions

Fill material: Memory foam and microfiber
Adjustability and loft: Removable fill, 9”
Firmness level: Adjustable
Free trial period: 100 nights
Cooling: Breathable cotton cover
Shape: Traditional rectangle

Pros

Supports neck and spine in all positions
Made of OEKO-TEX and CertiPUR-US certified materials
Machine washable cover
Good warranty (3 years, the second longest on this list)

Cons

Requires a special pillowcase (30 inches)
The fill can be messy to remove and store

Why we chose the Silk & Snow as the Best Overall Pillow for Neck Pain

The Silk & Snow is our Best Overall Pillow for Neck Pain because it was highly rated for support and comfort by our testers. The memory foam and microfiber filling are adjustable, allowing you to customize the loft and firmness of the pillow to suit your sleeping position and preferences. Our testers found the Silk & Snow pillow helped ease tension on their neck, shoulders, and upper back, and kept their spine aligned.

This pillow is also made using durable and responsive materials that are certified to be free from harmful chemicals. Its breathable cotton cover and memory foam and microfiber pieces permit airflow so heat doesn’t get trapped. It earned a 4/5 in our cooling tests, which makes this a decent pillow for hot sleepers. The Silk & Snow is one of the less-expensive pillows we tried, so it presents a great value for the cost. And it has excellent customer service, with the second-longest warranty on this list and a 100-night trial period.

Our testing experience with the Silk & Snow

Our testers were impressed with the high-quality look and feel of the Silk & Snow pillow. “This feels like a luxury pillow,” said one. “The case is soft, but the fabric feels durable. When I unzipped the cover, I realized the cover was a plush top as well. It had the feeling of a down comforter covering the pillow insert. Overall, this is a very well-made pillow with great intention behind the material and design choices.”

The interior of the Silk & Snow pillow — The Silk & Snow pillow is filled with shredded memory foam and microfiber, making it highly customizable.

In terms of support, our testers found the Silk & Snow pillow great for relieving neck pain, especially in the back and side sleeping positions. One tester, who has neck pain caused by previous injuries, said, “I love this pillow. This is a pillow I would use personally every night. It is the perfect amount of cushioning and support for my head and neck. When I slept on it throughout the night, I woke up feeling very refreshed. I had no neck pain or shoulder tension.”

“I used to wake up with a stiff neck until I switched to a contour pillow. It’s not magic, but it made a huge difference to me. People often don't realize that the pillow really is the missing piece.”

—Kira Capozzolo, DC, a chiropractor at Twin Waves Wellness Center in Solana Beach, California

Even testers who typically dislike memory foam commented on how plush this pillow felt. “Sleeping throughout the night on this pillow was super comfortable for my shoulders and neck on both my side and back,” said one tester. “I love a softer pillow, but this had enough support between the plush cover and memory foam inside that my head was aligned with my spine.” Testers also noted that the memory foam bounced back to its original shape. That responsiveness can be useful for anyone who changes positions at night. “I would recommend this to someone who has neck pain but still wants a soft feeling pillow,” said one tester. “The support is great.”

The back of a person lying on their side and resting their head on the Silk & Snow pillow. — Our testers found that the Silk & Snow pillow effectively supported their neck and shoulders, particularly when lying on their backs and sides.

The Silk & Snow customer experience

Trial period: 100 nights
Shipping: Free
Warranty: 3 years
Financing: Yes, Affirm

Customer service

You can contact Silk & Snow customer service by calling 1-877-672-2882, emailing hello@silkandsnow.com, or through the website's live chat feature.

Saatva Latex Pillow: Best Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain

We chose the Saatva Latex as our Best Overall Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain because it offers strong neck and shoulder support and is made from high-quality materials. Plus, this brand is known for quality and customer service, which is one reason it's on our list of best mattresses.

Saatva Latex

Best for Shoulder Pain

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Saatva Mattress Review
Shredded latex interior may help ease neck pain (and is allergy-friendly)

High-quality materials and luxe feel
Available in both standard and high-loft options

Fill material: Shredded latex
Adjustability and loft: Not adjustable; standard (4–5'') or high loft (6–7'')
Firmness level: Medium
Free trial period: 45 nights
Cooling: Breathable latex
Shape: Traditional rectangle

Pros

Luxe hotel-pillow feel
Shredded latex core contours to support the neck
Supportive spine alignment for most sleepers
Allergy-friendly

Cons

Most expensive pillow we tested
Average cooling
Not adjustable

Why we chose the Saatva Latex as the Best Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain

We chose the Saatva Latex as the Best Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain because it had all-around great scores in our tests. Its shape and fill material may help support the neck and shoulders while keeping the spine aligned. This pillow is pricier than others we tested. But it comes with Saatva’s reputation for quality and great customer service, including a 45-night free trial. Testers said this pillow had the comfort and feel of a hotel-quality pillow and gave it some of the highest scores for comfort and material quality.

The Saatva pillow isn’t adjustable, but you can choose between standard or high loft depending on your preference. It wasn’t the coolest pillow we tested, but it could be a great choice for someone who wants neck support and a luxury feel. Some research has found that pillows made of either latex or memory foam were superior to feather pillows in easing symptoms for people with chronic neck pain.⁵

Our testing experience with the Saatva Latex

Our testers rated the Saatva Latex pillow above average in pretty much every category. It received especially high marks for customer service and quality of materials. They noted that the fabric has a plush, high-end feel and that the pillow has two covers surrounding the latex filling. “There are three layers of protection before reaching the core of the pillow,” said one tester.

A hand holding the Saatva Latex pillow open to see its interior. — The Saatva Latex pillow has three layers of protection, making it feel more luxurious.

In terms of comfort and support, the Saatva Latex pillow strikes the right balance. “This pillow has a decent amount of pressure relief for being a soft, latex pillow,” said a tester. “The second layer is very plush, which gives support and comfort around my neck. I feel lifted off the bed, but not so much that my neck would begin to hurt. I think it would give a comfortable night's sleep for someone who likes a softer pillow.”

A weighted ball sitting on the Saatva Latex pillow — We tested the Saatva Latex pillow for how much it sank under pressure and found it adjusted just enough for maximum comfort.

The Saatva Latex pillow has a loft height of 6.5”, but sank about 3” in our tests. A tester commented, “It feels like the right amount of sinkage to be comfortable.” We think this pillow could be a good choice for back or combination sleepers with neck pain. “It has a medium loft, which helps keep my head and neck in line, but has enough responsiveness that switching positions is still comfortable,” said one tester.

The Saatva customer experience

Trial period: 45 nights
Shipping: Free delivery
Warranty: Limited lifetime
Financing: Yes, through Affirm

Customer service

You can contact Saatva customer service by calling 860-452-3977, emailing info@saatvamattress.com, or through the chat feature on the website.

Learn more about the brand in our Saatva review.

Brooklinen Marlow: Best Cooling Pillow for Neck Pain

We chose the Brooklinen Marlow as the Best Cooling Pillow for Neck Pain because it limited heat buildup better than any other pillow we tested. It received the only perfect 5/5 score for cooling. Our testers also said the Brooklinen Marlow provided excellent support for their necks.

Brooklinen Marlow

Best for Cooling

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Had the lowest temperature increase (8 degrees) of any pillow
Firmness can be easily adjusted

Soft but still supportive of the neck

Fill material: Memory foam
Adjustability and loft: Adjustable; 5''
Firmness level: Adjustable firmness
Free trial period: 365 nights
Cooling: Cooling memory foam
Shape: Traditional rectangle

Pros

Stays cool for hot sleepers
Easily adjust firmness
Supportive in any sleeping position

Cons

Spot-clean only
Fee for returns

Why we chose the Brooklinen Marlow as the Best for Cooling

We chose the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow as the Best Cooling Pillow for Neck Pain because it has great neck support and cooling properties. In our survey on sleep accessories, respondents listed cooling as the second most important feature, and adjustability as the third. The Brooklinen Marlow has both these features.

It was the only pillow to earn a perfect 5/5 score for cooling due to its low heat retention. Compared to the Saatva Latex pillow’s 14-degree temperature increase, the Brooklinen Marlowe only rose 8 degrees after use. This pillow can also be adjusted to make it firmer or softer using two zippers. We found this system a lot easier than pillows where you have to remove and store some of the filling to adjust it. Testers reported that, with the ability to adjust the firmness, this pillow felt comfortable and supported their neck and spine in all three sleeping positions.

“My pain was resulting in me waking up several times a night, but after changing to the cooling pillow, I wake up maybe once or twice a week. My sleep is better, and wake-ups have decreased.”⁸

— NCOA Sleep Accessories Survey respondent

Our testing experience with the Brooklinen Marlow

Our testers found a lot to like about the Brooklinen Marlow pillow. They really appreciated how easily they could adjust the firmness of this pillow using two zippers. Opening each zipper reveals a mesh gusset and decreases the firmness. For the firmest mode, keep both zippers closed; for the softest setting, keep both zippers open. This can be useful for people who don’t want to remove the filling, add it back, or store it in a separate place. “It's super easy to modify this pillow,” one tester said.

A hand lifts the side of the Brooklinen Marlow pillow to show its mesh gusset — Adjusting the firmness of the Brooklinen Marlow pillow is simple, only requiring you to zip or unzip sections.

The adjustability of the Brooklinen Marlow pillow made it equally supportive for the neck and spine in any sleeping position. When lying on your side, our tester said, “I'd recommend having both zippers closed for this position to provide the firmest, loftiest support. The pillow still feels fluffy and plush, but it fills in the gap between the neck and shoulders and prevents neck strain.” When lying on your back, our tester recommends having only one zipper open. “This places the neck in a neutral position and allows the spine to remain in a straight, neutral line (granted, only if you're using the right mattress).” And for stomach sleepers, opening both zippers allows the pillow to compress as much as possible. “This prevents the neck from craning upwards, which could lead to pain over time,” our tester said.

A woman lying on her stomach on the Brooklinen Marlow pillow — Stomach sleepers can unzip the Brooklinen Marlow pillow, compressing it to a flatter position for a more comfortable neck.

Testers also appreciated how cool this pillow stayed, as well as its hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties. “This pillow is more supportive than a lot of other ‘fluffy’ pillows I've tried,” one tester said. “I think the combination of memory foam and polyester fiber gives it a unique fill that balances support and pressure relief. I think this pillow would be great for anyone seeking a medium-plush feel that's not too hard but still offers neck and head support.”

Brooklinen doesn’t have a free trial period for pillows, but it does offer a 365-day return policy. The Brooklinen Marlow Pillow is also the least expensive pillow on this list by $44.

Brooklinen customer experience

Trial period: 365-day return policy
Shipping: Free over $100
Warranty: 365-day warranty
Financing: Yes

Customer service

You can contact Brooklinen customer service by calling 646-798-7447, emailing hello@brooklinen.com, or through the live chat feature on the website.

Luxome LAYR: Best Adjustable Pillow for Neck Pain

We chose the Luxome LAYR as our Best Adjustable Pillow for Neck Pain. It allows you to easily alternate among three different levels of firmness to find the most supportive one for your neck and spine.

Luxome LAYR

Best Adjustable

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Can be adjusted to three firmness levels
Mix and match for the best sleep experience

Great for all kinds of sleepers

Fill material: Memory foam and down alternative
Adjustability and loft: Adjustable; 9.5''
Firmness level: Adjustable firmness
Free trial period: 30 nights
Cooling: Gel-infused foam and breathable fabric
Shape: Traditional rectangle

Pros

Firmness can be adjusted more than any other pillow we tried
Made from high-quality materials
Can be machine-washed

Cons

Traps heat (had the worst cooling score of any pillow we tested)
Inserts have to be stored when not in use

Why we chose the Luxome LAYR as the Best Adjustable Pillow

We chose the Luxome LAYR as the Best Adjustable Pillow for Neck Pain because it has three different inserts. So you can choose whichever best supports you in your preferred sleeping position. This can help keep your spine in line and ease strain on the neck. No other pillow we tested had as many options for adjustability.

Testers also rated the Luxome LAYR highly for its quality materials, clear care instructions, superior comfort, and great customer support. They did note that it was not good for cooling, so hot sleepers may not prefer this pillow. Also, it is on the higher end for price.

More than half (56%) of the people who responded to our survey bought a memory foam pillow (down or down alternative was the next most popular).⁶

Our testing experience with the Luxome LAYR

No other pillow we tested had as many ways to adjust the firmness as the Luxome LAYR pillow. This pillow has three optional inserts:

A soft down-alternative insert
A medium insert made of down-alternative and shredded memory foam
Two firm memory foam inserts of varying thicknesses (one- and two-inch blocks)

You can mix and match the different inserts to find the combination that feels most supportive and comfortable for you. Our testers liked how simple it was to change the LAYR pillow's firmness. “This is the easiest and most customizable pillow I have tested,” one tester said. “There are three different layers within the pillow, so you can keep it just plush, only memory foam, or shredded memory foam.”

The three inserts inside of the Luxome LAYR pillow — The Luxome LAYR features three inserts, allowing users to mix and match to find their best pillow shape and height.

One of our testers discovered that removing the memory foam piece lowered the loft of the pillow for her neck and shoulders. Experimenting with the different inserts can be a good way to find the most supportive combination. “I thought this pillow was super neat and a comfortable choice for people who may not know what they like in a pillow,” said one tester. “I've never seen a combination of material choices inside the case to provide the support it does. I loved the materials and the deliberate design choices this pillow has.”

One tester noted that this may not be the best pillow for combination sleepers due to its custom nature. “I wouldn't recommend this for combination sleepers just because you may enjoy the pillow you customize on your back, but not your side,” they said. Some people might not like having to unzip and repack their pillow or store unused inserts. If that’s the case, you might enjoy the Layla Kapok more, which molds to support you without requiring customization.

The Luxome LAYR pillow on a bed — We don’t recommend the Luxome LAYR pillow for combination sleepers, as its customization options are tailored to suit a specific position.

Testers commented on the quality of the materials used in the Luxome LAYR pillow, which landed it on our list of best orthopedic pillows. “It has a super comfortable outer layer, to the point where I could sleep on this without a pillowcase,” said one. One area where the Luxome LAYR doesn’t perform as well is cooling, where it scored only a 2/5. This is the lowest cooling score among all the pillows we tested.

Luxome LAYR customer experience

Trial period: 30 days
Shipping: Free standard
Warranty: Limited
Financing: Yes

Customer service

You can contact Luxome customer service by emailing support@luxome.com.

TEMPUR-Symphony: Best Neck Pain Pillow for Combination Sleepers

The TEMPUR-Symphony is our Best Neck Pain Pillow for Combination Sleepers because its design supports the neck and shoulders in all sleeping positions. You can simply flip the pillow over and have the support you need for a new position (one side is for back sleepers, the other for side and stomach sleepers). We think this makes the Tempur-Symphony a great option for people who switch positions but still need neck and spine support.

TEMPUR-Symphony

Best for Combination Sleepers

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Memory foam has contouring support
Great neck alignment for back sleepers

Has the longest warranty (five years)

Fill material: Memory foam
Adjustability and loft: Not adjustable; 6''
Firmness level: Medium
Free trial period: None
Cooling: Breathable cover
Shape: Traditional rectangle with one arched side

Pros

Offers support for multiple sleeping positions
Can be adjusted with little effort (flip the pillow)
Comfortable and supportive

Cons

No free trial
Loft might be slightly too high for some stomach sleepers

Why we chose the TEMPUR-Symphony as the Best Neck Pillow for Combination Sleepers

We chose the TEMPUR-Symphony as the Best Neck Pillow for Combination Sleepers because it has a different design on each side. It’s intended to support back sleepers on one side and stomach and side sleepers on the other. This means you can change the support by flipping over the pillow. It is one of the easiest ways to adjust a pillow for people who switch positions often.

The arched side of the TEMPUR-Symphony pillow has excellent neck and shoulder support. The flat side has a lower loft to avoid neck strain for stomach sleepers. Contouring memory foam ensures support where and when you need it. These features make this pillow a great option for people who switch positions but still need neck and spine support.

Our testing experience with the TEMPUR-Symphony

Our testers liked this pillow before they even lay their heads on it. “The materials are comfortable, sturdy, and durable,” said one tester. “The first cover is 100% polyester that feels very soft and almost silky to the touch. The netting that covers the memory foam inside is also polyester and soft. It doesn't look like it would get bunched over time. The memory foam inside the pillow also feels very durable.”

A hand holding the Tempur-Symphony pillow open to show its interior — Our testers were impressed by the Termpur-Symphony pillow from the start, appreciating its high-quality materials.

The contoured side of the TEMPUR-Symphony is designed for back sleepers. It helps keep your neck, shoulders, and spine aligned in that position. The flat side is for side and stomach sleepers, to keep their neck at a lower angle and avoid upper back strain. The memory foam in the pillow contours to add support. Our testers could tell the difference and reported feeling supported in all positions. “I don't typically enjoy memory foam pillows, but this one felt really good as soon as I laid down,” said one tester. “On my back, I felt very supported in the neck area. On my side, which is my primary sleeping position, the pressure relief was great. My neck doesn't hurt and my head sank down into the pillow enough to be comfortable.”

A woman lying on her back with her head on the Tempur-Symphony pillow — The Tempur-Symphony pillow features a contoured side for back sleepers and a flat side for stomach and side sleepers.

Because of its versatility and ability to support the neck in different positions, we feel this pillow would be a good choice for combination sleepers. “The pillow is very responsive, so it will mold back to its original shape as you change positions throughout the night,” said one tester. “I felt comfortably supported on both my back and my side.”

The TEMPUR-Symphony is one of the only pillows we tested that doesn’t come with a free trial, and it is not returnable. If that’s important to you, we suggest the Brooklinen Marlow pillow, which has the longest free trial period on this list (365 nights).

TEMPUR-Symphony customer experience

Trial period: None
Shipping: Free
Warranty: 5-year warranty
Financing: Yes

Customer service

You can contact TEMPUR-Pedic customer service by calling 888-811-5053, emailing customer.service@tempurpedic.com, or using the website's chat feature.

Our process testing the best pillows for neck pain

Our team has spent thousands of hours researching and testing mattresses, pillows, and other sleep accessories so you can feel confident in our reviews. We work with experts in sleep, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, so we know what features are most important when searching for the best pillows for back pain.

For this review, we personally tested 15 pillows identified through our research to ease back pain. Each pillow was put through rigorous testing by older adults with pain to ensure we have real-world data about how they perform.

We considered these important factors when testing the best pillows for neck pain: