Sleeping on a pillow that properly supports your head and neck is vital to both prevent and manage neck pain, and therefore get a good night’s sleep. But considering we’re all built differently, how do you know which pillow is right?
Posture is top of the list when it comes to choosing a pillow for neck pain, as ergonomic expert Lucinda Newbound, owner of ergonomic furniture shop Back in Action, explains: “The right pillow should encourage and maintain the correct spine alignment. Look for something that supports the natural curve of your spine and neck, without holding it at an awkward angle.”
Your size, weight and sleeping position will all dictate which pillow suits you best, and sleep posture expert and founder of Levitex, James Leinhardt, has a good analogy for this: “If you saw my trainers and thought they were awesome, you wouldn’t wear them, because you’re not a size 11. The principle is exactly the same for pillows – one pillow definitely doesn’t fit all.”
With all that in mind, it pays to shop around when choosing a pillow. To make the search a little easier, I’ve put a whole range of options to the test. As a fellow sufferer from neck pain, I’ve found some great options for pain relief. Whether you need an adjustable, ergonomic pillow for chronic issues or a cosy V-pillow to stop a cricked neck when reading in bed, I’ve tested lots of pillows to help you find the very best.
How I tested
I tested a variety of pillows that offered one or more features designed to support neck pain. That includes postural pillows to offer better spinal alignment, firm pillows with good support and thermo-regulating materials to prevent overheating, and V-shaped pillows and travel pillows to offer neck support beyond sleeping.
In particular, I assessed each pillow on the following key factors:
- Pain relief: The most important detail, I had to wake up pain-free. Any pillows that had me tossing and turning didn’t make the cut.
- Support: Support is crucial to reducing pain. I made sure that each pillow gave my neck the right level of support, preventing my head from lolling in the night without feeling claustrophobic.
- Features: I gave extra points for pillows that offered multiple features, such as temperature regulation and adjustable firmness, and made sure they held up to their claims during testing.
- Value for money: Pillows can be expensive, so it’s always important to find one that works well for your aches and pains, sleeping habits, and budget. When I tested each pillow, I paid close attention to those that offered excellent value for money.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Katie Gregory has been writing consumer reviews for IndyBest since 2021. She has used her keen eye for quality when testing everything from the best dual air fryers to garden furniture. For each of her reviews, she prioritises products that balance high-quality materials with affordability, and her guide to the best pillows for neck pain is no different. She has suffered from neck pain, so she could see firsthand if these pillows gave her relief during the night.
The best pillows for neck pain 2025 are:
- Best overall – Levitex sleep posture pillow: £80, Levitex.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Simba stratos pillow: £60, Simbasleep.com
- Best for temperature regulation – Panda hybrid bamboo pillow: £76.46, Pandalondon.com
- Best adjustable pillow – Aeyla foamo pillow: £69, Aeyla.co.uk
- Best V-shaped pillow – Woolroom organic V-shaped washable wool pillow: £153.74, Thewoolroom.com
- Best for kids – Panda kids memory foam bamboo pillow: £31.46, Pandalondon.com
