Aching Sleepers, Rejoice — These 12 Pillows Will Help Reduce Nightly Neck Pain

In an attempt to cure our deepest slumber troubles, we’ve scoured the internet for the best of the best in cooling sheets, mattress toppers, and weighted blankets — but our quest for the ultimate night’s rest doesn't end there. After rounding up pillows strategically crafted for side sleepers, we’re now on the hunt for nighttime head support that will help prevent stiff and sore necks. That’s right — your pillow might be the reason you’re waking up with cricks and creaks as you try to shake off sleep every morning.

According to Spine-Health, an educational-health publisher, “Without the right pillow support, the intricate structures in the neck will be stressed, which will worsen any existing neck condition and lead to daytime neck pain or stiffness.” Proper support translates to a pillow that provides neutral spine alignment for your body and sleep position (stay away from anything that’s too firm and high or too flat and soft). If all that couch-slouching, makeshift-desk working, and late-night doom-scrolling has translated to a stiffer-than-usual neck, then we’ve got a reviewer-approved pillow to help support it while you snooze, ahead.

Welcome to Hype Machine, our hit-list of the top reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star & up only club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors. Reviews have been edited for spelling and grammatical accuracy only.


At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Pillow Cube Side Sleeper Pro

The Hype: 4.9 out of 5 stars and 1,756 reviews on PillowCube


Pain-Free Customers Say: “It has truly helped my neck pain. So I am big fan. It keeps your shoulders from scrunching and you head nice and level. I got the thin and find the 4 inch height perfect.” — Lisa F., Pillow Cube reviewer


Shop Pillow Cube

Pillow Cube Side Sleeper Pro, $129.99, available at Pillow Cube.

Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow

The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 1,031 reviews on Brooklinen


Pain-Free Customers Say: “I’ve tried many pillows trying to find the right one for comfort. They were either too firm, soft big, etc. I’ve very happy with this one. I finally can sleep without waking with a sore neck.’ — Joyce P., Brooklinen reviewer


Shop Brooklinen

Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow, $59.00 $53.10, available at Brooklinen.