13 Best Orthopedic Pillows for Your Neck & Shoulder Pain
Our top orthopedic pillows in 2023
Finally, we've reached the pinnacle of our article – our top picks for the best orthopedic pillows on the UK market. As you're about to see in just a few moments – we've focused on a variety of different pillows, so we're certain everyone that's coping with some pain will be able to find a perfect orthopedic pillow for themselves.
Pillows
1
Best Overall
Pillows
2
Best Value
Pillows
3
Best for Neck Pain
Pillows
4
Best for Side Sleepers
Pillows
5
Best for Travel
Pillows
6
Best Cervical
Pillows
7
Best Non-Cervical
Pillows
8
Best Supportive
Pillows
9
Best Memory Foam
Pillows
10
Best Contouring
Pillows
11
Best Cooling
Pillows
12
Best All-Around
Pillows
13
Best for Easy Maintenance
Best Overall: Simba Hybrid Pillow
Are you looking for the best orthopedic pillow money can buy? Look no further.
Best Overall
Simba Hybrid pillow is a pillow that you only buy once. This is a 6-layer firm pillow that is designed to provide you with maximum comfort and support and easily adapt to your body keeping you properly aligned. How? The inside of this pillow is filled with easily removable Nanocubes from Simba, which makes this one easy adjustable to your liking.
Also, the layering of this pillow, more precisely Stratos active temperature regulating layer, allows this one to be the best temperature regulating pillow we’ve ever tested. Overall, this is arguably the best orthopedic pillow on the UK market and the best pillow your money can buy.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: Memory foam
- Type: Cervical
- Cover: Removable & washable
- Warranty: 10 years
- UK Delivery: Free of charge
- Trial: 200 days
Advantages
Amazing support
Probably the best support you will get with any of the pillows.
Breathable & cooling
Thanks to Stratos technology, you stay cool even during the hittest summer nights.
Suitable for all sleepers
The pillow is suitable for all sleeping positions.
Disadvantages
Non-removable cover
The cover is not removable.
Best Value: Elviros Cervical Contour Memory Foam Pillow
A brilliantly designed cervical pillow that won't break your bank.
Best Value
If you’re looking for a great, cervical orthopedic pillow that's both very effective and affordable – look no further than this one. The unique design of this pillow is what sets it apart from the others, but it's also what makes it ideal for everyone, regardless of their sleeping position.
Its great pressure relieving properties make this one of the best pain-relieving pillows on the market. It's made from a traditional memory foam, so you can expect it to easily align to your neck and head with ease. It comes with a removable, machine-washable cover – so that's a plus.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: Premium memory foam
- Type: Cervical
- Cover: Removable & washable
- Warranty: N/A
- UK Delivery: Free of charge
- Trial: N/A
Advantages
Supportive & comfortable
Regardless of the sleep position, you will stay comfortable all the time.
Ergonomic design
Thanks to ergonomic design, you'll feel relaxed and well.
Removable cover
The cover is completely removable and machine-washable.
Disadvantages
Non-hypoallergenic
Though removable, the cover is not hypoallergenic.
Not for restless sleepers
Those who toss and turn all night may not find it as comfortable as other sleepers do.
Best for Neck Pain: Comfortzone Contour Pillow
Get rid of neck pain efficiently with Comfortzone Contour pillow!
Best for Neck Pain
If you’re looking for a way to get rid of that kink in your neck and get some quality sleep without breaking the bank, the Comfortzone Contour Pillow was made for you!
What makes this pillow stand apart from the rest is the combination of a high loft and a high firmness level. This means that if you’re sleeping on your side, your neck is getting optimal support and your spine is kept in a healthy position all night long!
With a midway dip and a firm polyester filling, it’s absolutely ideal for side sleepers. Plus, the 100% cotton covers sport an impressively high threat count and allow hot sleepers to dooze off without fearing that they’ll end up covered in sweat. Did we mention that it’s also very budget-friendly?
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: Polyester
- Type: Contour
- Cover: Removable cover
- Warranty: N/A
- UK Delivery: A small fee
- Trial: N/A
Advantages
Great for side sleepers
Perfect loft height for side sleepers.
Breathable & cooling
Due to fantastic thermo regulation, it is cooling.
Affordable
Considering the price & quality – more than affordable.
Disadvantages
Not for stomach sleepers
Loft is too high for most of stomach sleepers.
No warranty
You don't get warranty for this one.
Best for Side Sleepers: Panda Luxury Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow
If being eco-friendly and while sleeping on side means a lot to you – choose this one!
Best for Side Sleepers
Panda Luxury Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow is all that it claims to be. It's a luxury pillow, made from high-quality memory foam, which makes it ideal for those that like to sleep on their side. This one perfectly strikes the balance between being comfortable and supportive, which is not a lot of others can claim to do.
Also, this pillow is made from natural materials, so it's very gentle on the environment – if that's something that's very important to you. The bamboo pillow cover is very soft and breathable and most importantly hypoallergenic, so you can rest assured nothing will be bothering you as you sleep. It is also the best pillow for neck pain in the UK.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: Memory foam
- Type: Cervical
- Cover: Removable & washable
- Warranty: 10 years
- UK Delivery: Free of charge
- Trial: 30 nights
Advantages
Eco-vegan-friendly
Made of sustainably-grown bamboo. Vegan and eco-friendly.
Hypoallergenic
Thanks to bamboo, the pillow is 100% hypoallergenic.
Bamboo
Bamboo is hypoallergenic, cooling & breathable
Disadvantages
Not for stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers may not find it that comfortable.
Best for Travel: SNUGL Travel Pillow
You can’t forget about the proper neck support, especially when you travel!
Best for Travel
It's easy to forget about comfort when you're travelling. However, just because it's easy doesn't mean you should do it. Having a great pillow for when you travel will save you from a lot of neck pain. SNUGL Travel Pillow provides you with much-needed support and comfort when you're sleeping in a sitting position.
The ergonomic design makes this one ideal regardless of how you like to lean your head when you sleep sitting upright. Additionally, this a lightweight, easily washable pillow – so you can be certain you’ll get the most of it for quite some time.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: Memory foam
- Type: Travel
- Cover: No separate cover
- Warranty: 12 months
- UK Delivery: Free of charge
- Trial: 60 days
Advantages
Adjustable neck support
The pillow will help you get rid of any neck pain.
Highly breathable
The pillow is highly breathable and cooling, even for hot sleepers.
Machine washable
Machine washable
Disadvantages
Lack of removable cover
There is no removable cover. Not an ideal for allergy sleepers.
Not for stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers may find it too thin and uncomfortable.
Best Cervical: ComfyCozy Deluxe Memory Foam Pillow
Just like the name says – it’s comfy and cosy contour memory foam pillow and it will make your pain go away!
Best Cervical
Waking up with a tense and aching neck will be a thing of the past once you start sleeping on this pillow. ComfyCozy has done an excellent job designing and manufacturing a great orthopedic pillow that keeps your neck in the natural position regardless of the position you sleep in.
Made from the highest-grade memory foam, these pillows are both comfortable and equally as supportive. Of course, we can't forget about a hypoallergenic, removable cover that comes with this pillow. On top of all that, when you buy this pillow, you get a silk eye mask, to make sure that the light's not interrupting you while you're sleeping.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: Memory foam
- Type: Cervical
- Cover: Removable & washable
- Warranty: N/A
- UK Delivery: Free of charge
- Trial: N/A
Advantages
Hypoallergenic
Hypoallergenic & removable cover. Suitable for allergy sleepers.
Great for neck pain
The pillow molds perfectly around your head and neck, keeping them aligned.
Eye mask included
Along with the pillow, you get a silk eye mask for free.
Disadvantages
Not for hot sleepers
Hot sleepers may experience problems with overheating.
Soft for stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers may find it too soft and therefore uncomfortable.
Best Non-Cervical: Fine Bedding Dual Support Pillow
If you're in the market for something more traditional, yet still pain-relieving – this contour pillow is for you!
Best Non-Cervical
This pillow from Fine Bedding is a perfect example of how you can make a great orthopedic pillow and still retain a traditional shape and size. This non-cervical support pillow is great for those who sleep hot, but also those who prefer a cushiony feel from their pillow.
The inside of a pillow is a mixture of memory foam and microfiber layers and is covered in a hypoallergenic, removable, cotton cover for easier washing and cleaning. On top of all of that, the inner layers are removable which makes this one highly adjustable. You'll be able to reach your comfortable sleep as soon as you realise how many layers you actually do need.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: Memory foam; microfibre
- Type: Non-cervical
- Cover: Removable & washable
- Warranty: N/A
- UK Delivery: Free of charge for orders 50+ GBPs
- Trial: 14 days
Advantages
Hypoallergenic
Great pick for people with allergy issues.
Suitable for all positions
The pillow is highly comfortable & supportive, regardless of the sleep position.
Removable cover
You can remove the cover easily and keep it fresh & clean.
Disadvantages
Off-gassing
There might be some off-gassing present, as this is memory foam pillow.
Too soft
Some sleepers reported that this pillow was too soft for them.
Best Supportive: Emma Original Pillow
An innovative take on an orthopaedic pillow.
Best Supportive
Are you looking for a pillow that will help alleviate and prevent neck pain? If so, Emma Original pillow is a great neck pillow for sleeping.
Built with all sleepers in mind, Emma Original’s three-layered construction will support your neck and head regardless of how you’re sleeping. How come? Well, one side is supportive and firm, and the other one’s soft and adaptive, with breathable and soft memory foam in between them.
Thanks to the Airgocell foam and removable, machine-washable UltraDry cooling cover, Emma pillow will stay fresh, clean, and cool for quite a long time.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: Memory foam
- Type: Cervical
- Cover: Removable & washable
- Warranty: 2 years
- UK Delivery: Free of charge
- Trial: 200 nights
Advantages
Great pick for neck pain
A firmer side of the pillow is fantastic for neck pain treatment.
Supportive
Forget any neck, shoulder or back pain with this pillow as it is highly suppportive.
Good for all sleepers
Regardless of the sleep position, all sleepers will find it comfortable.
Disadvantages
Too firm to some people
Some sleepers, depending on the sleep preferences, may find it too firm.
Best Memory Foam: ZenPur Memory Foam
ZenPur for Pur-fect night of pain-free sleep.
Best Memory Foam
Don’t you despise waking up with sore and stiff neck? We know we did.
ZenPur is a supportive memory foam pillow perfectly designed for side and back sleepers. Its simple design makes it ultra-supportive, seeing there’s only a single block of contouring memory foam inside of this one.
Luckily, the foam’s pierced all throughout, to allow for better airflow, and once you factor in the bamboo cover, that’s naturally cool and breathable – you get yourself a pretty good memory foam pillow to help you get through the night.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: Memory foam
- Type: Cervical
- Cover: Removable & washable
- Warranty: N/A
- UK Delivery: Free of charge
- Trial: N/A
Advantages
Good for neck pain treatment
All who suffer from neck pain will benefit from this pillow.
Extra supportive
The design of pillow adds more firmness and makes it extra-supportive.
Perfect for side sleepers
Side sleepers will absolutely enjoy it.
Disadvantages
Too thick for stomach sleepers
The majority of stomach sleepers find it too thick.
Too firm for some sleepers
Some sleepers may find it too firm and therefore uncomfortable.
Best Contouring: Cozy BoSpin Memory Foam Pillow
Wake up feeling happy and rested with this memory foam pillow!
Best Contouring
Who said that traditional contour pillows were a thing of past? This memory foam pillow from Cozy BoSpin captures the essence of a contour memory foam pillow with its traditional contour wave design, supporting your neck and head perfectly, whether you sleep on your side or your back.
The level of support and comfort you get from this one is remarkable. The pillow will follow the natural curve of your neck and spine, allowing you to sleep in perfect position all night long.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: Memory foam
- Type: Contour
- Cover: Removable & washable
- Warranty: N/A
- UK Delivery: Free of charge
- Trial: N/A
Advantages
Good for back sleepers
All back sleepers will adore this pillow thanks to its design.
Supportive
The traditional “wave” design ensures enough support for all sleepers.
Removable cover
The pillow comes with a removable cover made of bamboo.
Disadvantages
Too thin for some sleepers
Some sleepers find it too thin and therefore not that comfortable.
Not for hot sleepers
Though regular sleepers won't face any issues, hot sleepers may have problems.
Best Cooling: Silentnight Geltex Pillow
Stay cool even during the hottest summer nights!
Best Cooling
If you suffer from painful neck muscle spasms or are looking for a cool, comfortable pillow to provide relief or reduce sleep disturbances and neck pain – here’s the answer to your prayers.
Silentnight Geltex pillow sports a unique structure, carrying a Geltex core encased in fluffy soft hollowfibre. This unique design makes the pillow both supportive and comfortable, but also suitable for all sleeping positions. Also, hollowfibre helps with heat dissipation, so this one shouldn’t get hot during toasty nights.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: Memory foam
- Type: Cervical
- Cover: Non-removable
- Warranty: 2 years
- UK Delivery: Free of charge
- Trial: N/A
Advantages
Ideal for neck pain
An ideal pick for sleepers who suffer from annoying neck pain.
Supportive & comfortable
Thanks to unique design, it is highly comfortable and supportive.
Cooling & breathable
Hollowfibre dissipates the heat successfully and keeps you cool all the time.
Disadvantages
No removable cover
There is no removable cover for easy maintenance.
Not for back sleepers
Some of the back sleepers reported a pain in the neck.
Best All-Around: Medipaq® Half Moon' Memory Foam Cushion Pillow
A cushion pillow to rule them all.
Best All-Around
This versatile pillow will not only help you alleviate pain and stiffness in your neck, but it will also provide you with support for virtually any part of your body, in virtually any position you sit or lie in. We can name it as the best ergonomic pillow as well.
Usually, if it sounds too good to be true – it is too good to be true. But, not in this case. Half-moon shape of this pillow genuinely makes it a perfect support pillow for virtually any scenario and any sleeper. However, that comes at a little cost. It’s not the best for actual sleeping.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: Memory foam
- Type: Cushion
- Cover: Removable & washable
- Warranty: N/A
- UK Delivery: Free of charge
- Trial: N/A
Advantages
Good for neck pain
Beside the entire body alignment, it is great for neck pain treatment.
Supportive
The pillow is highly supportive and it can ease pain in any part of your body.
Different fabrics available
You can opt for cream terry, navy white jacquard or sky blue short plush.
Disadvantages
A bit higher price tag
Considering the similar products in the market, the price tag is a bit higher.
Not for stomach sleepers
The majority of stomach sleepers did not find very comfortable.
Best for Easy Maintenance: Panda Hybrid Pillow
Make your maintenance a piece of cake with this pillow!
Best for Easy Maintenance
Panda Hybrid pillow is perfect for allergy sufferers because it is 100% hypoallergenic and it is easy to maintain.
Hybrid Bamboo pillow is the second pillow launched by Panda, a premium UK sleep company known for its premium and sustainable products.
While there is no doubt that Panda Luxury Memory Foam Bamboo pillow is amazing, Hybrid Bamboo pillow has brought some more improvements for those looking for orthopaedic grade support.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: Charcoal infused polyurethane
- Type: Hybrid
- Cover: Removable & washable; bamboo cover
- Warranty: 10 years
- UK Delivery: Free of charge
- Trial: 30 days
Advantages
Removable cover
The cover is removable & washable.
Eco-friendly
100% eco-friendly & sustainable.
Warranty
10 years warranty also says about the overall quality.
Disadvantages
One size only
You can get it in one size.
Features to look for in the best orthopedic pillow
When you're looking to buy the best orthopedic pillow – you have to know what you're looking for if you want to achieve a spinal alignment as well as perfect night's sleep. Knowing the key, identifying the features of a product you're shopping for will make your shopping experience so much easier, regardless of what you're shopping for.
When it comes to orthopedic pillows, in general, there are few important features to look for. The most important ones are type, profile, inner layer adjustment and the cover of a pillow. Let’s learn a little bit about them, shall we?
Type
When it comes to orthopedic pillows, there are two main categories to look for – cervical and non-cervical pillows. Of course, there are subcategories of these and if you really want to go in-depth about orthopedic pillow you can find water pillows, full-body pillows, knee and lumbar pillow and so on.
Cervical pillows
Cervical pillows are easily distinguishable from regular pillows by their unique shape. In most cases, a cervical pillow will have a raised, neck support area and the main pillow dip where the head is supposed to rest. More often than not, these are made from memory foam.
Since cervical pillows are pretty much a resounding yes or no, with no in-betweens, you can also look for non-cervical orthopedic pillows, which are resembling of a regular pillow, only a lot more supportive and pain-relieving.
Water pillows
As the name suggests, water pillows are filled with water instead of foam or feathers. They offer an entirely different level of support and can be a great option for people suffering from neck pain, headaches, migraines, and even TMJ.
Praised for their pain and pressure-relieving properties, water pillows can be a great option for people who want to ditch their regular pillows altogether and get some much needed relief.
Full body pillows
As the name implies, full-body pillows are designed to provide support for your whole body. These are usually J or U-shaped and can be a great addition to your bed if you suffer from back pain.
Also, pregnant ladies can find a lot of relief in using full-body pillows as they help take the pressure off the lower back and provide support for the belly.
Apart from that, relieving joining pressure and promoting spinal alignment for stomach sleepers is something full-body pillows do exceptionally well.
Knee pillows
Knee pillows are pretty self-explanatory – they’re designed to support your knees, specifically. If you suffer from back pain, knee pain, or both, these pillows can be a great way to get some relief.
But, the benefits don't stop there.
Proper body alignment, especially in side sleepers, is something that can be achieved by using a knee pillow. This, in turn, can lead to better sleep and less pain overall – in all parts of the body. Not just knees.
Lumbar pillows
Lumbar pillows are designed to support your lower back and can be a great way to relieve back pain. These pillows are usually wedge-shaped or in form of rolls, and can be placed behind your back when you’re sitting up in a chair, bed or on the couch.
As for sleeping with it, it's mostly used while side sleeping to provide lumbar cushioning or additional waist support.
Dual profile
The profile of an orthopedic pillow is quite important. You see, considering their unique shape, you should always look for a pillow with a dual profile – for ultimate comfort. What we mean by profile is the height profile of opposite sides of a pillow. In general, the side of an orthopedic pillow is raised compared to the opposite one. That means that you can rotate the pillow, any way you like, based on your sleeping position and neck support and alignment.
For instance, back and side sleepers prefer the raised profile to be on the bottom, while the stomach sleepers enjoy their pillow the other way around.
Material
When it comes to pillow filling, there are several different materials you can choose from. The most popular ones are down, memory foam, and microfibre.
Down pillows
Down pillows are filled with soft feathers and offer a lot of comfort. They’re usually on the pricier side (if they're well-made) but are definitely worth the investment if you’re looking for a good night’s sleep.
The main advantage of down pillows is that they conform to your head and neck shape which provides excellent support.
As for the downsides, there are a few, with the main one not being hypoallergenic.
Memory foam pillows
Memory foam pillows are pretty similar to down pillows in terms of comfort but they’re usually far more supportive.
They’re also great for people suffering from neck pain or headaches as they offer good neck and head support.
The main downside of memory foam pillows is that they can retain heat which can make them quite hot to sleep on, especially in the summer.
Related reading:
Microfibre pillows
Microfibre pillows are filled with soft, synthetic fibre and offer a lot of comfort. They’re usually the cheapest out of three but still provide good value.
The main advantage of microfibre pillows is that they’re hypoallergenic which makes them a great choice for people with allergies.
The downside is that they don’t conform to your head and neck shape as well as memory foam, which can make them less supportive.
Removal of inner layers
Another thing that can be quite important when you’re shopping for an orthopedic pillow is the ability to add or remove the inner layers. This feature is about far more than just comfort. Think of it as adding or removing feathers from old-school pillows. The more you add, the firmer and bigger the pillow becomes and vice versa.
Once again, your sleeping position will greatly affect how you adjust the inner layers of your pillow. If you sleep on your side, in most cases, you’ll need some added height for proper alignment and support and if you’re sleeping on your stomach, you’ll your pillow to be a lot thinner. Back sleepers fit right in the middle between these two.
Cover
Another thing that can be quite important when you’re shopping for an orthopedic pillow is the ability to add or remove the inner layers. This feature is about far more than just comfort. Think of it as adding or removing feathers from old-school pillows. The more you add, the firmer and bigger the pillow becomes and vice versa.
Once again, your sleeping position will greatly affect how you adjust the inner layers of your pillow. If you sleep on your side, in most cases, you’ll need some added height for proper alignment and support and if you’re sleeping on your stomach, you’ll your pillow to be a lot thinner. Back sleepers fit right in the middle between these two.
Tips for buying and using best orthopedic pillow
Being aware of the features is one thing – utilising that knowledge is another story. On that note, we’ve decided to give you a few pro tips on how to buy and use an orthopedic pillow.
First up, always select the pillow based on your sleeping position. What may be pain-relieving and comfortable for a stomach sleeper, will probably be uncomfortable for a side sleeper. So, that always comes first.
As we've mentioned in the beginning, orthopedic pillows aren't only for neck and shoulder pain. There are full-body pillows, knee pillows, lumbar pillows and so on. Depending on what area is bothering you – there are different kinds of pillows to choose from. A pro-tip – every side sleeper could benefit from an orthopedic knee pillow.
Finally, make sure you find a pillow that’s easily washable and we’re not talking solely about a cover. The body of a pillow needs a thorough cleaning every once in a while. For the end – the final 3 tips:
- Select the pillow based on your sleeping position
- Find the appropriate pillow for the aching body part
- Get an easily washable pillow.
The advantages of owning the best orthopedic pillow
Finally, let’s take a look at some of the benefit you’ll be experiencing if you do decide to get an orthopedic pillow for yourself.
First up, if you get the best orthopedic pillow you can be certain that it will perfectly mould to your head and neck, relieving you of pressure and alleviating the pain. A lot of people claim to notice significant results within the first week of using an orthopedic pillow.
Next up, the proper body alignment you get from a quality orthopedic pillow will help you relax better and release all the built-up tension from your muscles. A proper sleeping position can’t be stressed enough. It will change your life for the better – that’s all we’re going to say.
Also, looking for the “cool” side of the pillow won’t be a hassle anymore during the warm, summer days, as a quality orthopedic pillow will be very cool and breathable.
Finally, if you’re dealing with allergies or if you’re prone or sensitive to some common household allergens like dust mites – a great hypoallergenic orthopedic pillow will help you sleep better by repelling the annoying, sneeze-inducing pests. So, an orthopedic pillow:
- Offers perfect support for your neck and head
- Relaxes your whole body and improves overall health
- Either side is a cool side
- Helps fight against allergens.
FAQs about your new orthopedic pillow
In the end, we feel like all that’s left to do is answer some of the frequently asked questions on the best orthopaedic pillows. Even though we feel like we’ve covered all the basics when it comes to orthopedic pillows, sometimes, all you need is a straightforward answer to a direct question and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Let’s answer some FAQs!
What pillows do chiropractors recommend?
Most chiropractors recommend cervical pillows for improving sleep quality because they offer the best support and alignment for your head and neck.
What is the best orthopedic pillow for shoulder pain?
Depending on which position you sleep in, different types of cervical pillows could help ease the shoulder pain.
How long do orthopedic pillows last?
On average, a lifespan of a quality orthopedic pillow is somewhere between 3 and 4 years, if we’re talking about a memory foam orthopedic pillow.
What is the best pillow for degenerative disc disease?
In case you are suffering from a degenerative disc disease, you should look for a buckwheat pillows as they offer better support for such condition.
What type of fill is the best for orthopaedic pillows?
There's no right or wrong answer here when we're talking about individual needs. But generally speaking, memory foam is probably your best bet.
What is the best shape for orthopaedic pillows?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best shape for an orthopaedic pillow will vary depending on your specific needs. However, some of the most popular shapes include contour and cervical pillows.
What level of firmness is best for orthopaedic pillows?
We'd go with medium-firm. Naturally, none of this is set in stone and you might find that a different firmness level works better for you. But in general, we think medium-firm is a good place to start.
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