Neck pillows: orthopedic sleeping aids in comparison

A neck pillow brings healthy sleep and prevents tension. However, you can go wrong with the purchase and even exacerbate the pain. Here you can find out what is important when buying a neck pillow.

A neck pillow facilitates healthy sleep and prevents tension. However, you can go wrong with your purchase and even worsen your posture.

If you often wake up with tension and pain in your neck, then you have probably already thought about buying a suitable pillow.

Orthopedic neck pillows have been very popular for a number of years because they support the head much better than conventional sleeping aids and keep the spine straight.

• However, this only applies as long as you can find a pillow that suits your sleeping habits.
• So it’s best to forget about all test winners – one pillow for everyone is not a miracle cure.

In this guide you will find out which things really matter when making a purchase and how you can identify the right neck support pillow for healthy sleep.

Note: In the article overview for pillows you will find further advice for various other variants.

Are Neck Pillows Really Healthier?

The manufacturers of these pillows promise healthy sleep & advertising is rolling over reports about the positive effects of neck support sleep aids:

Orthopedic pillows (that are adapted to the body and neck) are not only intended to improve sleep, but in many cases also alleviate back pain and other health problems.

• To cut a long story short, yes, a neck support pillow can help. It adapts exactly to the head, thus keeping the spine in a neutral position.
• However, orthopedic pillows are not a panacea: Serious tension or chronic back pain often have a variety of causes.

For whom a neck support pillow makes sense

A suitable pillow keeps the body in balance during the night – but if you sit for hours in front of the computer in the wrong posture during the day, then even the best pillow is not a panacea.

However, as long as you approach such a neck support pillow with the right expectations, it can make a great addition.

And help improve your health.

Normal pillows or neck support pillows?

In contrast to normal pillows, neck support pillows are usually made of a special foam.

That is why one speaks here of viscoelastic pillows.

To save you having to look into the dictionary: viscoelastic means that a material is elastic and solid at the same time. That not only sounds great in advertising descriptions, it also has real advantages:

• Sleeping comfort. Compared to down or normal fibers, such a foam is very elastic. When lying down, it adapts to the natural shape of the body and feels very comfortable. You will not feel any uncomfortable pressure points or lumps here.
• Support function. The foam gives way – but only up to a certain point. Then he keeps the head and spine in a stable balance. After sleeping, the foam returns to its original shape – the famous memory effect prevents sagging pillows and maintains support.
• Hygiene. Orthopedic pillows are also suitable for allergy sufferers. House dust mites and germs have no basis of life in the foam. The foam variants are therefore much more hygienic than conventional down pillows. Almost all models are also available with removable & washable covers.
• Shape. Neck support pillows usually have two hollows to support the neck while you sleep. However, there are also flat versions that do without such hollows and are more like a classic pillow. Thanks to the elastic foam, they also adapt to the neck.

Note: I will go into more detail on other fillings in the general pillow guide . For orthopedic pillows, however, memory foam is the best choice.

The smaller neck support pillows promote posture

Orthopedic pillows for the neck are also much smaller than normal pillows.

This not only prevents the head from sinking too deep, but also keeps the shoulders in the correct position. For an optimal night’s sleep, the shoulders should not touch the pillow, but lie relaxed on the mattress.

There are these neck pillow variants

When you hear about orthopedic neck pillows, you probably think of the models with 2 troughs on the top.

In the meantime, however, as I said, there are still alternatives to buy in addition to this original form.

version 1

The classic neck pillow has a recess for back and side sleepers (you need more support on the side, which is why the elevation is larger there).

Variant 2

Recently, there are also neck pillows in which the 2 depressions are the same height. This has the advantage that you can use the entire surface of the pillow, for example if you sleep on your back. For this it is more important to bet on the right height when buying.

Variation 3

Some models even dispense with elevations and have the flat shape of a conventional pillow. In contrast, such neck pillows still have a core made of elastic foam for a significantly better support position.

Which of these 3 options is best for you depends primarily on your personal sleeping position. This is the most important consideration before buying.

How to choose the right neck support pillow

To enjoy the benefits of an orthopedic pillow, it must –   and I know, I repeat myself – match your personal sleeping habits.

(This point is really important, because most “advisors” on the Internet forget about it in their leaderboards).

The most important purchase criterion: your sleeping position

The most stable foam core is of no use as a back sleeper if it is intended for side sleepers and the spine is not kept in a straight position as a result

Your sleeping position therefore determines how high & hard the pillow should be.

Basically we humans sleep in 3 different positions:

• On the back. Back sleepers only need a flat pillow to optimally support the cervical vertebrae.
• On the website. A side sleeper pillow must be built higher in order to adequately support your neck.
• On the belly. Even if there are special pillows for stomach sleepers, you should get rid of this position.

Sleeping on your stomach makes breathing difficult and can lead to a disturbed night’s sleep. It is therefore best to change to the side position or on the back as soon as possible.

Tip: In this article you will learn more about the differences and the respective advantages and disadvantages of popular sleeping positions .

The best neck pillows in the test

In the following sections I have summarized all the information that is crucial when choosing a pillow for YOUR sleeping position.

Just jump to the section that suits your sleeping habits.

• Neck pillow for back sleepers
• Neck pillow for side sleepers
• Neck pillow for stomach sleepers
• Neck pillow for multiple positions
• Neck support pillow for vacation & travel

The right neck pillow for back sleepers

If you spend most of the time on your back, a very thin pillow with a low height is usually sufficient.

Most importantly: The spine should be as straight as possible on the mattress so that no tension or one-sided stress can arise.

The right height is crucial

If the pillow is built too high, the spine is overstretched and tension develops.

By the way: In contrast to side sleepers, you do not necessarily need a pillow with a hollow (remember, there are 3 different variants).

Many people who sleep on their backs find flat models that resemble a classic pillow (and of course still have a visco-elastic foam core) to be far more comfortable.

• The support surface offers significantly more space (in the case of variants with 2 hollows, however, half of the pillow consists of an elevation for side sleepers).
• In my experience, they are also a bit cheaper than the classic orthopedic pillows with 2 hollows.

For those who only sleep on their backs, very flat variants without elevations are often better.

Neck pillow with bumps with rolled-up shoulders

Orthopedic pillows with two hollows are particularly suitable if your back is not completely straight – which can happen especially if you spend many hours in your job every day.

A pillow with two hollows is also helpful if you turn on your side from time to time. In contrast to the flat alternative, the elevations then offer additional support.

In summary: A neck support pillow for back sleepers is not too high in the best case. Most people get by with a height of 10-15cm. Whether with or without surveys depends on your own sleeping habits.

2 recommended neck pillows for back sleepers

Unfortunately, I cannot make the decision for you whether you prefer a flat pillow or an alternative with elevations – your personal preferences decide here.

However, I can save you a tedious search for recommended models on the Internet. Here you will find 2 convincing neck pillows for back sleepers:

Neck pillow test winner for back sleepers

If you are looking for a neck pillow to help you sleep soundly, then I think there is hardly a better choice than Third of Life’s MATAR.

• Thanks to the stable foam, the neck pillow feels wonderfully soft and completely fills the neck area.
• However, your head hardly sinks in, but is held in an optimal position all night long.

The back remains relaxed and the body can recover during the night.

Of course, this foam cushion has all the usual advantages: It is not only allergy-friendly, but also very durable thanks to the elastic core.

Compared to conventional pillows, the foam retains its support and never feels saggy, even after prolonged use.

Yes, there are certainly cheaper pillows (some of them can also be found here in the text).

• However, the high initial investment is quickly forgotten when you wake up in the morning relaxed and without neck pain.
• The pillow is worth every penny – after all, you spend a third of your day on the comfortable foam.

Tip: An extra cover is recommended

You can sleep on the removable & washable thermal cover, but a real cotton cover still feels more comfortable.

(And it’s also a bit more hygienic.)

This is not a must, but I recommend you to buy a separate cover anyway.

Ergonomic pillow with great value for money

At first glance, this neck support pillow from MaxxGoods looks almost like a normal sleeping aid.

• Inside, however, a core made of visco-elastic foam ensures healthy sleep.
• The material not only feels incredibly comfortable, but also supports the head where it matters most.

Even after lying down for hours, you won’t feel any pressure points or painful tension from incorrect posture.

The next morning the pillow will automatically open again and return to its original shape. So you can fall back on a soft, freshly made pillow every night – without any annoying shaking.

The removable cover is machine washable and can be cleaned regularly. The pillow is therefore also suitable for allergy sufferers.

The biggest plus point is the price: In my experience, alternatives with similar quality and workmanship often cost twice as much. The fair price makes this orthopedic pillow a real price-performance winner.

The matching neck pillow for side sleepers

If you spend the night on your side, the following also applies here: The spine should remain in the most neutral position possible while sleeping.

The most important difference to other sleeping positions is the right height. In contrast to back sleepers, the pillow of a side sleeper should be slightly larger.

• The distance between head and mattress increases in the side position. It still needs to be supported to prevent tension.
• The shoulders should also not lie on the pillow on their side in order to avoid a twisted spine and tension the next morning.

A neck pillow for the side ideally also has at least 1 elevation, which fills the neck area.

This prevents kinking cervical vertebrae & increases rest during sleep.

The best pillow for lying on your side

A suitable sleeping aid should not be too low and at the same time be adapted to the shape of your own body (narrow neck & broad head).

As a side sleeper, there is one more thing to consider: In addition to the neck, the legs also play a very important role in sleeping comfort.

• What is meant by this: When standing, our legs do not stick together, but have a natural distance between them.
• When you sleep on your side, however, your knees sink towards the floor and create an imbalance in the pelvis.

You can easily test this at home: Lie on your side with a thin pillow or duvet between your knees. You will likely then feel your hips relax a little .

This effect only increases when you sleep for several hours.

A neck pillow is often not enough for a stable side position

A suitable neck pillow relieves tension and helps to keep the spine straight.

• However, the reason for back problems can also be found below – a neck support pillow alone may not be enough.
• For this reason, there are special side sleeper pillows that have an elongated shape and support the entire body (including the neck).

In the recommendations, I therefore also present such an elongated variant (even if such a pillow is actually not “orthopedic” because of the missing foam core).

Which variant should I choose now?

When choosing a suitable side pillow, it is not only your sleeping habits that decide, but also the available space in the bedroom.

A long pillow that supports the entire body is not exactly small. It can get tight, especially with a partner in bed.

And: Even a “normal” neck support pillow will definitely improve your sleep.

In such a case, however, it can help to clamp part of the blanket or a small pillow between your knees to relieve the spine.

• A long pillow on the side does have a few advantages – but it is not a must for healthy sleep.
• It is best to take a look at the recommendations in the next section and then decide on the right variant.

Tip: If you want to learn more about the different sleep aids, then you should read this side sleeper pillow comparison , which deals in detail with the topic.

Recommended orthopedic pillows for side sleepers

The selection of different pillow types can quickly get confusing – to make your search easier, here are 2 recommended pillows that support the body in the side position.

Ergonomic neck support pillows for side sleepers

Before we come to a long variant, I would like to introduce this “classic” pillow from Third of Life.

• The shape is specially designed for side sleepers, which you will notice every single night.
• The foam core is soft and at the same time sufficiently stable. It keeps the spine in a neutral position.

Thanks to a recess on the lower side, the shoulders do not press on the pillow and the neck can rest on the foam without any pressure points.

The sleeping comfort is really phenomenally good!

If I had to mention a weak point, it would be the reference. Although it regulates temperature, the scope of delivery unfortunately does not include a “real” cotton cover.

This has to be bought separately, which increases the already high price even further. Nevertheless: For the quality offered, that’s okay, the sleeping comfort is worth every single cent.

Long side sleeper pillow for the entire body

This pillow from Theraline is a real eye-catcher: The shape resembles a 7 and is guaranteed to stand out in every bedroom.

However, it is not just the appearance that is really decisive, but above all the function:

• This sieve not only supports the neck, but also the rest of the body and helps to keep the spine in a straight position.
• It also offers the opportunity to snuggle up properly in the large pillow (and thereby stabilize the nightly lateral position).

In contrast to real orthopedic pillows, you have to do without viscoelastic foam.

Only foam sticks are used in the head area, the remaining part consists of supple microbeads.

The difference to orthopedic neck pillows

In practice, it is also very comfortable to sleep with this variant: Although foam pillows feel a bit softer, the sieve supports the entire body.

This not only relieves the neck, but also the whole back.

Of course, the supplied soft cotton cover is removable and machine washable – allergies and dust mites have little chance of doing this.

All convinced side sleepers with enough space in bed should definitely take a look at this original pillow. Almost no alternative can keep up with the cozy feeling of the long seven.

The right neck pillow for those who sleep on their stomach

As a stomach sleeper, it is really not easy – during the night not only does the mattress make breathing difficult, but the pillow also presses against your face all the time.

A stomach sleeper pillow can make sleep easier – but it is not a panacea.

Before I get to recommendable pillows, I want to mention it again at this point:

Sleep experts advise getting used to sleeping on your stomach as quickly as possible. Even the best pillow cannot fully compensate for the limitations.

When you sleep on your stomach, all of your weight presses down, disrupting breathing during the night.

Help to get used to it: a combination pillow

Changing your own sleeping habits is of course not an easy thing – especially on the first night you can feel even more weak.

In my experience, pillows that are intended both for sleeping on your stomach and lying on your side can be of great help.

This allows you to lie comfortably in bed in both positions and gradually get used to sleeping on your side.

The matching neck support pillow for stomach sleepers

Both recommendations below are also suitable for sleeping on the side and are so-called cushion for Seitenkippschläfer .

So if you fall asleep on your side and switch to your stomach during the night, the foam will support you in both positions.

Belly sleeper pillow with great value for money

This butterfly-shaped pillow has – of course – a core made of elastic memory foam, which adapts to your body exactly.

• Even if the face is pressing directly against the pillow, you don’t have to worry about painful pressure points or red marks on your cheeks.
• At the same time, the upper body does not bend forward, but remains as neutral as possible. This makes breathing noticeably easier, even in the prone position.

If you switch to the side, there are the same advantages – the height of 14cm also supports the head in this sleeping position and enables a healthy night’s sleep.

The cover regulates the temperature and is removable and machine washable – but I personally prefer the feel of cotton (you have to buy such a cover separately).

Apart from that, however, this pillow is convincing in all respects – the price is fair for the quality offered and you can already feel the difference to conventional pillows in the first night.

A great start for those who sleep on their stomach (and anyone who wants to get used to a healthier position).

Premium variant for the stomach

This side-tip sleeper pillow from Third of Life is a bit expensive in comparison.

But it feels more comfortable than any of the alternatives.

• Whether on the side or on the stomach – the malleable memory foam adapts optimally and significantly reduces the risk of tension.
• Even after several hours on the stomach, there are no painful pressure points or uncomfortable tightness.

In addition to the quality of sleep, the rest of the workmanship is also impressive. The washable cover ensures a long shelf life and prevents allergies.

Here, too, the manufacturer unfortunately does not use a cotton cover – if you don’t want to sleep on the temperature-regulating microfiber cover, you will have to spend a little more money.

That brings us to the price – this pillow is certainly not a bargain and it is not easy to spend so much money on a pillow.

The price is more than reasonable for what is on offer – if you can find any option then you should definitely invest the money in your quality of sleep.

Neck pillow for multiple positions

Perhaps you are one of those people who can never sleep in a single position, but switch back and forth between different positions all the time.

Finding a suitable neck pillow is not that easy in this situation – should it be better to choose a flat model for those who sleep on the back, or would it rather go for a high version for lying on the side?

Fortunately, since you are not alone with your problem, there have been height-adjustable neck support pillows for some time.

Adjust the height using inserts

The orthopedic pillows are interesting for anyone who wants to experiment with the correct height.

• Manufacturers can also pay for this versatility by paying a higher price.
• A comparable pillow without an adjustable height is usually much cheaper.

If you already know your sleeping position, it is worthwhile to purchase a pillow specifically for it. A special back sleeper pillow, for example, is always better & cheaper than a height-adjustable variant.

And: If you buy it on the Internet, you can send the pillow back anyway if the size does not suit your sleeping habits at all. If in doubt, it is better to choose a version for 1 single sleeping position.

Ergonomic neck support pillows with adjustable height

The following 2 recommendations differ mainly in the price. In my experience, beginners in particular are often looking for cushions with adjustable height.

For this reason I have selected a particularly cheap and a significantly more expensive premium model (which makes everything a little better, but also costs 3 times as much).

Budget tip with variable amount

This neck support pillow from Ebitop has 3 inserts with which you can adjust the height individually.

• Despite the low price, the filling is made of elastic foam that adapts exactly to the shape of your head.
• Compared to more expensive pillows, the core doesn’t feel as comfortable and warms up quite quickly.

If you tend to sweat then this pillow is probably not for you.

But I don’t want to talk the pillow worse than it is: in this price range, what is offered is absolutely okay. Compared to a conventional alternative, you will also sleep better here.

The foam provides adequate support for the neck and head and prevents tension. The interchangeable inserts make it easy to experiment with the height.

The supplied cover (40% bamboo / 60% polyester) is breathable according to the manufacturer and can of course be washed – for even greater sleeping comfort, however, in my opinion it is worth purchasing a cover made of pure cotton.

Overall, this inexpensive pillow convinces with its great price-performance ratio. Comparable alternatives usually cost significantly more.

Height-adjustable premium pillow for the neck

This pillow from Sanapur (a well-known premium manufacturer of bedding) is in a completely different price range.

• Here, too, the height can be adjusted to your own needs thanks to removable inserts.
• In terms of sleeping comfort, however, there is much more to offer than cheaper alternatives.

The soft foam adapts perfectly to your own body and supports it without noticeable resistance or painful pressure points.

Even when lying down for hours, the pillow retains this shape and enables restful and healthy sleep. The difference to cheaper pillows is clearly noticeable here.

Of course, you can also be happy with cheaper models, because they are not bad.

However, if you want a height-adjustable pillow with optimal support, then, to my knowledge, there is little comparable.

In summary: At a premium price you get high quality sleep with a lot of comfort.

Neck pillow for travel

You can also ensure restful sleep when you are out and about – or at least increase your chances of getting some relaxed rest.

• This small neck pillow from Third of Life hardly takes up any space when rolled up and is also ideal for relaxation on the plane or train.
• Even in a hotel, the visco-elastic foam of this travel pillow often sleeps better than the existing cushions.

The supplied cover is breathable and hygienic, but I recommend that you buy an extra cover made of cotton. Then the pillow really feels almost as comfortable as at home.

Inflatable neck pillow for long trips

An inflatable neck pillow is ideal for those who like it a little harder while sleeping.

• In contrast to the foam neck pillow from above, inflatable neck pillows hardly give, which is more comfortable for many travelers.
• They can also be transported in an even more space-saving way – if the air is outside, the cushions can fit into even the smallest pockets.

This neck pillow by LVOVO also has a soft fleece cover, which makes it a little more comfortable than other inflatable pillows (the seams often get in the way, so restful sleep is not an option).

The hardness can be adjusted in seconds using a valve on the side – from stable to soft.

For the low price you can’t go wrong anyway – so get this comfortable travel companion before your next start on vacation.

Tip: In the buying guide to travel pillows there are even more variants as well as a comprehensive overview of the respective advantages and disadvantages.

Recommended manufacturers of neck support pillows

A guide like this one can of course never cover all the different models.

If you come across an interesting pillow in specialist shops or on the Internet, you can evaluate it based on the properties from above (material, height, sleeping position).

In this section I would also like to mention a few orthopedic pillow manufacturers who are known for their quality. Just as with the recommendations above , the chances are good that you will find a suitable pillow for healthy sleep:

• http://www.hefel.com/
• https://www.third-of-life.com
• www.sanapur.de/kissen/original-kissen/
• https://witschi-kissen.ch/shop/
• http://www.theraline.de/
• www.corpomed.de

How to take care of your orthopedic neck pillow

Since almost all recommended neck support pillows have a foam core, you should definitely read the manufacturer’s care instructions provided once.

• As a rule, the foam must not be washed so that it retains its viscoelastic properties for as long as possible.
• In order to still ensure hygiene, most neck pillows have a removable and machine-washable cover.

Clean the cover regularly.

On the one hand, to remove germs. And on the other hand, to prevent body fluids from attacking the foam core and causing unpleasant smells there.

In addition, it is also worth purchasing another cotton cover. This has several advantages:

1. Pure cotton not only feels wonderfully soft on the skin, it also has temperature-regulating properties
2. Night sweat and other body fluids are absorbed & transported away from the skin during the night.
3. The easy-care cover forms an additional barrier between you and the foam core (this ensures better hygiene).

Orthopedic neck pillows are considered to be quite easy to care for – as long as you follow these tips, you will enjoy your new pillow for a long time.

One final word on healthy sleep

The right pillow is an important basis for a good night’s sleep – but it only helps if the rest of the sleep hygiene is right:

• Irregular sleep times or too much coffee in the evening can keep you awake for hours even in the most comfortable bed.
• The same goes for stress in everyday life. Or worries that keep floating around in your head, even during the night.

With a few simple tips, you can quickly change your personal sleeping habits for the better.

Improve your sleep

The most important first step: Knowing about healthy sleep. This page is the ideal starting point:

• In the Sleep Better category , you will find numerous tips to improve the quality of your night’s sleep . How do cell phones affect sleep & which sleeping position is the best?
• Of course, the right furnishings for your bedroom also play a decisive role. In addition to a comfortable pillow, things like the mattress or the curtains also count.
• If you already suffer from irregular bed rest, you will find more information (and solutions) on various sleep disorders and common problems here.
• Last but not least, it is always worth knowing about the latest developments in sleep research . In this category I explain new studies in a way that is understandable for everyone.

In all articles you will find practical tips to significantly improve your sleep (and therefore your overall quality of life). It’s best to start with the category that interests you most.

Conclusion: What makes orthopedic pillows so special

Thank you for reading this extensive guide – you did it!

If there is anything you should keep in mind from this article, it is this: Viscoelastic pillows offer 2 great advantages:

• Elasticity: The foam gives in a little and adapts to the shape of the head individually. There are no painful pressure points or resistance that can lead to a wrong posture.
• Firmness: At the same time, the foam remains stable enough to keep your head in a neutral position overnight. In contrast to jello, despite its elasticity, it does not spring all the time.

Make sure you have the right filling the next time you buy a pillow and sleep much more comfortably than with conventional variants.

(And if you want to save time, then my selected recommendations from above will help you ).

If you found this article helpful, please recommend it to other people.

<< Back to the pillow article overview