Most neck pain only lasts a few weeks, according to the NHS, and there are things you can do yourself to ease it.[1] A pillow is one of them. The NHS advice is a low, firm pillow, with your head kept the same height as the rest of your body while you sleep.[1]
This guide covers what the NHS says about neck and shoulder pain, how to pick a pillow height by sleeping position, and ten pillows that are in stock on the web US. For a pillow made for the shoulder you sleep on, see our guide to the best pillows for shoulder pain.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. See a GP if neck pain does not go away after a few weeks. Get urgent help for sudden or very bad shoulder pain, pins and needles that do not go away, no feeling in the arm, or a shoulder that has changed shape.
Neck and shoulder pain pillow basics
- For neck pain the NHS lists using a low, firm pillow, heat or cold packs, painkillers and neck flexibility exercises. It says not to wear a neck collar unless a doctor tells you to.[1]
- To prevent neck pain, the NHS says to keep your head the same height as the rest of your body when you sleep, have a firm mattress, sit upright, not sleep on your front and not twist your neck in bed.[1]
- For shoulder pain, the NHS says to stay active and gently move your shoulder, sit with a cushion behind your lower back, rest your arm on a cushion in your lap, and not slouch.[2]
- See a GP if neck pain or stiffness does not go away after a few weeks, or if you have pins and needles or a cold arm. See one if shoulder pain is getting worse or does not improve after 2 weeks.[1][2]
- It can take 6 months or longer to recover from shoulder pain.[2]
Key Specs
| No. | Product | Type | Fill / material | Cover | Sizes | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Missleep Cervical Dual-Height | Memory foam pillow | High-density slow-rebound memory foam | Ice silk, removable | 24 x 14 in | Machine washable cover |
| 2 | Royal Therapy Cervical Contour | Memory foam pillow | CertiPUR-US memory foam, 3 layers | OEKO-TEX rayon from bamboo, washable | Queen, 24 x 14 x 5 in | – |
| 3 | CushionCare Cervical Contour | Memory foam pillow | High-density memory foam | White and gray mesh | 24 x 13 x 5 in | – |
| 4 | Sleep Innovations Contour Queen | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | Removable | Queen, 24 x 15 x 5 in | Washable cover |
| 5 | Moonlight Slumber Comfort-U | Body pillow | Fusion Fiberfill synthetic down | Poly-cotton, zippered | 60 x 35 in | Cover is machine washable |
| 6 | Sleep Innovations Contour Standard | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | Removable | Standard, 20 x 15 x 5 in | Washable cover |
| 7 | Elviros Cervical Medium-Firm | Memory foam pillow | CertiPUR-US slow-rebound memory foam | Ice silk, OEKO-TEX, removable | 25 x 16 in, 3.9 / 5.1 in | Machine washable |
| 8 | EPABO Contour Firm | Memory foam pillow | Firm memory foam | Rayon and polyester blend | Queen | – |
| 9 | Cozyplayer Hollow Contour | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | Cooling pillowcase | See product page | – |
| 10 | Polovo Dual-Height | Memory foam pillow | Slow-rebound memory foam | Removable mesh-sided cover | 23.6 x 13.8 in, 5.3 / 3.7 in | Machine washable cover |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Common Causes of Neck and Shoulder Pain
The NHS says the most common causes of neck pain are the neck becoming locked in an awkward position while sleeping, bad posture such as sitting at a desk for a long time, a pinched nerve, and an injury such as whiplash from a traffic accident or fall.[1]
Shoulder pain has many causes. A health professional examines the shoulder, and may send you for tests such as an X-ray, to find out the cause, and treatment depends on it.[2] Do not diagnose it yourself.
- Posture – Bad posture is a common cause of neck pain. The NHS advises sitting upright, rolling your shoulders back gently and bringing your neck back, and not keeping your neck in the same position for a long time.[1]
- Sleeping Position – Waking with a locked neck is common, so a pillow that keeps your head level with your body is worth trying.[1]
- Sitting – For shoulder pain, sit with a cushion behind your lower back and rest your arm on a cushion in your lap.[2]
Side sleepers who wake with a numb arm can try a side sleeper pillow with an arm hole.
Remedies for Neck and Shoulder Pain
- Pillow and Mattress – A low, firm pillow and a firm mattress, with your head level with your body.[1] See our guide to orthopedic pillows.
- Heat or Cold – For the neck, the NHS suggests a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel for 5 minutes, 3 times a day, or a hot water bottle wrapped in a tea towel for 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day.[1] For the shoulder, it says up to 20 minutes, 3 times a day for cold, and 2 to 3 times a day for heat.[2]
- Painkillers – Paracetamol or ibuprofen, or ibuprofen gel on the neck. A pharmacist can advise on the best painkiller.[1][2]
- Exercise – Neck flexibility exercises, and shoulder exercises for 6 to 8 weeks to stop pain returning.[1][2]
- Keep Moving – The NHS says not to completely stop using your shoulder, because it can stop it getting better. Do not do anything dangerous when you cannot move your neck, such as driving or cycling.[1][2]
Design and Materials of a Good Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain
- Height for Your Position – The NHS says your head should be level with the rest of your body.[1] A side sleeper needs enough height to fill the space between the ear and the shoulder. A back sleeper needs a lower pillow, with a dip for the head and support under the neck. Stomach sleeping twists the neck, and the NHS says not to sleep on your front.[1]
- Firmness – The NHS says a low, firm pillow.[1] Memory foam holds its shape, and a medium-firm or firm contour pillow suits most of the picks below.
- Adjustability – Removable foam layers and two-height designs let you tune the loft.
- Cover – A removable, washable cover is easier to keep clean.
How We Chose These Pillows
These picks come from research. We compared the makers’ specifications, the The web product pages and buyer feedback, and we checked that every pick is in stock on the web US. We did not test the pillows ourselves.
We looked at these factors:
- Height and Contour – Whether the pillow keeps your head level with your body, and whether it has two heights or adjustable layers.
- Firmness – Foam density and how well it holds its shape.
- Cover and Care – Whether the cover is removable and washable, and any certifications for the foam and fabric.
- Stock – Whether the pillow is in stock on the web US at the time we checked.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pillows for Neck and Shoulder Pain
- What is the best pillow for neck and shoulder pain?
The NHS advice for neck pain is a low, firm pillow that keeps your head level with your body.[1] A contour pillow with two heights or adjustable layers lets you set that for your sleeping position. - How should I sleep with neck pain?
The NHS says to keep your head the same height as the rest of your body, not to sleep on your front and not to twist your neck in bed.[1] - How long does neck pain last?
The NHS says most neck pain only lasts a few weeks, and to see a GP if it does not go away.[1] - How long does shoulder pain take to recover?
You usually need to do the home treatments for 2 weeks before shoulder pain starts to ease. It can take 6 months or longer to recover.[2] - Should I wear a neck collar?
The NHS says not to wear a neck collar unless a doctor tells you to, because it is better to keep your neck moving.[1] - When should I get urgent help for shoulder pain?
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if you have sudden or very bad shoulder pain, you cannot move your arm, your shoulder has changed shape or is badly swollen, you have pins and needles that do not go away, or the pain started after an injury such as a fall.[2]
Our Picks: Pillows for Neck and Shoulder Pain
Here are ten pillows that are in stock on the web US.
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This does not change your price.
1
Missleep® Cervical Dual-Height Ice Silk Contour Memory Foam Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Missleep Cervical is a contour memory foam pillow with two heights, a rotation of 180 degrees apart, and a breathable ice silk cover.
- Turn it 180 degrees to switch between the higher and lower contour for side, back or stomach sleeping.
- The foam is OEKO-TEX, CertiPUR-US and ISPA certified.
- The cover is removable and washable, and a 6-month warranty comes with it.
2
Royal Therapy® Cervical Contour Three-Layer Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Royal Therapy Cervical Contour is a medium-firm contour pillow with three layers of memory foam, 24 x 14 x 5 inches.
- You remove the middle foam layer to lower the loft.
- The foam is CertiPUR-US certified.
- The washable cover is rayon from bamboo and OEKO-TEX certified.
3
CushionCare® Cervical Contour Memory Foam Pillow with Sleep Mask
Currently unavailable
The CushionCare Cervical Contour is a memory foam contour pillow for side, back and stomach sleepers, and it comes with a free sleep mask.
- It has a high-density memory foam core, and it measures 24 x 13 x 5 inches.
- The outer cover is a white and gray mesh design.
- CushionCare says the foam rebounds quickly.
4
Sleep Innovations® Contour Queen Memory Foam Cervical Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Sleep Innovations Contour Queen is a memory foam contour pillow with a higher and a lower contour, for side and back sleepers.
- It measures 24 x 15 x 5 inches with medium support.
- The soft removable cover is easy to wash.
- The foam is hypoallergenic and CertiPUR-US certified, and the pillow is made in the USA.
5
Moonlight Slumber® Comfort-U Full Body Support Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Moonlight Slumber Comfort-U is a firm U-shaped full-body pillow filled with synthetic Fusion Fiberfill, made in the USA.
- It supports your head, neck and back from 360 degrees, and you can use it to read or watch TV.
- The zippered cover is removable.
- Moonlight Slumber says the whole pillow can go in a large washer or dryer.
6
Sleep Innovations® Contour Standard Memory Foam Cervical Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Sleep Innovations Contour Standard is the standard-size version of the same contour pillow, 20 x 15 x 5 inches.
- You choose the higher or lower contour for your neck.
- The soft removable cover is easy to wash.
- The foam is hypoallergenic and CertiPUR-US certified, and the pillow is made in the USA.
7
Elviros® Cervical Medium-Firm Dual-Height Ice Silk Contour Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Elviros Cervical Medium-Firm is a contour pillow with a 5.1 inch high side for back sleepers and a 3.9 inch low side.
- The memory foam core is CertiPUR-US certified, and the ice silk cover is OEKO-TEX certified.
- Elviros says the pillow is not for medical use, and that your neck can take 2 to 4 weeks to adjust.
- It also works as a backrest for reading.
8
EPABO® Contour Firm Queen Memory Foam Cervical Pillow
Currently unavailable
The EPABO Contour Firm is a firm queen contour pillow of memory foam, for side, back and stomach sleepers.
- A free pillowcase of a rayon and polyester blend is included.
- EPABO says you can feel some discomfort in the first two weeks while your body adjusts.
- It has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
9
Cozyplayer® Hollow Contour Cooling Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Cozyplayer Hollow Contour is a memory foam pillow with a hollow concave center and six contour zones.
- The height is adjustable.
- The cooling pillowcase uses an Arc-Chill fabric that Cozyplayer says lowers skin temperature.
- It comes with a 100-night trial.
10
Polovo® Dual-Height Slow-Rebound Cervical Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Polovo Dual-Height is a slow-rebound memory foam pillow with a 5.3 inch high side and a 3.7 inch low side.
- The soft pillowcase has mesh sides and is removable and machine washable.
- It measures 23.6 x 13.8 inches.
- The seller says a slight foam smell is normal at first, and advises airing it for 3 to 5 days.
Index Table: Top Pillows for Neck & Shoulder Pain
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Missleep Cervical Dual-Height - Ice Silk Contour Memory Foam Pillow |  |
| Missleep |
| 2 | Royal Therapy Cervical Contour - Three-Layer Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow |  |
| Royal Therapy |
| 3 | CushionCare Cervical Contour - Memory Foam Pillow with Sleep Mask |  |
| CushionCare |
| 4 | Sleep Innovations Contour Queen - Memory Foam Cervical Pillow |  |
| Sleep Innovations |
| 5 | Moonlight Slumber Comfort-U - Full Body Support Pillow |  |
| Moonlight Slumber |
| 6 | Sleep Innovations Contour Standard - Memory Foam Cervical Pillow |  |
| Sleep Innovations |
| 7 | Elviros Cervical Medium-Firm - Dual-Height Ice Silk Contour Pillow |  |
| Elviros |
| 8 | EPABO Contour Firm - Queen Memory Foam Cervical Pillow |  |
| EPABO |
| 9 | Cozyplayer Hollow Contour - Cooling Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow |  |
| Cozyplayer |
| 10 | Polovo Dual-Height - Slow-Rebound Cervical Pillow |  |
| Polovo |
Sources
- National Health Service (NHS). Neck pain. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- National Health Service (NHS). Shoulder pain. Accessed October 27, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around NHS guidance on neck pain and shoulder pain, removed the unsourced ‘top 5 causes’, computer radiation, arnica gel and memory foam ‘no dust mites’ claims, corrected the brand of the CushionCare pillow, rewrote all ten product notes and added a disclaimer, a takeaways box, How We Chose and an FAQ
- Oct 2026: Replaced the Sources with two reviewed pages
- Oct 2026: Replaced unavailable products: PharMeDoc Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow with Missleep Cervical Pillow; Coisum Memory Foam Contour Pillow with Royal Therapy Cervical Pillow; Sleep Innovations Cool Contour Pillow with Sleep Innovations Classic Pillow; Elviros Spinal Alignment Pillow with Elviros Cervical Pillow; Mkicesky Pain Relief Pillow with Cozyplayer Cooling Cervical Pillow; Powsure Cervical Pillow with Polovo Cervical Pillow
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs comparison table and a Sources section
- Feb 2022: Added PharMeDoc Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow and Mkicesky Pain Relief Pillow
- Jan 2021: Added Elviros Spinal Alignment Pillow
- Mar 2020: Added Royal Therapy Cervical Pillow, Cervical memory Foam Pillow, EPABO Contour Pillow, Coisum Memory Foam Contour Pillow, Sleep Innovations Cool Contour Pillow and Powsure Cervical Pillow
- Mar 2018: Added Moonlight Slumber Comfort U Pillow
- Sep 2017: Published
