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 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.
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The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 12,858 reviews on Purple
Pain-Free Customers Say: “This pillow is by far the most comfortable pillow I have ever had. It really provides exactly the support you need for both your neck and head. My first thought after getting it out of the box was ‘wow, this is heavy,’ and ‘it flops around a lot.’ It turns out that is part of what makes it work. It also feels a bit weird for a night or two, but after that, you won’t trade it for anything..” —Randolph B., Purple reviewer
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Purple Harmony™ Pillow, $, available at Purple
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 1,247 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 been very happy with this one. I finally can sleep without waking with a sore neck.’ —Joyce P., Brooklinen reviewer
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Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow, $, available at Brooklinen
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 2,704 reviews on PillowCube
Pain-Free Customers Say: “It has truly helped my neck pain. So I am a big fan. It keeps your shoulders from scrunching and your head is nice and level. I got the thin and find the 4-inch height perfect.” —Lisa F., Pillow Cube reviewer
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Pillow Cube Side Sleeper Pro, $, available at Pillow Cube
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 5,992 reviews on Avocado
Pain-Free Customers Say: “Awesome pillow! Pleasantly surprised, after trying dozens of pillow brands and always ending up disappointed I came across Avocado and decided to give them a try. I love this pillow, extremely comfortable and my constant neck pain is gone. Will definitely be ordering again.” —Brent., Avocado reviewer
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Avocado Avocado Green Pillow, $, available at Avocado
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 381 reviews on Coyuchi
Pain-Free Customers Say: “I was having so much ear/neck/ shoulder pain so I thought I would splurge on a nice orthopedic pillow that could also provide ear pressure relief. I am SO HAPPY that I did! I feel a million times better after using this pillow for one month.” —Lynn W., Coyuchi reviewer
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Coyuchi Turiya Organic Latex Pillow, $, available at Coyuchi
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 107 reviews on The Company Store
Pain-Free Customers Say: “I have used contour pillows since my neck surgery. I’ve had several different brands but this is by far the best one I’ve owned. I was worried when it said it was a medium firmness. It is perfect. It’s softer but still very supportive. I hope they don’t change this style because I will continue to buy this pillow.” —Suzanne, The Company Store reviewer
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The Company Store Serene Foam Hypoallergenic Contour Pillow, $, available at The Company Store
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 730 reviews on L.L Bean
Pain-Free Customers Say: “I bought both the medium and firm pillows. Ended up keeping the firm — I sleep on my back and both sides during the night and this pillow is perfect. No more crick in my neck in the morning!” —Runnergirl, L.L Bean reviewer
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L.L. Bean Down-Alternative Damask Pillow, $, available at L.L. Bean
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 384 reviews on Amerisleep
Pain-Free Customers Say: “Together, the Amerisleep mattress and pillows are an upgrade, as they make me feel like I’m sleeping on a cloud. The pillows are absorbent, and I haven’t slept this well in a long time.” —Miles, Amerisleep reviewer
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Amerisleep Comfort Classic Pillow, $, available at Amerisleep
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 319 reviews on Muse Sleep
Pain-Free Customers Say: “I was pleasantly surprised by this pillow. I am a side sleeper and have been struggling with neck pain and headaches for quite a while. I’ve tried a variety of things, and then one night I thought – what if it’s my pillow! So I did some research. The pillow has really been helping. Ahhh, sweet relief, thank goodness! Thanks, Muse Pillow!” —Vicki S., Muse Sleep reviewer
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Muse Sleep The Muse Pillow, $, available at Muse Sleep
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 7,174 reviews on Tempurpedic
Pain-Free Customers Say: “Absolutely love this pillow and it’s the second time we’ve purchased them. The firmness keeps my head/neck aligned, so it’s not stiff in the morning. Also, I really like that it stays cool.” —Tempurpedic reviewer
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Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Breeze Memory Foam Medium Support Pillow, $, available at Wayfair
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 4,033 reviews on Tuft & Needle
Pain-Free Customers Say: “I have a bad back so most pillows make my neck and back hurt. I am small-framed and sleep mostly on my side but occasionally on my stomach and back. After a whole year of searching for the perfect pillow, this one finally did the trick!” —L. Morgan, Tuft & Needle reviewer
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Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow, $, available at Tuft & Needle
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 3,513 reviews on Amazon
Pain-Free Customers Say: “This pillow is very comfy! It’s super soft! You might lose your job because this pillow makes it impossible for me to leave my bed! It’s worth the money! It’s a great price! It’s sturdy as well!!! It’s great for pregnant moms!” — Brumfield, Amazon reviewer
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Bedsure Memory Foam Pillow, $, available at Amazon
The Hype: 4 out of 5 stars and 3,818 reviews on Amazon
Pain-Free Customers Say: “The pillow arrived on a day when I was having quite a bit of pain. In fact, I went to bed early because I needed to lie down. The first thing I noticed was that almost immediately I found a comfortable position. I also fell asleep in record time, and in the night I slept better than I have in over two years!” — M. Mcewan, Amazon reviewer
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Core Products Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Support Pillow, $, available at Amazon
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