6 Best Orthopaedic Pillows for Your Neck & Shoulder Pain
Our top orthopaedic pillows in 2024
Finally, we've reached the pinnacle of our article – our top picks for the best orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic pillow for themselves.
Medical
1
Best Overall
Medical
2
Best Firm
Medical
3
Best for Neck Pain
Medical
4
Best Cooling
Medical
5
Best All-Faom
Medical
6
Best Hypoallergenic
Best Overall: Original Groove Pillow
Are you looking for the best orthopaedic pillow money can buy? Look no further.
Best Overall
For our number one pick, we had to go with the Original Groove Pillow as it both offers great value and tackles neck and shoulder pain exceptionally well!
For one, as you'll soon see, this is by no means an expensive pillow. Despite that fact, you still get high-quality materials and a 100-night trial, which is something even high-end pillows don't always bring to the table.
But the most impressive part is how the pillow deals with neck and shoulder pain. Instead of focusing on an adjustable filling or something similar, this pillow created “zones” for different sleeping positions.
Namely, if you sleep on your side, just scoot near the edge of the pillow. Not only do the edges have a higher loft to properly support your neck but they also have an overhang, so your shoulders have room to breathe. And if you sleep on your back, simply place your head in the indent in the middle!
This design is especially useful if you're a combination sleeper, as you can just roll to the side and be right where you need to be! So, if you want to learn more about this amazing pillow, we suggest you read our full review of the Original Groove Pillow.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: Memory foam
- Type: Cervical
- Cover: Removable & washable
- Warranty: 100 nights
- UK Delivery: Extra fee
- Trial: 100 nights
Advantages
Amazing value
The pillow is relatively cheap while still being high quality.
Pressure relief
The pillow utilises memory foam for proper pressure relief.
Suitable for side and back sleepers
The pillow has specific zones for back and side sleepers.
Disadvantages
Cover is hard to remove
Due to the unique shape of the pillow, the cover is harder to remove.
Only one size
If the standard size doesn't suit you, there's no alternative option.
Best Firm: Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow
Neck pain can often be caused by a pillow that's too soft or lack support. So, getting this high-quality firm pillow from Simba might just be what you're looking for!
Best Firm
While the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow isn't all that budget-friendly, it's certainly a marvel to behold! This might sound like an overstatement but just look at the construction and you'll see what we're talking about.
This is a semi-adjustable pillow that comes with three separate pillow inserts. So, by switching them in and out, you can adjust the pillow to any sleeping position. However, unlike most adjustable pillows, the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow uses two soft and one firm insert, further increasing the level of customisability.
And this firm insert is especially unique as it even features tiny springs that offer unparalleled support. Plus, the entire pillow has mesh sides and a cooling cover to keep hot sleepers at ease.
Lastly, since this is a luxury pillow, you can expect free and quick delivery as well as a trial period and a warranty.
If you want to learn more about it, read our full review of the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: 100% polyurethane with aerocoil spring layer (firm layer), 100% polyester (soft layers)
- Type: Adjustable
- Cover: Removable & washable
- Warranty: 1 year
- UK Delivery: Free of charge
- Trial: 30 nights
Advantages
Firm support
The firm insert features springs that offer amazing support.
Cooling
The pillow has a cooling cover and mesh sides for added breathability.
Removable cover
The cover is completely removable and machine-washable.
Disadvantages
Not budget-friendly
There are much cheaper pillows.
Some loose fluff
There might be some loose fluff when removing the cover.
Best for Neck Pain: Emma Original Pillow
Get rid of neck pain efficiently with the Emma Original Pillow!
Best for Neck Pain
Are you looking for a pillow that will help alleviate and prevent neck pain? If so, the Emma Original pillow is a great choice!
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. So, if you ever find that you're not comfortable, just flip the pillow over and sleep like a log!
Thanks to the Airgocell foam and removable, machine-washable UltraDry cooling cover, the Emma pillow will also stay fresh, clean, and cool for quite a long time.
If you want to learn more, you can read our full review of the Emma Original Pillow.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: Memory foam
- Type: Cervical
- Cover: Removable cover
- Warranty: 2 years
- UK Delivery: Free of charge
- Trial: 200 nights
Advantages
Great pick for neck pain
The firmer side of the pillow is fantastic for neck pain treatment..
Adjustable
By flipping the pillow over or taking out an insert, you can adjust the loft and firmness.
Good for all sleepers
You can adjust the pillow so that it fits all sleeping positions.
Disadvantages
Only one size
People with a larger build might need a bigger pillow.
Too firm for some
Some people might prefer a soft, down pillow or similar.
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. Not to mention that the pillow also has a soft-knit cover and mesh sides that further amp the breathability factor.
And, if you're on a budget, this pillow also shouldn't break the bank.
If you'd like to learn more, you should read our full review of the Siletnight Geltex pillow.
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
Highly supportive and pressure relieving.
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
Not for stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers might need a flatter pillow.
Best All-Faom: Tempur Original Pillow
Memory foam is the king of pressure relief. So, why bother with all the bells and whistles when you can just get the Tempur Original Pillow?
Best All-Faom
The Tempur Original Pillow is a simple, all-foam cervical pillow that's going to make most people happy. This is especially true for side sleepers as one end of the pillow is significantly thicker than the other, easily accommodating your neck as you sleep.
The pillow itself is made up of high-quality memory foam, that traces its origin to literal astronauts and NASA! So, you can rest assured that Tempur isn't skimping out in terms of quality.
And while this does hike up the price, it also leads to an incredibly comfortable and supportive sleeping experience. Plus, with an easily-removable cover and a 3-year warranty, this pillow is likely going to outlive most other models. So, in terms of value, you're still getting a pretty good deal.
If you'd like to know more, you can read our full review of the Tempur Original Pillow.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: Memory foam
- Type: Cervical
- Cover: Removable and washable
- Warranty: 3 years
- UK Delivery: Free of charge
- Trial: 30 nights
Advantages
Great for side sleepers
The ergonomic design of the pillow is ideal for side sleepers.
Removable cover
You can easily remove and wash the pillowcase.
Good warranty
A 3-year warranty is above average.
Disadvantages
Not for stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers may find it too thick and uncomfortable.
Best Hypoallergenic: Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow
If you want neck support, cooling and comfort, all wrapped in a hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial package, the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow is for you!
Best Hypoallergenic
The Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow wins in quite a few categories. For one, for environmentally-conscious individuals, it's the go-to option. This is because it utilises bamboo to keep their production green and sustainable!
However, bamboo has just as much to offer us as it does mother nature. The bamboo cover is cool to the touch, boosts breathability, and creates a hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial sleeping enviroment.
The pillow itself uses 3rd generation memory foam with a medium-firm rating, so, for the vast majority of people, your head will be properly supported. It's especially good for side and back sleepers as it offers the perfect loft for these sleeping positions.
Lastly, Panda is virtually unbeatable when it comes to coverage. Not only free next-day delivery and a sizeable trial but also a 10-year guarantee! For context, this is a long time even for mattresses, let alone pillows.
If you want to learn more, we suggest you read our full review of the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filling: Memory foam
- Type: Cervical
- Cover: Removable & washable
- Warranty: 10 years
- UK Delivery: Free of charge
- Trial: 30 nights
Advantages
Hypoallergenic
Hypoallergenic & removable cover.
Great for neck pain
The pillow molds perfectly around your head and neck, keeping them aligned.
Bamboo
Bamboo boosts breathability and is anti-bacterial.
Disadvantages
Only one size
There aren't multiple pillow sizes to choose from.
Not for stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers may find the loft to be too high.
Features to look for in the best orthopaedic pillow
When you're looking to buy the best orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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, orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic pillow
Finally, let’s take a look at some of the benefit you’ll be experiencing if you do decide to get an orthopaedic pillow for yourself.
First up, if you get the best orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic pillow.
Next up, the proper body alignment you get from a quality orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic pillow will help you sleep better by repelling the annoying, sneeze-inducing pests. So, an orthopaedic 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.
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FAQs about your new orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic pillows last?
On average, a lifespan of a quality orthopaedic pillow is somewhere between 3 and 4 years, if we’re talking about a memory foam orthopaedic 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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