What is a Cervical Pillow and Who Should Get One?

Table of Contents

What is a Cervical Pillow?

A cervical pillow is a pillow that is specifically made to support the user’s head and neck. The word cervical refers to the cervical area of the spine (neck) that the pillow is designed to support.

There is a cervical curve that is located in the neck and is comprised of the first seven vertebrae of your spine. A healthy cervical curve resembles a C shape if you are looking at the spine from the side.

Cervical pillows help to relieve tension and reduce pain by properly supporting the head and neck while keeping them properly aligned with the rest of the spine when you are sleeping or resting.

Who Should Use a Cervical Pillow and What Are the Benefits?

Anyone who suffers from neck pain, pain in the upper back, stiffness, or headaches might be able to benefit from using a cervical pillow.

Why is it Important to Support the Cervical Area?

Car accidents or other events can injure a person’s neck causing damage to ligaments, tendons, and soft tissue. These injuries can cause the normal cervical curve that is supposed to exist in our necks to disappear and cause us pain and discomfort.

Even if you don’t suffer some sort of traumatic injury to your neck we live in a world that constantly puts stress on the cervical area of our spine. Many of us spend several hours per day sitting to do our jobs. If we spend these hours sitting with poor posture it puts a strain on our necks. Making matters worse, “tech neck” is now a term that we use to refer to a condition that is caused by the frequent straining of our necks to look down at computers, smartphones, and all the other electronics devices that have become such a large part of our daily lives. Below is a video that shows how craning your neck to look at your phone places an extraordinary amount of stress on your spine.

Regardless of what happened to cause your neck discomfort a cervical pillow can help give your neck the proper support it needs to relieve tension and pain by supporting and helping to restore the natural contour of your neck.

What are Cervical Pillows Made Of?

Most cervical pillows are made of foam or memory foam. The memory foam allows the pillow to conform to each person’s head and neck providing individualized support to suit each person’s needs.

Do Cervical Pillows Really Work?

In 2004 a study was published in The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association that showed a statistically significant reduction in pain for chronic neck pain sufferers who used semi-customized cervical pillows.

Do Cervical Pillows Help Side Sleepers?

Most cervical pillows will work great for side sleepers. Sleeping on your back with these pillows is the only way to support and promote the natural cervical curve in the neck. However, it is still important to keep your head and neck aligned with the rest of your body when you are sleeping on your side. Fortunately, most cervical pillows will also do a great job of supporting the heads and necks of side sleepers.

Below you can see a video of how to use the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow for sleeping on your side. While I usually prefer to use these pillows for sleeping on my back the Doctor on the video shows how this pillow can work for side sleepers or people who like to switch positions between their side and back.

Sale

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow

FIRM MEMORY FOAM NECK PILLOW: Offers the perfect balance of luxurious comfort and optimal support to help you get the blissful night you deserve
PRESSURE-RELIEVING COMFORT: Expertly engineered to provide pressure relief and customized support throughout the night while returning to it's shape in the morning
ERGONOMIC SUPPORT: Firmer pillow material properly and comfortably supports the head, neck, and shoulders of side and back sleepers of all body types
RETAINS ITS SHAPE: Ultra-adaptive TEMPUR material provides long-lasting durability and will never lose its shape, offering superior support and alignment for years to come
MACHINE-WASHABLE COVER: As needed, the soft and protective 100% polyester knit hypoallergenic cover can easily be removed from the pillow and machine washed for easy care and cleaning

Last update on 2024-09-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Are Cervical Pillows Just for People With Neck Pain?

In an article aimed at neck pain prevention on the Mayo Clinic website, it is recommended that people sleep in a good position with their head and neck aligned with their body along with support for their neck.

This means that not only can cervical pillows provide relief for people who suffer from neck and head pain, but they can also help us avoid developing neck pain and headaches to begin with.

Here are some bestselling cervical pillows on Amazon:

SaleBestseller No. 1

Osteo Cervical Pillow for Neck Pain Relief, Hollow Design Odorless Memory Foam Pillows with Cooling Case, Adjustable Orthopedic Bed Pillow for Sleeping, Contour Support for Side Back Sleepers

【STOP! THE NECK PAIN & SLEEPLESS NIGHTS ARE OVER!】After years of discomfort, you've found salvation at last! Meet the game-changer in the pillow industry, all-new ergonomic pillow with US patent – Osteo! The unique design of the hollow center is what sets it apart! The special hollow center cradles the head, helps maintain the natural cervical curve and alignment of the vertebrae in your neck, aims to maintain good blood flow to your neck and head, relieve pressure and remove muscles tension.
【THE BEST INVESTMENT OF YOUR REST & HEALTH!】 Did you toss and turn all night? Did you wake up with neck cramps or back soreness? The wrong pillow may worsen headaches, neck pain, shoulder and arm numbness, notes surgeon Andrew Hecht, MD. Osteo neck pillow provides all of the curves, divots and angles needed to help to relieve pressure which has a more refined thoughtful contour design than others, fits side, back, and stomach sleepers. Choose us, choose better sleep and a healthier future!
【HOT SLEEPERS & ALLERGY SUFFERERS, REJOICE!】Osteo neck support pillow uses 3D mesh fiber pillowcase that allows heat to escape and fresh air to cycle in. You can rest assured that you will own a cooling and sweet dream! If you're sensitive to smell and want a natural and odorless pillow, Ostoe sutera pillow is the answer! We didn't take any shortcuts on the quality of our materials. All of our memory foam pillows are CertiPUR-US certified and Oeko-Tex approved, without any harmful substance!
【ADJUSTABLE! ENJOY PERSONALIZED COMFORT FOR YOUR SLEEP STYLE!】 You tried numerous types of pillows to find the right height. You always need to get a new pillow while your sleep needs happen to change. Stop! You can control your pillow height now! Osteo uses two different thicknesses for a custom feel. Simply rotate your bed pillow 180 degrees to enjoy a higher or lower contour! The removable insert at the bottom also provides more height liberty. Make your pillow just right for every night!
【HASSLE FREE AFTER-SALE SUPPORT】 You spend about one-third of your life sleeping, why not choose a pillow best for your sleep and health? It's expensive to do cervical rehabilitation by a physical therapist, but it's easy to enjoy pain-relief sleep every night with Osteo pillow! NOTE: This product is not for medical use and cannot treat diseases. Pain relief effects may vary from person to person. If you're not satisfied with the effect, please contact us, you will get the solution at once!

SaleBestseller No. 2

Ultra Pain Relief Cooling Pillow for Neck Support, Adjustable Cervical Pillow Cozy Sleeping, Odorless Ergonomic Contour Memory Foam Pillows, Orthopedic Bed Pillow for Side Back Stomach Sleeper

REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR SLEEP WITH THE INNOVATIVE HOLLOW CONCAVE DESIGN - Tired of waking up with neck pain and discomfort? Look no further! By combining the benefits of a traditional bed pillow and a contour pillow, Our ergonomic hollow contour pillow is here to transform your sleep experience. The hollow concave surface, tilted at a 15-degree angle, skillfully cradles your head, while maintaining the natural curve of your neck and aligning your spine flawlessly. Wake up feeling refreshed!
EXPERIENCE UNINTERRUPTED, BLISSFUL SLEEP WITH OUR VERSATILE PILLOW - Engineered with meticulous precision, this innovative neck pillow features six unique contour zones specifically designed to embrace the natural curvature of your body. Each contour zone works harmoniously to address targeted pressure points, it provides full support to your neck, shoulders, and arms, effectively alleviating your neck pain and muscle stiffness. No longer will you have to compromise on the quality of your rest.
EMBRACE HEALTHY SLEEP WITH PREMIUM MEMORY FOAM & COOLING PILLOWCASE - Unlike 90% of support pillows, Cozyplayer utilizes the Q-Max 0.4 Arc-Chill cooling pillowcase, which instantly reduces skin temperature by 5℃! Additionally, the pillowcase fabric utilizes a highly dense 3D mesh design, offering excellent breathability. Our pillow core is made of 98% breathable memory foam, which is non-toxic, odorless, and certified by OEKO-TEX, CertiPUR-US, and ISPA. Sleep soundly and stay dry all night!
CUSTOMIZABLE SLEEP HEIGHT! EXPERIENCE TRUE LIBERATION! According to the latest research, maintaining a 15° golden ratio of ARC neck traction during sleep is pivotal in restoring the body's natural curves and enhancing deep sleep by an astounding 45 minutes! Cozyplayer offers enhanced freedom in this regard, allowing you to achieve greater contouring by rotating the cooling pillow 180 degrees or removing the bottom insert. You'll always find the perfect sleep height on our bed pillow!
NO-WORRY AFTER-SALE SUPPORT, YOUR SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! - we are dedicated to delivering top-notch products that enhance your shopping journey. To exemplify our commitment, we proudly offer you a risk-free 100-night trial period for this remarkable contour pillow. Moreover, it doubles as an excellent gift for your parents, friends, long-term usage will greatly improve the quality of sleep. Note: The actual experience of pillows may vary from person to person, contact us if any issues arise!

SaleBestseller No. 3

CloudBliss Cervical Pillow, Memory Foam Pillow, Neck Support Pillows for Sleeping, Cervical Pillow for Back Sleeper & Side Sleeper, Ergonomic Contour Pillow with Soft & Removable Pillowcase (L-Grey)

[Ergonomic & Special Design] The shaped pillow fits the neck better compared to ordinary pillows, ergonomically designed to provide different support for the head and neck. Pillow size: 24.80''L x 15.20''W x 5.31''H. In addition, the center love shape part uses breathable mesh fabrics, the special design adds a sense of coziness and is protected by the patent (US D1,032,241 S).
[Premium Memory Foam] Our memory foam pillow is made of high-quality slow rebound memory foam, providing exceptional support and comfort for a restful night's sleep. The memory foam has been certified by CertiPUR-US, it meets rigorous standards for performance, durability.
[Soft & Removable Pillowcase] The pillow cover is certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100, ensuring safe for direct contact with the skin. The zippered pillowcase is removable and machine washable. Provide you with a better user experience.
[Suitable for Various Sleeping Positions] Whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach, our memory foam pillow is designed to accommodate all sleeping positions, promoting a more comfortable and restful sleep experience.
[High-Qulity and Long-Lasting] Our memory foam pillow is built to last. It retains its shape and support even after extended use, providing consistent comfort and support night after night. Choose one of our pillows and it will continue to provide you with a great sleep experience for years to come.

SaleBestseller No. 4

Olumoon Memory Foam Pillows - Neck Support Pillow for Pain Relief, Ergonomic Cervical Pillow for Sleeping, Orthopedic Contour Bed Pillow for Side, Back & Stomach Sleepers with Pillowcase

[Contour Memory Foam Pillows]: Are you suffering from neck pain all night? Our side sleeper pillow does help to reduce neck and shoulder pain, as well as snoring. Very suitable for all posture sleepers(side, back and stomach). The innovative cervical design and memory foam cradles the natural curvature of your neck to improves sleeping quality. Try them out and experience the ultimate in comfort and support.
[2 Heights for Neck support]: Do you often toss and turn because you can't find the height that suits you? Featured with the size of 24.8×14.5×5.1 inches, our ergonomic pillow is perfect for all positions of sleepers. The Olumoon neck pillow is designed to provide optimal support to your head, neck, and shoulders, reducing tension and helping to alleviate neck pain. Designed with different heights on both sides for you to choose, so you can choose the one which is more suitable for you.
[Breathable Skin-Friendly Pillowcase]: Our neck pillows for sleeping with removable and washable pillowcase adopts unique butterfly design. There are specific grooves that allows your arms to go under for comfortable sleep. Its soft & breathable fabric keeps you cool all night, give you the comfortable sleep you want!
[Slow Rebound Safe Material]: The premium quality memory foam is firm and not too soft for maximum comfort and great relaxation of your head, neck, shoulders and back. The cervical neck pillow will rebound within 3-5 seconds when no press, non-deformation all the year. It does NOT compress auricle like other common pillows. Please NOTE that the memory foam pillow core CANNOT be washed!
[Hassle-free Purchase]: Olumoon pillow for neck and shoulder pain provides good solution for the elderly, students, IT workers and those with sleep disorders. Memory foam will have a very slight smell after passing through a high temperature and airtight transportation environment. This is a normal phenomenon. After receiving it, please place it in a cool and ventilated place for 3-5 days. If for any reason you're not satisfied with the orthopedic pillow, please feel free to contact us.

Bestseller No. 5

DONAMA Cervical Pillow for Neck and Shoulder,Contour Memory Foam Pillow,Ergonomic Neck Support Pillow for Side Back Stomach Sleepers with Pillowcase

【QUALITY SLEEP STARTS WITH A GOOD PILLOW】Are you always waking up with neck cramps or back pain? Our proven ergonomically designed, contoured memory foam pillow supports your head, neck, shoulders and back perfectly. The innovative design allows our pillows to naturally fit your curved spine perfectly, providing proper support for spinal alignment,makes you to shift between positions comfortably.So you will wake up relaxed and start a more energetic day.
【2 HEIGHTS AND ARMREST DESIGNS】When you are still troubled about not finding the right height pillow, our cervical pillows have 2 different heights on both sides for you to choose, so you can choose the right one which is more suitable for your sleeping posture. And there are specific grooves that allows your arms to go under for comfortable sleep.This orthopedic pillow is suitable for all kinds of sleeping posture,such as stomach ,back ,side sleeping.
【SLOW REBOUND HIGH QUALITY MEMORY FOAM】The neck support pillow is made of high quality CertiPUR-US certified rebound memory foam. Premium quality firm and not too soft for maximum comfort and great relaxation of your head, neck, shoulders and back muscles when you lie on your back or side.
【BREATHABLE AND REMOVABLE PILLOWCASE】The DONAMA side sleeping pillow has a double-layer high-quality pillowcase, which is soft and stretches and contracts well with the pillow core. It is removable, has a zipper and is machine washable. Made from cotton and polyester, the pillowcase fits perfectly against the skin, and its soft, breathable fabric keeps you cool all night - keeps you from night sweats in comfortable climates, give you the comfortable sleep you've always wanted!
【A SLEEP SAVIOR REALLY HELP】Pick out a great cervical neck pillows,you may find your sleeping quality improves unexpectedly. DONAMA brand pillows have been proven in the market for many years, and the pillows developed have helped many people sleep comfortably throughout the night. If you are looking for a pillow that fits better, welcome to try our pillows. Note: DONAMA pillows are not for medical use. If you have sleep disorders, please consult your doctor.

SaleBestseller No. 6

Neck Pillow Memory Foam Pillows - Cooling Neck Support Pillow for Pain Relief, Ergonomic Cervical Pillow for Sleeping, Orthopedic Contour Bed Pillow for Side, Back & Stomach Sleepers

[ NO MORE NECK PAIN WHEN SLEEPING ]: Do you suffer from neck pain all the night? Our memory foam pillows provides optimal support and cushioning for your neck. The contour pillow naturally fit your spine, providing proper support for spinal alignment, help to relieve pressure. Can help you fall asleep quickly and fall into a deep sleep. So you will wake up without any neck and shoulder pain.
[ COOLING PILLOWCASE ]: The Olumoon cooling pillow comes with dual-side ice silk pillowcase, which is made of soft comfortable ice silk fabric and mesh sides, removable and machine-washed. The pillowcase is made of COLD SILK TECHNOLOGY FABRIC, perfectly fitting the skin, with soft and cooling fabric that keep you cool all night long-allowing the skin to breathe and have a dry night! Give you the comfortable sleep you want!
[ TWO HEIGHT DESIGNS ]: Our bed pillows comes with two height options. (size 23.5*13.7*3.7/4.8 inch ), so you can choose the most suitable side for you. Furthermore, the contour neck pillow has special massage granules evenly right on neck muscle areas, provide an acupressure shiatsu massage to the cervical spine, greatly relieve cervical neck pain and stiffness.
[ SLOW REDOUND MEMORY FOAM ]: The cervical neck pillow shapes automatically when firmly being pressed and will rebound within 5S when no press, non-deformation all the year. It effortlessly adapts to your unique shape for superior head and neck support so you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start the day. Please NOTE that the memory foam pillow core CANNOT be washed!
[ SKIN-FRIENDLY PILLOW ]: Our Orthopedic pillow has passed CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex certified, has a unique non-toxic, non-allergenic, molded foam design, which provides amazing comfort and soft yet sturdy support for sleep. Featured with skin-friendly and odorless, the memory foam pillows will have a very slight smell after passing through a high temperature and airtight transportation environment. This is a normal phenomenon. After receiving it, please place it in a cool and ventilated place for 3-5 days. If for any reason you're not satisfied with the orthopedic pillow, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Bestseller No. 7

Cervical Neck Pillows for Pain Relief Sleeping, High-Density Memory Foam Pillow Neck for Bolster Support and Shoulder Relaxer, Decompression Devices Orthopedic Roll Pillow for Bed Office

Bestseller No. 8

CushZone Neck Pillow,Memory Foam Pillow,Ergonomic Cervical Pillow for Pain Relief, Premium Bed Pillows,Support for Neck&Shoulder,for Side Back Stomach Sleeper, Dorm Room Essentials,Standard Size,Grey

[Two Different Heights] CushZone neck pillow is 24 x 13.7 x 4.7/3.9 inches (L x W x H). CushZone Neck Pillow is designed with two heights, which can support the neck and head, and also suit any sleeping position, such as side, back, or stomach sleeping. Two height designs are more suitable for your sleep needs. Simply rotate the pillow 180 degrees to get a higher or lower height that makes you feel more comfortable.
[Detachable and Breathable Pillowcase] CushZone memory foam pillow is equipped with a detachable pillowcase, which is made of soft and comfortable fabric and mesh surface. Our pillowcases not only have sufficient durability, but are also very convenient to clean. When you want to clean the pillowcase, you only need to unzip the pillowcase to remove it from the memory foam pillow. Cleaning the pillowcase will not become a burden for you.
[High Quality Memory Cotton Inner Core] The inner core of CushZone neck pillow is made of high-density slow rebound memory sponge, which can provide stable support without easily losing its original shape and density. When you use it, your head will not sink excessively. Whether you are a side sleeper, stomach sleeper, or back sleeper, this neck pillow can provide you with a comfortable sleep experience, allowing you to have a longer deep sleep.
[Ergonomic Design] A comfortable bed pillow not only requires high-quality materials, but also requires a pillow structure that conforms to ergonomic design. Our memory foam pillow comes in two heights to choose from, which can better support your neck and shoulders, assist in adjusting your head, neck, shoulders, and back, and alleviate neck and shoulder pain, allowing you to find a more relaxed sleep position.
[Great Present Choice] Good sleep quality can make people feel happier and more energetic in their lives. CushZone neck pillow comes in three colors and sizes to choose from, and you can purchase them according to your preferences and sleep habits. CushZone neck pillow can effectively prevent cervical problems and help reduce insomnia, making them suitable for the elderly, office workers, students, and all age groups.

SaleBestseller No. 9

No More Aches Neck Pillow for Pain Relief, Adjustable Cervical Pillow for Neck Support with Armrest, Odorless Ergonomic Contour Memory Foam Pillows,Orthopedic Bed Pillow for Side Back Stomach Sleeping

PAIN VANISHED! REDEFINE COMFORT! Crafted with Crescent Shaped Design, Our neck pillow harmonizes with your body's sleep stance, perfectly tailored to your shoulder's natural position for comfort. Unlike other narrow contour pillows that ignore your body's curves, it offers ample space, aligning with body curves for pain relief. Elevate comfort further with our thickened ARC Cervical Traction Area, ensuring optimal neck & spine alignment for profound muscle relief. Wake up refreshed without sore!
VERSATILE SLEEP HAVEN! Unveiling 5 dynamic sleep zones which cater to soothe specific pressure points, our cervical pillow ensures comprehensive support no matter how you slumber. Experience profound head wrapping with the innovative hollow perforated design. With an extended armrest area, you're free to position your hands as you please. The butterfly-shaped design supports cozy side sleeping in both directions. A larger side area cradles like a loving embrace. Dive into unparalleled sleep!
TAILOR YOUR SLUMBER HEIGHT! Say goodbye to 'one size fits all' with our Cozyplayer Adjustable Memory Foam Pillows for Pain Relief Sleeping. Flip your ergonomic pillow 180 degrees for varied contour heights. Each contour height achieves an ARC neck traction, ensuring open airways and easy breathing for peaceful sleep. Plus, add or remove the 0.8" insert of neck support pillow for height that suits your unique body shape. No need to replace orthopedic shoulder pillows, just customize your sleep!
YOUR QUEST FOR PERFECT SUPPORT ENDS HERE! Boasting 10000 press tests without deformation, our butterfly pillow excels in robust support and supreme comfort. Coupled with this, integrated non-temperature memory foam technology ensures sustained strength, unaltered by seasons. The 260g pillowcase surpasses the ordinary 150g, highlighting our commitment to durability and comfort. Paired with open-cell memory foam and breathable cases, enjoy enhanced air circulation for cool and undisturbed rest.
HASSLE-FREE CUSTOMER SERVICE! The greatest gift in the world is nothing more than a good dream. Elevate your loved ones' sleep experience with our cervical neck pillow. Cozyplayer stomach sleeper pillows provide a full 100-Night sleep trial and a 5-year warranty, so you can enjoy great quality sleep year after year! NOTICE: Normally you will need 1-2 weeks to adapt to this cervical pillow for neck pain relief because it needs time to fit your neck contour, but the result is worth the wait!

SaleBestseller No. 10

Cervical Neck Pillow Memory Foam Pillows for Neck Pain Relief, Ergonomic Pillow for Shoulder Pain, Contour Pillow for Sleeping, Orthopedic Bed Pillows Neck Support for Side Back Stomach Sleepers

【Pain-Relief Cervical Neck Pillow】 Do you suffer from insomnia all night? Do you wake up with neck cramps or back pain? Say goodbye to restless nights with Beslovo memory foam pillows. Our ergonomically neck pillow combines traditional bed pillow follows the natural curve of the body, easing fatigue and discomfort during sleep. It supports your back, head and neck correctly, makes you feel sleepy soon after lying down and quickly get into sleep. Choose us, choose better sleep and better life!
【Safe & Odorless-Premium Memory Foam Pillows】Beslovo cervical pillow is made of CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex certified memory foam, which provides amazing comfort and soft yet sturdy support for sleep. When lying on this neck Pillow, it feels like floating on water or clouds, without any pressure on your skin. Special fast rebound memory foam won't change its shape and firmness due to season. Unleash your best sleep with our ergonomic pillow- the ultimate blend of comfort, style, and quality!
【Cooling Skin-friendly & Washable Pillowcase】Don't let stuffy pillows ruin your sleep. Our side sleeper pillow comes with a skin-friendly ice silk pillowcase that reduces heat and wicks away moisture, keeping you cool and refreshed during the night. The cooling pillow cases are made of breathable fiber fabric that fits perfectly with our skin, allowing you to fall asleep faster and deeper.The skin-friendly pillowcase is removable and machine washable,it is recommended to clean it once a month.
【2 Personalized Height in A pillow for Any Sleep Style】- Do you often toss and turn because you can't find the height that suits you? Beslovo cervical pillow helps you to fix this trouble. Our memory foam pillows comes two height options with size 24.8*14.5*4.7/3.5 inch ( L x W x H). The ergonomic and supportive pillow for neck pain is designed for multiple sleeping positions, such as side sleeping, supine, stomach sleeping, back sleeping and low pillow sleepers etc.
【Perfect Gift Choice】Beslovo cervical pillow for neck and shoulder pain provides good solution for the elderly, office workers, students and all ages people. Memory foam will have a very slight smell after passing through a high temperature and airtight transportation environment. This is a normal phenomenon. After receiving it, pls place pillow in a cool and ventilated place for 3-5 days. If for any reason you're not satisfied with our orthopedic pillow, just contact us if any issues arise!

Last update on 2024-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API