What is a Cervical Pillow and Who Should Get One?

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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 2025-02-06 / 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:

Bestseller No. 1

Sleep Doctor Approved Cervical Neck Pillow for Sleeping, Ergonomic Contour Side Sleeper Pillows for Adults, Cooling Orthopedic Pillow for Pain Relief Support, Memory Foam Pillows Back Stomach Sleepers

NIGHTLY RELIEF, MORNING REFRESH! Revolutionize your sleep with Emircey versatile sleep neck pillow. Engineered with an innovative design featuring a unique hollow and butterfly-patented contour, Emircey ergonomic pillow revolutionizes your sleep by mimicking the human anatomy. This contour molds airtight to your head's shape, naturally aligning your entire body spine and reducing cervical stress to the maximum. And it also offers ample space for your shoulders without feeling cramped or constricted. With an extended armrest area, you can position your hands freely. Your gateway to a painless slumber awaits – transform your nights!
ONE PILLOW, ALL POSITIONS! With so many memory foam pillows made specifically for side sleepers, back sleepers, and more, how can the Emircey cervical pillow be just right for everyone? It comes down to our perfect orthopedic pillow "recipe" based on over 50 years of experience and helping millions find their ideal fit. Simply flip your contour pillow 180 degrees for varied contour heights (3.5'' & 3.1''). The high profile is best for larger body frames and side sleepers, while the low profile is optimal for front, back, and other sleeper types. Plus, it's incredibly sculptable, making it easy to shape and adjust right under your head and neck for the best support in any position!
OMIGOSH! HOT SLEEPERS REJOICE! Waking up covered in sweat? Fear not! All of that is gone with the EmirceyPillow 2.0s cooling technology. Our outer cover's fibers have a temperature-neutral touch that is never too cool or too warm. It is treated with our plant-based Move+Cool treatment that maximizes the cover's natural wicking, heat dissipation and evaporation qualities. With a 95% permeable cell rate in the memory foam inner fill, our memory foam pillow enables twice the airflow of conventional foam fills. Emircey cervical neck pillow is much MORE than a cooling pillow—it's a complete thermal regulation system inside and out, designed for unmatched comfort. Just right, all night.
SUSTAINABLY MADE PILLOWS YOU'LL LOVE! For us, while making the best pillow for neck pain was a key goal, minimizing our impact on the environment was not negotiable. From day one, Emircey neck support pillow had to be a sustainable choice. Our Omigosh-soft outer cover is crafted from BioPreferred polyester fiber, sourced sustainably from renewable wood pulp. Our memory foam is a CertiPUR-US Certified Biobased Product and the memory foam components can be recycled after use, further reducing environmental impact. While some side-sleeper pillows are made from off-gassing materials and VOCs, the Emircey neck pain pillow is a safe, green, sustainable choice.
HASSLE-FREE PURCHASE EXPERIENCE! If you have any inquiries about our neck pillows for pain relief sleeping, please feel free to contact our customer service. How much difference can a great neck support pillow make? The right memory foam neck pillow can relieve neck pain, improve overall sleep quality and encourage you to spend more time in bed. It's a good gift for dad, mom, fathers, mothers, girlfriends, boyfriends, husbands, wife & colleagues, birthdays Christmas gifts. Being pain-free is truly priceless. Buy Emircey side sleeper pillows for adults, Experience the bliss of pain-free sleeping!

Bestseller No. 2

Osteo Cervical Pillow for Neck Pain Relief, Hollow Design Odorless Memory Foam Pillows with Cooling Case, Adjustable Orthopedic Bed Pillow for Sleeping, 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!

SaleBestseller No. 3

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. 4

HOBEST Cervical Neck Pillow - Ergonomic Neck Pillow for Pain Relief, Cooling Memory Foam Pillows for Sleeping, Neck Support Pillow for Side, Back & Stomach Sleeper (White)

Ergonomic Neck Pillow: If you're still struggling with sleep issues, try Hobest neck pillow, which has an ergonomic butterfly shape and special grooving to fit the body's natural curve and help align the spine, thus relieving neck pain, shoulder pain, stiff arms and other sleep problems. Cervical neck pillow bring you great sleeping!
2 Heights Design: Struggling to find the ideal height for your bed pillow? Our ergonomic pillows are available in two different heights(4.7 and 5.1 inches), providing you with more options and eliminating the need for constant adjustments while sleeping. You could use the lower when sleeping on your back and the higher side when sleeping on your side
Slow Rebound Memory Foam Pillow: The Hobest Cervical Neck Pillow crafted with high-quality memory foam, which is non-toxic and non-allergenic while striking the perfect balance between comfort and support. Slow rebound menory foam has the characteristic of slow recovery, which can effectively share the pressure and relieve the discomfort symptoms, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed for a brand-new day
Washable & Breathable Pillowcase: The neck pillow includes a removable and machine-washable pillowcase featuring a convenient zipper, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance. Crafted from soft and comfortable fabric combined with breathable mesh, the pillowcase effectively absorbs moisture to keep it dry and give you a cooling night
Best Sleep Helper: Sleep takes up 1/3 of our lifetime, a good sleeping pillow is an important factor in improving the quality of sleep. Our ergonomic pillow can provide you a high-quality sleep and is the best gift for your family, friends, and yourself. It is normal that memory pillows may have a slight polyurethane smell after being vacuum-packed for a period during transit. After opening the package, please air the pillow in a cool and ventilated place for 2-3 days

SaleBestseller 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

Osteo Enjoy Pain Relief Sleeping Cervical Neck Pillow, Ergonomic Contour Zoned Fits Side Sleeper, Non-Temperature Affected Memory Foam Pillows, Q-max Cooling Pillow Support Back Stomach Sleepers

[Your Pillow Should Do More Than Comfort!] Crafted by ergonomic experts and chiropractors, this pillow follows your body's natural curve more closely than ordinary bed pillows, promoting cervical health during sleep. The recessed center gently cradles your head while the ACR area mimics the natural curvature of cervical spine for optimal neck support. Together, they help align your neck and head, reduce snoring and relieve pain. Invest in your health now for a pain-free, rejuvenating sleep!
[Freedom For Every Sleeping Position!] No more struggling to find the perfect loft for your sleeping style. Designed with zoned support, this side sleeper pillow offers versatile height options. Elevated sides and a recessed back adapt seamlessly to different sleep needs. Plus, the extra-wide armrest area provides a cozy spot for your arms, so you'll no longer wake up with shoulder numbness. Whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach, Osteo is tailored to deliver your ideal comfort!
[Osteo Believe Your Comfort Should Last] We've seamlessly merged zero-pressure memory foam with advanced high-density cushioning technology to create an unparalleled experience. This means you'll enjoy unwavering support throughout all seasons! Regardless of the temperature, our neck pillow remains consistent, and won't get softer in warm climates or firmer in cold. We didn't take any shortcuts on the quality since all pillows are CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex certified, free from harmful substances!
[A Cooling Pillow That Keeps You Fresh All Night] If you often wake up sweaty, this neck support pillow is your solution. Featuring an innovative Plus Q-Max pillowcase for an instant cooling effect and a breathable mesh design to boost airflow, it’s engineered for ultimate comfort. The 99% open-cell memory foam dissipates heat far faster than traditional foam. Together, these features create a comprehensive cooling system, ensuring restful, sweat-free sleep even on hot and humid nights!
[Hassle-Free Replacement - Costs Are All On Us!] Osteo believes quality should last. Unlike most traditional down, feather or fiber pillows, Osteo orthopedic pillow provides a full 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty, so you can enjoy great quality sleep year after year! We promise our quality products and customer service. If you do not enjoy this contour pillow, just reach out to us, no question asked, you will get the solution at once- just let the reviews speak for themselves!

Bestseller No. 7

DONAMA Cervical Pillow for Bed Sleeping, Memory Foam Contour Neck Pillows with Breathable Pillowcase, Ergonomic Neck Support Pillows for Side, Back and Stomach Sleepers

【Better Sleep Is Possible】Say goodbye to restless nights with DONAMA memory foam cervical pillow. The proven ergonomic contour design of DONAMA memory foam cervical 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 deep sleep.
【Versatile Design For All Sleepers】This cervical neck pillow provides two different heights to choose. Our king size pillows are specially designed for different sleeping postures, it could be a back, stomach or side sleeper pillow. It has a wider contact range for your head and shoulders, so you won’t have a stiff neck no matter how you turn over while sleeping.Wake up feeling refreshed and energized every morning.
【100% Premium Safety Memory Foam】Your safety is our top priority. That's why DONAMA cervical pillow is made with 100% premium safety memory foam certified by CertiPUR-US. This orthopedic support pillow is made of high-density, slow-rebound and odorless memory foam. Its pillow core is soft and comfortable, and can adjust its shape according to the sleeping postures.If you are looking for a high-quality cervical pillow, this will be a good choice.
【Cool Skin-friendly Pillowcase】Don't let stuffy pillows ruin your sleep. Our 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.
【Best Gift Choice】Don't know what to gift your loved ones or friends? Look no further. DONAMA cervical pillow is a perfect gift for any occasion, whether it's Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, Father's Day, or Mother's Day. Its generous size and versatile design will suit anyone's sleeping needs.

SaleBestseller No. 8

2-in-1 Cervical Neck Pillow for Neck Pain Relief, Memory Foam Pillows, Contour Pillow with Cooling Pillowcase for Side Sleepers, Removable Round Pillow for Back Lumbar Support Neck Traction

【Upgraded 2-in-1 Neck Pillow】Do you want to get both a cervical neck pillow and round pillow at one price? Try our 2-in-1 Neck Pillow. Our ergonomic pillow combines both in one, with a soft-hard partition. The round part is firm for neck traction, while the neck pillow area is soft yet supportive. Great for side sleepers, back sleepers and stomach sleepers.
【Round Traction Pillow】Are you feel stiffness or pain in your neck and waist from long sitting or poor posture? Our round pillow is firm and removable that can be used independently. Roll pillow can be served as neck traction pillow or lumbar support pillow for stretch and relief neck and lower back pain.
【Cervical Neck Pillow】Are you always wake up with neck cramps or back pain? Our cervical pillow is ergonomically designed to support your head, neck, shoulders, and back. Our Memory foam neck pillow fits your spine, promotes good alignment, and ensures a restful night.
【Safe Memory Foam】Our memory foam pillow is OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 compliant, safe and non-toxic, with sustainable characteristics. The contour pillow is made of slow-rebound memory foam, high-quality and not too soft, maintains shape over time. Note: The foam core is not washable.
【Two Height Options】Are you still struggling to find the right pillow height? Our side sleeper pillow offers two heights on each side. This orthopedic pillow can adapt to various sleeping positions, such as back or side sleeping, as well as supporting your waist or legs during yoga practice.

SaleBestseller No. 9

Bespilow Say Goodbye to Neck Pain Small Neck Support Pillow,Cervical Neck Roll Memory Foam Pillow,Cervical Traction Device,Neck Pillows for Tension Muscle Relief,Neck & Shoulder Pain Relaxer

[Relief neck pain in just 10 minutes]Our ergonomic design matches the cervical spine, offering vertical, horizontal support, and curvature stretch for neck traction. This positions the head to reduce spinal pressure, support the cervical spine, and help the C-shaped curve of the neck.
[High Quality Memory Foam] This cervical neck traction stretcher device is made of high-density memory foam. The firm and sturdy base offers a strong support for the cervical spine. neck traction device is durable and not easy to deform, stretching assisted by gravity, creates the amount of traction needs according to your body weight.
[Who Need Cervical Traction Device?] Are you suffering from neck pain? Prolonged bowing your head, sit still for a long time, improper sitting posture, stiff neck will cause your neck pain. You need a simple and effective physical solution, associated with consistent use, to help relieve neck pain and pressure, sore muscles. Relief neck pain in just 10 minutes.(Can't be used as an ordinary pillow all night long) .NOT FOR PREGNANT WOMEN, MENSTRUATING WOMEN, CARDIAC PATIENTS, DIABETIC PATIENT
[Use Anywhere ]Ours Neck stretcher shoulder relaxer with the correct form of cervical spine, perfectly match with the human body. When you lie down on it, it offers vertical, horizontal support and curves stretch for neck traction. The small portable neck and shoulder relaxer can be used at home, office, travel. Just simply and comfortably lying down in couch, bed, Chair, Car or Airplane, even simply lean on it while working.
[Adapt to Extreme Comfort] Normally, you will need 1-3 days to adapt to this pillow because your neck needs time to familiarize with the new corrector curvature. But once you get used to it, you'll enjoy extreme comfort.

Bestseller No. 10

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

【A NEW ERGONOMIC PILLOW WITH US PATENT】- The Cervical Pillow is a premium-quality orthopedic bed pillow designed to provide optimal support and comfort for the neck and arm. Made with ergonomic cervical memory foam, this contour pillow conforms to the natural shape of your neck and head, promoting proper spinal alignment and relieving pressure points.
【WHat SETS THIS PILLOW APART IS ITS HEIGHT ADJUSTABILITY FEATURE】-With adjustable height options, Our Pillow allows you to find the perfect level of support for your individual needs. Whether you prefer a higher or lower loft, you can easily adjust the pillow to suit your preferences, ensuring a personalized sleeping experience.Simply add or remove foam inserts to achieve the perfect pillow height for a restful sleep experience.
【BREATHABLE COOLING PILLOWCASE】-Featuring a breathable cooling pillowcase made of ice silk fabric, our pillow provides a refreshing and cool sensation throughout the night. The removable and machine washable pillowcase ensures easy maintenance and hygiene, allowing you to enjoy a clean and comfortable sleep environment.
【ODORLESS AND DURABLE】-Made from high quality resilient memory foam which certified by US CertiPUR & Oeko Tex . Bed Pillow conforms to the natural curve of your body, providing superior comfort and support. The high-density memory foam helps to distribute weight evenly, relieving pressure on sensitive areas and reducing muscle tension. retains its shape even after prolonged use, ensuring durability and longevity. Rest assured, this pillow will provide reliable support and comfort for years to come.
【HASSLE FREE AFTER-SALES SUPPORT - NO NEED TO RETURN!】It is the perfect healthy gift. Choose this great neck pillow for pain relief, and you may find your sleep quality improves unexpectedly. We stand behind our quality products and customer service. If you are not satisfied with the product, just contact our customer service, no questions asked, you will get the solution immediately!

Last update on 2025-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API