Top 3 Pillows for Neck Pain Relief

If you wake up each morning with a stiff or sore neck, your pillow may be to blame. At our chiropractic office in Olathe, we see many patients who suffer from neck pain caused—or worsened—by poor sleep posture and inadequate pillow support. The right pillow can make a huge difference in how your neck feels when you wake up.

Here are the top 3 pillows we recommend for neck pain relief, based on real results from patients and years of chiropractic experience.

1. Cervical Contour Pillow

A cervical pillow is specially designed to support the natural curve of your neck. It helps keep your spine aligned while sleeping, especially if you’re a back or side sleeper. Look for a pillow with both a shallow and deep contour, allowing you to choose the right fit based on your neck size.

Why we recommend it:

• Reduces strain on neck muscles and joints

• Encourages proper spinal alignment

• Great for patients recovering from whiplash or disc issues

Pro tip: Many patients benefit from the CerviPedic Neck-Relief® pillow, which we offer in our office for personalized fitting.

2. Memory Foam Pillow with Adjustable Loft

An adjustable memory foam pillow allows you to customize the height (loft) by removing or adding fill. This is important because the wrong pillow height can push your head too far forward or drop it too far down—both of which strain the cervical spine.

Why we recommend it:

• Customizable for body type and sleep position

• Provides stable support while adapting to your shape

• Often ideal for combination sleepers

Chiropractic insight: A pillow that’s too tall or too flat is one of the most common causes of morning neck pain. An adjustable pillow gives you better long-term comfort and support.

3. Water-Based Pillow

Water pillows contain a water chamber beneath a layer of polyester or memory foam. You can adjust the water level to control firmness and support. These pillows respond dynamically to movement during sleep, providing continuous neck support.

Why we recommend it:

• Clinically shown to reduce neck pain and improve sleep quality

• Easy to adjust for individual preference

• Great for people who toss and turn or shift positions

Patient feedback: Several of our patients report fewer headaches and improved sleep with a high-quality water pillow after just a few nights of use.

Bonus Tips from Your Olathe Chiropractor

• Sleeping position matters: Back and side sleeping are best for spinal alignment. Stomach sleeping often worsens neck pain.

• Replace pillows regularly: Most pillows lose support after 1-2 years.

• Pair with care: Chiropractic adjustments and spinal decompression can improve your sleep posture and reduce tension in your neck.

Still Waking Up with Neck Pain? We Can Help.

If you’re still experiencing neck pain despite switching pillows, it may be a sign of an underlying spinal issue. At Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we provide gentle chiropractic care, spinal decompression, and personalized guidance to help your neck heal and stay supported—day and night.

Located in Olathe, Kansas
Call us today at 913-735-6351 to schedule your consultation!