Guide to the Best Pillows for Neck and Shoulder Pain

Waking up is already hard enough without having to deal with a crick in your neck. If you’re regularly experiencing a sore neck or shoulder, the culprit may be right under your nose…or head. Your pillow plays an essential role in aligning your spine and given we spend a third of our lives asleep, it’s important that it’s doing its job properly. We’ve compiled a handy pillow guide to battling a stiff neck with great pillows!

The best type of pillow for neck pain and headaches

Looking for the best pillow for neck pain and headaches? BeddingCo offers some of Australia’s best pillows for neck and shoulder pain, to help you wake up feeling ready to tackle the day.

Organic latex pillows for shoulder and neck pain

Recommended by chiropractors, our 100% organic latex pillows are a fantastic choice for those suffering from neck and shoulder pain. Made from premium materials, our latex pillows are manufactured in the world’s first factory to produce 100% organic carbon neutral latex. Organic latex provides incredible contouring support for the head, making it one of the best pillows for sore necks in Australia.

But the therapeutic support doesn’t stop there—by encouraging the neck and spine into proper alignment, you’ll also see an improvement in circulation while relieving pressure points. Choose from either a classic or contour shape to suit any preference.

Organic latex contour pillows are specifically designed to align your spine neutrally for the most comfortable, pain-free sleep.

Cool gel memory foam pillows for shoulder and neck pain

Providing medium contour support and boasting the tick of approval from chiropractors, cool gel memory foam pillows are very supportive for the head and neck, moulding to your body in response to pressure. With a unique ability to shape to the head and neck, these pillows provide customised relief against neck pain, shoulder pain and headaches.

Our memory foam pillows are infused with a cool gel, which helps disperse heat and keep you cool while you sleep. Thanks to their temperature regulating properties, cool gel memory foam pillows are a great choice year-round.

Hungarian goose down and feather pillows for shoulder and neck pain

For those who like to indulge in a bit of bedtime luxury, a goose down and feather pillow is a fantastic choice. The filling is softer than what you’d expect from latex without compromising on support. Thanks to the generous volume of our Hungarian goose down and feather pillows, they’re a perfect fit for those requiring head and neck support for pain relief. These pillows mould to your head, providing you with just the right amount of contouring and support you need.

Made from ethically sourced goose down certified under the Responsible Down Standard, you can rest easy knowing the birds live healthy lives.

Organic latex vs memory foam vs down & feather pillows

Still unsure which pillow will be best for alleviating aches and pains? The table below compares the support provided by the pillows available for purchase at BeddingCo.

What to consider when choosing a pillow for neck pain and headaches

Necessity

Is your pillow old and flat? Is it discoloured? Pillows are used on a daily basis, so they’re bound to show signs of wear and tear after a few years of use. Oils, bacteria, sweat and dead skin build-up and your pillow may lose its loft. This is why it’s recommended that you purchase a new pillow every couple of years, to ensure your head and neck are adequately supported. If your old pillow is too firm or flat and causing you neck pain, look for features in a new pillow that can alleviate that discomfort.

Quality

Quality should be at the forefront of your mind with any purchase, but especially for purchasing choices that may impact your quality of sleep. Selecting a pillow made from high-quality materials will ensure your neck and head will be well supported for many years. While a pillow stuffed with polyester will certainly be more affordable it will also be quick to lose its loft and support.

Material

While material is important for pillow loft and quality, it’s also worthwhile considering how the material performs by other standards. One factor is whether the pillow is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and other contaminants. Organic materials certified under the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) pass strict environmental and social impact tests, ensuring they’re free of irritants. This means those with allergies or sensitive skin can sleep comfortably, both in terms of alleviating pain and allergy suffering.

Sleeping position

The final consideration when choosing any pillow—but especially when you have neck and shoulder pain—is how you sleep. It’s important to find a pillow with the appropriate elevation and firmness for your body type and sleeping position. If you’ve recently changed your sleeping position, it could also be a good time to change your pillow. Side sleepers, for example, may need a firmer pillow with a high loft, especially if their shoulders are broad. This is to prevent the neck from overextending as you sleep. Those that sleep on their back may prefer something slightly more flat for the same reasons.

Neck support pillow Australia FAQs

Are contour pillows good for neck pain?

Not only are contour pillows good for neck pain, they’re considered the gold standard for promoting a healthy sleep position. Contour pillows are shaped to support the neck and allow the head to rest at a good angle but are still soft enough to alleviate pressure points.

What is the best chiropractic neck support pillow in Australia?

Different people will require different pillows for neck support. Chiropractors may recommend a pillow that’s firm with medium loft for a side sleeper and something soft with a low loft for a back sleeper. Some of the best chiropractic pillows in Australia can be found at BeddingCo.

What is a good pillow for neck pain for side sleepers?

For side sleepers, pillows with a bit more loft are essential to keep their neck, head, and shoulders supported and alleviate pain. Certified organic latex contour pillows will provide you with excellent loft, so you can rest easy knowing your spine is in a neutral position.

Will a back support pillow help with pain?

When sleeping, placing a pillow behind your back isn’t generally recommended, as it misaligns the spine. Instead, back sleepers should place a pillow underneath their knees to help maintain the natural curvature of the lower back and alleviate discomfort.