Best Pillow to Prevent Headaches and Neck Pain

Paul Souliac
2026-03-18T20:10:59-07:00

Waking up with a stiff neck or a throbbing headache is a frustrating way to start the day. Often, the cause is closer than you think: your pillow. Finding the best pillow to prevent headaches and neck pain is about supporting your head and neck in a neutral position all night. A quality pillow can make a huge difference, and options like The Scrumptious Side Pillow are designed specifically to provide that relief. This guide will help you find the right pillow to get the restful sleep you deserve.

Find your ideal fit with the Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow, designed for personalized support, alignment, and all-night comfort.

How Your Pillow Impacts Headaches and Neck Pain

The connection between your pillow and pain is all about spinal alignment. When you sleep, your head, neck, and spine should remain in a straight line, similar to how they are when you stand with good posture. If your pillow is too high or too low, it forces your neck into an unnatural angle. This strains the muscles and ligaments in your neck and upper back.

This sustained strain can lead to several problems:

Muscle Tension: Holding your neck in an awkward position all night causes muscles to tighten and become sore. This tension can radiate upwards, causing tension headaches.

Nerve Compression: Poor alignment can put pressure on nerves in your neck, leading to pain, tingling, or numbness that can extend down your arms.

Cervicogenic Headaches: This type of headache originates from a problem in the cervical spine (the neck). An unsupportive pillow is a common contributor to the neck issues that trigger these headaches.

A supportive pillow fills the gap between your head and shoulders, keeping your spine aligned and allowing your muscles to relax fully. You can read more about how to achieve better sleep on our sleep wellness blog.

Key Features to Look for in a Pillow for Pain Relief

When you're searching for a pillow to ease neck pain and headaches, certain features are more important than others. Don't just grab the fluffiest one on the shelf. Instead, look for specific qualities that promote proper alignment and comfort.

Here are the key factors to consider:

Adjustability: No two people are the same, so a one-size-fits-all pillow rarely works. An adjustable pillow allows you to add or remove fill to achieve the perfect height, or loft, for your body type and sleep position. This customization is vital for maintaining spinal alignment.

Shape and Design: Many pillows are now ergonomically designed to support the natural curve of your neck. For example, pillows with a curved edge can be especially helpful for side sleepers, as they make room for the shoulder while cradling the head.

Material: The fill material determines the feel and support of the pillow. Memory foam conforms to your head and neck, providing pressure relief. Latex offers a more buoyant, responsive support. Down and down alternatives are soft but may not offer enough firm support for those with chronic pain.

Firmness: The right firmness depends on your sleeping position. Side sleepers generally need a firmer, higher-loft pillow. Back sleepers need a medium-loft pillow to keep their head from being pushed too far forward. Stomach sleepers need a very thin, soft pillow, or no pillow at all.

For a deeper look at different pillow types, our pillow analysis section offers more detailed information.

Top 11 Best Pillows to Prevent Headaches and Neck Pain

1. Honeydew Sleep - Pillow to Prevent Headaches and Neck Pain

Description (The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow):

The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow features a unique curve that cradles your neck and shoulders for ultimate comfort and perfect alignment. The proprietary fill delivers a luxurious feel and superior support, while alleviating neck and shoulder pain , a condition affecting 30% to 50% of adults. We spent years developing a pillow built to provide perfect alignment and support for your body every single night. Every aspect was meticulously and deliberately chosen for its ability to provide the best sleep possible, and to help you wake up pain free and full of energy , powered by sleep. Unlike traditional rectangular pillows, the unique curve of the Scrumptious Side Pillow was designed to support your neck and shoulders whether you are on your side or your back. The ribbon going around the sides maintains the pillow's structure perfectly, ensuring it doesn't taper at the edges or get higher in the middle , so you'll never roll onto the "flat part" during the night. The foam component is 100% CertiPUR-US certified copper-infused foam, which is far more effective at cooling than gel-based memory foam and has naturally antibacterial properties to keep your pillow fresh night after night. A discreetly hidden zipper lets you add or remove fill to customize the pillow height for your body , because nobody knows what you need better than you. Handcrafted by hand with love in California, USA. Turn down your nights to turn up your days.

Key Features:

Unique Curved Design: Cradles neck and shoulders for perfect alignment

Proprietary Fill: Doughy and soft yet still supportive , unlike any other pillow

Copper-Infused Foam: Superior cooling vs. gel-based memory foam; naturally antibacterial

100% CertiPUR-US Certified Foam: Always made without formaldehyde or heavy metals

Adjustable Fill: Hidden zipper to add or remove fill for personalized height

Structural Side Ribbon: Maintains consistent height across entire pillow surface

Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief: Specifically designed to stop neck pain at the source

Side & Back Sleeper Friendly: Unique curve supports all sleeping positions

Organic Bamboo Pillowcase Included: Cooling, ultra-soft, and skin-friendly

Cooling All Night Long: Copper infusion keeps pillow temperature regulated

Washable Cover: Hidden zipper makes cover removal easy for machine washing

Handmade in California, USA: Family-owned, hand-crafted with care

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified: All textiles safety certified

No Formaldehyde or Heavy Metals: 100% safe materials

Travel Size Available: Includes carrying bag for on-the-go sleep comfort

Tech Specs:

Fill: Proprietary copper-infused CertiPUR-US certified foam blend

Cover: Organic bamboo , cooling and ultra-soft

Certification: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 (textiles) + CertiPUR-US (foam)

Construction: Handmade in California, USA

Adjustability: Hidden zipper for fill customization

Available Sizes:

Queen: approximately 27" x 15"

King: approximately 30" x 17"

Travel: approximately 21" x 12"

Sleep Position: Side sleepers and back sleepers

Temperature: Cooling copper-infused fill, always cool to the touch

Warranty: 3-year limited warranty

Trial Period: 60-night money-back guarantee

Care: Machine washable cover (remove fill first); tumble dry safe

What's Included:

1 x Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow (Queen, King, or Travel)

1 x Organic Bamboo Cooling Pillowcase

Travel Size: includes carrying bag

60-night risk-free trial (free shipping both ways)

3-year limited warranty

Free nationwide US shipping on orders over $50

Customer Reviews Highlights:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This pillow has changed my life. I know that sounds hyperbolic but it's true." , Greg 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I was floored by how much better I sleep now. The quality is incredible , the perfect mix of fluffy and firm." , Jonathan K. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Like Goldilocks, none were just right , until I found the Scrumptious Side Pillow. FINALLY!" , RL S. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This pillow is perfect for side sleepers like myself. I'll never go back to my old pillows again." , Michelle D. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Amazing support, super comfortable, and the pillowcase is so soft!" , Cecilia S. 🇺🇸

Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ based on 587 verified reviews

Shop The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

2. Coop Home Goods

Coop Home Goods is known for its highly popular adjustable pillows. The Original Pillow is filled with a cross-cut blend of memory foam and microfiber, allowing you to add or remove the fill to find your ideal loft and density. This level of customization makes it suitable for various sleep positions and body types, helping users achieve better neck alignment.

Key Features: Adjustable shredded memory foam fill, machine washable cover and pillow.

Pros: Highly customizable, comes with extra fill, hypoallergenic materials.

Con: Can have a slight off-gassing smell initially.

3. Tempur-Pedic

Tempur-Pedic offers a range of ergonomic pillows made from their signature TEMPUR material. The TEMPUR-Neck Pillow is a popular choice for pain relief, featuring a contoured design that follows the natural curve of your head, neck, and shoulders. This firm, supportive shape is designed to provide therapeutic support and help muscles relax.

Key Features: Ergonomic contoured shape, proprietary TEMPUR material.

Pros: Excellent support for back and side sleepers, durable material, multiple sizes available.

Con: The firm feel is not comfortable for everyone.

4. Pillow Cube

Pillow Cube targets side sleepers with its unique block-shaped pillows. The design is intended to perfectly fill the space between the shoulder and head, promoting a straight spine. By preventing the head from tilting downwards, it helps alleviate neck strain. They are available in different heights to match varying shoulder widths.

Key Features: Cube shape, available in multiple thickness options.

Pros: Specifically designed for side sleeper alignment, firm and supportive.

Con: The unusual shape is not ideal for combination sleepers who change positions.

5. Saatva

The Saatva Latex Pillow features a responsive Talalay latex core surrounded by a down-alternative fill. This combination provides buoyant support that contours to the head and neck without the "sinking" feeling of memory foam. The latex is also naturally breathable and cooling, making it a good choice for those who sleep hot.

Key Features: Talalay latex core, down-alternative outer layer.

Pros: Responsive support, sleeps cool, durable materials.

Con: It is not adjustable and has a higher loft that may not suit all sleepers.

6. Eli & Elm

Eli & Elm designed its Side-Sleeper Pillow with a U-shaped cutout to accommodate the shoulder. This ergonomic feature helps maintain proper neck alignment by allowing the pillow to contour around the shoulder. The fill consists of a blend of latex and polyester fiber, and its loft is adjustable for a customized fit.

Key Features: U-shaped design for side sleepers, adjustable latex and fiber fill.

Pros: Ergonomic shape reduces shoulder strain, customizable height.

Con: The specific shape may not be comfortable for back or stomach sleepers.

7. Mediflow

The Mediflow Waterbase Pillow uses a unique system for providing support. It has a soft fiber layer on top and a water pouch at the base. Users can add or remove water to adjust the pillow's firmness and height, creating personalized support that responds to head movements throughout the night.

Key Features: Adjustable waterbase technology, fiberfill top layer.

Pros: Clinically shown in some studies to reduce neck pain, fully adjustable firmness.

Con: Can be heavy when filled with water, and some users report a sloshing sound.

8. Purple

Purple is famous for its proprietary GelFlex Grid, which is also used in its pillows. The Purple Harmony Pillow combines the grid with a latex core, creating a pillow that is both soft and supportive. The grid is designed to cradle the head and neck, relieving pressure points while allowing for excellent airflow to keep you cool.

Key Features: GelFlex Grid technology, Talalay latex core.

Pros: Excellent pressure relief and cooling, available in different heights.

Con: Has a unique, bouncy feel that differs from traditional pillows.

9. Layla

The Layla Kapok Pillow is an adjustable pillow filled with a mix of shredded memory foam and natural Kapok tree fibers. This blend creates a soft, airy, and supportive feel. A zipper allows you to access the fill, so you can adjust the loft to your preference. The cover is woven with copper fibers for a cooler sleep experience.

Key Features: Adjustable fill (memory foam and Kapok), copper-infused cover.

Pros: Soft and luxurious feel, sleeps cool, customizable.

Con: The soft fill may compress over time and require occasional fluffing.

10. Avocado

Avocado offers an organic and eco-friendly pillow option. Their Molded Latex Pillow is made from GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic cotton. It provides a medium-firm, resilient support that contours to the neck and head. The latex is naturally breathable and durable, making it a long-lasting choice.

Key Features: GOLS-certified organic latex, charcoal-infused to absorb moisture.

Pros: Made with natural and organic materials, resilient and supportive, sleeps cool.

Con: The pillow is not adjustable, and its bouncy feel may not be for everyone.

11. Casper

The Casper Foam Pillow is constructed with three layers of foam to provide adaptive support. The design features zoned support, meaning it is softer under the head and firmer around the neck. This helps keep the spine aligned. Tiny channels in the foam are also included to promote airflow and prevent overheating.

Key Features: Three-layer foam construction, zoned support.

Pros: Contours well to the head and neck, breathable design.

Con: The all-foam construction may feel too firm for some users.

Finding the Right Pillow for Your Sleep Position

Your primary sleeping position is the most important factor in choosing a pillow. The goal is always to keep your spine straight, and different positions require different types of support to achieve this. You can learn more about how pillows are made with better materials in our post on organic pillows.

Side Sleepers: This is the most common sleeping position. Side sleepers need a thicker, firmer pillow to fill the wide gap between their ear and the mattress. A pillow with a curve, like the Scrumptious Side Pillow, can provide extra support and comfort around the shoulder.

Back Sleepers: If you sleep on your back, you need a pillow with a medium loft and medium firmness. It should be thick enough to support the natural curve of your neck but not so high that it pushes your head forward. A pillow that cradles the head can prevent it from tilting to one side.

Stomach Sleepers: This position is often discouraged by experts because it puts a lot of strain on the neck. If you are a stomach sleeper, you need a very thin, soft pillow or no pillow at all for your head. Placing a thin pillow under your hips can also help keep your spine in a more neutral position.

Combination Sleepers: If you change positions throughout the night, an adjustable pillow is your best bet. It allows you to find a happy medium that can accommodate different positions. A pillow with a softer feel that is easy to reshape can also be a good choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Pillow

Choosing a new pillow can feel overwhelming, and it's easy to make a mistake that leaves you with more pain than you started with. Being aware of common pitfalls can help you make a better choice.

1. Ignoring Your Sleep Position: Buying a pillow just because it has good reviews is a mistake. A high-loft pillow that's perfect for a side sleeper will cause pain for a back or stomach sleeper. Always match the pillow to your primary sleep style.

2. Choosing Based on Price Alone: While budget is a factor, the cheapest pillow is rarely the best for pain relief. Investing in a high-quality, durable pillow made from supportive materials often saves you money and pain in the long run.

3. Forgetting About a Trial Period: It can take a few weeks to know if a pillow is right for you. Many companies offer a sleep trial, allowing you to return the pillow if it doesn't work out. This is a great way to test a pillow without risk.

4. Keeping a Pillow Too Long: Pillows don't last forever. Over time, they lose their shape and support and accumulate allergens. A good rule of thumb is to replace your pillow every one to two years.

To see what reviewers are saying about our pillows, check out this Gadgeteer review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a new pillow really stop my morning headaches?

Yes, for many people, a new and supportive pillow can significantly reduce or eliminate morning headaches. If your headaches are caused by muscle tension from poor neck alignment during sleep (cervicogenic or tension headaches), correcting your posture with the right pillow can provide immense relief by allowing your neck muscles to fully relax.

How long does it take to get used to a new pillow for neck pain?

It can take anywhere from a few nights to a couple of weeks to adjust to a new pillow. Your body has become accustomed to your old sleeping posture, even if it was incorrect. A new, more supportive pillow will realign your neck and spine, and your muscles may need some time to adapt to this new, healthier position.

What is the best pillow material for neck and shoulder pain?

Memory foam and latex are often considered the best materials for neck and shoulder pain. Memory foam excels at contouring to your specific shape, providing excellent pressure relief. Latex offers more responsive, buoyant support and is very durable. Adjustable pillows with a shredded memory foam fill are also a great option because they combine contouring with customizable support.

How do I know if my pillow is too high or too low?

If you are a side sleeper and your pillow is too high, your neck will be bent upward. If it's too low, your head will drop down. For back sleepers, a pillow that is too high will push your chin toward your chest. A pillow that is too low won't provide enough neck support. The goal is to keep your head and neck in a straight line with your spine.

Find your ideal fit with the Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow, designed for personalized support, alignment, and all-night comfort.