Why does my pillow make my neck hurt?
According to Thomas, “Investing in the right sleep products isn’t just the difference between a good night’s sleep and feeling a little groggy the next day, it’s the difference between enjoying good overall mental and physical health and potentially struggling with health and performance challenges in the longer term. A low-quality pillow is likely to leave your neck unsupported and your spine misaligned which will heighten muscle tension and could aggravate neck pain.”
What is a cervical pillow?
So, you’ve heard the term cervical pillow thrown around and you’re wondering what it actually is? In simple terms, it’s a specially designed pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck (aka the cervical spine — hence the name). Unlike standard pillows, a cervical pillow has contours or raised edges that cradle your head and neck, keeping everything aligned while you sleep. The goal? To reduce strain on your neck and shoulders, ease tension, and help you wake up without that dreaded morning stiffness.
What pillow materials are best for neck pain?
When it comes to easing neck pain, the material inside your pillow can make all the difference between tossing and turning or waking up refreshed. “An ergonomic pillow that actively adapts to your head, neck and shoulders, helping to relieve any pressure and aid natural alignment, is ideal”, says Thomas. In other words, you want something that doesn’t just feel soft but actually works to support your body as you sleep.
So, which materials are best? Memory foam is a fan favourite — and for good reason. Unlike traditional feather and down pillows, it moulds to the shape of your head and neck, offering tailored support that helps reduce pressure points. Leading the pack is TEMPUR® Material, which Thomas describes as “the original pressure-relieving mattress product and the precursor to all memory foams.” Made from viscoelastic — billions of ultra-sensitive open cells that sit between a solid and liquid state — these products provide a unique combination of comfort and support, helping you get consistently great sleep.
Not into memory foam? Latex pillows are another great option, offering a firmer, more responsive feel with natural breathable and temperature-regulating properties — ideal if you’re a hot sleeper. If you’re after something softer, down alternative materials provide plush cushioning while still offering decent support, though they might not be as effective for chronic neck issues.
The bottom line? The best pillow material for neck pain is one that supports your sleep posture and keeps your spine aligned — whether that’s memory foam, latex, or a high-tech hybrid. Because your neck deserves better than waking up sore.
Could my mattress be causing my neck pain?
Wondering if your chronic neck pain isn’t just about your pillow? You might want to take a closer look at what’s underneath you — yep, your mattress could be the culprit. Thomas gives this question an emphatic yes, telling us, “A mattress that is too soft will likely cause your back or hips to slouch and your spine to fall out of alignment, whilst a mattress that’s too firm could put too much pressure on your joints. Both these scenarios could cause discomfort or pain in the neck.” Essentially, if your mattress is either swallowing you whole or feels like a plank, your body isn’t going to thank you.
Your spine’s alignment plays a huge role in how you feel when you wake up. If your mattress isn’t supporting you properly, it can cause your neck to overcompensate — cue the morning aches and that all-too-familiar stiffness. “Your mattress should adapt to you, distribute your weight evenly, support your spine’s natural alignment and absorb pressure to aid comfort and relieve pain,” Thomas adds. In other words, you want that perfect middle ground: supportive but not rock hard, cushioned but not saggy.
So how do you know if your mattress is to blame? If you wake up sore but feel better as the day goes on, that’s a telltale sign. And if you find yourself constantly fluffing pillows or shifting positions to get comfy, your mattress might be working against you. The solution? Look for a mattress that suits your sleeping position — side sleepers often do well with something medium-firm to cushion the hips and shoulders, while back sleepers need a balance of support and softness to keep that spine aligned.
Bottom line: while finding your perfect pillow is crucial, your mattress plays an equally important supporting role (pun fully intended). Getting both right is the secret to waving goodbye to those annoying neck twinges — and finally waking up feeling like your best self.
