If you wake up in agony every morning, and it ruins the rest of your day, overlooking your pillow would be a mistake.
A cervical pillow gently stretches and relaxes your neck and shoulder muscles while supporting your neck and keeping your spine aligned all night.
This results in neck pain relief at night and a speedier recovery from cervical injuries and disc degeneration while allowing you a better and more restorative sleep.
If you suffer from a military neck, herniated cervical disc, neck arthritis, neck stiffness, or any neck problem – and you are scared your neck pain is only going to get worse over time – you’ve come to the right place.
But how do you choose the best cervical pillow for the best price?
Overview
- Do Cervical Pillows Work?
- Cervical Pillow vs. Regular Pillow
- How to Choose a Pillow for Neck Pain
- The 8 Best Cervical Pillows (2025 Reviews)
- 1. EPABO Pillow – Best for Military Neck/Neck Fusion Surgery
- 2. Therapeutica Pillow – Best for Cervical Bulging Disc
- 3. TEMPUR Neck Pillow – Best for Neck Arthritis
- 4. Zamat Bluedott Ultra Button Pillow – Best for Neck Pain and Arm Numbness
- 5. DONAMA Cervical Pillow – Best for Degenerative Neck
- 6. SpineAlign Pillow – Best for Side Sleepers
- 7. Tri Core Cervical Pillow – Best for Forward Head Posture
- 8. ZAMAT Neck and Shoulder Relaxer – Best for Morning Stiffness
- How Do You Use a Contoured Pillow for Neck Pain?
- What Cervical Pillow Do Chiropractors Recommend?
- How to Use a Cervical Pillow
Do Cervical Pillows Work?
A systematic review of 11 studies with 309 participants has shown moderate evidence that a contoured pillow design, 7-11 centimeters of the central pillow height, and a cooling surface (all typical to cervical pillows) can improve sleep quality and spine alignment and decrease sleep-related neck pain.
If the pain is driving you to take meds every night, and you don’t want to rely on pills forever, a cervical pillow is worth a try.
In a hurry?
Through our research, here are our recommendations for the 9 best neck traction pillows of 2025. Below the table, you’ll find our full cervical pillow reviews.
This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
Cervical Pillow vs. Regular Pillow
A cervical pillow supports your neck in the neutral aligned position and lifts your head to the proper height while you sleep on your back or side.
It helps your neck stay in its optimal C-curve (lordotic curve), consistent with the rest of your spine. and can improve posture, relieve and support tense muscles in the neck and shoulders, and increase blood flow to the head.
Cervical pillows are designed with a higher area where the neck is supported and a dip where the head is supported.
The higher area supports the natural curvature of the neck, while the dip cradles the head.
They are usually made of memory foam and have a contoured or curved design that conforms to the contours of the neck and shoulders, and they are available in a variety of sizes and heights to offer perfect customization.
Cervical pillows can relieve neck muscle and joint strains, neck morning stiffness, neck arthritis, military neck, occipital neuralgia, whiplash injuries, neck spinal stenosis, and more.
How to Choose a Pillow for Neck Pain
When choosing a cervical pillow to finally feel some relief from neck pain, it’s important to consider the width of your shoulders and the size of your head.
If you are not sure of the ideal pillow height, choose an adjustable pillow.
Also consider the pillows’ durability, shape, size, filling, and materials to make the best decision. Here are the details:
1. Resilience & Durability
Every pillow has a shelf life, and for cervical traction pillows, it’s all about density.
Less stuffing means faster wear, while denser ones last longer but can feel too firm.
The sweet spot? A pillow that’s firm enough to last years but still comfortable. To protect your investment, choose one with a shape-retention warranty, like the Therapeutica, backed by 5 years of guaranteed resilience.
2. Shape
Neck traction pillows come in all shapes — trapeze centers, butterfly designs, contours, cut-outs for side sleeping, and ones with wedge extensions for upper back support.
Your choice depends on preference, but attention side sleepers: not all shapes work for you. Look for pillows with dedicated side wings that keep your head in place and your neck aligned — no slipping, no tilting.
Related: The 2 best back sleep training pillows
3. Size
Cervical traction pillows come in sizes — usually small, medium, or large — and the right fit often depends on the space between your head and shoulder. Sometimes, even your bed size matters.
Medium works for most, but the best pillows offer multiple height options for a perfect neck fit. Take the Coop Home Goods Cut-Out Pillow, for example – available in both Queen and King.
4. Materials
Cervical pillows come filled with foam, memory foam, or polyester fiber – each with pros and cons.
Memory foam molds well but can sink as it warms, reducing spinal support. Foam feels firmer but offers better neck alignment.
Polyester is softer but less supportive. For example, the D-Core uses polyester, while the Therapeutica relies on firm, supportive foam.
The 8 Best Cervical Pillows (2025 Reviews)
Below, you’ll find our top recommendation for cervical pillows for military neck, neck fusion surgery, cervical bulging disc, neck arthritis, and neck pain with arm numbness, for back and side sleepers.
1. EPABO Pillow – Best for Military Neck/Neck Fusion Surgery
Firm contour lifts and aligns the neck for military neck relief, but needs a short adjustment period to feel just right.
VIEW ON AMAZON $34-$42
- Material – 100% memory foam
- Size – 3 sizes (small/queen/high queen.
- Cover – Hypoallergenic rayon/polyester proprietary blend
- Warranty – 30-day trial by Amazon
✅ Pros – Unique contour design that cradles the head and neck, removable foam insert, affordable
❌ Cons – Takes a while to get used to (for people who are not used to cervical pillows)
The Epabo memory foam neck support pillow is made with breathable memory foam and has a contour to support the cervical spine in the back sleeping posture.
It also has a special area to rest the side of the head, so it does not stray too far forward on the pillow.
This pillow’s special design allows you to take out a removable piece of memory foam at the bottom of the pillow if it feels too high for you.
However:
This mainly applies to stomach and back sleepers.
The height on the sides stays the same. See the image below:
The pillow’s firm neck support and slightly raised parts for the shoulders keep the head at the correct angle, which is why it’s the best pillow for a military neck. See the image below:
Pros
- Firm enough to support the neck during the night, yet comfortable
- Adjustable neck loft
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Fits all sleep positions, even stomach sleepers find this pillow comfortable.
- Good customer service
- Reasonable price
Cons
- It can take about 2 weeks for the foam to conform to your neck shape before it feels comfortable, but it’s worth the wait.
- Can have a chemical smell (that dissipates)
Available on Amazon ($34-$42)
2. Therapeutica Pillow – Best for Cervical Bulging Disc
Dual-height traction design with upper back wedge support for bulging discs, though too firm for some.
VIEW ON AMAZON $83-$92
Use the code under the price
- Filling – eco-friendly molded foam
- Cover – polyester/cotton machine-washable zippered pillow cover (included)
- Size – 5 sizes (Child/Petite/Average/Large/XL)
- Warranty – 5 years
✅ Pros – Corrects neck alignment for back and side sleepers, available in many sizes (including petite), firm, stays cool
❌ Cons – May be too firm for some people, takes some time to get used to
The Therapeutica orthopedic cervical pillow (recommended by many chiropractors) incorporates 2 pillow shapes into one, with different heights for back and side sleeping.
Although it has an odd shape, it correctly positions the head and neck, both when sleeping on the side and back.
The center tongue, which supports the neck towards the area between the shoulder blades, works perfectly and gives the gentle stretch you need to relieve a bulging/herniated disc during your sleep.
A unique feature of this pillow is the wedge extension, which supports your upper back as well.
The Therapeutica pillow is made of foam, which is dense and won’t crumble easily.
In any case, this pillow has a 5-year warranty for shape and resilience.
This is one of the best cervical traction pillows for side sleepers, thanks to its excellent side wings, which make it easy to keep your head on when you’re sleeping on your side and won’t make your head tilt forward or slide back down to the center.
Related: The Best pillows for side sleepers with neck pain (including buckwheat pillows, latex pillows, and more!)
Pros
- This pillow is very comfortable to sleep on while aligning your neck and spine, either on your back or on your side.
- Extra-firm and supportive enough for side sleepers who need the extra lift to maintain a healthy posture throughout the night
- It takes no getting used to, and the side wings are better than any other pillow we’ve tried.
Cons
- This pillow would probably not be comfortable for someone with a reversed cervical curve or an immobile neck. For almost everyone else, it can be the perfect cervical pillow.
Available on Amazon ($83-$92)
3. TEMPUR Neck Pillow – Best for Neck Arthritis
Ergonomic high-density foam that holds shape for years, but might feel too tall or firm for smaller sleepers.
VIEW ON AMAZON $56-$75
- Filling – Tempur high-density foam
- Cover – Polyester Knit Hypoallergenic cover (included)
- Size – 4 sizes (Small/Medium/Large/Travel)
- Warranty – 5 years
✅ Pros – Ergonomic neck support for back and side sleepers, machine-washable cover, firm
❌ Cons – May be too firm and high for some people, consider the size before buying
The TEMPURPEDIC neck pillow is designed to follow the natural curve of your body and keeps the neck aligned for back and side sleepers all night, without any more bells and whistles.
This neck alignment is crucial for preventing neck arthritis pain at night.
The extra firm contoured TEMPUR material keeps your neck from sinking into the pillow, and the 3 sizes you can choose from make it fit for all body types and sleep positions.
Size and neck height:
Pros
- Durable and firm – doesn’t lose shape over the years, supports and aligns the neck well
- Good customer service and an established brand
- Comfortable – the soft cover balances out the firm material
Cons
- Does not fit the stomach sleepers
- May be too firm for some people, and may aggravate neck pain
Available at Tempurpedic ($119-$159) and on Amazon ($56-$75)
RELATED: The Best Tempurpedic Pillows for back/neck pain
4. Zamat Bluedott Ultra Button Pillow – Best for Neck Pain and Arm Numbness
Cloud-soft butterfly design prevents arm numbness with perfect side-sleeping support, but not ideal for stomach sleepers.
- Cover material – polyester (zippered and machine washable)
- Fill – CertiPUR-US® certified memory foam
- Size – 2 sizes – standard/queen
- Warranty – 10 years + 100-night trial
✅ Pros – Promotes optimal head, neck, and back alignment, prevents arm numbness, comfortable and adjustable, long warranty, 100-night trial
❌ Cons – Typical off-gassing from the memory foam, not for stomach sleeping
The special butterfly design of the Bluedott Ultra Button Pillow allows you to align your head with the rest of your body and spine.
The blue button in the center of the pillow creates a concave center for optimal head and neck alignment.
The slope in the center keeps you from slipping out of place, and the thickness and softness are just right (medium-soft).
The winged sides for neck support allow you to sleep on your side with your arm underneath the pillow comfortably.
I have not experienced any arm numbness when waking up since I started using this pillow.
The pillow comes in 2 sizes, and the filling can be manually adjusted to fit your neck size.
Pros
- With winged sides to cradle the head
- Prevents arm numbness for side sleepers
- Zippered cover that is machine washable
- Great for back and side sleeping
- Takes no time to get used to – comfortable
- 100-night trial, great customer service
Cons
- It may not be optimal for stomach sleeping
Available at Zamat Home ($99)
5. DONAMA Cervical Pillow – Best for Degenerative Neck
Dual-height butterfly contour with arm grooves for posture-perfect sleeping, but some users report odor and irritation.
VIEW ON AMAZON $34
- Filling – CertiPUR-US certified slow-rebound memory foam
- Cover – 84% spandex + 16% nylon + 100% polyester (breathable, removable)
- Size – 17″ x 15″ x 5″
- Warranty – Amazon standard
✅ Pros – Hypoallergenic cover, dual-height sides for posture customization, armrest grooves for side sleepers, CertiPUR-US certified foam, ergonomic butterfly contour
❌ Cons – Occasional odor complaints, no USA manufacturing specified, mixed reviews on rash/durability
The DONAMA Cervical Pillow is made with CertiPUR-US certified memory foam designed to reduce neck pain and maintain spinal alignment.
The pillow’s butterfly contour and dual-height design maintain the neck’s natural curvature (cervical lordosis), reducing pressure on intervertebral discs.
This aligns with medical guidance that cervical pillows help preserve disc hydration by minimizing unnatural bending during sleep.
Its dual-height design allows sleepers to customize support for back, side, or stomach sleeping, with armrest grooves to relieve shoulder pressure during side sleeping.
Pros
- Adjustable firmness via dual-height sides
- Armrest grooves reduce shoulder strain for side sleepers
- Open-cell foam enhances breathability
- Machine-washable cover
Cons
- Occasional odor/rash complaints in reviews
Available on Amazon ($34)
6. SpineAlign Pillow – Best for Side Sleepers
Fully adjustable in every zone with zippered fill for personalized neck support, but pricey and not stomach-sleeper friendly.
VIEW ON AMAZON $99
- Filling – a blend of CertiPUR-US® fill
- Cover – soft polyester fabric with strips of mesh built into the sides
- Size – 23″ x 17″ x 6″
- Warranty – 60-night trial, 5-year warranty
✅ Pros – Allows ideal spine alignment without any added pressure points, separate places for the neck, head support, and is good for back and side sleeping positions
❌ Cons – Expensive
Dr. Jason Loth, a sports chiropractor with many years of experience, designed the SpignAlign pillow.
The 3 strategically placed zippers on the back of the pillow allow you to adjust the shredded fill blend (CertiPUR-US® certified) in any way you want to, meaning you can have a 2-inch loft or a 5-inch loft to choose from.
When you take the SpineAlign pillow out of the box, it seems like the middle part (head section) is flat while the sides are somewhat firm.
But make no mistake, everything about this 4-sided cervical pillow is adjustable and customizable.
(There is a step-by-step guide for adjusting the pillow on the official site).
This four-sided pillow has separate places for head support, neck support, and side and back sleeping.
The soft quilted cover feels great against the skin.
Pros
- Has zippers that allow you to remove and adjust the fill to your liking
- Made with safe, non-toxic polyfoams
- 60-night trial
Cons
- Takes some time to find the right adjustment
- Not a good choice for stomach sleepers
Available at SpignAlign ($149) and on Amazon ($99)
7. Tri Core Cervical Pillow – Best for Forward Head Posture
Unique trapezoid center corrects forward head posture affordably, but the shape feels odd at first.
VIEW ON AMAZON $28-$47
- Material – fortrel fiber
- Size – 3 sizes (small/medium/large)
- Cover – 100% cotton
- Warranty – 30-day trial, 5% fee for returning and shipping is not refundable
✅ Pros – The concave center cradles the head, and the cervical roll supports the neck, 6 support options, affordable
❌ Cons – Trapeze design may feel strange at first
The Tri-Core Cervical Pillow has a unique trapezoid center that gently cradles your head and supports the neck in its natural position.
The head cradle combined with the neck support can help correct forward head posture while you sleep.
The Tri-Core neck support pillow comes in 2 firmness levels. The large one is about 3-4 inches high (lifting your head).
To be exact, on the wider side, it is about 3″ deep and about 5″ across to the indentation. On the narrow side, it is less than an inch deep and about 6″ across to the indentation.
It may not be comfortable in the first few days, but later it becomes very comfortable.
Pros & Cons
The Tri-Core 200 is a comfortable pillow, even for side sleepers. The side wings are firm enough to keep your head well-supported and in good alignment, but not too firm to be uncomfortable.
This is quite a firm pillow, so if this is what you need or your doctor recommends, it delivers.
It’s as firm as it can be without being hard.
Available on Amazon ($28-$47)
8. ZAMAT Neck and Shoulder Relaxer – Best for Morning Stiffness
10-minute daily traction with magnetic acupressure for morning stiffness relief, but not meant for sleeping.
VIEW ON AMAZON $21
- Size – 7.5″ x 5.5″ x 4″
- Materials – self-skinning polyurethane foam, magnet-infused cover
- Warranty – 10 years
✅ Pros – Only requires a few minutes of treatment daily to realign the neck, strong cervical traction, with tiny magnets
❌ Cons – not intended for sleeping
The ZAMAT Neck and Shoulder Relaxer is designed specifically to restore the natural curve of your neck while gently decompressing the cervical discs, for 10 minutes a day.
It is not a pillow for sleeping; it is made as a neck traction device that is very comfortable, and my trial has shown that it’s highly effective.
You can use the wedge side for a more gentle stretch and the other side to take it up a notch and give your neck a more powerful stretch.
Specifically, the Zamat Neck and Shoulder Relaxer stimulates occipital pressure points of OCBR (Occipital Cranial Base Release) and CV4 (Compression of the fourth ventricle).
Under the comfortable fabric (which is removable and washable) you’ll find acupressure nodes for a gentle massage to release the neck muscles surrounding the cervical spine.
The special fabric contains millions of magnetic particles, which help boost blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and are known to relieve aches and pains.
I place it on a hard surface (yoga mat/floor carpet) and use it for 10 minutes before I go to sleep – 5 minutes on each side.
I can feel the stretch immediately and wake up without any neck stiffness or pain.
Available on Amazon ($21)
See more cost-effective ways to do Neck Traction at Home!
How Do You Use a Contoured Pillow for Neck Pain?
In our experience, many people do not know how to use their contoured pillows correctly.
Physical therapist Winsen Citra explains:
The contour pillow has two different heights: a short side and a tall side.
The short side is meant for sleeping facing up, while the tall side is meant for sleeping on your side.
When using the contour pillow facing up, the groove supports the neck, and the shoulder should not be on the pillow.
When using the contour pillow on your side, the head lies flat on the bed, the taller side supports the neck, and the shoulder should not be on the pillow.
What Cervical Pillow Do Chiropractors Recommend?
Through our research, most chiropractors recommend a firmer pillow – either a memory foam pillow, a latex pillow, or a hybrid pillow (with multiple fills) – all of them will keep their shape better throughout the night, provide more support, and are especially helpful for side sleepers.
A firm pillow is a good choice for people with severe neck pain since it keeps the head and neck in place while you are sleeping.
One of the best hybrid pillows, for people who want combined fillings (for more comfort), is the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow, which is filled with removable Latex and Polyester and is fully adjustable.
It’s also anti-microbial, mildew-proof, and dust-mite-resistant, and the cover is zippered and machine washable. The only problem is the price.
How to Use a Cervical Pillow
If you are a back sleeper, make sure to bring your shoulders up to the pillow, with the neck wedge side close to you, and rest your neck on the contoured neck wedge.
If you are a side sleeper, rest your face on the elevated sides. If you are a stomach sleeper, you may want to consider a flatter pillow.
Here’s a short video explanation, showing you the Epabo Pillow:
To your health and happiness,
The Back Pain Relief Products Team
Studies
Ahmed Radwan, Nicholas Ashton, Trever Gates, Austin Kilmer, Michael VanFleet,
Effect of different pillow designs on promoting sleep comfort, quality, & spinal alignment: A systematic review,
European Journal of Integrative Medicine, Volume 42, 2021
Thanks for this post. Very informative. I am looking at the therapeutic pillow for 2 minutes. Looking very interesting. I will buy one as soon as possible.
Keep up the great work! Thank you so much for sharing a great posts.
A shoulder massager relieves stress and fatigue.
Thank you for this article! I just returned the Therapeutica pillow (Petite) because it was like sleeping on a rock, but have the Arc4Life one in my cart on Amazon now. Fingers crossed it’s a lot softer.
I broke my neck in 2009 (in a bouncy castle) and fractured C4/5. Have spent the last 9 years trying to find the perfect pillow. I’m only 5’1″ and so that probably complicates the perfect pillow mission.
As a side sleeper, I find that most “cervical” pillows are too hard. With the Therapeutica one, I just kept wishing it had more “fluff” around it so your head could sink in and be super comfy. Not the case.
I’m trying the Brookstone Total Support pillow now and find it’s slightly better than the Therapeutica, but still too hard.
Wishing everyone a good night’s sleep!
I have an extreme case of Occipital Neuralgia and can’t sleep at night without being in agony. Which of your pillows would be best for my condition?
I would actually be less focused on pillows but on other natural pain relieving methods you can use at night, for example infrared light therapy (the Biomat can be very helpful for you) and using an infrared heat lamp during the day is proven to help for Neuropathy – see my post about it here: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-light-therapy-neuropathy/
What pillow would you recommend for a surgically multilevel cervical fusion with recently repaired separated cervical/shoulder muscles.
I think the best pillow would be a wedge pillow, or a few soft moldable pillows, so you can wedge yourself in between a mountain of pillows so that you wouldn’t move when I you are asleep.
I would also consult my doctor about this.
I have a severe neck ache and the pain goes down from my left chest to my left hand. Which is the suitable pillow for me? I have cervical problem.
I would go for the Therapeutica orthopedic pillow. Good luck!
I have DDD of the neck and don’t know the right pillow to use. I am starting PT soon
I would try the Therapeutica pillow. Also, infrared light therapy can be really helpful as drug-free pain relief for you, and to speed up healing.
OK. I have osteoarthritis and was in a car accident some years back – head smacked on the steering wheel and when through the side window.
I had a wonderful feather pillow with a sort of roll for the cervical spine. It died the death and am looking for a replacement – can not find same.
I usually start the night on my back with another pillow under my knees and turn onto my left side during the night – while sleeping. Tired of waking in neck pain ….lasts for hours.
Can not find the old pillow style….looking for suggestions. I would like to awaken pain-free once again. Thanks. Kate
Kate,
I would try the Therapeutica pillow. It’s not as soft as you’re used to, but it can be helpful in preventing neck pain.
I would also try cervical traction.
I hope you get rid of your neck pain soon.
I was in a car accident in 1982 (35 years ago) and the result was a 35-degree reverse curve. With chiropractic and massage, traction and therapy I now have a neck that is mostly straight, but there is a slight curve appearing. I am in pain most of the time and sleeping is really a challenge. I have used a Wal-Pil-O for several years but I would like to try something new. Which one would be the best to try for my neck?
Sandy,
I’m no expert but it seems to me that the Therapeutica pillow would keep your neck straight and aligned through out the night.
Also, I would highly recommend an infrared neck heating pad to manage and relieve your pain during the day. It’s very effective.
See this post: https://back-pain-relief-products.net/heating-pads-neck-shoulder-pain/
Go for the third one – the UTK infrared neck heating pad. If you’ve never tried infrared therapy, it can change your life.
I wish you all the best and perfect health,
Meital
Our chiropractic office carried the arc4life traction neck pillow and it was well received by our patients. We recommended it for patients with neck pain, military neck and arthritis in the neck, among other ailments. It helped our patients quite a bit. 5/5
I have Ankylosing Spondialis and at the point of complete fusion, can not lay flat, I have a bamboo spine, hunched over permanently, use rolled-up towels in between my neck and pillow, sleep is not good at all will this pillow help me, I have bought Tempur ones, not helpful. Thanks
Anne,
I’m sorry you are going through this.
I would suggest trying the Therapeutica pillow reviewed above. Through my research is the best one.
I have not tried the pillows shown here but have tried one made by Relaxus that is filled with buckwheat hulls. It’s an odd thing but works pretty amazingly. You can massage it from side-sleeper thickness to back-sleeper thickness as needed.
The first one I bought looked like a half-full sack of rice, and I wondered why so little material was in it. I soon realized that there needs to be little enough material for back-sleeping, the center is near-empty. The second one I bought, after family co-opted the first one, had too much material in it and I had to take some out.
There are two downsides: one is that the sleeping surface is hard, so sometimes your ear gets compressed (you just have to make a divot for it). I change pillows for a while if the hardness gets to me. The other is that the material can migrate, so sometimes you wake up with less neck support than when you started. But I never wake up with a sore neck, which does happen with other (latex) traction pillows.
I like that it is a non-chemical option. It would probably make great garden mulch when it’s time for a new one too!
Karin,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us!:)