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Best Orthopedic Pillow Reviews 2023 ( Top 10 Pillows)

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Orthopedic pillows help to keep your spine neutral by providing support to the head, neck and overall body. This, in turn, keeps both your head and spine in natural alignment. But for some people, they may feel too firm or uncomfortable. Luckily a host of the best orthopedic pillows comes with a 90-day satisfaction or your money back deals.

Rank Brand Product Rating Buy Now
1 Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
5.0 rating
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2 Natures Guest Cervical Support Pillow
4.9 rating
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3 Cr Sleep Memory Foam Contour Pillow
4.8 rating
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4 Perform Low-profile Memory Foam Neck Pillow
4.8 rating
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5 Xtreme Comforts Slim Hypoallergenic Pillow
4.5 rating
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6 Core Products Tri-Core Orthopedic Neck Support Pillow
4.4 rating
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7 Royal Therapy Memory Foam Pillow
4.7 rating
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8 Mkicesky Side Sleeper Orthopedic Pillow
4.4 rating
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9 Tempur Pedic
4.6 rating
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10 Coop Home Goods
4.7 rating
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The causes of neck pain are hard to define but one reason could be the pillow you’re using. Body in balance chiropractic doctor Jan Lefkowitz explains that to reduce neck pain“the main idea is to keep your spine parallel and neutral”.

Best Orthopedic Pillows

A study conducted by Tailor Francis looked at 52 neck pain patients. The patients slept on 4 different types of pillows which were changed at random. Three pillows were orthopedic. After the experiment 40 of the 52 patients reported decreases in neck pain, better sleeping, and fewer headaches.

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Here are the latest reviews of the 10 best orthopedic sleeping pillows to support your joints, back and total body.

1. Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Snuggle-pedic is a luxury brand which use the cut-offs from their premium foam mattresses to make orthopedic pillows. These products use shredded memory foam alongside bamboo to create a supportive, but breathable memory foam pillow. The outer cover is made from a woven bamboo fabric which helps to dissipate heat during the night. It feels soft on your skin and features ‘kool-flow’ micro-vents to help aerate the inner foam. Those inner foam pieces are interlocking which means it holds its shape and won’t need to be constantly fluffed before use.

Snuggle-Pedic-Ultra-Luxury-Orthopedic-Pillow

If you’ve never tried sleeping on a Snuggle-pedic memory foam pillow take them up on their 90-day free trial. Owners are also entitled to a stunning 20-year warranty from this US-based manufacturer.

Pros
Shredded foam offers higher levels of air ventilation
20-year warranty alongside a free 90 day trial period
Made by a reputable US-based premium mattress brand
Memory foam has orthopedic qualities which help to reduce back and neck pain
CertiPUR-US certified with a natural bamboo cover
Cons
You might have to have it customized to match your preferences
Does require some airing out to remove the factory smell after first usage

2. Natures Guest Cervical Support Pillow

Unlike most of its competitors this pillow opts for the trapezoid design. The hypoallergenic pillow is made using only natural materials, so you won’t have to worry about breathing chemicals or toxins.

We liked that you can invest in a fully-adjustable version to get your thickness just right.

Natures-Guest-Cervical-Support-Pillow

If you’re looking for a soft or fluffy pillow this product isn’t for you. The texture is surprisingly firm which does take some getting used to. Thankfully, Nature’s Guest do offer a 90-day customer satisfaction period so, if it’s too firm after 90 days you can get a full refund.

The firmness of this pillow is intimately linked to its orthopedic support. The raised sides support the neck and shoulders, reducing unwelcome morning aches and pains. More expensive than most products listed here, we felt the natural materials more than made up for the added price.

Pros
Hypo-allergenic and free from toxins or chemicals
Environmentally friendly construction and fully bio-degradable
90-day customer satisfaction guarantee
Excellent orthopedic support
Premium quality throughout
Cons
The natural materials make this pillow costly
It may be too firm for some
Not suited to side-sleepers

3. Cr Sleep Memory Foam Contour Pillow

CR sleep have taken pillow design and transformed it into an exact science. This contoured orthopedic pillow dips in the center to provide the best possible support to your neck and shoulders.

The single-piece memory foam adapts to your shape whilst the gel infusion helps to circulate heat during the night.

CR-Sleep-Memory-Foam-Pillow

Using up to the minute scientific research CR sleep have incorporated the optimal firmness for a good night’s sleep. Its shape will put a lot of people off, but those who are willing to give it a go will be surprised by how comfortable it is. Not only that, you’ll notice considerable improvements stiff necks or aching shoulders.

Pros
Contoured design provides optimal support for your neck, head and shoulders
Scientifically influenced firmness for maximum comfort
Gel technology used to promote better air-flow and heat transfer during the night
Single-piece of memory foam that won’t lose its shape over time
Cons
The design will take some getting used to
Can feel flat at first if your switching from a regular pillow

 

4. Perform Low-profile Memory Foam Neck Pillow

If you’re happiest sleeping on your stomach, finding the right orthopedic pillow isn’t easy. This product has a specially designed low-profile to accommodate stomach sleepers. It uses a contoured design to orthopedically support your neck and head throughout the night. This product was designed by chiropractor and features a handy two-curve design. One curve is lower than the other but, should you change your sleeping position, the pillow can be turned around to support the higher-profile position of sleeping on your side.

Perform-Memory-Foam-Pillow

Topped off with a bamboo cover that is both breathable and machine washable Perform has found a practical solution to sleeping on your stomach. The foam feels high quality and buyers get a choice of different sizes and covers. The only issue for us is the exclusive price tag

Pros
Two-curve design makes for a more versatile pillow
Bamboo cover is breathable and machine washable
Top quality manufacture and materials
Helps to alleviate neck ache from poor sleeping support
Different models available including a low-profile version
Cons
The price is exclusive

5. Xtreme Comforts Slim Hypoallergenic Pillow

A lot of memory foam pillows are too thick for stomach sleepers. That causes the head to tilt back putting unnecessary pressure on the spine. Xtreme Comforts slim profile is just 5” high and uses shredded memory foam to help alleviate pressure on your back. This pillow is topped off with a special, micro-ventilated bamboo cover that encourages uninterrupted sleep. When this product first hit the market it was too expensive, but the current version can be purchased for a third of the original retail price.

Xtreme-Comfort-Hypoallergenic-Pillow

This pillow is of premium quality throughout. It’s made with minimal chemicals, fire-retardants or toxins and has no noticeable smell out of the box. For stomach sleepers, this low-profile orthopedic pillow is a must-have.

Pros
Specially designed for stomach sleepers
Micro-ventilated bamboo cover feels soft on the skin and helps to keep you cool
Shredded memory foam adapts to the contours of your body
CertiPUR-US certified
Naturally anti-microbial, hypo-allergenic and dust-mite resistant
Cons
Shredded foam could be replaced by a single-piece for a longer lifespan
No gel components which would help to transfer heat

6. Core Products Tri-Core Orthopedic Neck Support Pillow

You know a product has been well-thought-out when it doesn’t look like anything else on the market. This trapezoid-shaped pillow from Core Products is specially designed to provide orthopedic support regardless of your sleeping position. Faced upright, this pillow has two neck supports on the upper and lower sides. When your sleeping on your side you’ll use the higher-profile top. If you prefer sleeping on your stomach, you can flip the pillow to take advantage of the lower-profile rounded neck support.

Core-Products-Orthopedic-Pillow

There are three individual sizes to choose from and you can decide between firm or soft depending on your personal preference. These pillows are unique in that they use a springy fiber that is breathable and supportive. With a 90-day customer satisfaction guarantee investing in a tri-core is a no-brainer.

This pillow is of premium quality throughout. It’s made with minimal chemicals, fire-retardants or toxins and has no noticeable smell out of the box. For stomach sleepers, this low-profile orthopedic pillow is a must-have.

Pros
Cool, fiber fabric that offers more support with more pressure
Lots of sizes and thicknesses to choose from
Unique trapezoid design
Suited to all sleeping positions
90-day trial period
Cons
Won’t adapt to your head shape like memory foam does
Shipping costs on all purchases under $50

7. Royal Therapy Memory Foam Pillow

Royal Therapy memory foam orthopedic pillows are made from Trufoam memory foam designed to eliminate pressure points. The construction of the pillow is made from shredded memory foam that will gently cradle your head and allow for the optimum spinal alignment. With proper spinal alignment your muscles can relax to allow you the best possible night of sleep.

Royal Therapy Memory Foam Pillow

The Royal Therapy has a bamboo cover and the pillow is hypoallergenic and odor-free. This means that the pillow inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, fungus and dust mites. The Royal Therapy orthopedic pillow also comprises heat-dissipating technology which will helps to keep you cooler while you sleep.

Pros
Available in a diverse range of shapes and sizes
Contoured shape with a dual profile for stomach, side and back sleepers
Single-piece memory foam that is firm but comfortable
Gel-based option for hotter sleepers
Mid-range price tag
Cons
Only available with one contour size
The straight flat side is awkward to position

8. Mkicesky Contour Memory Foam Pillow

The Mkicesky contour memory foam pillow is an orthopedic pillow made from 100% low rebound memory foam. Because of the patented shape of the Mkicesky pillow it allows your muscles to completely relax so that you can rest better during the night and wake up feeling more refreshed. This design will also help to relieve pressure points and also improve circulation throughout your body.

mkicesky side sleeper orthopedic pillow

The Mkiscesky orthopedic pillow is available in two different sizes, one for adults and a smaller size for children. By offering different sizes they are able to tailor even further to your specific needs for the best night of sleep possible. The Mkicesky orthopedic pillow has seen good success in the Japanese market and the company is now targeting the US pillow market as well.

Pros
Gel infused memory foam keeps cool during the night
A risk-free trial period of 30 nights
Lots of options to help you find your perfect firmness
US-based manufacturer with a 5-year warranty
Adjustable neck support
Cons
Shredded foam can end up being lumpy in places
ANS slips out of place and must be re-aligned regularly

9. Tempur Pedic Tempur-Ergo Neck Pillow

Tempur Pedic is a name that is widely known and respected in the mattress and pillow industry. The Tempur-Ergo neck relief pillow comes from a highly respected brand and lives up to its name as this is a very good choice for an orthopedic pillow. When purchasing a Tempur Pedic product you always know that you are getting a quality item. The downside is that will sometimes cost you a bit more money. It’s up to you to decide if it’s worth it.

tempur-pedic-advanced-neck-relief-pillowTempur Pedic Tempur-Ergo Pillow

The Tempur Pedic Tempur-Ergo pillow is assembled in the USA and it also comes with a 5-year limited warranty. The Tempur Ergo pillow is especially beneficial for those of us who sleep on the side or on their backs because of its specifically formulated design. Because of the design and shape of the pillow, Tempur Pedic also indicates that this pillow can be used well by someone of virtually any size frame.

When you do buy this pillow be advised that it may feel a bit on the stiff side when you first start using it. Don’t be alarmed and you need to give it a chance to ‘break-in’ before deciding you don’t like it. Give it some time and we are sure that you will find it to be a good investment as many others have already done.

Pros
Unique and interesting design
Doubles up as a lumbar support for those with back ache
Aloe vera enhanced memory foam with no noticeable odor
Removable cover that is machine washable
Hypo-allergenic with a breathable weave
Cons
Due to the design it will take some getting used to
No trial period on offer at the time of writing

10. COOP Home Goods Adjustable Loft Pillow

The Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow is a Certi-PUR and GreenGuard Gold certified pillow that is made right in the USA. One of the interesting attributes of this pillow is that COOP claims that it is fully adjustable. Basically what that means is that you have the capability to open up the outer and inner coverings of the pillow and either add or remove material to best fit your needs.

coop premium adjustable loft pillow

The outer case of the pillow is made from what is called Lulltra fabric. This material is made up of a bamboo-inspired material as well as polyester which leaves you with a breathable and soft pillow that is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. To obtain the GreenGuard Gold and Certi-PUR US distinctions the pillow must go through rigorous third-party lab tests to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality. 

Pros
The honeycomb designed inner layer adds excellent airflow
Natural, bamboo micro-ventilated pillow casing
Makes for an excellent travel pillow
Good levels of orthopedic support
Superb value
Cons
Smaller than most pillows
Has a chemically smell straight out of the box

Orthopedic Pillow Buyer’s Guide

Shopping for an orthopedic pillow isn’t easy. Every-one has different shapes, firmness and size. To make things easy for you we’ve put together a list of some of the things to look out for.

Dual-profile

We don’t sleep in the same position every night. Sometimes we’ll change position during the night. For that reason, it’s always good to look for a dual-profile pillow. These have a hi-profile neck support and a low-profile neck support for stomach and side-sleepers.

Adjustable Thickness

Being able to remove inner layers to get your pillow just the right shape is important. Not all products offer an adjustable thickness. But, if you’re a fussy person when it comes to pillows, adjustability is a must.

Memory Foam

When it comes to memory foam pillows some people love it, others hate it. If you’ve never slept on a memory foam pillow we’d recommend trying it first. This material offers excellent support but sometimes is too firm.

The other issue with memory foam is that it sleeps very hot. If you like to keep cool during the night opt for a honeycomb, gel-based or ventilated memory foam that will help air circulate. When it comes to memory foam pillows some people love it, others hate it. If you’ve never slept on a memory foam pillow we’d recommend trying it first. This material offers excellent support but sometimes is too firm.

The other issue with memory foam is that it sleeps very hot. If you like to keep cool during the night opt for a honeycomb, gel-based or ventilated memory foam that will help air circulate.

2-wave

The 2-wave design is popular in contoured pillows. It has one wave with a low-profile and the 2nd wave with a higher profile. This means you can swap the pillow round to suit your sleeping style. The rounded neck support helps to keep your spine in alignment whilst the indent provides a resting place for your head.

Trapezoid

Trapezoid styles forego memory foam in favor of polyester or cotton. These are plusher with good aeration and a softer feel. Similar to the 2-wave they feature a lower and a higher profile for your sleeping style. If you sleep hot, it’s better to opt for a trapezoid design without memory foam.

Adjustable Neck Support

The most modern of the three. Adjustable neck support lets you pull out a ‘trapdoor’ style section to match your neck size. These are the most versatile of the three and come in either memory foam or fiber materials.

Cover

The cover is vital as it sits closest to your skin. Breathable fabrics are you best bet to avoid feeling stuffy during the night. Bamboo fabric is common as well as woven fabrics with micro-ventilation. Some products have a removable cover which is machine washable for added practicality.

What Type Of Pillow Should I Buy?

The type of pillow you need depends on you. The first question to ask is: why am I buying a memory foam pillow? If you’re suffering from neck ache you’ll want a pillow with orthopedic qualities. Like-wise if you have trouble sleeping then you’ll want something soft and comfortable.

The final question to ask is: how do I sleep? Knowing what position you sleep in, will be a key factor in finding the right pillow. Broadly speaking, people sleep in 3 main positions. Side, back or stomach. If you change position a lot you’ll need a pillow with multiple sides and profiles that is easy to flip. Here’s a quick breakdown of the types of pillow and their suitability.

Orthopedic Pillow For Neck Pain

All the products on our list are orthopedically designed to help reduce neck pain. They feature a raised neck support which mirrors the shape of your body. If you sleep on your stomach or back you’ll want something low profile to prevent your head jutting backward and putting pressure on your neck.

Side-sleepers need a higher profile neck support because their shoulders will keep their neck further from the pillow. The curved waves might feel strange at first, but they play a vital role in assisting your neck muscles thereby reducing neck pain.

Orthopedic Pillows For Side-Sleepers

Side-sleeping is the best position to provide support for your neck and back. Curling your legs towards your chest will help the spine maintain its natural curvature. The problem with side-sleeping is that your neck tends to dip out of alignment; especially if you’re using a soft, sink-in pillow.

The idea is to keep your neck in as close to the same angle of your spine as possible. Memory foam is the best bet provided you sleep cool during the night. A firm supportive pillow that doesn’t sink in will work wonders for your back and neck ache.