Panda London Hybrid Bamboo Pillow
- CharcoCell foam & 100% bamboo cover
- Medium-firm
- Machine-washable cover
Tell me more about the Panda Hybrid Bamboo pillow
The Panda Hybrid Bamboo pillow is one of the best pillows we've ever tested.
The foam is blended with activated bamboo charcoal, which regulates temperature, wicks away moisture, and neutralises odours.
We found the pillow particularly comfortable for side sleeping.
The foam gently cradles the head and supports the neck at the correct height, aligning it with the spine.
The BambooCloud quilted cover is kind and gentle to the skin, indulgently soft and also fully washable.
We're also very pleased to know that Panda London makes these pillows using sustainable materials and practices.
Reasons to buy
30-night trial period |
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Unmatched 10-year guarantee |
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One of the most comfortable pillows we've tested |
Reasons to avoid
Not adjustable |
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Unsuitable for stomach sleepers |
Emma Premium Pillow
- ThermoSync foam, supportive foam & soft foam
- UltraDry machine-washable cover
- Adjustable layers
Tell me more about the Emma Premium Pillow
The Emma Premium Pillow offers a unique experience thanks to its multi-layered, adjustable design.
The pillow as a whole has a firm feel and high loft, making it an excellent choice for side sleepers.
However, the pillow's adaptability allows it to suit all sleeping positions by simply removing or reordering the foam layers.
The Emma Premium pillow supported the neck and cushioned the head for a comfortable sleep that alleviated any pressure.
Another unique aspect is the thermoregulating layer and UltraDry cover, which ensure temperature regulation throughout the night.
Reasons to buy
30-night trial period |
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2-year guarantee |
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Adjustable to all sleeping positions |
Reasons to avoid
It's difficult to remove the inner layers |
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Quite pricey |
Simba Hybrid Pillow
- Shredded memory foam
- Medium-firm
- Fully adjustable
Tell me more about the Simba Hybrid Pillow
The Simba Hybrid pillow offers comfort and support to a wide range of sleepers.
It features unique memory foam "nanocubes" that can be added and removed to best suit your preferences.
The shredded memory foam also gives the pillow a more traditional feel.
The Simba Hybrid pillow also features astronaut-inspired temperature-regulating technology that absorbs, stores and releases heat as needed.
The Simba Hybrid pillow cover is removable and machine-washable.
This makes it a great choice for people prone to allergies.
Reasons to buy
Fully adjustable height and firmness |
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Machine-washable cover |
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1-year guarantee |
Reasons to avoid
Quite expensive |
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No trial period |
Brightr Eclipse Firm Memory Foam Pillow
- Graphene memory foam & copper-infused polyester cover
- Medium firm to firm
- Adjustable layers
Tell me more about the Brightr Eclipse Firm Memory Foam Pillow
The Brightr Eclipse Firm Memory Foam Pillow features a unique 4-layer adjustable design.
It is an ergonomic memory foam pillow that cradles your neck and head, promoting proper alignment and reducing tension and discomfort.
This makes it an ideal choice for side sleepers who require extra support.
Brightr uses cooling graphene memory foam, which helps regulate temperature and wicks away moisture.
Instead of one solid chunk of memory foam, Brightr has split it into four layers that slot together like Tetris pieces to design your perfect pillow height and firmness level.
The Eclipse pillow's signature copper-infused cover provides protection against allergens and bacteria that can cause breakouts.
Reasons to buy
30-night trial period |
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Ergonomic support for back & neck pain |
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Antimicrobial copper cover |
Reasons to avoid
Won't be suitable for people who want a soft, mouldable pillow |
Tempur Comfort Original Pillow
- Tempur material & cotton cover
- Medium feel & deep loft
- Machine-washable cover
Tell me more about the Tempur Comfort Original pillow
The Tempur Comfort Original pillow is designed with Tempur material micro cushions that provide superior comfort whilst maintaining complete pressure relief.
The medium-feel firmness of these Tempur side sleeper pillows cushions your head and shoulders to alleviate pain and discomfort.
It's slightly firmer than the Cloud pillow, ideal for those who don't want to completely collapse into their pillow.
The Original is the perfect choice for side sleepers because it helps to keep the head lifted and aligned with the spine while gently cocooning the head and shoulders.
Reasons to buy
30-night trial period |
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3-year guarantee |
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Great support for side sleepers |
Reasons to avoid
Expensive |
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It may be too high for back & stomach sleepers |
What is neck pain?
Neck pain can have a variety of causes, including stress and sitting or sleeping positions.
As our lives have become more stagnant with office jobs and technology use, neck pain is on the rise [1]. 💻
More and more young people are being affected by these aches and pains.
It is important to note that a new neck support pillow won’t cure neck pain or headaches if there are other causes.
You should seek medical advice from a doctor or chiropractor if you are suffering from recurring neck problems.
While a good pillow can’t necessarily cure chronic neck pain, a bad pillow or mattress can aggravate it. 💢
Studies [2] show that pillows can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep.
When you get less sleep, your body has less time to heal.
If your neck isn’t supported, you will strain the area and put your spine and muscles under additional pressure. 😖
Just think about how many hours you sleep every day.
When your mattress is too firm or too soft, it causes poor posture.
Similarly, pillows that are of the wrong height or firmness lead to your head and spine not being aligned. 😨
Neck pain usually radiates from the cervical spine (the spinal area just below your head).
With the amount of time we spend sleeping every day, it’s no surprise that the wrong pillow can majorly impact our necks.
If you often wake up with neck pain, it’s likely that your neck pillow isn’t giving you the support you need. 👎
Is back pain linked to bad pillows or mattresses?
Just as neck pain can be caused by the wrong pillow or mattress, it can also worsen back pain.
Your body needs to be properly supported as you sleep. 🛌
Otherwise, your poor posture is reinforced for hours every night.
Incorrect posture can lead to muscle strains and incorrect spinal alignment.
Bad posture will leave you feeling sore and less rested every time you sleep. 😫
How can the best pillows for neck pain help?
Just as the right pillow materials and qualities can make neck pain practically disappear, the wrong ones can worsen everything just as easily. 👎
If you have been suffering from neck soreness, you cannot underestimate the importance of finding a neck pillow that works for you.
Bear in mind that side sleepers will need a different pillow to back or front sleepers. 😴
Side sleepers
Side sleepers with firmer mattresses tend to sleep best with higher loft and firm pillows.
A taller pillow compensates for the minimal sinkage of a firm mattress and prevents the shoulders from being squashed.
People with broader shoulders also often need higher loft pillows to align their spine. 💪
Those with softer mattresses that allow their shoulders to sink in should go for lower loft pillows.
Side sleeping creates a bigger space between the head and shoulders, so you should make sure the pillow fills this empty space. 💞
The average person sleeps on their side 50% of the time.
The Emma Original Pillow is an ideal side sleeper pillow for those that need extra elevation to stay aligned.
Back sleepers
Back sleepers are fairly lucky and can get away with pretty much any pillow, although a medium-loft pillow is usually preferred.
You just need to make sure your head is in the same position as it would be if you were standing upright.
A pillow that follows the natural curve of the neck whilst providing support can improve spinal alignment and reduce shoulder pain. 🎉
Back sleepers can also look at secure neck support pillows such as a cervical pillow or a contour memory foam pillow.
The Tempur Original Queen pillow is a great option as it's shaped to follow the back of the neck with pressure-relieving memory foam.
Stomach sleepers
A lower loft and soft pillow are usually best for stomach sleeping.
This type of pillow will prevent your head from being lifted out of alignment with your spine. 😲
A thin pillow that keeps the neck straight can provide pain relief and improve sleep quality.
For instance, the Tempur Ombracio pillow is designed specifically for the stomach sleep style.
Alternatively, an adjustable pillow works well for people who rest on their front or frequently change sleeping positions. 🌟
Our favourite adjustable pillows:
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![Emma Premium Pillow]()
![Emma Premium Pillow]()
Emma![Emma]()
Premium PillowPrice from £ 115The Emma Premium Pillow offers unrivalled adjustability to suit all sleeping positions."Get 5% off with our exclusive 'SLEEPHEROUK5' discount code."The Emma Premium Pillow offers unrivalled adjustability to suit all sleeping positions."Get 5% off with our exclusive 'SLEEPHEROUK5' discount code."Price from £ 115 -
![Brightr Eclipse Firm Memory Foam Pillow]()
![Brightr Eclipse Firm Memory Foam Pillow]()
Brightr![Brightr]()
Eclipse Firm Memory Foam PillowPrice from £ 89.90The Brightr Eclipse is a firm memory foam pillow designed for orthopaedic support.The Brightr Eclipse is a firm memory foam pillow designed for orthopaedic support.Price from £ 89.90
Why you need to think about which pillow you choose
Always consider your sleeping position (even if you don’t really stick to one in particular) when choosing a pillow. 🤔
Your mattress firmness will also affect which pillow is best, with higher loft pillows better suiting firmer mattresses.
How to choose a pillow:
Which pillow you need depends on your individual requirements. You can find the perfect pillow for your sleeping position only if you have a suitable mattress.
If the mattress is softer, you should use a lower pillow; if the mattress is firmer, the pillow should be higher.
Walter Braun
Mattress Expert
The best pillows for neck pain (and headaches) keep your head in perfect alignment with your spine and shoulders. 👍
A supportive pillow will stop your head from falling too low or too high.
It helps prevents neck cricks and soreness and this can also reduce headaches. 💆
Ergonomic pillows for neck support tend to offer a firmer feel and are shaped to fit the neck without adding extra pressure to it.
They allow sleepers to get a better night's rest and stop you from being disturbed by pain.
Ergonomic neck support pillows also help relieve pressure and prevent neck, shoulder, and spine problems from worsening over time. ⏰
Not everyone enjoys ergonomic pillows, though, since they can be pretty deep and may push the upper spine out of alignment.
You might not be able to completely rid yourself of neck pain, depending on what’s causing it.
But the right pillow will make a world of difference to your sleep and your neck pain.🌏
How to choose a pillow for neck pain and headaches
The right pillow should keep you in the same position as if you were standing upright with excellent posture. 💂
Here's a short checklist to help you find the best pillow for your neck pain and headaches:
- Pillow height
- Pillow firmness
- Sleeping position
- Mattress firmness
- Your size and build
- Pillow feel and preference
- Breathability (especially for warm sleepers)
You can use this list to quickly check if a pillow will help alleviate your neck pain or headaches. 💆
The ideal pillow for total support will change dramatically depending on your preferences, mattress, and sleeping position.
If you don’t know how you sleep or what loft and firmness you need, you can always try out an adjustable pillow.
These allow you to play with different pillow heights so you can find one you love.😻
The Simba Hybrid Pillow is a super comfortable and adjustable option with removable nanocubes.
Many of our best pillows for neck pain offer trial periods where you can test them out.
The Kally Adjustable pillow comes with a 14-night trial and 4 adjustable layers to provide the support and comfort you desire. 👏
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![Kally Adjustable Pillow]()
![Kally Adjustable Pillow]()
Kally Sleep![Kally Sleep]()
Adjustable PillowPrice from £ 49.99The Kally Sleep Adjustable Pillow has 4 easy-to-remove sleep pads for unique customisation.The Kally Sleep Adjustable Pillow has 4 easy-to-remove sleep pads for unique customisation.Price from £ 49.99
Different pillow materials
Pillows come in a variety of materials that may suit your needs.
But there are pros and cons to each.
We discuss them all below. 👇
Memory foam pillows
Memory foam is one of the most popular choices for those searching for the best pillows for neck pain in the UK.
The material feels soft to the touch.
But memory foam also has a contouring effect and is firmer than traditional pillows.
This allows it to support the head and neck in the right position.
It also offers a warmer sleep, great for those who run a little cold but not so good for those who often wake up sweating. 🔥
If you want a pillow that is supportive and soft, try the Panda London Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow. 🐼
Feather & down pillows
It can be hard to beat the plushness of a traditional feather and down pillow. 🦆
These don’t always offer great neck support because they are so soft.
If you want this type of pillow, it’s best to check its firmness level first. There are some on the market specifically designed to offer a firmer feel and greater support.
The Hypnos Feather and Down Pillow has a high loft and firm feel, most suitable for side and back sleepers.
Microfibre pillows
Microfibre pillows tend to be easier to clean and are less likely to cause allergy issues. 🤧
You can find microfibre pillows with a variety of lofts and firmness levels, so it should be simple to find one that works for you.
Plus, microfibre pillows tend to be much more affordable than memory foam or down and feather pillows. 🤑
Latex pillows
Environmentally-friendly options, like Tencel or latex pillows, are becoming more popular too.
Tencel offers sleepers great support and comfort.
Plus, it’s 100% biodegradable and doesn’t require high-energy manufacturing. 🌳
All of this makes Tencel an excellent choice for those who are trying to be more eco-friendly.
Latex is one of the most durable and popular pillow materials around. 💪
Latex pillows are ideal for sleepers who like memory foam pillows, but want the initial feeling to be softer.
Additionally, latex is naturally hypoallergenic and anti-fungal.
The Relyon Superior Comfort Latex Pillow helps reduce headaches with great neck support and its anti-allergenic design.
Pillow accessories
We highly recommend choosing a suitable pillowcase for your neck pillow.
A pillowcase with a bamboo or cotton cover is an excellent choice, particularly for a pillow made with polyurethane foam.
An additional pillow protector can also improve pillow durability for long-lasting sleep wellness. 😁
You should also make sure the pillowcase is suitable for your neck pillow.
Whilst a regular pillowcase will fit most standard pillows, a cervical support or contour pillow may require a specific size of pillowcase.
Take a look at our favourites pillowcases and protectors below:
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![Kally Pillow Case]()
![Kally Pillow Case]()
Kally Sleep![Kally Sleep]()
Standard Pillow CasePrice from £ 9.99The Kally Standard Pillow Case is made from 100% 200-thread count cotton.The Kally Standard Pillow Case is made from 100% 200-thread count cotton.Price from £ 9.99
What is the best pillow for neck pain?
The right neck support pillow can’t magically make your pain disappear.
But it can help. 💗
If you are waking up most mornings with shoulder, neck, or back pain, you may need to change your pillow.
Before you buy yours, make sure you consider your sleeping position and preferred pillow material.
This will help you choose a pillow that’s extra comfy and supportive.
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![Panda Hybrid Pillow]()
![Panda Hybrid Pillow]()
Panda London![Panda London]()
Hybrid Bamboo PillowPrice from £ 71.96 £ (89.95 )The Panda Hybrid pillow is a Sleep Hero favourite made from orthopaedic grade, adaptive CharcoCell foam."Perfect combination of memory support and breathability."The Panda Hybrid pillow is a Sleep Hero favourite made from orthopaedic grade, adaptive CharcoCell foam."Perfect combination of memory support and breathability."Price from £ 71.96 (£ 89.95 ) -
![Emma Premium Pillow]()
![Emma Premium Pillow]()
Emma![Emma]()
Premium PillowPrice from £ 115The Emma Premium Pillow offers unrivalled adjustability to suit all sleeping positions."Get 5% off with our exclusive 'SLEEPHEROUK5' discount code."The Emma Premium Pillow offers unrivalled adjustability to suit all sleeping positions."Get 5% off with our exclusive 'SLEEPHEROUK5' discount code."Price from £ 115 -
![Simba Hybrid Pillow]()
![Simba Hybrid Pillow]()
Simba![Simba]()
Hybrid PillowPrice from £ 109The Simba Hybrid Pillow is an excellent choice for those in need of adjustable support.The Simba Hybrid Pillow is an excellent choice for those in need of adjustable support.Price from £ 109 -
![Brightr Eclipse Firm Memory Foam Pillow]()
![Brightr Eclipse Firm Memory Foam Pillow]()
Brightr![Brightr]()
Eclipse Firm Memory Foam PillowPrice from £ 89.90The Brightr Eclipse is a firm memory foam pillow designed for orthopaedic support.The Brightr Eclipse is a firm memory foam pillow designed for orthopaedic support.Price from £ 89.90 -
![Tempur Comfort Pillow Original]()
![Tempur Comfort Pillow Original]()
Tempur![Tempur]()
Comfort Original PillowPrice from £ 94 £ (109 )Tempur Comfort Original pillows is a fantastic choice for individuals who want a mix of support and comfort.Tempur Comfort Original pillows is a fantastic choice for individuals who want a mix of support and comfort.Price from £ 94 (£ 109 )
Frequently asked questions
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Where can I buy a pillow for neck pain?
You can buy a pillow for neck pain from most bedding retailers.
This includes:
- Dreams
- Bensons for Beds
- Amazon
- John Lewis
- The Fine Bedding Company
And many more!
You can take a look at our best pillows guide for more advice on our favourite pillows available right now. -
What is the best pillow for side sleepers?
The best pillow for side sleepers has a high loft and firm feel.
This is because sleeping on your side creates a wide gap between your head and shoulders.
Therefore, it’s vital to choose a pillow that fills that space and provides optimal support.
The pillow should be deep enough to lift your head and keep your neck aligned with the spine.
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What is the best way to avoid neck pain?
If you wake up regularly with back or neck pain, this could be due to an unsuitable pillow or mattress.
You should first ensure your mattress and pillow are suitable for your sleeping position.
A mattress that has lost its support and creates dips can also lead to an uncomfortable sleep.
Our best mattresses article can guide you through our favourite recommendations.
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References
Alternatively, message us directly via the Contact Us page.