The 8 Best Pillows For Neck Arthritis & Cervical Spondylosis (Reviews)
Cervical spondylosis aka neck arthritis is extremely common.
More than 85 percent of people over the age of 60 are affected. The condition most often causes pain and stiffness in the neck. (Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
The good news is that minor changes like finding a quality pillow for neck arthritis and cervical spondylosis can help in a big way. And the even better news is that you have a wide array of products to choose from. To help make it real easy, our team created a roundup of the 8 best pillows for neck arthritis available on the market today!
Let’s see how they work...
Can Your Pillow Relieve Your Neck Arthritis?
A study in 2008 showed that two thirds of all people suffer from neck pain at some point in their lives. These issues are often transient and heal after a week or two. However, about 10% of these cases will have chronic neck discomfort. A common example is neck arthritis.
Neck arthritis, also known as cervical spondylosis or cervical osteoarthritis, is among the problems that are medically classified as chronic. They are health issues that people need to find ways to live with.
The kind of pillow people use is often pivotal in alleviating neck arthritis. Clinical observations suggest that the right pillow could be more effective than cold compresses or massage.
There are some other steps one could take along with using a supportive pillow that could contribute to wellness and healing. Exercise tops the list of course, starting with even mild stretching in bed.
Destressing is also among the game changers in overall well-being. It’s not easy to feel relaxed if you don’t sleep well, and that takes us right back to using a comfortable pillow!
Our Reviews Of The Top 8 Pillows For Neck Arthritis & Cervical Spondylosis
These are various selections of neck pain pillows specially designed to relieve the pressure off the neck joints and neck arthritis. You’ll notice that each brand achieves that in a different manner, but the goal remains the same; more comfort and neck arthritis relief.
These neck arthritis and cervical spondylosis relieft pillows also have different price points, so pick wisely, and focus on what works for you. Furthermore, choose the pillow that’s visually appealing and highly rated online for what is most important to you. This in and of itself brings more relaxation and a blissful sense of wellness.
1. LUXFFY Memory Foam Ergonomic Cervical Pillows
In my opinion, simple smart designs are the best. Especially, if you don’t have special requirements that necessitate the presence of specific complicated features. Buying a versatile pillow that works well for all positions and sleeping styles is always welcome.
I also like that its height can be varied by a simple trick. The Luxffy pillow consists of three layers of contoured memory foam, with a removable middle layer. You could keep it in place or remove it to get the lift that works for you.
It’s quality certified, so you know that it’s actually safe for use. In addition, it comes with a 5-year warranty, which shows that the manufacturers truly stand by their product. It also comes at a fair price compared to its peers.
Pros
- Simple and effective design
- adjustable height for optimal head positioning
- Follows the natural contours of the body
- Suitable for all kinds of sleepers
- Hypoallergenic with dust mite protection
- Soft breathable cover
- Quality certified
- Uniform firm support
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
- Money back period of 96 nights
- Moderately priced
Cons
- A bit low for broad-shouldered side sleepers
- The cover is made from synthetic materials
2. Core Products Tri-Core Orthopedic Contour Pillow
The Tri Core pillow consists of a roll that’s typically placed under the cervical area, and a notch that the head rests on.
It’s designed to give support rather than simply to offer comfort. It’s more of a therapeutic pillow, and users are advised to take their time getting used to it. Actually, it’s best used simultaneously with your original pillow, until your neck gradually returns to its healthy alignment.
This pillow isn’t generic in its size either. To be able to provide the best support, it comes in three different sizes; full-size, mid-size, and petite size. Back sleepers might benefit from this pillow the most.
Pros
- Specially designed for neck conditions
- Comes in two colors, white and blue
- Sized according to age and body type
Cons
- A bit too firm, needs some time to get used to it
- Side sleepers should be careful with the middle notch
- Not suitable for stomach sleepers
3. Healthex Cervical Neck Roll Pillow
The Healthex roll is the kind of support you place wherever feels achy in your body. You can place it where your neck feels sore, or a little bit lower if your shoulder needs a bit more care. It’s also a great companion if you’re sitting on a desk or a couch, and need something to bolster your back.
This versatile pillow is among the easiest to use. Some people view it as a puffy cushion, but that’s not the case at all. It’s an ergonomic pillow that’s specially designed to alleviate various ergonomic issues. Back sleepers and side sleepers would like it the most.
Pros
- Made from premium quality memory foam
- Cover made from washable bamboo fabric
- Retains its shape for a long time
- Hypoallergenic, breathable, and dust-proof
- Beneficial for the whole body
- Visually appealing pillow
- Versatile usage
- Budget-friendly price
Cons
- The quality of the pillows is a bit inconsistent
4. Belly Sleep Gel Infused Memory Foam Pillow
It’s not too often that we come across a pillow that’s specially designed for stomach sleepers. That’s why this one easily made the list!
That’s not the only reason though. Its contours minimize head rotation during sleep and at the same time provide optimal support for the neck and shoulders. In addition to decreasing the soreness of the neck, this makes for much better sleep quality, and improves breathing.
Overheating of memory foam pillows is pretty common, and it could disturb your sleep in the warmer months. This pillow has a feature that counters that, as it’s infused with gel particles that keep the pillow cooled off.
The covering fabric is also more than what we normally see. It’s moisture-wicking, antibacterial, and odor-resistant. Plus, it’s machine washable, which makes hygiene maintenance a breeze.
It comes in two sizes, so you can choose the optimal fit.
Pros
- Specifically designed for tummy sleepers
- Comfortable and supportive for the shoulder
- Minimizes neck rolling
- Helps with spine alignment
- Contains cooling gel particles
- Cover is moisture wicking, odor-resistant, and antibacterial
- Easy to clean
Cons
- It’s an expensive pillow
- Not too durable
5. Beans72 Organic Buckwheat Pillow
Buckwheat pillows are all the rage lately. Returning to a fully natural life always seems like the right thing to do, and it does have many perks. However, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
These pillows are reminiscent of ancient times, and they provide excellent conformity with the natural shape of your head, neck, and shoulders. Also, it doesn’t lose its shape and collapse the way many foam pillows do. That’s why it provides the right amount of support for your cervical area, regardless how you sleep.
The buckwheat pillows might be a bit too firm. So they’d suit those people who prefer firmness and support over softness and comfort.
Pros
- Made from organic materials inside and out
- Takes the shape of the sleepers head, neck, and spine
- Doesn’t collapse with repeated usage
- Good ventilation and cooling
Cons
- Takes some getting used to
- Not totally resistant to bugs
- A bit on the pricey side
6. Mediflow Fiber Water Pillow
Water pillows and water mattresses were rather gimmicky things for quite a while. However, this pillow is ergonomically designed to alleviate neck aches. Moreover, it was clinically tested, and it was shown to provide better sleep.
The water part of the pillow is actually sandwiched inside a memory foam layer. That’s why it doesn’t have the wobbly feeling that’s inherent in water bedding. It’s only there to make the pillow more responsive to your head and neck shape. As matter of fact, you could adjust the degree of firmness of the pillow by adding or decreasing water.
The Mediflow pillow doesn’t have specific raised or extra firm zones, so it can be easily used for all sleeping positions.
This is particularly good for people who naturally toss and turn all night. These folks usually have to get up, fluff their pillows, then get back to sleep. But with this evenly supportive pillow, they just turn, it accommodates their new position, and they go on sleeping.
Moving on to the casing. The outer shell is made from 100% cotton fabric, which is a nice feature, and your skin will thank you for it. It’s also hypoallergenic and easy to clean.
Pros
- Clinically tested in Johns Hopkins
- Matches all sleeping positions
- Adjustable from soft to firm
- Premium quality outer covering
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
- Has a 30-day money-back trial period
Cons
- It’s a heavy pillow
- Rather expensive
7. Misiki Memory Foam Orthopedic Pillow
The Misiki pillow is an odd-looking thing with plenty of perks. The butterfly shape is designed to provide the right amount of support to various parts of the upper body. Even the hands have a dedicated space in this pillow.
Ultimately, this design aims to minimize neck ache and the shoulder stiffness that come with it. The memory foam is of moderate, and it has a special tech that adjusts its contouring based on the body temperature.
The ridges and curves of the Misiki pillow assist in aligning the head with the rest of the spine, all the way to the lower back. This is to be expected from an orthopedic pillow. But what exceeds our expectations, are the special armrests. This is to further minimize the strain and fatigue from the upper body.
The casing isn’t too special. But it passes the basic requirements of being skin-friendly and easy to clean.
The Misiki pillow is best suited for back sleepers, but with a bit of adjustment it could fit with a side sleeper. It isn’t too cheap, but it’s certainly worth the extra buck.
Pros
- Designed to alleviate neck pains and shoulder stiffness
- The contours fit perfectly with the shape of the head, neck, and shoulders
- Quality certified by CertiPUR-US
- Made from top quality memory foam
- Helps with full spinal alignment
- Reduces snores
- Improves breathing
- Zippered removable outer cover
Cons
- Doesn’t suit tummy sleepers or side sleepers
- Looks too odd for some users who prefer a regular looking pillow
8. HOKEKI Cervical Sleeping Pillow
This pillow doesn’t have any excessive contouring or complicated tech. Yet, it achieves the perfect balance of support and comfort. It’s well suited for all sleeping positions, so whether you’re a back, side, tummy, or restless sleeper, it would provide a good night’s sleep.
It also comes in two sizes; a standard size and a queen size. So you can further choose the setup that matches your body type and feels best.
The slightly curving design and premium quality memory foam work on decreasing the pressure points on the cervical and upper back areas. Also, on improving blood circulation, which minimizes soreness and inflammation.
The Hokeki pillow is free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, lead, mercury, and heavy metals. Which is a huge plus, as this is what you’ll be breathing all night. The pillow is also free from obnoxious odors, and that would be appreciated by the folks who get migraines from such industrial smells.
The covering is breathable, resistant to dust mites, and it’s machine washable. On top of all these perks, the Hokeki pillow comes at a highly competitive price. Being affordable is one more thing that makes these pillows quite popular.
Pros
- Simple design
- Made from slow-rebound memory foam
- Fits all sleeping positions
- Reduces pressure points
- Improves circulation
- The covering is hygienic and easy to clean
- Fitted with a hidden zipper for safety
- Comes at an affordable price
Cons
- The covering is not machine washable
- Might have an initial heavy odor that goes away with aeration
Our Conclusion on Neck Arthritis Pillows
Neck arthritis and Cervical Spondylosis is an annoying type of pain. It manifests its presence with the slightest movement. Even sneezing or laughing could be difficult with that vertebral issue.
There are some remedies though, that make treating it, alleviating its pain, and living with a mild form of the symptoms possible. This starts with the type of bedding you have. A supportive pillow made for Cervical Spondylosis or neck arthritis was shown to be as effective in decreasing neck pain as compresses or massage.
Other than finding a high quality pillow to help your Cervical Spondylosis and neck arthritis, we recommend you follow up with your doctor, and try to live an overall healthful lifestyle.
Hello! My name is James, a researcher of pillows and getting a great night’s sleep with over 10 years of experience! Graduate of the University of Kansas with a Physiology Degree. I enjoy writing, camping, reading, traveling abroad, swimming, and educational research. Contact me at the social links below!