Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor
If you’ve landed on this page, chances are you’re looking for a solution to your neck pain. Well, we’re happy to say you’ve come to the right place. Sleeping on the correct mattress for your needs and preferences can help alleviate neck pain by promoting a healthy spinal alignment and giving you support and pressure relief where you need it most.
It can be a challenge to find the perfect mattress for your individual needs. Your preferred sleeping position, body weight, and whether or not you sleep with a partner are all key factors. To make this process easier, we’ve put each of the mattresses on this list through a series of tests to see how well they perform in areas such as cooling, motion isolation, and pressure relief (emphasis on this one, as this is key to alleviating neck pain). Each of our individual mattress reviews will explicitly state who the mattress does — and doesn’t — work best for, so you can make sure you’re not only finding a mattress that can help out with your pain, but one that will also help you sleep better in general.
If you’re just beginning to research mattresses, we also encourage you to check out our mattress buying guide to get some more information about mattresses in general.
Our Top Pick for Neck Pain
As a hybrid mattress with an excellent mix of pressure relief and support, the Helix Midnight should help most folks achieve a neutral spine while sleeping.
Best Mattresses for Neck Pain of 2024
- Best Overall Mattress for Neck Pain – Helix Midnight
- Best Value Mattress for Neck Pain – Nectar
- Best Latex Mattress for Neck Pain – WinkBeds EcoCloud
- Best Innerspring Mattress for Neck Pain – Saatva Classic
- Best Mattress for Couples with Neck Pain – Nolah Signature
- Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers with Neck Pain – Titan Plus Luxe
- Best Firm Mattress for Neck Pain – Plank Firm
- Best Hybrid Mattress for Neck Pain – Bear Star Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Neck Pain – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Best Luxury Mattress for Neck Pain – Birch Luxe Natural
Best Mattress for Neck Pain Video
What We Look For In The Best Mattresses For Neck Pain
Support and Contouring
When thinking about the best mattresses for neck pain, one of the most important things to consider is how supportive the mattress is and how well it can contour your body to help relieve pain. We were sure to test every mattress on this list for its supportive properties to help you find the best mattress for neck pain.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is very important for any mattress that is helping to alleviate pain, so we used a pressure map to test the pressure-relieving properties to help you find the best mattresses for relieving neck pain.
Firmness
Firmness is especially important to consider when finding mattresses that are good for pain relief. We know this and want to help you find the best mattress for your neck pain, so we personally tested the firmness of each of the mattresses in this list by using our firmness scale. This scale ranks the firmness from 1-10, with 10 being the firmest, and we generally recommend a medium-firm mattress, around 6.5-7.5, for pain relief.
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| Helix Midnight Mattress | Nectar Mattress | WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Bear Star Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Birch Luxe Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Soft: 5.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Latex | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Best For |
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples
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Back Sleepers,
Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors
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Side Sleepers,
Back Pain |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers |
Stomach Sleepers,
Back Pain, Seniors |
Joint Pain, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers,
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Couples,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers |
Best Overall Mattress for Neck Pain – Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The Helix Midnight is a medium-firm hybrid mattress, made from a combination of foam up top and coils at the bottom. Its balanced feel should suit a range of sleeping positions. When we tested out this bed, the foams offered some sinkage, but the mattress still kept us elevated from below with its coil layer. We think the Helix Midnight is great for neck pain because you’re getting a great mix of pressure relief and support, which helps keep the spine in a straight line, while preventing sensitive spots from becoming sore.
In addition to neck pain, the Helix Midnight scored very well on our pressure map test for lower back, shoulder, and hip pain. For context, this test involves spreading a specialized mat over a mattress that measures how much pressure is being put on the sleeper in different areas of the body. The results use thermal imaging and are color-coded. On the Helix Midnight, the graphic was mostly blue, indicating low pressure.
That’s because the extra cushioning included in this mattress helps to prevent stiffness from accumulating around the joints (also helping to fight against arthritis). However, as a hybrid mattress, the coils present in the base layer of this bed make sure that sleepers won’t sink too far into the Helix Midnight, as that could lead to their hips coming out of alignment with their shoulders, causing back pain.
What our tester says: “The Helix Midnight also has a nice bouncy feel, thanks to its hybrid construction. That means it’s easy to roll around on, so you shouldn’t have trouble changing positions at night.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Many of the customers on the Helix website commented on how much they appreciated the 100-night return policy that Helix provides. This allowed these users to try out the Helix Midnight and really see if it helped alleviate their neck pain, instead of having to buy online with no guarantees.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
- This mattress has more of a bounce to it, which is helpful for combination sleepers. They should feel lifted on the mattress, finding it easy to switch positions without sinking too far into the bed’s layers.
- As a hybrid mattress, the Helix Midnight includes foams and coils. The inclusion of coils means that this mattress has high airflow and breathability, making it a good choice for hot sleepers.
- The Helix Midnight is adept at motion isolation. This is ideal for couples, as it means your partner’s movements should be absorbed by the mattress, so you’re unlikely to feel them on your side of the bed.
Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress
- Heavier sleepers probably won’t receive the support they need from the Helix Midnight because of how soft this mattress feels. These sleepers could try the luxe version of this bed instead, or check out our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people.
Think the Helix Midnight is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Helix Midnight mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the other best mattresses of 2024.
Best Value Mattress for Neck Pain – Nectar
The Nectar delivers a balance of comfort and support: it’s definitely contouring, but still provides a firm enough foundation for most light to average weight sleepers, especially if they sleep on their back or stomach. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“I think back sleepers would be especially happy on this bed. They’ll get plenty of support from the firm memory foam in the Nectar Classic, which should translate to great pressure relief and a good night’s sleep. Hot sleepers who have to have a memory foam mattress should also have no trouble at all falling asleep on this bed.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The Nectar is a value mattress that consistently makes our best mattress under $1,000 list. But that doesn’t mean the mattress feels cheap when you lie down on it. Its all-foam layers give that luxurious memory foam feeling that lovers of soft beds should really appreciate. Speaking of, this mattress scored a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, making it slightly softer than the industry standard for a medium-firm mattress, so keep in mind that you will likely be more “in” this bed than “on top” of it.
While they might not be for everyone, all-foam beds provide body contouring and pressure relief that work great for sleepers who suffer from neck pain. During our 15-minute rest test, we definitely felt comforted and surrounded by the foam included in this mattress, which really contoured around us and held our neck in place. This mattress also scored very well on our pressure map test for back pain, as the entire back area lit up completely blue (equating to low pressure).
What our tester says: “Memory foam lovers should be happy on the Nectar. This bed has a classic memory foam feel, so there’s lots of sinkage, contouring, and pressure relief. This can be great for anyone with shoulder pain or hip pain, since it gives them cushioning at sensitive pressure points.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
The customers on the Nectar website were all pleasantly surprised by how well this mattress alleviated their back pain. Some users even shared that they recently had back surgery, or that they had been suffering from chronic back pain for multiple years, and the Nectar helped alleviate this pain after only a few weeks.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
- While the Nectar is a softer bed, there’s a layer of firmer foam included at the bottom of this mattress that should give back sleepers the support they need during the night, as this will keep them from sinking too far into the bed.
- The Nectar includes a cover in its construction that was created with heat-wicking technology. This is an important addition for hot sleepers, as memory foam sometimes has a hard time keeping a low temperature.
- The Nectar performed really well on our motion transfer test, able to adeptly isolate movement. So couples are unlikely to be disturbed by their partner’s tossing and turning in the middle of the night.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
- Strict stomach sleepers will most likely need a firmer and more supportive mattress to keep their hips elevated and in line with their shoulders — a crucial factor for avoiding back pain. For these sleepers, we recommend checking out our roundup of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Think the Nectar is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Nectar mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for the money.
Best Latex Mattress for Neck Pain – WinkBeds EcoCloud
If you’re looking for a mattress made with high-quality, organic materials, then look no further than the WinkBeds EcoCloud mattress. This bed is packed with sustainable materials, including organic cotton, sustainable New Zeland wool, natural Talalay latex, and recycled steel coils. The quilted cover gives this bed an initial plush feel, and the sturdy coils below provide lift and support. We especially like this bed for back sleepers, as it has the perfect balance between pressure relief and lumbar support. We also think hot sleepers would enjoy the breathable materials that work to keep the bed cool all night.
What our tester says:
“The EcoCloud is a great mattress for back sleepers. it has zoned support, which is meant to help promote a neutral spinal alignment, especially when back sleeping.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The EcoCloud — created by WinkBeds — is an especially eco-friendly option, as the name would suggest. This mattress includes an organic cotton and sustainable New Zealand wool cover. The star of the show, however, is the four-inch comfort layer of Talalay latex. This material is naturally bouncy and responsive, along with being antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and non-toxic. For neck pain, latex does a good job at alleviating pressure in this area. When we lie down on this medium-firm bed, we can feel the latex foam layer giving us some buoyancy and having a quicker response to pressure than memory foam. However, we still get some nice contouring and pressure relief.
The zoned support included in this mattress means that it feels slightly firmer around the hips, while still providing pressure relief around the shoulders and feet. This is great for sleepers who suffer from back pain, especially around the lumbar region, as the zoned support should keep their spine in a neutral position. This was proved in our pressure map test, where the back region lit up completely blue (equating to low pressure). The EcoCloud also did very well on our pressure map test when it came to shoulder and hip pain for sleepers who prefer to rest on their back or stomach. However, if you’re a side sleeper who suffers with shoulder or back pain, we would still recommend checking out a softer mattress than the EcoCloud.
What our tester says: “I found the EcoCloud to have great edge support. This is great news for couples and larger sleepers, since they’ll want to take advantage of their mattress’s full surface area. The EcoCloud is actually built with specialized anti-sag edge support coils, and it’s good to know they really work.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress reviewer
What Customers Say
The majority of users on the WinkBeds website love the EcoCloud because of how well it got rid of their stubborn shoulder pain. Many customers stated that they no longer wake up with pain in this area.
Pros of the WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
- The EcoCloud is made with zoned support, which basically means that some areas of this mattress have more stability than others. This is a helpful addition for back sleepers, as the mattress should be firmer around their spine to keep it in a healthy alignment during the night.
- This mattress is especially responsive and bouncy, so it’s good option for combination sleepers. This is because these sleepers need a mattress with more of an “on top” feel so they can move around and switch positions easily during the night.
- The organic cotton cover, latex layer, and coils included in the EcoCloud add breathability and airflow to this mattress. This helps hot sleepers stay cooler for longer during the night.
Cons of the WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
- The EcoCloud scored fairly high on our motion transfer test, which means that couples may be able to feel the large movements of their partner during the night. If you’re a light sleeper with a more restless partner, we recommend checking out our roundup of the best mattresses for couples to find some options with higher motion isolation.
Think the WinkBeds EcoCloud is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full WinkBeds EcoCloud mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best latex mattresses.
Best Innerspring Mattress for Neck Pain – Saatva Classic
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
There aren’t many true innerspring beds on the market anymore, which makes the double layer of coils in the Saatva truly unique. Perhaps our favorite part about this mattress (outside of its traditional innerspring feel) is that it has three firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. Innersprings are known for their firm support, but the Saatva’s firmness variety shows that you can still have cushioning, as well as an “on top” feel.
Depending on your body type, preferred sleeping position, and level of neck pain, you can choose the Saatva model that works best for you and your needs. We determined that the Plush Soft model is going to be the best pick for most side sleepers, the Luxury Firm model matches most back sleepers, and the Firm model is ideal for the majority of stomach sleepers. However, if you’re looking for extra body contouring and cushioning around your neck, we recommend checking out the Plush Soft version of this mattress, which will probably provide the most pressure relief.
What our tester says: “The Saatva Classic is a bouncy, high-quality mattress with durability and great edge support. I think it’s a nice option for back sleepers and combination sleepers. I also like the Saatva for heavier sleepers, though Saatva has another model made for these folks: the Saatva HD.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress reviewer
What Customers Say
Multiple users on the Saatva website commented on the amazing deals that Saatva regularly offers on their mattresses. These customers said that they received almost $600 off of their mattress purchase, which is super helpful when buying a luxury (or, in other words, more expensive) mattress like the Saatva.
Pros of the Saatva Mattress
- The two layers of sturdy coils included in the construction of the Saatva allow plenty of space for airflow. This makes the mattress extra breathable, which is always a consideration for hot sleepers who want to stay cooler for longer.
- The Saatva has a very responsive and bouncy feel for its sleepers. This is ideal for combination sleepers, who change positions often during the night and don’t want to get stuck in their bed’s layers.
- Although the Saatva has high motion transfer, which could be a drawback for light-sleeping couples, most people who sleep with a partner will likely be drawn to the cooling capabilities of this mattress. As stated earlier, the Saatva is also very responsive, which makes it a good mattress for sex.
Cons of the Saatva Mattress
- With such a durable, high-quality construction, the Saatva isn’t exactly wallet-friendly. So, if you’re looking for a more affordable option for your new bed, you might want to look elsewhere. Don’t worry, we have a roundup for the best mattresses under $1,000 to help you out.
Think the Saatva is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Saatva mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best innerspring mattresses.
Best Mattress for Couples with Neck Pain – Nolah Signature
If you’re looking for a soft yet supportive foam option, the Nolah Signature should be a good fit. It’s supportive enough for back sleepers, while also providing enough contouring for side sleepers, especially at the shoulders and hips where the put the most pressure while sleeping. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Nolah Signature is a great choice for a lot of back and side sleepers. The sinkage this mattress provides should be a nice match for these sleepers and offer the pressure relief they need.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Expert Opinion
The Nolah Signature is a solid choice for couples who suffer from neck pain. First and foremost, this mattress absorbs motion really well. We tested this out by dropping steel balls of varying weights onto the surface of the Nolah Signature, and then using a seismometer to measure how much movement spread across the mattress. The Nolah Signature was able to effectively isolate motion, which means you’re unlikely to feel your partner’s movements on your side of the bed. In addition, this mattress is quite cooling — a plus when there are two people in the bed producing double the body heat.
We especially like the Nolah Signature for sleepers with neck pain because its top layer of foam has a soft, contouring feel. This should help cradle sensitive joints and keep them in place. During our pressure map test, we also found that the Nolah Signature does a good job alleviating pain around the lower back, shoulders, and hips, especially for sleepers who prefer to sleep on their back or side.
What our tester says: “The Nolah Signature really impressed me on both the motion transfer test and with its edge support. I think couples are unlikely to feel their partner moving at night, and they can use the whole surface of the bed.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Memory foam lovers praise the Nolah Signature for its body contouring and pressure-relieving capabilities. These sleepers love the “sinking” feeling that this mattress offers, and multiple users described sleeping on this bed as sleeping on a cloud. However, if you’re more into an “on top” mattress feel, you may want to steer clear.
Pros of the Nolah Signature Mattress
- There’s a bottom layer of high-density poly foam included in this mattress that has enough support to promote a neutral spinal alignment. So as long as they enjoy a softer mattress, back sleepers should be comfortable on the Nolah Signature.
- The Nolah Signature scored a 6 on our firmness scale, making it slightly softer than the industry standard for a medium-firm mattress. This score makes this mattress soft enough to contour side sleepers at the shoulders and hips, where they need it the most.
- As we said earlier, the Nolah Signature is exceptionally cooling. That’s because the comfort layer included in this mattress is made of a proprietary material called AirFoam — a more breathable alternative to memory foam. This is helpful for hot sleepers and couples who have double the body heat in their bed.
Cons of the Nolah Signature Mattress
- Combination sleepers are probably going to want to opt for a mattress that gives them more of an “on top” feel. The Nolah Signature has a very “sinking” feel to it, so it might be difficult for combination sleepers to change positions during the night. To combat this, we recommend that these sleepers check out our roundup of the best mattresses for combination sleepers.
Think the Nolah Signature is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Nolah Signature mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for couples.
Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers with Neck Pain – Titan Plus Luxe
The Titan Plus Luxe provides a sturdy and supportive, but still comfortable and luxurious sleep experience for heavy sleepers. The medium-firm feel can work for heavy back and side sleepers, but can also work for some light and average weight folks too. This means mixed-weight couples particularly might enjoy this mattress, especially since it has excellent motion isolation and strong edge support. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you’re a heavy sleeper looking for a bed made of high-quality materials, the Titan Plus Luxe is a great option for you. It’s built to last and should do a great job supporting heavier sleepers, especially back, side, and combination sleepers.” – Madison Schaper, former Sleepopolis staff writer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
The Titan Plus Luxe is specifically built to comfort and support heavy sleepers over 250 pounds. This stability mainly comes from the firmness of this mattress, as the Titan Plus Luxe scored a 7.5 on our firmness scale for an average sleeper, but a 6.5 for heavier sleepers. This means that heavier sleepers should feel like this mattress has more of a medium-firm feel, while lighter weight sleeper should feel that this bed is slightly firmer. This extra support helps to keep these sleepers lifted during the night, leading to a healthy spinal alignment.
During our pressure map test, we found that the Titan Plus Luxe was cushioning and prevented pressure buildup. This is thanks to the added plush cushioning included in the cover and comfort layers of this mattress. With supportive coils and a high-density base foam at the bottom of this mattress, you should still feel supported throughout the night. This balance promotes proper spinal alignment and lowers the chance for neck pain.
What our tester says: “If you’re a heavy sleeper looking for a bed made of high-quality materials, the Titan Plus Luxe is a great option for you. It’s built to last and should do a great job supporting heavier sleepers, especially back, side, and combination sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Because this is a bed made for heavier sleepers, the majority of comments came from folks over 250 pounds. These customers stated that the Titan Plus Luxe was exactly what they were looking for: durable, stable, and supportive. However, some average weight sleepers did say that this bed felt a little too firm to them, so keep that in mind.
Pros of the Titan Plus Luxe Mattress
- Strict stomach sleepers should appreciate how firm this mattress is. It should lift sleepers’ hips higher on its layers, so that they stay in line with the shoulders, promoting a healthy spinal alignment.
- The Titan Plus Luxe is great for couples who may be in different weight classes (for instance, a couple consisting of one heavyweight sleeper and one of average weight). This is because this mattress will feel different to different sleepers. It might have a medium-firm feel to a heavier sleeper, and a much firmer feel to a lighter partner.
- Combination sleepers should appreciate the very “on top of” feel of this mattress. These sleepers shouldn’t feel like they’re sinking too far into this bed, which allows combo sleepers to more easily switch positions and move around.
Cons of the Titan Plus Luxe Mattress
- If you’re a heavy weight sleeper who still likes a more traditional memory foam feel to your mattress, the Titan Plus Luxe might feel too stiff to you. It doesn’t have as much sinkage or body contouring as regular mattresses with memory foam included tend to have. For other options, check out our roundup of the best memory foam mattresses.
Think the Titan Plus Luxe is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Titan Plus Luxe mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people.
Best Firm Mattress for Neck Pain – Plank Firm
The Plank Firm more than lives up to its name with its ultra-sturdy foams and supportive feel. While this bed certainly isn’t for everyone, it should be an ideal fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers who want to feel more on top of their mattress than in it. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Plank Firm is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress, the firm side and extra firm side, should give these sleepers the support they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers who like a firmer feel should also be happy on the firm side of the Plank.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The Plank Firm (created by Brooklyn Bedding) is an especially firm mattress, as indicated by its name. Not only that — it’s flippable, with both a Firm side and an Extra Firm side, so sleepers can pick which one works best for their body type and sleeping position. The Firm side of the Plank Firm scored a 7.5 on our firmness scale, while the Extra Firm side scored an 8.5, making both sides of this mattress much firmer than the industry standard for a medium-firm mattress.
Although this mattress may not suit all sleepers with neck pain, it should be a fantastic choice for strict stomach sleepers with this pain. These folks require a firmer mattress that’s able to prevent their hips from bowing into the layers of their bed. It’s especially important for sleepers to get a mattress that supports their body throughout the whole night to prevent misalignment and, consequently, neck pain. The Plank Firm is a great candidate for this.
What our tester says: “I really like that the Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with two firmness options. This makes it feel like you’re getting two beds for the price of one. I also think this is a great choice for anyone who loves a firm feel — if you’re looking for the firmest mattress out there, the Extra Firm side of the Plank is the way to go.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress reviewer
What Customers Say
Users on the Brooklyn Bedding website praise the Plank Firm for its resistance to sagging, even around its edges. These sleepers stated that they no longer feel like they’re being suffocated by their bed, and now, they can spread out without fear of falling off the sides.
Pros of the Plank Firm Mattress
- Regardless of body type, back sleepers who prefer a firmer feel should sleep well on the Plank Firm’s Firm side. This side of the mattress should do a good job keeping their back in a straight line, leading to a healthy spinal alignment.
- The Plank Firm is super responsive, thanks to its overall firm feel and layer of dense poly foam. Because of this, combination sleepers shouldn’t have any trouble moving around freely to switch positions during the night.
- The Plank Firm should be able to support heavyweight sleepers (those over 250 pounds) in all sleeping positions. Side and back sleepers should enjoy the Firm side of this mattress, while stomach sleepers will do well on the Extra Firm model.
Cons of the Plank Firm Mattress
- Firmness really is the name of the game for this mattress, and strict side sleepers just aren’t going to get sufficient pressure relief around their shoulders or hips here. Instead, we recommend that these sleepers check out our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers to find some softer options.
Think the Plank Firm is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Plank Firm mattress review. You can also check out our roundup of the best firm mattresses.
Best Hybrid Mattress for Neck Pain – Bear Star Hybrid
The Bear Star Hybrid is a softer hybrid mattress with memory foam and innerspring coils. It offers pressure relief, contouring, and solid support for many sleeper types, but especially back, side, and combination sleepers. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“After testing out the Bear Star, I found it to be really cozy. I loved how plush the surface of the mattress felt as I was lying on it, but I still felt super supported. Lying on my back and my side, I felt comfortable and would definitely sleep on this at night in my own home.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
We understand that most folks out there need a blend of pressure relief and stability keep their spine in a healthy, straight line and therefore prevent neck pain. This balance of comfort and support is often featured in hybrid mattresses, which combine coils and foams, and our favorite example of this is the Bear Star Hybrid. It’s a luxury mattress with a 6 out of 10 firmness, built with recovery in mind.
During testing, we found the Bear Star was exceptionally cozy and contouring, making it helpful for sleepers who suffer with neck pain. We saw some stellar results on our pressure map test in all areas in the back- and side-sleeping positions. The top layer cushioning memory foam filled in the space around the lower back, helping to alleviate any pain in the lumbar region. And the individually wrapped coils lifted the body in line with the spine and neck.
What our tester says: “After testing out the Bear Star, I found it to be really cozy! I loved how plush and cozy the surface of the mattress felt as I was lying on it, but I still felt super supported. Lying on my back and my side, I felt really comfortable on this bed and would definitely sleep on this at night in my own home.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
What Customers Say
Customer reviews are rated particularly high and praise the luxurious, balanced feel. Many also received the mattress on time and mentioned the professional customer service.
Pros of the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
- The Bear Star Hybrid is a cooling bed with copper-infused memory foam, individually wrapped coils for airflow, and the option to include thermoregulating Celliant material.
- We found the Star Hybrid boasts excellent edge support, which is helpful for anyone who likes to spread out or sleep next to the edge of the mattress.
- Its impressive motion isolation score makes it a contender for one of the best mattresses for couples.
Cons of the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
- Being a softer mattress, the Bear Star Hybrid probably isn’t supportive enough for sleepers who prefer to rest primarily on their stomach. Because of this, we recommend that these sleepers, who need a little more stability from their mattress, check out our roundup of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Think the Bear Star Hybrid is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Bear Star Hybrid mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best hybrid mattresses.
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Neck Pain – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
As a general rule, the best mattresses for neck pain usually feel medium firm to the sleeper. This means that they receive a balance of comfort and support, or, in other words, a mix of pain relief and reinforcement. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid comes in a Medium model that scored a 6.5 on our firmness scale. That score is the same as the industry standard for a medium-firm mattress.
The Signature Hybrid is also, obviously, a hybrid with a more “on top of” feel to it, so it should help alleviate neck pain for back sleepers. After all, these folks require a medium-firm mattress as well, and the Signature Hybrid should fill in the space around their lumbar region, while also lifting their spine into proper alignment at the same time.
What our tester says: “I really like how the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid comes in three different firmness levels. It allows for all kinds of sleepers to find the right fit for them. I appreciate that the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid mattress isolates motion well, has strong edge support, and sleeps fairly cool.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress reviewer
What Customers Say
Brooklyn Bedding customers who bought the Signature Hybrid appreciate the balance between firmness and softness that they get from this mattress. These users stated that they could feel the coils stabilizing their body during the night, but the pillow-top layer allowed for immediate pressure relief and sinkage upon laying on their bed.
Pros of the Signature Hybrid Mattress
- The Signature Hybrid sleeps nice and cool. It includes a soft, breathable cover, and, as an added plus, the support layer of this mattress is comprised of breathable coils that encourage tons of airflow. All of these inclusions make the Signature Hybrid a good mattress choice for hot sleepers.
- The Medium model of the Signature Hybrid tested especially well on our pressure map test for shoulder pain. This proves that side sleepers should be able to get a nice balance of cushioning and support on this bed.
- The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid also tested well for motion isolation, responsiveness (for sex), cooling, and edge support. In other words, it excels in the four most important qualities that we like to see in a mattress for couples.
Cons of the Signature Hybrid Mattress
- This mattress really was designed with simplicity in mind, so it doesn’t include any of the bells and whistles that many mattresses flaunt these days. If you’re wanting a mattress with added features, check out our roundup of the best luxury mattresses on the market today.
Think the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for back sleepers.
Best Luxury Mattress for Neck Pain – Birch Luxe Natural
Similar to the Birch Natural, the Birch Luxe Natural blends Talalay latex foam with sturdy coils that are zoned for support. We think it’s a good fit for back sleepers and stomach sleepers who enjoy a firmer bed. Its luxury upgrades include a softer cover with organic cotton and cashmere, plus the mattress has earned multiple certifications for safe production and materials. To learn more, see our video review.
What our tester says:
“I love that the Birch Luxe Natural is an eco-friendly model. I think a lot of people would find comfort in knowing there are no harmful chemicals in this bed and it’s made from organic materials. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, I think the Birch Luxe could be a great option for you. It’s firm, yet breathable.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Expert Opinion
Luxury mattresses are understandably more expensive than other mattresses on the market. They’re often equipped with more bells and whistles than the average mattress, as well as more advanced technology and higher-quality materials. While the Birch Luxe Natural could be a harder sell for customers looking for a more affordable option, when it comes to alleviating neck pain, we think it’s a good idea to invest in a luxurious mattress if you have the means.
The discomfort that comes with neck pain can result in a poorer night’s sleep, and we believe a luxury bed — particularly the Birch Luxe Natural — can help get rid of this. This mattress also showed outstanding results on our pressure map test, with the back and shoulder areas lighting up blue in the back-sleeping position (equating to low pressure). The layer of sturdy coils in the base layer of this mattress give it a firmer feel (7 out of 10 on the firmness scale) and also provide extra support for the spine.
What our tester says: “The Birch Luxe is a hybrid mattress made of multiple layers of wool and organic cashmere. The combination of natural materials brings added durability and breathability.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Many of the Luxe’s reviews applaud how the materials feel cozy and high-quality. It seems customers really value knowing exactly what they’re sleeping on at night, and with the case of the Birch Luxe, those materials are nothing but environmentally friendly.
Pros of the Birch Luxe Natural Mattress
- We certainly recommend the Birch Luxe Natural’s more “on top of” feel for combination sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers.
- It’s an excellent model for eco-conscious shoppers, as it’s a certified organic mattress boasting a host of awards for quality materials and non-toxic emissions.
- The Birch Luxe Natural is equipped with special cooling technology, including naturally cooling latex and breathable coils.
Cons of the Birch Luxe Natural Mattress
- Heavy sleepers will most likely sink too far into this mattress, which can throw their spine out of alignment. These sleepers would probably be better off looking at a firmer and more supportive mattress. For this, we recommend checking out our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers.
Think the Birch Luxe Natural is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Birch Luxe Natural mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best luxury mattresses.
Expert Take: What Are the Primary Qualities I Should Look for In a Mattress for Neck Pain?
“If you’re looking to ease neck pain with your mattress, look for one that’s medium firm, supportive, offers pressure relief, and keeps your spine aligned. Memory foam or latex can be good materials for this, and you can also consider adding a mattress topper for a more plush surface.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
What Causes Neck Pain?
According to Harvard Medical School, 80 percent of the population endures some form of neck pain at some point in their life. Neck pain is a common occurrence that affects millions of people each year, and it has a range of causes (1).
Common Causes of Neck Pain
- Poor posture: When you aren’t standing or sitting straight throughout the day, you put added strain on your neck, as it has to bend awkwardly. Over time, this strain can lead to chronic pain. Those who work in front of computers all day should be extra careful about their posture, as remaining in a fixed position with poor posture can lead to or exacerbate neck pain.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and typically affects joints at the hands, knees, hips, and spine. It wears down cartilage between joints, causing them to rub together. Though symptoms of osteoarthritis can be managed, the damage cannot be reversed (2).
- Injury: Common injuries like falls and automobile accidents can lead to neck pain. When soft tissues in the neck are strained, they can lead to chronic pain in that region.
- Nerve Compression: Nerve compression like herniated disks or bone spurs can lead to increased pressure on the nerves in the neck. This pressure can cause moderate to severe pain (3).
- Sleeping on a bad mattress: When you’re sleeping on the wrong mattress, it can actually lead to pain over time. The wrong mattress for your individual needs can put pressure on sensitive pressure points. If you’re waking up in pain each morning, it’s time to think about a different mattress.
How Does Neck Pain Affect Sleep?
All types of chronic pain can make getting a good night’s sleep difficult. At night, your mind isn’t distracted by the events of the day, and pain can feel like the only thing to focus on. Additionally, you could be sleeping in a position that puts pressure on your neck, worsening your pain. Unfortunately, when the body finds it difficult to fall asleep repeatedly, it can potentially lead to insomnia, as your brain isn’t associating your bed with sleep. With all these factors inhibiting proper sleep, it doesn’t come as a surprise that as many as two-thirds of people with chronic pain have sleep disorders (4). That’s why it’s all the more important to find a bed that can offer pain relief.
What Types of Mattresses are Best for Neck Pain?
There is no single answer to what mattress is best for neck pain. Rather, it depends on factors that make you unique, such as your body type, preferred sleeping position, and whether you suffer from other types of pain. Below, we’ll break down some common mattress types you’ll see on the market and share who we think they’re best for.
Mattresses by Material
Memory Foam
Memory foam beds typically have thick layers of memory foam that allow the sleeper to sink into bed. Memory foam has a slow response to pressure and contours to your body. If you suffer from neck pain and hip or shoulder pain, it could be worth checking out a memory foam mattress, which should offer some great pressure relief. However, we wouldn’t recommend memory foam mattresses to those who tend to switch positions throughout the night, as it can be difficult to move on memory foam, and you don’t want to strain your neck, which is already sensitive.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are great for neck pain because they pack a one-two punch of support and pressure relief. The coil layers prevent you from sinking too far into the mattress, while the foam layers cradle your body. We think hybrid mattresses are great for back sleepers, since they’ll get support while still experiencing pressure relief at the lower back. Hybrid mattresses can also work for side and stomach sleepers — side sleepers should go with a soft hybrid, while stomach sleepers are better suited to firm hybrids.
Innerspring
Innerspring is the traditional mattress type, and for many, it’s tried and true. Innerspring mattresses tend to have a firmer feel, and are a nice choice for stomach sleepers or combination sleepers. Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress that will keep their hips in line with their shoulders, which helps prevent back and neck pain. Combination sleepers should find switching positions easy on an innerspring mattress, since they tend to be quite bouncy. Innerspring mattresses also allow some airflow through the mattress, which is good news for hot sleepers.
Latex
Latex mattresses can offer sleepers who want the pressure relief of memory foam and the bounce of springs the best of both worlds. Latex is a natural material that has a responsive feel. We particularly like it for combination sleepers, who should feel positioned on top of the bed for easy movement. It’s important to note that latex beds are typically on the pricier side, but if you’re worried about durability it is an exceptionally long-lasting material.
What is Zoned Support?
Zoned support in mattresses refers to different firmness levels across various sections to provide extra support where it’s needed most, helping maintain proper spinal alignment. This can reduce neck pain by ensuring the spine is aligned properly, minimizing stress on the neck and surrounding muscles.
How we Test the Best Mattresses for Neck Pain
Firmness
The firmness of your mattress matters because it can affect your ability to get comfortable when experiencing neck pain. Different people also have different preferences when it comes to how firm their mattress is, whether that be about comfort when sleeping or for pain relief. If you suffer with neck pain, you will want a medium-firm to firm option (6.5-8 on our scale) to promote proper spinal alignment in your neck and shoulders.
Either way we test the firmness of all of the mattresses we review using our expert developed firmness scale. This scale places mattresses from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most firm, and a 6.5 being a medium level of firmness. The more firm the bed, the less bouncy and hugging it generally is, and softer mattresses are usually more contouring. You can learn more about the firmness of your mattress by checking out our mattress firmness guide.
Best Mattress Firmness for Neck Pain
Soft Mattresses
Softer mattresses are those that have a firmness rating of 6 or lower. These beds typically have top layers of comfort foams like memory foam and allow the sleeper to sink into the bed. We think softer mattresses are best for side sleepers, because they need enough sinkage to relieve pressure at the hips and shoulders. If you’re a side sleeper with neck pain, a soft mattress could be a great fit, but if you’re a back or stomach sleeper with neck pain, you’ll want to go with something firmer.
Medium-Firm Mattresses
Medium-firm mattresses are those in the 6.5 to 7.5 range. These beds offer some sinkage, but still keep the sleeper firmly supported. We think back sleepers and combination sleepers are best suited to medium-firm mattresses, since they provide support not only on the back, but in a range of positions. We’d say medium-firm mattresses are best for those with neck pain, since they promote a neutral spinal alignment, but still offer gentle pressure relief.
Firm Mattresses
Firm mattresses tend to have a more “on top” than in the bed feel. Beds with a firmness rating above 7.5 are in the firm range. Firm mattresses are best for stomach sleepers, who need to keep their hips from sinking into the bed, which strains the spine. Back sleepers who like a firm feel are also well suited to firm mattresses, though We wouldn’t recommend going too firm for these sleepers. Overall, firm mattresses aren’t our favorite for neck pain sufferers, who tend to need a bit more sinkage and pressure relief.
Hear from the Doctor: How Can a Mattress Exacerbate or Mitigate Neck Pain?
“Your mattress can make your neck pain worse if it isn’t supportive, isn’t the right firmness, or can’t relieve pressure points. On the other hand, a medium-firm mattress with good support, good pressure relief, and proper alignment can help relieve your neck pain and keep your spine aligned.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
Pressure Relief
You might be wondering, how exactly do we know when a mattress is able to alleviate pain, and in what areas? Don’t worry, we have a test for this. Our pressure mat test consists of layering a pressure mat onto the mattress in question, and then laying down on that mat in different sleeping positions (like back and side sleeping). After this, the pressure mat will put together a map for us to see exactly how much pressure was building during each of these positions, and in which areas.
You can see here the pressure map results for the Plank Firm, one of the mattresses highlighted in this roundup. As you can see, both side and back sleeping lit up green and blue for this mattress, which equates to low pressure. This means that the Plank Firm is a relatively good mattress for alleviating pain in these areas. So, rule of thumb: when looking for the best mattress for neck pain, make sure to sneak a peak at the contender’s pressure map results. Finding a mattress with an entirely blue map result will make ensure that you’re buying a bed that will definitely work toward relieving your pain, no matter where it might be.
Why is Spinal Alignment Crucial for Neck Pain?
Spinal alignment is crucial for neck pain because having the right alignment ensures that the spine and neck are in a neutral position, reducing strain on muscles and spine. Misalignment can lead to muscle tension and nerve compression, which often results in discomfort and extreme neck pain.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to the amount of movement you can feel when lying on a bed. This is important for comfort when sleeping in bed, especially with partners or animals, as well as changing positions with any kind of pain, like neck pain. The better the motion isolation in a bed, the more comfortable it will be when you sleep, and the easier it may be to move around comfortably even with pain.
To test this we use our red wine test and our ball drop test with a seismograph reader. We start by placing a glass of red wine on the mattress and then moving around to see when and if it tips over, and how much movement caused that tip. Then, we drop a ball from various heights and use a seismograph machine to see how much movement went through the bed when the ball was dropped. These tests help you to find the best mattress for your needs.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to the stability and firmness of the perimeter of a mattress, preventing it from sinking when pressure is applied to the edges. For sleepers with neck pain, strong edge support is important because it ensures consistent support across the entire sleeping surface, including when sitting or lying near the edges. Good edge support can help maintain proper spinal alignment and reduce strain on the neck by providing a more stable and supportive surface. We test for edge support by using a yard stick to measure the level of sink experienced when our tester is sitting on the edge of the bed.
Cooling
Cooling in a mattress allows you to sleep more comfortably at night. We look for cooling specific materials like phase-changing, coils, gels and breathable materials. This is crucial for neck pain because it helps prevent overheating, which can worsen discomfort and disrupt sleep, allowing for better muscle relaxation and spinal alignment.
To help you find a mattress that stays cool throughout the night, we perform a cooling test on all of our mattresses. To do this, we use a thermal gun that measures the temperature of a mattress when it is sitting, and after one of our testers lays on it for a few minutes.
The difference in temperature tells us how good or bad at cooling a mattress is. We generally consider anything below an 8-degree difference to be good cooling, and below a six-degree difference to be great cooling. You can find other cooling mattresses on our recommendations page for the best cool mattresses.
Company Policies
Shipping
Some mattress companies offer a service called white glove delivery. It’s a premium service where the delivery team not only transports the mattress but also sets it up and removes the old mattress, offering a hassle-free experience. Free and easy shipping is important for people with neck pain because it reduces the stress and inconvenience of managing the delivery logistics, which can be physically taxing, especially for those with mobility or pain issues.
Warranties
A mattress warranty is a guarantee provided by the manufacturer that covers defects in materials for a specified period of time. We recommend looking for warranties that are longer than 8 years to guarantee the mattresses durability. A warranty is important for people with neck pain because it ensures that if the mattress fails to provide adequate support or develops issues that impact its performance, they can seek repairs, replacements, or refunds.
Sleep Trials
A sleep trial is a period of time during which customers can use a mattress in the comfort of their home to determine if it meets their comfort and support needs before committing to the purchase. It is crucial for sleepers with neck pain because it allows them to test the mattress for a long period of time and ensure it provides the necessary support and alignment to alleviate their discomfort. This trial period helps them avoid investing in a mattress that might not effectively address their specific needs. We recommend looking for a sleep trial that is longer than 30 days to ensure you can break in the mattress fully.
Sleeping Position
Side Sleeping
Side sleeping is a good option for neck sleepers, especially with the right mattress. As long as you have enough support through your back to provide healthy spinal alignment and support through your neck and head, you should feel comfortable throughout the evening and find good pain relief in your neck. You can read more about side sleeping on our best mattresses for side sleepers page.
Back Sleeping
Sleeping on your back is a great option for people with neck pain, as you will not be turning your head too much and disrupting your spinal alignment. Especially when you have the right mattress for you, sleeping on your back should help your spine stay aligned and support your head and shoulders enough to relieve pain in your neck. You can find the best mattresses for back sleepers on our page about mattresses for back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Sleeping on your stomach is not a great idea if you have neck pain. Because you will spend most of the night with your head turned, you will likely continue to experience pain from the pressure you put on your neck. you may also not have enough head and shoulder support to alleviate neck pain. You can read more about good mattresses for stomach sleepers on our best mattresses for stomach sleepers page.
The Best Pillow for Neck Pain
Finding the right pillow is almost as important as finding the right mattress for neck pain sufferers. You’ll want a pillow that helps keep your neck neutrally aligned with your spine. Just like there isn’t one mattress that’s right for everyone, there isn’t one pillow that’s going to work for all neck pain sufferers.
Your preferred sleeping position has a lot to do with which pillow is right for you and your neck pain. For example, stomach sleepers need a low-lofted pillow to keep their head in line with their spine, while side sleepers need a high-lofted pillow to keep their neck straight and alleviate tension at the shoulders.
Rule of thumb for the best pillow for Neck pain is to find a pillow that promotes proper alignment, and that hugs to the shape of the neck and head, giving you consistent support and helping to maintain the natural curve of the cervical spine, this can often be found in memory foam pillows.
Different Types of Pillows for Neck Pain
- Memory Foam Pillows: These conform to the shape of your head and neck, providing personalized support and helping to maintain proper spinal alignment.
- Cervical Pillows: Designed specifically to support the natural curve of the neck, these pillows often have a contoured shape to keep the spine aligned.
- Feather Pillows: These offer a softer, more adjustable option and can be molded to support the neck, although they may not provide as much firm support as other types. So be aware of extra sinking.
- Wedge Pillows: These are designed to elevate the upper body, which can help reduce pressure on the neck and improve spinal alignment, particularly for those with acid reflux or respiratory issues.
- Latex Pillows: Known for their durability and support, latex pillows provide firm, responsive cushioning that helps maintain proper neck alignment.
The Best Pillow Firmness for Neck Pain by Sleeping Position
Back Sleepers: A medium-firm pillow with adjustable firmness is ideal for back sleepers as it maintains proper neck and spinal alignment. Look for a pillow that supports the natural curve of the neck without causing excessive lift. This helps to reduce pressure points and prevent neck pain for back sleepers.
Side Sleepers: A firm, high-lifted pillow provides the necessary support to keep your head and neck aligned with the spine. A contoured design is beneficial as it fills the natural gap between the head and shoulder, reducing any extra strain. Proper support helps to prevent discomfort and maintains spinal alignment for side sleepers.
Stomach Sleepers: A soft, low height pillow is best for stomach sleepers as it keeps the neck in a neutral position and minimizes strain. This type of pillow helps prevent excessive neck extension and keeps the spine aligned. Opt for a thinner pillow or an adjustable option to ensure comfort and proper alignment.
Combination Sleepers: A versatile, medium-firm pillow with adjustable height or multiple firmness zones is perfect for combination sleepers. It should provide adaptable support to accommodate various sleeping positions throughout the night. Ensure the pillow offers consistent comfort and maintains alignment whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach.
Learn more in our full best pillow for neck pain guide.
How to Reduce and Relieve Neck Pain
Though the right mattress can help your neck pain while you sleep, there are plenty of lifestyle changes you can make during the day to help alleviate your neck pain.
- Change sleep positions. If you’re a stomach or side sleeper, it might be time for you for you to try sleeping on your back to keep your neck and spine better aligned.
- Invest in a pressure relieving pillow. Using a memory foam or wedge pillow will help alleviate some of the tension and stress in your neck.
- Practice proper posture. Making sure you’re not slouching can help prevent you from straining your neck. Throughout the day, check to make sure if you are sitting up straight.
- When talking on the phone, consider speaker mode or use headphones. Holding your phone up to your head can make you tilt your neck for a prolonged period of time, which can lead to pain.
- Exercise regularly. Make sure to strengthen the muscles around your spine and back, as these will help support your head and neck.
- Make sure to stretch. Stretching your neck throughout the day can help loosen up your muscles and prevent stiffness.
- Invest in a new mattress. Know when to replace your mattress as it might be the thing causing you neck pain in the first place.
Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Mattress
- You start feeling any extreme pain
- Your mattress starts to visibly sag
- If you see any lumps in the mattress
- You sleep super hot even in a cool room
- If it’s had over 8 years of regular sleep
If these methods don’t work, it’s time to reach out to a doctor or physical therapist. Though we can offer some tips, we always recommend reaching out to a licensed professional.
How We Chose These Mattresses
We’ve reviewed more than 300 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty. Click here to learn more about our methodology.
FAQs
How do I know if a mattress will help my neck pain when I buy it online?
Luckily, these days, most online mattress brands offer trial periods that range from about 100 to 180 nights on average. This is great news for pain sufferers because they’ll get to spend enough time on their mattress to decide if it’s helping their neck pain.
What mattress firmness is best for neck pain?
Again, this depends on one’s preferred sleep position. Side sleepers with neck pain should opt for something softer, back sleepers should go with a medium-firm bed, and stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress to keep their spines (and neck) in a neutral position. However, side and back sleeping are best for those with neck pain.
What should I do if I have neck pain and other types of pain?
If you suffer from neck pain and another type of pain, it’s all the more important to find the right mattress for your needs. Whether it’s hip pain, lower back pain, or shoulder pain, I’d recommend checking out a mattress with zoned support. Mattresses with zoned support are firmer in areas where you need added support, and softer in areas where you’ll appreciate more pressure relief.
Recap: The Best Mattresses for Neck Pain
Take a look at the table below to see how all these beds stack up against each other.
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix Midnight | Overall | $1,374 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nectar | Value | $1,049 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBeds EcoCloud | Latex | $1,999 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva | Innerspring | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Signature | Stomach Sleepers | $1,799 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Titan Plus Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding | Heavy Sleepers | $1,599 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Plank Firm by Brooklyn Bedding | Firm | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Star Hybrid | Hybrid | $1,998 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Back Sleepers | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Birch Luxe Natural by Helix | Luxury | $3,248 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
FAQs
Are smart beds expensive?
Yes, smart beds are expensive. However, luxury mattresses that are not “smart” can also be very expensive, so you will need to consider what you really want out of your bed and your budget to decide if a smart bed is worth the price.
Are smart beds better than other beds?
Not necessarily. Smart beds are a great option for couples, people with pain, or people with specific needs, but they are not ideal for everyone. Some people may still really enjoy a traditional mattress, or even prefer it. Consider the things I have mentioned in this review to decide if a smart bed is ready for you.
Do smart beds help you sleep better?
They certainly can! Smart beds can stay cooler than other beds, adjust to your needs, and help you find a position that is just right. In this way, smart beds can help you get really good sleep. However, so can traditional mattresses, so you will just need to think about what you need most out of your mattress.
What are the cons of smart beds?
Smart beds can be really expensive and sometimes they require unique bases, bed frames, and other technology to make them work properly, so they may not be a good option for people shopping on a budget or not looking for tech savvy bed.