Is Your Pillow Hurting Your Neck?

Dr. Doug - Chiropractor
Jul 23, 2025
2 min read

Dr. Doug - Chiropractor in Brampton - Voted Best Chiropractor 2024

Young man sleeping on his stomach with an uncomfortable pillow. — Choosing a pillow is a very personal choice.

Pillow Problems

Is your pillow hurting your neck? I frequently discuss pillows in my chiropractic room since I offer treatment for neck discomfort and neck pain. Which pillow is best? There are so many types and brands -- how can you possibly choose the best pillow without having to buy them all?

Here are two things to consider:

1) Sleep Position

Side Sleepers - The pillow height recommendation for side sleepers is 4 to 6 inches of “loft.” Loft allows the right amount of space for the shoulder you lay on and supports the neck, keeping it in line with the rest of the spine. Neck pain can be caused by a neck that is on an angle all night and becomes strained from lack of support. To maintain a proper neck position, side sleepers might benefit from a firmer pillow.

Back Sleepers - People who sleep on their backs need a thinner pillow. Some pillow height is required to support the curve of the neck. To prevent neck pain, the head should not be kinked or angled. Back sleepers might achieve the best sleep position with a medium soft pillow.

Stomach Sleepers - Stomach sleepers would need the thinest pillow of all. Stomach sleeping is not generally recommended because to in order to breathe properly, the neck is strained in a rotated position all night. Stomach sleeping could be the cause of your neck pain!

2) Pillow Material

Pillow material is also a personal choice. Memory foam, polyester fill, shredded foam, feather… each one has its own feel.

A “Regular” or Polyester Pillow - These will work for most people. Which ever position you sleep in, you can push and pull the pillow into a shape that you find comfortable.

“Orthopaedic” or Contoured Pillows - These are supposed to keep you cervical spine (neck) in the right position. Some people find these pillows too hard, or uncomfortable. A recent study showed that this type of pillow WILL help maintain your neck’s posture, but if you already have neck pain, it may aggravate it.

Shredded Foam Pillows - These offer both softness and adaptability of shape. Recent studies indicate that side sleepers may prefer a shredded foam pillow.

In the end, pillows are a truly personal choice. Hopefully this summary gives you some idea of what to look for when next shopping for a new pillow.

Talk to Dr. Doug about your neck pain and your pillow. Book an appointment today!