Best Orthopedic Pillows

If you frequently wake up with stiffness or aches in your neck and shoulders, an orthopedic pillow might be just what you need for comfortable sleep and pain-free mornings. Orthopedic pillows have contoured shapes to keep your head and neck in natural alignment with the rest of your spine. Most are made of solid foam that retains a full shape and won’t sink or slouch, ensuring excellent overall support. There are quite a few orthopedic pillows available, so choosing the right one can be difficult. We’ve compiled a list of the best orthopedic pillows of 2025 to help you find the best match. These top-rated picks offer excellent orthopedic support and pain relief according to reviews from verified pillow owners and sleep expert recommendations.

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The Best Orthopedic Pillows in 2025

  • Key Features
    • Orthopedic shape elevates and supports the neck while cradling the head.
    • Solid foam core retains a full shape and never needs fluffing
    • SoCool upgrade adds a gel infusion to reduce heat buildup

    Customer Review Summary

    Many Confourm Neck Pillow reviews say it provides excellent neck support and alleviates pain. Reviewers appreciate its ergonomic design and comfortable memory foam feel, leading to improved sleep. Some find the firmness takes getting used to.

  • Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-neck pillow

    4.2
    Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars
    4.2
    Sale price $129 from Tempur-Pedic
    Key Features
    • Contoured design raises the neck and promotes proper spinal alignment
    • TEMPUR memory foam is dense and durable
    • 3 profiles available to accommodate different body types and sleep positions

    Customer Review Summary

    TEMPUR-Neck Pillow reviews frequently praise its exceptional neck support and ability to alleviate pain, particularly for side and back sleepers. Many appreciate its conforming feel and durability. Some find the firmness takes adjustment, and it is expensive.

  • Helix Wedge Pillow

    4.3
    Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars
    4.3
    Sale price $109 at Helix
    Key Features
    • Wedge shape gently elevates the head and neck to ensure proper alignment
    • Dense foam core retains full shape and doesn’t sink or hug too much
    • Also effective for people who snore or have acid reflux

    Customer Review Summary

    Reviewers of the Helix Wedge Pillow often like its comfortable elevation, aiding with issues like acid reflux and snoring. Many appreciate its supportive yet soft feel and versatile use for sitting up in bed. Some find the incline too steep.

  • Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow

    4.4
    Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
    4.4
    Sale price $120 at Luxome
    Key Features
    • Adjustable design with four different inserts for ideal firmness and loft
    • Moisture-wicking Tencel cover has side vents for added breathability
    • Shoppers receive a discount when they buy two pillows

    Customer Review Summary

    The Luxome LAYR is praised for its customizable firmness and supportive feel. Many appreciate the high-quality materials and the ability to adjust the firmness and loft to their preference. Some find the initial setup a bit time-consuming, but enjoy the personalized comfort.

  • MedCline Therapeutic Body Pillow

    5.0
    Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
    5.0
    Sale price $119 at Sleep Doctor
    Key Features
    • Shredded memory foam fill is plush and adaptive
    • J-shaped design can reduce lower back pain when tucked between the legs
    • 2 sizes to accommodate people in different height groups

    Customer Review Summary

    Reviews of the MedCline Therapeutic Body Pillow highlight its great spinal alignment and fit for side sleepers. Many appreciate its supportive design and ability to alleviate pressure points, leading to better sleep. Some find that it takes up too much room in their bed.

  • Sleep Is The Foundation Gel Memory Foam Pillow

    4.9
    Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
    4.9
    Sale price $67 at Sleep Doctor
    Key Features
    • Solid memory foam cushions and supports your head and neck without losing shape
    • Ventilated core with a cooling gel infusion helps to minimize heat retention
    • Easy to keep clean and no fluffing needed

    Customer Review Summary

    Reviews of the Sleep Is The Foundation Gel Memory Foam Pillow highlight its cool and comfortable feel, providing good support for various sleep positions. Many appreciate its pressure relief, while some find it too firm or too soft s it's not adjustable.

  • Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

    4.5
    Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
    4.5
    Sale price $172 at Brooklyn Bedding
    Key Features
    • Solid latex core retains a full shape and won’t compress beneath your head too much
    • 2 loft options to accommodate different sleep positions
    • Tencel cover is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking

    Customer Review Summary

    Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow reviews often praise its supportive yet springy feel and excellent breathability. Many appreciate its medium loft and pressure relief. Some find the initial latex odor noticeable, but it tends to dissipate over time.

Video: How to choose the best pillow for you

FAQ's

Where can I buy an orthopedic pillow

You can buy an orthopedic pillow online or in a store. Companies that manufacture the pillows, online marketplaces, and medical supplies distributors all sell orthopedic pillows at various price-points.

Are orthopedic pillows effective?

Many people have found orthopedic pillows effective, especially those with frequent pain or stiffness in their neck and shoulders. However, that doesn’t mean they’re right for everyone. The best way to find out whether or not an orthopedic pillow is right for you: try one out yourself. We recommend sleeping with the pillow for at least one week. Many online brands offer free pillow sleep trials that allow you to try out their pillows in your own home for weeks or even months at a time before committing to it.

How do orthopedic pillows work?

Orthopedic pillows have a shape that mimics the natural contours of your head, neck, and shoulders. This creates a surface that keeps these areas in alignment with the rest of your spine, reducing aches, pains, and pressure points in the process. Most orthopedic pillows are made of dense, solid foam that maintains a full shape for excellent support night after night.

How should you sleep on an orthopedic pillow?

Most people sleep on their side or back when using an orthopedic pillow. These pillows have shapes designed to mimic the contours of the back of your head and side of your face. Sleeping face-down on your stomach with an orthopedic pillow may not be as comfortable.