Best Mattress for Neck Pain
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Neck pain can really get in the way of a good night’s sleep. But the right mattress can provide some relief by supporting the natural curvature of your neck. Balanced support and contouring are critical for sleepers with neck pain, but what that looks like depends on a person’s body type and preferred sleeping position. Below, we’ll break down our top picks for mattresses for neck pain, explain what to look for, and provide other tips for sleeping with neck pain.
In-Depth Reviews
Designed for exceptional conforming, the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt’s two layers of memory foam and medium (5) feel allow the mattress to mold to the sleeper’s body. This can simultaneously relieve pressure and keep the spine in a more neutral position, making the model a popular pick for sleepers with neck pain. Its generous memory foam comfort system and all-foam construction also significantly limit the spread of vibrations that could otherwise interrupt sleep.
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Pros
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Close contouring ensures excellent pain and pressure relief
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Foam layers absorb movement and isolate motion transfer for couples
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Free White Glove delivery for customers in the contiguous U.S.
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Cons
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Limited edge support
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Above-average pricing for a memory foam mattress
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Mattress Type
Foam
Firmness Options
Medium (5)
Price Range
$1,999 – $3,998
Trial Period
90 nights (30-night requirement), $175 return fee
The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress is designed to provide exceptional support and pressure relief, making it a strong option for sleepers with neck pain. Its advanced TEMPUR-Material adapts to the sleeper’s body, which can help promote proper alignment and reduce strain on the neck.
How It Performs
The TEMPUR-Adapt’s medium (5) feel and close conforming were optimal for our testers who sleep on their sides, particularly those under 230 pounds. Back sleepers under 130 pounds also felt well supported, but back sleepers over 130 pounds and stomach sleepers of all weights noted some midsection sinkage that could make it harder to maintain good posture.
During testing, we found that the mattress excelled in pressure relief and motion isolation thanks to its liberal use of memory foam. However, our testers noticed that the memory foam’s moldability also contributed to some difficulty moving, heat retention, and edge sinkage.
Construction Breakdown
The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt is an all-foam, 11-inch model consisting of three distinct layers. The top comfort layer uses TEMPUR-Material which molds to the body. Underneath, another layer of original TEMPUR-Material deepens the contouring while adding support. A polyfoam core reinforces the sleep surface.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
This model comes with free White Glove delivery and old mattress removal in the contiguous U.S. Tempur-Pedic also offers a 90-night sleep trial and a 10-year limited warranty.
With three firmness options to choose from, all of our testers found at least one version of the Dreamfoam Latex an excellent match for their body type and sleep position. The latex comfort system’s buoyancy coupled with the springy pocketed coil core make this model exceptionally responsive, allowing sleepers with neck pain to adjust positions easily.
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Pros
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Latex hybrid design is supportive and responsive
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Available in three firmness levels
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Wallet-friendly sticker price
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Cons
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Motion transfer may disrupt sleep for couples
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Firmness exchanges are not available during the sleep trial
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Mattress Type
Latex Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$649 – $749
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night requirement)
Mattresses that contain latex and those that use a hybrid design usually cost more than alternative models. However, the Dreamfoam Latex is a rare option that does both without breaking the bank. This latex hybrid model comes in three firmness options: medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (8).
How It Performs
Each of the Dreamfoam Latex’s three firmness levels performed well for some of our testers. Side sleepers under 130 pounds preferred the medium soft (4) option. The medium firm (6) was ideal for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds along with back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. Testers over 230 pounds consistently preferred the firm (8), as did back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds.
Our team members found the responsive surface easy to move on. They could also sit along the edge of the bed without it buckling, especially on the medium firm (6) and firm (8) models, which may make it easier for sleepers with neck pain to get up in the morning. The mattress didn’t retain a lot of body warmth in our temperature readings, so most hot sleepers should be satisfied.
Construction Breakdown
The Dreamfoam Latex is a 10-inch, hybrid model. Its top layer is 1.5 inches of polyfoam, which is quilted into the cover for cushioning. Next, a 3-inch layer of OEKO-TEX-certified Talalay latex adds gentle conforming and responsive bounce while limiting sinkage. A pocketed coil core supports the surface and limits the spread of vibrations, and its sturdy perimeter allows full use of the mattress surface.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Dreamfoam provides a 120-night trial period for the Dreamfoam Latex. The mattress also comes with a 10-year limited warranty and free shipping in the contiguous U.S.
The Saatva Solaire’s adjustable firmness makes it a versatile option for sleepers with neck pain. It’s easy to fine-tune the feel based on nightly needs. Partners can also select separate firmness levels for just their side of the bed, making this an ideal option for anyone who wants a precise feel without compromise.
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Pros
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Adjustable firmness with 50 distinct levels
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Memory foam and zoned latex offer close cushioning and targeted support
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All orders include White Glove delivery and a 365-night trial period
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Cons
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Not available in a twin size
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Expensive sticker price may be a dealbreaker for budget shoppers
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Mattress Type
Airbed
Firmness Options
Soft (3), Medium Soft (4), Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7) Firm (8)
Price Range
$2,945 – $5,495
Trial Period
365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)
Getting the right balance of softness and support to ease neck pain can be difficult if your needs change or your sleep partner has different firmness preferences. The Saatva Solaire uses adjustable air chambers, allowing you to customize your experience every night. The airbed includes 50 firmness settings, ranging from soft (3) to firm (8).
How It Performs
Because sleepers can adjust the firmness on each side of the bed, all of our testers found a setting that was comfortable for them.
The mattress remained at a neutral temperature throughout our testing process, keeping our team members who run hot more comfortable. While the Saatva Solaire eased our testers’ pressure points, it also facilitated movement for unencumbered position changes. A few testers noticed minor vibrations when a partner moved on the other side of the bed, but we don’t expect this to be significant enough to disrupt sleep for most individuals.
Construction Breakdown
The Saatva Solaire starts with a 3-inch Euro-top organic cotton cover for breathable cushioning. A responsive 1-inch natural latex comfort layer is zoned with extra support in the center of the bed to promote good posture.
Underneath that, a 2-inch layer of CertiPUR-US certified memory foam enhances the contouring, while its gel infusion is designed to wick away heat. A moisture barrier protects the air chambers from damage. Meanwhile, the air chambers provide the customizable support the model is known for by inflating or deflating as needed. An edge enclosure houses the equipment for inflating the chambers and enhances the edge support.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Saatva offers free White Glove delivery with all orders, which includes full assembly in your bedroom and removal of your old mattress upon request. Your order also includes a sleep trial that spans an entire year, as well as a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.
The Cocoon Chill’s all-foam design works well with an adjustable base, which can provide added flexibility for sleepers with neck pain. Additionally, the memory foam and polyfoam comfort system hugs most sleepers closely without sagging, helping to keep their spines in alignment.
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Pros
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All-foam design excels at motion isolation and pressure relief
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Ideal contouring for most side and back sleepers up to 230 pounds
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Phase change cover intended to reduce heat buildup and wick away moisture
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Cons
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Strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights after unboxing
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Limited edge support can cause instability along the perimeter
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Mattress Type
Foam
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$399 – $899
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Some sleepers with neck pain find an inclined position most comfortable. An adjustable base gives them the flexibility to select their ideal position, but a mattress must bend for this to work. The Cocoon Chill’s all-foam design moves seamlessly with an adjustable base while contouring to the sleeper’s body for a unique combination of positional control and pressure relief.
How It Performs
Thanks to its medium firm (6) feel, most of our testers found the Cocoon Chill comfortable. Back and side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds were particularly impressed by its balance of softness and support.
Overall, the mattress relieved pressure well for most team members, and it absorbed virtually all vibrations. Sleepers with neck pain and those who awaken easily when their partner moves are likely to appreciate this combination. That said, our testers sunk in relatively deeply when they tried to sit along the perimeter. This lack of edge support could reduce the usable space and make getting out of bed more challenging.
Construction Breakdown
The Cocoon Chill is a 10-inch, all-foam model composed of three layers. The top layer uses close-conforming memory foam to spread pressure more evenly across the surface. Next, a layer of polyfoam enhances the pressure relief and motion isolation. Finally, a foam core adds support. The sleep surface is encased in knit fabric with phase change material engineered to wick away body heat.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
This mattress comes with free shipping to addresses in the contiguous U.S. Cocoon also provides a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year limited warranty.
The Avocado Eco Organic Mattress is one of the few organic latex hybrid models that doesn’t break the bank. Sleepers with neck pain often benefit from the mattress’ responsive contouring with minimal hug, which relieves pressure while facilitating movement. Meanwhile, eco-conscious shoppers appreciate the bed’s host of organic certifications.
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Pros
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Responsive latex hybrid construction with strong support and a reinforced perimeter
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Breathable layers ensure minimal heat buildup on the surface
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Eco-friendly materials with GOTS and GOLS certifications
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Cons
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Motion transfer may cause sleep disruptions for couples
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Potentially too firm for people under 130 pounds
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Mattress Type
Latex Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$777 – $1,599
Trial Period
100 nights (30 night minimum)
Hybrid and organic latex models tend to cost premium prices due to manufacturing expenses. While the Avocado Eco Organic Mattress uses GOLS-certified latex and a hybrid construction, this medium firm (6) model carries a mid-range price tag. And with buoyant contouring that resists sagging, most sleepers with neck pain should get the support and pressure relief they need.
How It Performs
Because it falls towards the center of the average firmness range that most sleepers prefer, our testers of all weights found the Avocado Eco Organic Mattress comfortable for every sleep position. The strongest praise came from sleepers over 130 pounds.
Our temperature readings showed that the Avocado Eco Organic Mattress retained virtually no body heat, staying cool and comfortable throughout our tests. Due to the model’s responsive materials, testers could change positions and get out of bed easily. However, we detected some vibrational transfer across the surface, which could be a drawback for sleepers with neck pain who share a bed and awaken easily.
Construction Breakdown
The Avocado Eco Organic Mattress is a 10-inch hybrid model that incorporates organic materials and pocketed coils. On the top of the mattress, GOTS-certified organic wool is quilted into a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover. Both materials are highly breathable, and wool is also moisture wicking for enhanced temperature control.
The comfort layer uses 2 inches of GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex, which contours while minimizing sinkage. A pocketed coil core gives the mattress springy support, while sturdy perimeter coils reinforce the edges.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Avocado provides free ground shipping in the contiguous U.S., a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty for the Eco Organic Mattress.
How to Choose the Best Mattress for Neck Pain
Anyone shopping for a new mattress has a number of factors to consider, but those with neck pain often have some pretty pressing priorities. Understanding certain performance characteristics, as well as the different types of mattresses, can help you narrow your search.
“The neck does not work in isolation, rather a part of a kinetic chain,” says sleep medicine physician Lulu Guo, M.D. “Thus, a supportive mattress that keeps your entire spine neutral helps reduce strain on neck muscles, joints, and nerves.”
Firmness Level
We describe mattress firmness on a 10-point scale with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. The ideal firmness for sleepers with neck pain depends on their sleep position and body weight. Most sleepers benefit from a model with enough support and contouring to keep the spine aligned without permitting excessive sinkage, which usually means a medium-firm mattress.
Pressure Relief and Contouring
Pressure relief depends on how well a mattress redistributes weight from the sleeper’s wider, heavier body parts so force is spread more evenly across the mattress surface. This reduces pressure around any one body part and makes it easier to maintain good posture. Since spinal alignment is important for sleepers with neck pain, pressure relief is often a high priority.
A lot of a mattress’s pressure relief comes from contouring. By conforming to a sleeper’s body, a mattress can ease pressure points. Like mattresses for arthritis pain, most mattresses for neck pain offer moderate to significant contouring. However, sleepers with neck pain generally need contouring balanced with stable support to maintain good posture.
Temperature Regulation
Temperature regulation is a mattress’ ability to remain at a neutral temperature. This quality is often closely linked to breathability, since airflow helps dissipate heat. However, some models also include special technology designed for cooling, such as gel infusions or phase change material. We recommend that anyone with neck pain who is also prone to overheating consider a mattress with strong temperature regulation, like a hybrid or latex model.
Price
Most mattress models range from around $1,000 to $2,000 for a queen size. While price is an important factor, you can often get a better value for your money by prioritizing quality and performance over the up-front ticket price. If you’re on a limited budget, you can always supplement your new mattress with a pillow for neck pain or a mattress topper.
Quality Materials
Quality materials can enhance a mattress’ performance and durability by resisting degradation. Lower quality materials may break down and develop significant sagging or indentations, limiting the bed’s usable lifespan for sleepers with neck pain who need consistent support.
Motion Isolation
When a mattress absorbs vibrations rather than transferring them across the surface, it’s referred to as motion isolation. Motion isolation is usually important for people who wake easily and share their bed with a partner. With strong motion isolation, you may be less likely to notice when your partner changes positions or gets up, allowing you to get more sleep.
Edge Support
Edge support is how sturdy the mattress feels when you sit or sleep along its perimeter. The more supportive the mattress edge, the easier it is to get in and out of bed. It also means you have more of the mattress surface to sleep on without feeling like you might roll off.
Mattress Warranty and Other Policies
No matter your reasons for buying a new mattress, it’s always a good idea to check the details of your mattress’ warranty. While coverage differs among brands, warranties typically cover manufacturing defects and sometimes premature sagging, but they usually don’t apply to everyday wear and tear. Double-check what’s covered by your mattress warranty and for how long.
Similarly, almost all online mattress brands offer a sleep trial of at least 90 days that allows you to try out your mattress in your home and return it if it doesn’t work for you. Sleep trials are especially helpful if you want to make sure your new mattress is a good fit for easing your neck pain.
What Type of Mattress Is Best for Neck Pain?
The type of mattress you eventually purchase depends on your body type, sleep position, needs, and preferences. Each type of mattress has general features that are consistent among most models, but there’s also plenty of variation among models based on their materials, quality, and design.
Hybrid
Description: Hybrid mattresses combine foam or latex comfort systems with coil cores. This design is intended to provide the conforming quality of foam or latex models with the responsive support of innerspring models.
Highlight: For sleepers with neck pain, this combination often equates to a balance of cradling and support that relieves pressure, promotes spinal alignment, and facilitates movement without trapping a lot of heat.
Foam
Description: Foam mattresses typically consist of several layers of different types of foam. The comfort system may contain memory foam or polyfoam, while the core generally contains high-density polyfoam.
Highlight: All-foam mattresses are most well-known for their contouring, pressure relief, and motion isolation. When a sleeper with neck pain selects the right firmness level for their body type and sleep position, they often benefit from how a foam model molds to the shape of their spine to promote good posture.
Innerspring
Description: Innerspring models are a more traditional option, consisting primarily of robust coil systems. That said, many of today’s models also include a pillow-top or other cushioning material to ease pressure.
Highlight: Innerspring models are often more affordable than other types and their coil systems promote breathability. Their notable bounce and edge support may also appeal to individuals who experience neck pain while changing positions or getting out of bed.
Latex
Description: Latex models use layers of natural, synthetic, or blended latex, though natural latex is the most common. It’s derived from the sap of rubber trees, so it’s widely considered an eco-friendly option.
Highlight: Latex contours and redistributes weight without the hug of foam. While this means it usually doesn’t relieve pressure to the same extent as foam, it provides a more supportive feel that many sleepers with neck pain prefer. The material is also responsive and limits sinkage, making it easy to change positions.
Airbed
Description: Airbeds use an air chamber support core, allowing sleepers to adjust the firmness by filling or emptying the chambers. Sizes built for two sleepers (queen and larger) usually use separate chambers on each side so that partners can select their own firmness levels.
Highlight: Sleepers with neck pain who share their bed with a partner can pick their ideal firmness without their partner having to compromise. They can also change the firmness whenever they like to select the optimal level for their current symptoms and sleep position. However, airbeds are usually among the most expensive models.
How Does Neck Pain Affect Sleep?
Chronic neck pain is closely linked with poor sleep quality and an increased risk of insomnia.
“Neck pain can lead to frequent awakenings from discomfort or adjusting positions which can interrupt the brain from cycling through essential sleep stages,” Dr. Guo says. “Pain also causes higher cortisol levels, keeping the body in a heightened state of alertness which decreases the time spent in deep, restorative sleep.”
In turn, insufficient sleep is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. It can also lead to daytime sleepiness, resulting in irritability, lowered vigilance, distractibility, reduced concentration, lack of motivation, fatigue, malaise, and poor coordination.
“Chronic pain can lead to sleep deprivation, which can lower pain tolerance, creating a vicious cycle where pain feels worse, and sleep suffers further,” Dr. Guo says.
While getting enough quality sleep can be difficult when managing chronic pain, improvements in sleep quality are associated with reduced neck pain. Because spinal pain and sleep difficulties so frequently appear together, effective pain management often requires addressing sleep problems.
Common causes of neck pain include injuries, arthritis, muscle spasms, cervical spondylosis, cervical spinal stenosis, ruptured or herniated disks, and fibromyalgia. Consult a physician with any concerns. They can help diagnose the cause of your pain and suggest potential treatment options.
Can a Mattress Cause Neck Pain?
A mattress with improper support can cause or aggravate neck pain. Just as poor posture during your waking hours can contribute to neck pain, poor sleeping posture also has consequences.
When a mattress lacks proper support, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain good posture while you lie on it. If a mattress is too soft, uneven, or allows heavier regions of your body to sag excessively, disrupting the alignment of the entire spine. This unnecessary stress and strain can contribute to neck discomfort.
How Does Sleep Position Affect Neck Pain?
Stomach sleepers often turn their heads sharply to the side to breathe, which can put significant strain on the neck, resulting in discomfort. If you use a pillow that’s excessively thick, it may also force your head too far back, adding to the strain. Sleepers who favor an undesirable/provocative position, in which the upper body is on its side while the hips twist, also tend to experience more neck pain.
While awkward sleep positions can increase neck pain, more neutral positions may help alleviate it. However, the best sleeping position for your neck pain ultimately depends on what’s causing it, Dr. Guo says.
Side sleeping may be particularly beneficial for sleepers with neck pain because it takes pressure off the spine. Some individuals with neck pain also find relief by sleeping on their backs, as it distributes weight evenly, reducing pressure points, Dr. Guo says. It’s important for the position to maintain neutral spine alignment to reduce neck pain.
Tips for Alleviating Neck Pain During Sleep
While selecting the ideal mattress is a step in the right direction, there are other ways to help relieve nighttime neck pain. Whether you’re replacing your mattress or just finding ways to make your current sleep surface more comfortable, we’ll share tips that can help.
Buy a Mattress Topper
A mattress topper is an additional layer of material that rests on top of the mattress surface, essentially acting as an extra comfort layer. Most often, they add cushioning and pressure relief, making the sleep surface feel slightly softer. However, exceptionally firm models can help limit sinkage to some extent.
Mattress toppers can make your existing mattress more comfortable without the expense of a full mattress replacement. They can also fine-tune the feel of a new mattress. Since getting the right balance of cradling and support is critical for most sleepers with neck pain, a mattress topper is an excellent option.
Use the Right Pillows
The right pillow is a critical element of maintaining good posture, so sleepers with neck pain should carefully select a model with an optimal loft and appropriate materials.
Sleep position is one of the most important factors in determining the optimal pillow loft. For instance, the best pillow for side sleepers is usually medium to high loft, measuring at least 4 inches thick. Individuals with broad shoulders may need something closer to 6 inches. Ideally, the pillow should perfectly fill the gap between the sleeper’s head and the mattress surface without angling the head upward and straining the neck.
Pillow material can also make a big difference. Supportive pillows that don’t go flat, such as spring and rubber models, are generally best for individuals with neck pain. However, stomach sleepers who benefit from a flatter surface may find a lower loft down or feather pillow suitable.
Try a Different Sleeping Position
Sometimes, neck pain is related to sleep position. Stomach sleeping is particularly associated with neck pain. Stomach sleepers might try sleeping on their sides or backs. If you struggle to make the switch, you might try using a pillow to prop yourself up as you transition.
How We Test: Your Comfort Is Our Science
Our industry-leading product testing team cares deeply about improving your sleep. Having a holistic understanding of a mattress’s role as part of a sleep system is paramount to our testing process. Since a bed’s comfort and feel depend largely on body weight and sleeping position, our testing team represents a wide range of body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences.
In our Seattle-based Test Lab, we use an objective, hands-on process to evaluate mattresses across performance categories. The following are the key guidelines that inform our performance ratings. Our ultimate goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best purchase decision for you.
Construction analysis: Mattress construction plays a major role in our ratings system. We begin our testing with a top-to-bottom analysis of each mattress, making note of its materials, firmness, thickness, and other physical attributes. Price-point is another major factor as we assess quality of materials and overall value.
Quantitative product testing: For hands-on testing, our team members take turns lying and moving on each mattress. This immersive process helps us evaluate beds for performance categories like motion isolation, pressure relief, ease of movement, and temperature control.
Field testing: Once we’re finished testing a mattress in our lab, one of our team members takes it home and sleeps on it in their own bedroom for two to three weeks. Field testing helps us understand how each mattress performs in the long term.
User feedback: In addition to our team’s testing data, we draw from customer surveys and product reviews to calculate our final ratings. This helps us ensure our findings are consistent with real-world experiences.
How We Determine Our Overall Scores
Performance Categories
Motion Isolation
This refers to the amount of motion a mattress absorbs when a sleeper moves on the surface. To evaluate motion isolation, we use two testers lying side by side who each feel for transfer while the other person moves on the mattress.
Temperature Control
To determine how well a mattress regulates temperature, we perform temperature tests and look closely at its materials and construction. Many mattresses are designed with cooling components meant to reduce heat retention.
Pressure Relief
A bed with strong pressure relief excels at preventing pressure from building up in areas like the shoulders and hips. Beds with even contouring and weight distribution are top performers when it comes to pressure relief.
Off-Gassing
A mattress in a box may release unpleasant chemical odors for a short period after you’ve unboxed it. The initial smell may be strong but typically fades within 2 or 3 days.
Ease of Movement
This reflects how easily a sleeper can move across a bed’s surface. Responsive surfaces made of latex typically perform better than foam surfaces, which can inhibit movement.
Edge Support
We perform sit tests along a bed’s perimeter to measure how well the edges push back against weight. Mattresses with strong edge support have minimal sagging when sleepers sit on or lie close to the perimeter.
Dive Deeper – In-Depth Mattress Guides
For more help deciding which mattress is right for your specific needs, check out the guides below.
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Jeremy is a sleep product tester with a passion for methodology and data collection.
Dr. Lulu Guo is a graduate of the prestigious Medical Scholars program at Michigan State University and was admitted into medical school at the age of seventeen after completing undergraduate studies in two years. She is double board-certified in Family and Sleep Medicine.