Waking up with a stiff neck or sore shoulders can make any day’s beginning feel more difficult. Your pillow is crucial for providing a comfortable space for your head and neck while you sleep, especially if you’re a back or side sleeper. If your pillow is too high, too low, too soft, or too firm, you might have trouble finding a good position.
Choosing a neck support pillow means finding the right qualities beyond just softness. The shape of the pillow, foam density, and height are all factors in whether the pillow will feel good against your body. Some pillows are contoured for specific neck support, while others use fill adjustments or very firm foam to maintain their shape. There are so many options, and comparing these filling types can help you avoid a pillow that seems too good to be true after using it for a few nights.
5 Neck Support Pillows Ranked
Derila Ergo Pillow: Best Overall
The Derila Ergo Pillow blends memory foam with a distinctive butterfly contour design. A cavity for the head in the middle wings and a neck canal are designed to cradle the head and promote proper sleeping posture.
It has a high-density memory foam construction that provides structure instead of the flat nature of the average pillow. The pillow’s design won’t be suitable for sleepers that need a softer option, but back and side sleepers looking for a defined level of support may be fans.
The sculpted shape combined with a reasonable price is the pillow’s biggest benefit. Shoppers looking at price points and features will find that the Derila Ergo wins. However, individual performance will largely depend on body type, sleep style, and preferred firmness level.
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck: Best Luxury Pick
Tempur-Pedic’s TEMPUR-Neck pillow is constructed with its own proprietary TEMPUR material and designed to be firm and contoured to support back or side sleepers. Different sizes are currently available to accommodate varying neck and shoulder measurements.
This more structured feel may be good for those who want steady support. However, it can be slow to get used to since it holds its shape so firmly. Plus, it may not be worth the splurge for those who are more concerned with a pillow’s affordability.
Zamat Butterfly Shaped Cervical Pillow: Best Budget Alternative
The Zamat Home Butterfly Shaped Cervical Pillow provides contoured support and a butterfly pillow head shape. It’s another option if you are exploring alternatives to the Derila Ergo pillow shape.
This pillow also offers a uniquely shaped support area, but differences in contour depth and the feel of the foam may be important. Measure and compare details about thickness and foam material to make your choice.
Contour Cloud Pillow: Best Traditional Contour Option
The Contour Cloud Pillow is constructed with supportive foam and a memory foam comfort layer. The head and neck rest within its curved shape. The manufacturer states that this standard shape is intended to position the head, neck, and shoulders during rest.
If you are interested in a more traditional contour memory foam style with a recognized shape, and not the more unique butterfly design, this could be a good option.
Sleep Innovations Contour Memory Foam Pillow: Best Simple Design
The pillow has two curving edges that rise to different heights, letting sleepers decide which one is more comfortable. Memory foam cradles the sleeper while he or she rests. The cover can be washed along with other bedding.
This simple design will suit those who want contouring without deep shapes in the pillow.
Head-to-Head Comparison
|
Model |
Contour type |
Foam quality |
Support rating |
Price/value rating |
|
Derila Ergo |
Butterfly with neck trough |
High-density memory foam |
Excellent |
Excellent |
|
TEMPUR-Neck |
Firm anatomical contour |
Proprietary TEMPUR material |
Excellent |
Premium |
|
Zamat Butterfly |
Butterfly contour |
Memory foam |
Very good |
Very good |
|
Contour Cloud |
Traditional contour |
Support foam and memory foam |
Good |
Very good |
|
Sleep Innovations |
Dual-height contour |
Memory foam |
Good |
Very good |
Editorial assessments based on design and listed features, not clinical testing. Listed US prices: Derila Ergo, $59.99 promotional price; TEMPUR-Neck, $109; Zamat Butterfly, $52.99 promotional price; Contour Cloud, $49.99; Sleep Innovations, $44.99. Prices and promotions may change.
Which Pillow Should You Choose?
For shoppers looking to achieve contouring, pressure relief, and an approachable price, the Derila Ergo Pillow outpaces the other options. The Derila’s butterfly wings, central indentation, and neck cradle create a unique package of sleep-ready qualities, and its price point is value-inducing in light of some of the pricier choices available on the market.
Ultimately, the best pillow for you will depend on your typical sleeping position and comfort preferences. Customers should compare pillow height, firmness, and return policy before committing to an order. However, if you are sleeping comfortably and well-supported, you’ll be better prepared to achieve the sleep you need. We think Derila Ergo is a strong first place to start if a matched description of yourself is this pillow-type option.
