Best Mattress for Neck Pain

Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor

Our Methodology

Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 220 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories.Learn more

Just Updated

We’ve recently re-reviewed all of our top mattress picks for neck pain and added more feedback from the testers in our lab – so you can rest easy that if it’s on this list, we’ve personally tested it, slept on it, and stand by its recommendation.

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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 encourage you to check out our mattress buying guide to get some more information about mattresses in general. However, if you’re already a pro and just want to see the basic stats of each mattress on this roundup, feel free to jump down to our review summary.

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 2023

• Best Overall Mattress for Neck Pain – Helix Midnight
• Best Latex Mattress for Neck Pain – WinkBeds EcoCloud
• Best Adjustable Mattress for Neck Pain – Saatva Solaire
• Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers with Neck Pain – Titan Plus Luxe
• Best Value Mattress for Neck Pain – Nectar
• Best Firm Mattress for Neck Pain – Plank Firm
• Best Innerspring Mattress for Neck Pain – Saatva
• Best Memory Foam Mattress for Neck Pain – Layla 
• Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain – TEMPUR-Cloud
• Best Mattress for Couples with Neck Pain – Nolah Signature 
• Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Neck Pain – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
• Best Luxury Mattress for Neck Pain – Puffy Lux Hybrid

Best Overall Mattress for Neck Pain – Helix Midnight

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 also 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, 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. This responsiveness should keep them lifted on the mattress, allowing them to switch positions easily without sinking 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 has high 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 2023.

Best Latex Mattress for Neck Pain – WinkBeds EcoCloud

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 Adjustable Mattress for Neck Pain – Saatva Solaire

Expert Opinion

The Solaire is Saatva’s take on the super-popular Sleep Number mattress. Just like a Sleep Number, the Solaire is an adjustable bed, which means you can tailor it to your individual needs. There are 50 different firmness settings in this mattress, so you can rest easy knowing that you should be able to find a firmness level that works for you. And, as an added bonus, each side of this mattress also has adjustable options, so couples with different needs and preferences can still sleep together comfortably.

Though adjustable beds can be on the pricier side, if you can afford it, these mattresses are great for neck pain, since they can be adjusted to such specific levels. The foams included in this mattress are also a good choice for pressure relief (as you would expect from a mattress included on a neck pain roundup). All areas of the body (back and side) lit up blue and green when it came to hip, shoulder, and back pain (equating to low pressure). It’s all in choosing the right setting for your pain needs. The comfort layer in this mattress also includes gel memory foam, which has a slow response to pressure, offering more body contouring and sinkage for your neck and other sensitive areas.

What our tester says: “My favorite thing about the Solaire is how customizable it is. Almost any sleeper should be able to find a firmness setting that works for them.” — Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress reviewer

What Customers Say

Almost every single review on the Saatva website commented on the brand’s exceptional customer service. Many users said that there was virtually no wait time when trying to talk to a sales associate, and each employee was ready and willing to help customers find the mattress that best suited their needs and preferences.

Pros of the Saatva Solaire Mattress

• Because of the numerous options available for this mattress, it should be a good pick for lightweight sleepers. Lightweight side sleepers should appreciate a firmness setting around the lower 20s, which will provide them with more pressure relief and sinkage. At the same time, lightweight back and stomach sleepers will prefer a level around the 40s or 50s, respectively, to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.
• Couples should love that the air chambers included in the Saatva Solaire are surrounded by a layer of poly foam, which increases the edge support on this mattress. This is helpful for couples who want to spread out and use the full surface area of their mattress without fear or sinkage or sagging.
• The Saatva Solaire includes a breathable, latex foam layer in its construction. This material is especially breathable and helps to promote airflow throughout the mattress. Because of this, hot sleepers or couples who have double the body heat in their bed should be able to sleep cooler for longer.

Cons of the Saatva Solaire Mattress

• As a high-tech bed, the Saatva Solaire is on the pricier side, with a queen sized mattress costing around $3,000, even after discounts. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly mattress option, we recommend checking out our roundup of the best mattresses for your money.

Think the Saatva Solaire is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Saatva Solaire mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best adjustable mattresses.

Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers with Neck Pain – Titan Plus Luxe

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, 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 Value Mattress for Neck Pain – Nectar

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 soft bed lovers should really appreciate. Speaking of, this mattress scored a 6 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 this feel might not be for everyone, the body contouring and pressure relief that all-foam beds provide is 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, 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 Firm Mattress for Neck Pain – Plank Firm

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 Innerspring Mattress for Neck Pain – Saatva Classic

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 feels) 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. Read our full Saatva HD mattress review here.” — 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 Memory Foam Mattress for Neck Pain – Layla

Expert Opinion

Memory foam can be a soothing material for those who suffer from neck pain because it provides gentle pressure relief and contouring. And in the wide world of memory foam mattresses, the Layla is truly unique. Why? It’s flippable, designed with both a Soft side and a Firm side so that it appeals to a wide range of sleepers. Also, the Layla sleeps fairly cool for a memory foam mattress, since it is infused with copper, which helps dissipate body heat.

So, which side should you use when sleeping? The answer is going to depend on your body type, sleeping position, and level of pain that needs relieving. We’ll talk more about this in the Pros section of this roundup, but the majority of the time, back and stomach sleepers are most likely going to want to opt for the Firm side of this mattress, while side sleepers might rest better on the Soft side.

What our tester says: “The Layla is a memory foam mattress with the classic memory foam feel that many sleepers love. This bed features a lot of the material, so epitomizes its characteristic sinkage and contouring hug.” — Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

On the Layla website, customers stated that they could tell this mattress was made of hig- quality materials. These sleepers said they felt secure and uplifted on their mattress, and they believed that the Layla could definitely stand the test of time.

Pros of the Layla Mattress

• Side sleepers should be most comfortable on the Soft side of this mattress, which scored a 5.5 on our firmness scale, making it much softer than the industry standard for medium firm. This side of the Layla is plush enough to relieve pressure around the shoulders and hips.
• We recommend that stomach sleepers opt for the Firm side of this mattress, which scored a 7.5 on our firmness scale. This makes this side of the Layla supportive enough to keep sleepers’ hips elevated and in line with their shoulders.
• The Layla boasts fantastic motion transfer results, so couples shouldn’t feel each other’s movements during the night. The top layer of memory foam helps absorb motion and disperse it throughout the entirety of the bed.

Cons of the Layla Mattress

• As a flippable mattress, one side of the Layla is very soft, while the other side is very firm. Because of this, there really isn’t an option for sleepers who want something in the middle. If you’re looking for more of a middle ground, check out our roundup of the best medium-firm mattresses.

Think the Layla is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Layla mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best memory foam mattresses.

Best for Side Sleepers with Neck Pain – TEMPUR-Cloud

Expert Opinion

Side sleepers almost always need a soft mattress that will allow their hips and shoulders to sink in enough to keep their spine in a healthy, straight line. This is especially important if these sleepers also struggle with neck pain, because throwing their spine out of alignment is likely going to make that pain even worse. Fortunately, they should be very happy on the TEMPUR-Cloud. When resting on it, we experienced a really nice amount of sinkage, mostly due to the bed’s two layers of Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary TEMPUR material (the brand’s ultra-contouring and revolutionary take on memory foam). 

This TEMPUR material also has a slow response to pressure. This makes it especially body-contouring, which is helpful for sleepers who suffer with neck pain and want that added plush support around their face and neck. The TEMPUR-Cloud also showed great results on our pressure map test around the hips and shoulders, and the top layer of foam included in this mattress should fill in their space around your lower back, helping to alleviate any pain in the lumbar region.

What our tester says: “If you’re a fan of memory foam, you’re likely to enjoy the TEMPUR-Cloud mattress. This bed features a ton of the cuddly material, which sets an overall soft and pressure-relieving tone.” — Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

As a bed-in-a-box mattress, the TEMPUR-Cloud goes through an off-gassing and unboxing period to to fully decompress, which can take anywhere from 24-48 hours. However, multiple TEMPUR-Cloud users stated that this mattress only took 12 hours to decompress, so they could get a good night’s sleep the same day they received their new bed.

Pros of the TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress

• The TEMPUR material that is used in the construction of this mattress is widely known for how well it absorbs movement. Because of this, couples aren’t likely to feel the tossing and turning of their partner during the night.
• The TEMPUR-Cloud scored a 6.5 on our firmness scale, which is the same score as the industry standard for a medium-firm mattress. This middle-ground feel should work well for back sleepers that want support around their lumbar region, but who also want to feel supported and uplifted in their bed.
• The TEMPUR-Cloud includes a cover that is made from a special 360° stretch fabric. This fabric is especially moisture wicking and moves with the sleeper. This material ideal for hot sleepers who want to stay cooler for longer during the night.

Cons of the TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress

• Being an all-foam mattress, the TEMPUR-Cloud 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 TEMPUR-Cloud is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full TEMPUR-Cloud mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Best Mattress for Couples with Neck Pain – Nolah Signature

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, 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 Back Sleepers with Neck Pain – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

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 – Puffy Lux Hybrid

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 Puffy Lux Hybrid could be a harder sell for customers looking for a more affordable bed 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 Puffy Lux Hybrid —should help get rid of this discomfort. This mattress also showed outstanding results on our pressure map test, with the back and shoulder areas lighting up blue (equating to low pressure). The layer of sturdy coils in the base layer of this mattress also provide extra support for the spine.

What our tester says: “I really like how this bed has all the best features of memory foam, without the overheating and quicksand feeling that you’ll find in some memory foam mattresses.” — Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress reviewer

What Customers Say

The majority of comments on the Puffy website actually talk about how fast this mattress arrived. These users stated that they were skeptical to buy a mattress online because of long wait times, but their Puffy Lux Hybrid was delivered quick and easily, without any damage.

Pros of the Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress

• Combination sleepers should appreciate the Puffy Lux Hybrid because the coils in its construction should keep their hips in line with their shoulders, promoting a healthy spinal alignment. At the same time, the top layers of foam provide pressure relief, so combo sleepers who often sleep on their side shouldn’t have a build-up of pressure in their joints.
• The dual foam layer included in the Puffy Lux Hybrid helps to isolate motion from one side of the bed before it reaches the other side. This is helpful for couples, as they shouldn’t be able to feel their partner’s movements during the night.
• The Puffy Lux Hybrid is equipped with special cooling technology, including cooling gel-infused foam and breathable coils. These should help hot sleepers to stay cooler for longer during the night.

Cons of the Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress

• Stomach 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 option. For this, we recommend checking out our roundup of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Think the Puffy Lux Hybrid is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best luxury mattresses.

What Causes Neck Pain?

According to Practical Pain Management, 30 percent of adults suffer from neck pain, and 50 percent of those individuals will continue to experience some form of chronic neck pain throughout their lifetime. 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 lead to insomnia, as your brain becomes trained to stay awake. 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: like 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 Mattresses — 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 Mattresses — 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 Mattresses — 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 Mattresses — 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. 

Mattresses by Firmness

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.

How We Measure 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 map test consists of layering a pressure map onto the mattress in question, and then laying down on that map in different sleeping positions (including back and side sleeping). After this, the pressure map will put together a handy graph for us to see exactly how much pressure was building during each of these positions, and in which areas.

Above, you can see the pressure map results for the Plank Firm, one of the mattresses highlighted in this roundup. As you can see here, 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.

Which Sleeping Position is Best for Neck Pain?

The best sleeping positions for neck pain are side sleeping or back sleeping (sorry stomach sleepers). These positions put less strain on the neck than sleeping on your stomach. However, if you suffer from neck pain and shoulder pain, you should try to sleep on your back. Though it can be difficult to change your sleeping position, as they are often habits from childhood, making sure you’re not putting undue pressure on your neck at night can greatly reduce your pain.

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. 

Learn more in our full best pillow for neck pain guide.

How to Reduce Neck Pain

Though the right mattress can help you neck pain while you sleep, there are plenty of lifestyle changes you can make during the day to help alleviate your neck pain.

• 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, try and go on 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.

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. 

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.

How We Chose These Mattresses

We’ve reviewed more than 220 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.

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.

Bridget Chapman

Senior Product Editor

About Author

Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.

Combination Sleeper