Fortune Recommends™ is editorially independent. We may earn affiliate revenue from links in this content. Learn more.

Fortune Recommends™ is editorially independent. We earn a commission for purchases made from affiliate partners via some links on our site; other links are not affiliate partner links. Click here to read the full Fortune Recommends advertiser disclosure and how we earn commissions. Click here to read about our editorial policies and our methodologies.

The 6 best mattresses for neck pain in 2024, vetted by doctors

Living with chronic pain can have a serious impact on daily life, and that includes sleep. Studies show that around 50 people with various types of chronic pain experience insomnia, and about 50 percent of people with insomnia experience some sort of chronic pain. (1) This is because pain can cause sleep disturbances, and not getting enough sleep can make you more sensitive to pain. (2)

If you’re living with persistent neck pain, there are several things you can do to help treat or alleviate it, depending on its cause—one of which is using the best mattress and pillow for your body. (2)
That’s why we’ve come up with this list of the six best mattresses for neck pain, as reviewed by a doctor. We came up with this list by testing over 60 of the best mattresses on the market. Our sleep reviewers and experts looked at everything from the mattress’s firmness and support to its overall value to bring you these best mattresses for neck pain in 2024.

Best mattress for neck pain overall

When all was said and done, one mattress stood out among the rest: The Helix Midnight. This bed features individually wrapped steel coils for support and top layers of plush memory foam for pressure relief. It includes a choice of TENCEL or GlacioTex Cooling Cover to keep you comfortable through the night.  

Our picks for the best mattresses for neck pain

Compare mattresses for neck pain

Helix Midnight Saatva Classic Nectar Classic Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Nolah Evolution Titan Plus Luxe
Helix Midnight Saatva Classic Nectar Classic Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Nolah Evolution Titan Plus Luxe
Rating
4.8/5
4.7/5
4.5/5
4.3/5
4.5/5
4.7/5
Best for (superlative) Overall Neck and shoulder pain Budget Back sleepers with neck pain Luxury Heavy people with neck pain
Price $1,332 $2,095 $1,387 $1,332 $2,499 $1,599
Material Hybrid (coils and foam) Hybrid (coils and foam) Foam Hybrid (coils and foam) Hybrid (coils and foam) Hybrid (coils and foam)
Trial period 100 nights 365 nights 365 nights 120 nights 120 nights 120 nights

Best mattress for neck pain overall: Helix Midnight

Helix Midnight mattress on a modern bed frame in a bright room

Best mattress for neck pain overall

Helix Midnight mattress on a modern bed frame in a bright room
This hybrid mattress combines supportive coils and plush memory foam for a dreamy night’s sleep, even with neck pain.
Fortune Score:
4.8 / 5

Key product features

Icon Material
Material Hybrid
Icon Firmness Mattress
Firmness Medium
Icon Trial Period
Trial Period 100 nights
Icon Shipping Mattress
Shipping Free
Icon Incline
Upgrades Pillow top cover

What you should know

From our research and testing, the Helix Midnight is the clear overall winner for neck pain. It strikes the perfect balance of comfort, support, and versatility, making it a great fit for various sleep styles and body types. Plus, features like motion isolation and customizable cooling options make it a good option for couples. 

  • This mattress feels medium-firm, with slightly less cushion than its upgraded Helix Luxe version. 
  • This bed feels durable and has a good overall value at $1,332—especially if you grab it at a discount during one of Helix’s frequent holiday sales. 
  • It’s an excellent choice for all sleep positions and body types. 
  • Upgrading to the cooling and plush GlacioTex Pillow Top will cost an extra $299. 
  • Heavy-weight sleepers may feel this bed is slightly softer than other sleepers.
Pros
Excellent support and pressure relief
Should support all body types
Works well for combination sleepers
Feels durable and high-quality
Good for those with mobility issues
Comes with “Dream Pillow” set
Cons
Not suitable for those who want a soft or firm mattress
Doesn’t have a year-long trial (100 nights)
No white glove delivery option

Why we like Helix Midnight as best overall

There are several ways that neck pain can be exacerbated while you’re sleeping: When sleeping on your side, your pillow might be too low or too high; if sleeping on your stomach, your neck will be twisted to one side; and your mattress might be too soft or too firm for your body type and sleep position. (3)

The Helix Midnight addresses much of this by simply being a medium-firm bed. Medium-firm mattresses have been shown to help keep the spine aligned and alleviate pain. (4) This bed combines memory foam comfort layers with individually pocketed coils. Our mattress testers noted that this design relieves pressure while maintaining proper spinal alignment. One of our mattress testers says, “It’s a nice mix of softness and firmness while supporting all the different joints in my body.” 

She noted that the Helix Midnight feels good in any sleep position, which is excellent news for those with neck pain. When sleeping on your side, neck pain may be caused by a mattress that’s too firm, putting pressure on the shoulder. This bed provides good pressure relief along the shoulder and good spinal support when lying on the back. 

To top it off, the Helix Midnight even comes with two “Dream Pillows,” which are filled with a plush-down alternative and include a microfiber cover with a 3D polyester fill. To alleviate neck pain, it’s important to sleep with a pillow that keeps your neck neutral throughout the night—not too high or too low. (5) These pillows are a great addition.

The only downsides to the Helix Midnight are its trial and warranty—both slightly shorter than some of its competitors. However, with a price tag of less than $1,400 for a queen, we still think it’s a great overall value. You can also find frequent holiday sales for this mattress online. 

To learn more about this brand, check out our full Helix mattress review.

Specs

Price$1,332
MaterialHybrid
FirmnessMedium-firm
Warranty10 years
Trial100 nights

Best mattress for neck and shoulder pain: Saatva Classic

Saatva Classic mattress in a stylish bedroom with blue walls

Best mattress for neck and shoulder pain

Saatva Classic mattress in a stylish bedroom with blue walls
The Saatva Classic features multiple firmness options and zoned support. It’s an ideal option for those with neck and shoulder pain.
Fortune Score:
4.7 / 5

Key product features

Icon Material
Material Hybrid
Icon Firmness Mattress
Firmness Three options
Icon Trial Period
Trial Period 365 nights
Icon Shipping Mattress
Shipping Free white glove delivery
Icon Measure
Height 11.5” or 14.5”
Icon Warranty
Material Hybrid

What you should know

The Saatva Classic is a dreamy choice if you have neck and shoulder pain. It comes in three firmness levels and is highly customizable, so you can pick your perfect option. Side sleepers with shoulder pain can rest easy on the Plush Soft, and heavier sleepers can go firmer. All beds are zoned to support the spine. 

  • This bed feels luxurious and high quality and “erases” pressure and pain from the body. 
  • Saatva offers excellent overall value at $2,095 for a queen. It also includes free white glove delivery, a year-long trial, and a lifetime warranty. 
  • Since it comes in three firmness options, the Saatva Classic may work for any body type or sleep position. 
  • Saatva uses a natural, plant-based thistle flame retardant made of wood pulp bonded with a small amount of polyester. 
  • It’s a very bouncy bed, so its motion isolation is lacking.
Pros
Made with high-quality, eco-friendly materials
Great for combination sleepers
Multiple firmness, height, and size options
Feels airy and breathable
Generous year-long trial and lifetime warranty
Cons
Not the best option for motion isolation
May be too expensive for some at $2,095 for a queen
Not suitable for those who love a memory foam feel

Why we like Saatva Classic as best for neck and shoulder pain

Saatva is best known for its luxury, high-quality, and eco-friendly mattresses at a more affordable price point than similar beds on the market. The Saatva Classic is no exception—it boasts environmentally friendly, high-density memory foam and individually wrapped coils. Together, these materials provide superior support and contouring comfort. To top it off, the Saatva Classic incorporated a Euro pillow top for a plush, luxurious, and pressure-relieving feel. 

This plush top layer is precisely what makes it such an excellent option for those with neck and shoulder pain. Often, neck and shoulder pain can be exacerbated by side sleeping, especially on a too-firm mattress. This bed combines plush, pressure-relieving foam with innerspring coils that are zoned to support the spine properly. According to one mattress reviewer, the result is a bed that “literally disappears” pain in any position. 

That said, our experts tried out the Luxury Firm model and noted that light-weight side sleepers with neck and shoulder should probably opt for the “Plush Soft” option instead. 

Other things to note about the Saatva: It is a bouncier bed than most, which is great for combination sleepers, sexually active couples, and those with mobility issues. It’s not so great for sensitive sleepers who share the bed, though. 

The Saatva is also pricier than some other options on this list at $2,095 for a queen. However, that price includes white glove delivery, a lifetime warranty, and the confidence of buying from one of the most highly rated mattress companies out there. (6)

Check out additional options in our roundup of the best mattresses for shoulder pain. Or, see our complete Saatva mattress review for more insights.

Specs

Price$2,095
MaterialHybrid
FirmnessPlush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm
WarrantyLifetime
Trial365 nights

Best budget mattress for neck pain: Nectar Classic

Nectar mattress with minimalist design and branding

Best budget mattress for neck pain

Nectar mattress with minimalist design and branding
With a traditional memory foam feel, the Nectar Classic will erase pressure in the neck and shoulder for side sleepers.
Fortune Score:
4.5 / 5

Key product features

Icon Material
Material Foam
Icon Firmness Mattress
Firmness Medium-firm
Icon Trial Period
Trial Period 365 nights
Icon Temperature
Cooling Gel foam
Icon Certification Mattress
CertiPUR-US® certified Yes

What you should know

The Nectar Classic is an excellent budget-friendly option for those who love the feeling of a traditional memory foam bed. This bed provides good pressure relief around sensitive joints but may be too warm for hot sleepers. 

  • The Nectar is a simple bed with no real bells or whistles. 
  • Nectar offers frequent sales online, bringing its price of $1,387 down even further.
  • This bed is best for light and average-weight side and back sleepers. 
  • Though it includes gel memory foam for cooling, it may still be too warm for hot sleepers.
  • Heavy-weight sleepers likely won’t feel supported enough on this all-foam mattress.
Pros
Excellent pressure relief
Good spinal alignment
Superior motion isolation
Budget-friendly
Easy delivery and setup
CertiPUR-US® certified
Cons
No bounce— not ideal for mobility issues
May be too hot for some sleepers
Not ideal for heavyweight or stomach sleepers
Poor edge support

Why we like Nectar Classic as best budget

The original Nectar mattress is Nectar’s most affordable and simple model—but that doesn’t mean it’s one solid slab of foam. 

The Nectar features a multi-layer construction designed to provide a balanced sleep experience. The top layer is a plush gel-infused memory foam that contours to the body’s natural curves, alleviating pressure points and reducing strain on the neck and shoulders. This gel infusion also helps with temperature regulation, though our mattress reviewers noted it may not be enough for those who sleep especially hot. 

Beneath the comfort layer, a responsive transition foam offers additional support, distributing body weight evenly. This layer should help maintain proper spinal alignment, which is vital for those with neck pain. (7)

The mattress is finished with a durable base layer of high-density foam that supports the entire mattress and prevents sagging over time.

We think this bed would be best suited for light-to-average-weight side sleepers and light-weight back sleepers. Since it’s made entirely of foam, it doesn’t have the same support as a hybrid bed, which may not work for stomach sleepers or heavier folks. Likewise, if you sleep especially hot, a hybrid bed may be a better option. Even though this bed’s foam is gel-infused, memory foam, in general, tends to trap heat. 

As far as price goes, this bed is listed at $1,387 for a queen without any discounts. However, you can often snag a sale on the company’s website, bringing the price below $1,000. For a high-quality memory foam mattress with a year-long trial period and free shipping, this is a good deal.

See more budget-friendly options in our article on the best affordable mattresses. Or, visit our comprehensive Nectar mattress review to learn more about this brand.

What customers are saying

On Amazon, customers have rated the Nectar with an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Those who love this mattress praise it for its price, comfort, and convenience of delivery. Those who rated it poorly tend to mention its firmness (either too firm or too soft) and that it traps heat. 

Verified Amazon Purchaser, “Alesha,” sums it up nicely: “The gel memory foam is like sleeping on a cloud. The cooling comfort technology, though, is an absolute game-changer. No more sweaty nights for me! I do wish there were different firmness levels to choose from. Also, a longer trial period and [even better] cooling technology would be great!”

Specs

Price$1,387
MaterialFoam
FirmnessMedium
WarrantyForever Warranty
Trial365 nights

Best mattress for back sleepers with neck pain: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress in a cozy bedroom setting

Best mattress for back sleepers with neck pain

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress in a cozy bedroom setting
This hybrid bed features three pressure-relieving comfort layers plus supportive innerspring coils, perfect for back sleepers with neck pain.
Fortune Score:
4.3 / 5

Key product features

Icon Material
Material Coils & foam
Icon Firmness Mattress
Firmness Three options
Icon Trial Period
Trial Period 120 nights
Icon Certification Mattress
Best for Any sleep position
Icon Measure
Sizes 14 size options
Icon Range
Motion isolation No

What you should know

Brooklyn Bedding’s Signature Hybrid bed is a great choice for back sleepers with neck pain because it offers three different firmness options. This way, sleepers of any body type can choose what works best for them. 

  • We tested the Medium Firm model and found it most comfortable for back and stomach sleepers. 
  • At $1,332 for a queen it’s a good overall value, especially if you can get it during a sale. 
  • The three firmness options mean this bed will work for anyone.
  • This bed is bouncy and easy to change positions on. 
  • However, this means it doesn’t have the best motion isolation.
Pros
It feels high-quality and durable for an affordable price of $1,332
A great option for sexually active couples
Works well for combination sleepers
Three firmness options to choose from
Excellent spinal support
Superior edge support
Cons
Does not include white glove delivery
Doesn’t have a year-long trial (120 nights)
Not the best motion isolation
Pillow top add-on is an additional $400

Why we like Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid as best for back sleepers with neck pain

If you tend to sleep mostly on your back, there are a few key things you’ll want in a mattress for back sleepers: 1) A bed that is neither too soft or firm, 2) A mattress that keeps your spine aligned and hips lifted, and 3) enough pressure relief and contouring to keep you comfortable. 

Brooklyn Bedding’s Signature Hybrid has all three of these things. 

Our testers rated this bed the highest in spinal support, edge support, cooling, and bounce. This means it feels like a traditional hybrid bed without much plushness or contouring on top. We tested the Medium option, though, so if you’re looking for something a bit softer, you can always choose the Soft. And if you love the more luxurious feel of a plush top, you can add on the cooling pillow top for an additional $400. 

Our team thinks the Medium should be a good option for most back sleepers. They say it “did a good job at relieving back pain around lower lumbar area” and that it “should work well for most light to average-weight back sleepers.” They even noted that stomach sleepers should feel well supported on the Medium model, which is somewhat rare for a mattress that doesn’t include zoned support. 

For side sleepers, though, it’s simply “not plush enough for joints.” So, they may be better off either adding a pillow top or choosing the Soft option. 

Regarding overall value, we think this is a pretty good deal. At $1,332 for a queen, you get a high-quality mattress with free shipping and a 10-year warranty. Brooklyn Bedding has frequent sales, so you may even be able to get this bed for under $1,000

See our complete Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid review for more insights. Or, check out more excellent choices in the best mattresses for back sleepers.

What customers are saying

Reviewers on Amazon love the mattress’s comfort, quality, and firmness. They mention that it’s soft but firm enough to support their back and facilitate side sleeping.

One verified Amazon purchaser said, “Best investment ever! After months of research, we finally went with the Brooklyn signature hybrid mattress, which has been a dream ever since! This has been the best purchase we have ever made. The mattress is firm but so comfy. The quality is unbelievable, and the hybrid allows all the benefits of foam (breathability) with springs on the outside to maintain its shape.”

Another verified purchaser, John L. Kiser, praised it for its ability to support heavier sleepers. “Being a person over 250 pounds and one over 300 pounds, this was the best [hybrid] bed for a heavyset individual.”

Those who rated it poorly tend to mention its firmness (usually too firm), or its quality. For example, verified purchaser Gary Kart said this: 

“Yes, it’s comfortable … However, it has way too much support… I’m buying a three-inch mattress topper and praying that it helps. Customer care from Brooklyn said it could take up to 1-2 months to settle in and suggested that I walk on the bed for 5-10 minutes daily…  Side sleepers, beware!”

Specs

Price$1,332
MaterialHybrid
FirmnessSoft, Medium, Firm
Warranty10 years
Trial120 nights

Best luxury mattress for neck pain: Nolah Evolution 

Nolah Evolution mattress on a wooden bed frame in a modern bedroom

Best luxury mattress for neck pain

Nolah Evolution mattress on a wooden bed frame in a modern bedroom
This luxurious hybrid features zoned support, plush cushioning, and superior cooling that should work well for anyone with neck pain.
Fortune Score:
4.3 / 5

Key product features

Icon Material
Material Hybrid
Icon Firmness Mattress
Firmness Three options
Icon Trial Period
Trial Period 120 nights
Icon Warranty
Warranty Lifetime
Icon Temperature
Cooling Cooling foams
Icon Incline
Support Zoned coils & foam

What you should know

Our sleep experts found that the Nolah Evolution is the best luxurious mattress for neck pain after testing its support, pressure relief, bounce, and more. This 15-inch hybrid features elite cooling technology, a plush Euro topper, and zoned layers that offer excellent support and cushioning.

  • This bed feels like a luxury hotel bed: plush, soft, but supportive. 
  • A queen costs $2,499, making it the most expensive bed on this list. 
  • This bed should work well for all sleep positions and body types. 
  • White glove delivery is available, but you’ll have to pay an additional $125.
  • A queen weighs 115 pounds, so this bed may be cumbersome to set up without white glove delivery.
Pros
Excellent support and pressure relief
Three firmness options
Works well for combination sleepers
Should support all body types
Feels durable and luxurious
Good motion isolation & edge support
Cons
High price of $2,499 does not include white glove delivery
Doesn’t have a year-long trial (120 nights)
15” height may be too high for some bed frames

Why we like Nolah Evolution Hybrid as best luxury mattress for neck pain

The Nolah Evolution hybrid is Nolah’s best-selling mattress. It has three firmness options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We tested the Luxury Firm, which has a medium-firm feel. 

Our testers absolutely loved this bed and think the Luxury Firm is a great choice for most sleepers. However, they noted that light-weight side sleepers might opt for the Plush, and heavy-weight stomach sleepers might do better on the Firm. 

As far as the bed’s construction goes, it’s a thick mattress, including several layers for support and comfort. The coils in this bed are zoned for support, meaning they’re thicker beneath heavier body areas. They’re also reinforced around the edges, and we could certainly tell. Our mattress reviewers gave this bed a 5 out of 5 for its edge support, noting, “It’s absolutely solid,” and adding, “We don’t visibly see any sinkage as we lie at the edge, which is super rare.” 

The top layers of this bed are made from cushioning foam that’s also zoned to support the spine. It’s topped with a plush, cooling Euro topper, making for a bed that feels cloud-like, breathable, and soft but still keeps the spine well-supported. 

Despite the top layers of comfort foam, the Nolah Evolution offers more of a gentle cradle than a deep sink, leaving you feeling more on top than in the mattress. It’s responsive, so you shouldn’t feel stuck in this bed, which is great news for combination sleepers who need to change positions easily. Sexually active couples and those with mobility issues should also appreciate this bounce. 

Surprisingly, even with this bed’s buoyancy, it still has great motion isolation. This makes it an all-around excellent option for couples. 

The only real downsides to the Nolah Evolution are its price point and its shipping. This luxury mattress costs $2,499 for a queen, so you might expect it to include white glove delivery, but it doesn’t. You can add it on, but it will cost an additional $125. That said, you can often find discounts and sales online for this bed, so check it out near holidays.

If this isn’t the right mattress for you, check out our roundup of the best luxury mattresses for more options.

Specs

Price$2,499
MaterialHybrid
FirmnessPlush, Luxury Firm, Firm
WarrantyLifetime
Trial120 nights

Best mattress for heavy people with neck pain: Titan Plus Luxe

Titan Plus Luxe mattress with bold branding

Best mattress for heavy people with neck pain

Titan Plus Luxe mattress with bold branding
Heavier sleepers with neck pain should appreciate this hybrid’s sturdy support, comfortable cushioning, and cooling technology.
Fortune Score:
4.7 / 5

Key product features

Icon Material
Material Hybrid
Icon Firmness Mattress
Firmness Firm
Icon Warranty
Add-ons GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover
Icon Temperature
Cooling Gel foam
Icon Shipping Mattress
Shipping Free
Icon Certification Mattress
CertiPUR-US® certified Yes

What you should know

Our sleep experts found that the Nolah Evolution is the best luxurious mattress for neck pain after testing its support, pressure relief, bounce, and more. This 15-inch hybrid features elite cooling technology, a plush Euro topper, and zoned layers that offer excellent support and cushioning.

  • This bed feels like a luxury hotel bed: plush, soft, but supportive. 
  • A queen costs $2,499, making it the most expensive bed on this list. 
  • This bed should work well for all sleep positions and body types. 
  • White glove delivery is available, but you’ll have to pay an additional $125.
  • A queen weighs 115 pounds, so this bed may be cumbersome to set up without white glove delivery.

Why we like Titan Plus Luxe as best for heavy people with neck pain

Brooklyn Bedding’s Titan Plus Luxe is a durable hybrid bed designed to comfortably support up to 1,000 pounds. It does this with carefully selected foams and a layer of eight-inch TitanCore steel coils. It’s also a fit for hot sleepers since the top layers are moisture-wicking, and the cover is breathable. If you sleep especially hot, you can add on the GlacioTex Cooling cover for an additional $150. 

Our mattress testers rated this bed’s firmness at 7.5 out of 10. They mentioned, “The cover is soft, but the bed feels very firm.” One tester added, “I can’t even really press into the mattress; when pushing down on the cover/top, it is hard like a rock.” It’s important to note that the heavier the person is, the more they’ll be able to sink into this bed’s comfort layers and the softer they’ll perceive the mattress. Likewise, the lighter the person is, the firmer they’ll perceive the mattress. 

This is why we don’t recommend the Titan Plus Luxe for light-weight or most average-weight sleepers. Even for sleepers over 250 pounds, this bed may be too firm for side sleeping. 

It’s likely the best fit for back and stomach sleepers who weigh 250 pounds or more. For these sleepers, it should keep the spine supported and in alignment, which may help reduce neck pain. If your neck pain has mobility issues, this bed should work well as it has a good amount of bounce and edge support. This should make getting in and out of bed and changing positions easier—but this also means it doesn’t have the best motion isolation. 

Overall, we think the Titan Plus Luxe is a great option for heavy-weight sleepers with neck pain and offers good value. At $1,599, you’re getting a high-quality and durable bed, and Brooklyn Bedding offers frequent online sales, so you can often find it for even less.

See our full Titan Plus Luxe mattress review or the best mattresses for heavy people to view more great options.

What customers are saying

The Titan Plus Luxe garners high remarks from Amazon reviewers. With over 100 reviews, it averages 4.5 out of 5 stars.

One Amazon reviewer with the username “Snowcat60” writes: 

“This mattress is extremely well made and very comfortable… [It] is firm and holds its shape well. There is no sinking, like other memory foam types. I’ll admit I was not fond of the price tag, but for the relief it’s given my husband, it’s been worth every penny. When unpacking, it fills out instantly, with no noxious smells, and holds up great for heavier folks… This is one fantastic mattress, and I’m glad I took the chance to buy it.” 

Verified Purchaser Heidi said, “We chose this mattress because it was listed in an article as the best firm mattress for big people. It is that!” Her review was simply titled “FIRM.” 

Unfortunately, some customers found this bed to feel too firm. Verified Purchaser “Snowy Marigold” said, “It was too hard and not padded enough on top to avoid feeling the springs. I eventually added a three-inch memory foam mattress topper, and that helped.”

Specs

Price$1,599
MaterialHybrid
FirmnessFirm
Warranty10 years
Trial120 nights

How we test mattresses

To come up with this list of best mattresses for neck pain, we’ve combined thorough research with practical testing. Our team consists of certified sleep science coaches, industry experts, and everyday users, who oversee every step of the evaluation process, from initial testing to in-depth reviews and fact-checking. We assess each mattress on criteria including performance, comfort, support, value, customer feedback, and health and safety. After careful consideration, we’ve narrowed our list down to these top mattress picks for neck pain.  
Read our full mattress testing methodology for more information.

Performance (sleep experience)—30%

A high-quality mattress should feel like it’s designed to provide you with the best sleep of your life. They should also deliver on the promise of a great sleep experience. Our sleep science coaches assess various factors to reflect the functional aspects of the mattress as well as the user’s sleep experience. Here’s what we’re looking for: 

  • Temperature regulation
  • Motion isolation
  • Edge support
  • Technology
Comfort and support—30%

Alongside the sleep experience, comfort and support are just as important for a healthy and restful sleep. A high-quality mattress should assist in providing relief with certain aches and pains a user may experience when sleeping. It should also help users wake up feeling energized and rested. Here’s what we’re looking for: 

  • Firmness
  • Pressure relief
  • Spinal alignment support
  • Customization
Value—20%

Assessing value involves a meticulous examination of several key factors that contribute to a mattress’s worth.  A mattress that is priced just within reach of its target audience, yet surpasses competitors in terms of materials, performance, and support, presents a compelling value proposition. However value is not solely determined by the lowest price point. We also determine it by finding the balance between cost and the tangible benefits a mattress provides.  

Customer experience—10%

Sometimes, the mattress can be great, but if the overall shopping experience wasn’t, that could easily put a sour taste in a user’s mouth about the mattress they just purchased. We put in the hours to determine how well the entire process of buying a mattress matches users’ expectations and what options are available when something goes wrong. 

  • Shipping
  • Warranty
  • Customer service
  • Sleep trial
Health and safety—10%

It’s important to understand that a mattress is more than just a sleeping surface—it’s an environment where you spend a significant portion of your life. We meticulously assess critical aspects of mattresses that may directly impact your well-being and peace of mind.

Our factors in this rating include: 

  • Hypoallergenic materials
  • Off-gassing and chemical exposure
  • Safety certifications

How to choose the best mattress for neck pain

To choose the best mattress for neck pain, there are a few key factors you can focus on: 

Support and firmness: Research shows that a medium-firm mattress is the best option to promote better sleep quality for most and tends to reduce pine along the spine. (4) (8)  Keep in mind, though, the lighter you are, the firmer a mattress will feel, and the heavier you are, the softer it will feel. This means that heavyweight sleepers may need a firmer bed and lighter sleepers, or softer ones. 

Material: There are a few main options for mattress materials: memory foam, latex, innerspring, or hybrid. A memory foam bed will have a “sinking” feeling and should conform to your body’s curves. Latex will be bouncier and hold you more aloft. An innerspring bed contains coils and is typically more supportive than a memory foam bed. A hybrid bed combines the support of coils with top layers of memory foam. All of these are good options for neck pain—it comes down to personal preference and sleep position.

Sleep Position: 

  • Back Sleepers may want to choose a medium-firm mattress for spinal alignment.
  • Side Sleepers can opt for a softer mattress for shoulder and hip pressure relief.
  • Stomach Sleepers should go with a firmer mattress to prevent the hips from sinking.

You’ll also want to be sure you’re choosing a pillow that works with your sleep position. If you sleep on your back, a medium-loft pillow will likely work best; on your side, a higher pillow; and on your stomach, a low, flatter pillow. This may ensure your neck is not too high, too low, or twisted at an odd angle. 

Read our full guide on how to choose a mattress for more information.

How to reduce neck pain

There are several different ways to reduce neck pain, depending on its underlying cause. According to Mayo Clinic, some of the most common causes of neck pain include muscle strain, nerve compression, worn joints, injury, or underlying disease. (9)

For most neck pain, treatment is relatively simple. You can: 

  • Use hot and cold therapy against the sore muscles in your neck.
  • Rest the area.
  • Ensure you’re using an ergonomic setup that keeps your spine and head held straight when you’re working.
  • Be mindful of your posture when standing, walking, and sitting.
  • Use proper form when working out.
  • Stay active, as a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to neck pain.
  • Sleep so that your head and neck are aligned with your body through the night. 
  • Quit smoking if you smoke.
  • Take frequent breaks to get up, move, and stretch.
  • Stretch daily.
  • Get a message.
  • Get chiropractic work if recommended by a professional.

For neck pain caused by an underlying condition like arthritis or even temporomandibular joint disorders (commonly known as “TMJ”),  you’ll need to address the issue at the source, and the treatment will be different depending on the underlying problem. For example, rheumatoid arthritis is commonly treated with medication, dietary changes, physical therapy, or sometimes surgery (10), whereas TMJ is often treated with a mouth guard. (11)

If you experience ongoing, debilitating neck pain or pain that spreads down your arms and legs, you should see a healthcare provider specializing in pain management. 

FAQs

What type of mattress is best for neck pain?

The best type of mattress for neck pain is one that maintains spinal alignment and provides adequate support and pressure relief. We love the Helix Midnight, a hybrid bed that balances comfort and support well.

What level of firmness is best for neck pain?

For most people, a medium-firm mattress will work best for neck pain and promote better sleep quality overall. You may want something a bit softer if you’re a strict side sleeper or weigh less than 130 pounds. (4

Can neck pain be caused by a mattress?

Yes, a mattress can cause neck pain if it fails to support the spine properly. When a mattress is too soft or flimsy, it can cause unnatural curves and strain along the spine. When a bed is too firm, pressure and pain may build up in sensitive areas like the shoulders. (4)

Our experts

Dr. Swathi Varanasi

Dr. Swathi Varanasi, or Dr. Swathi for short, is a pharmacist passionate about the intersection of personalized medicine and innovation. Dr. Swathi received her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at the Medical University of South Carolina and Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Carleton College. She co-founded and was the first-ever healthcare professional in the US to complete postdoctoral residency training in integrative medicine and preventative health. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Medical Affairs in biotech and has training in nutrition from Cornell University.

Krista Manning

Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.

Natalie Grigson

Natalie Grigson

Fortune Recommends Writer

About Author

Natalie is a writer for Fortune Recommends with a deep passion for all things health and a fascination with the mysterious activity that is sleep. Outside of writing about sleep, she is a bestselling author, improviser, and creative writing teacher based out of Austin.

Sources