Good neck pillows, also called neck support pillows, keep the neck and head in an ideal position during sleep. Thus they prevent neck pain and tension for both back and side sleepers and ensure more restful nights. Stiftung Warentest tested a total of 20 models, we present the test winner, price tip and a top alternative.
The test is from September 2017. We last checked and updated the offers for you in April 2022.
For links on this page the dealer pays if necessary. a commission, z.B. for with or green underlining marked. More info. First, we describe the best neck pillows in detail. Then give you an overview of the rest of the test field. After that, read what really matters when buying a neck pillow. Tips for the care of a neck support pillow, as well as answers to further important questions we give you in the connection.
Neck pillow test: winner of the Stiftung Warentest (09/2017)
Diamond Climatic
Paradies reVita Ergonomic
Dormabell Cervical
Overall rating
"good" (1,7)
"good" (2,5)
"good" (1,9)
Advantages and disadvantages
Length ca.
Width ca.
Cover washable
Washing temperature
Structure of the pillow
Viscose foam, foam, latex
Most popular store
Cheapest store
Compare prices
Diamona Climatic: Test winner of the foundation goods test
All around good neck pillow
Test winner, overall rating: "good" (1,7); The test winner Diamona Climatic convinces among other things by its long durability. The pillow is made of synthetic fiber. Thus washing machine suitably. In the test, the pillow scores with good support properties. It also achieves good test results in other areas. Only at the smell when unpacking the testers have something to criticize, pollutants are found in the comfortable sleep carpet pad but none.
The test winner is the Diamona Climatic neck pillow with the grade "good" (1,7). The pillow is made of viscose foam, foam and latex and measures 65 cm in length, 35 cm in width and 13 cm in height.
Support properties: In testing, the Climatic scored consistently well on support properties. Both in the side and back position, the test sleepers found the pillow comfortable. They especially praised how adjustable the pillow is.
Other criteria: In the category
Durability The Diamona Climatic achieved the rating "very good". Otherwise, the Climatic achieved consistently good results at Sleep climate, Cover and Health and environment. However, the pillow stinks in the first few days after unpacking.
Paradies reVita Ergonomic: price tip among the neck pillows
Solid cushion for a small price
Price tip, overall rating: "good" (2,5); For those on a budget, there is the low-priced Paradies reVita Ergonomic model. It achieves predominantly good and very good values and thus comes out of the test as a solid pillow. Thanks to removable inserts, the inexpensive model is suitable for almost any body type. Unfortunately, it achieves only a "sufficient in the category comfort and a "satisfactory" In the declaration and advertising.
Around 75 euros
The neck support pillow Paradies reVita Ergonomic positions itself in the test on the fourth place. It measures 64 cm in width and 33 cm in length and is made of visco foam and foam.
Support properties: Here the neck pillow of Paradies reaches the single mark "good" (1,8). It is basically suitable for everyone, i.e. people with wide or narrow shoulders on hard or soft mattresses.
Other criteria: In terms of
Durability The neck pillow was rated "very good" in the test and was also rated "satisfactory" with regard to its support properties Sleep climate, Cover and Environmental properties rated as "good. The Comfort leaves however something to be desired, particularly with low temperatures. Here the testers awarded only "sufficient".
All in all, the pillow could nevertheless convince as a low-priced alternative. The pillow costs around 80 euros at Galeria. Belongs so to the more favorable models.
Dormabell Cervical: Alternative with good overall score
Recommendation for narrow shoulders
Extremely durable, overall score: good (1.9); The Cervical pillow from Dormabell turns out to be robust and durable. Also otherwise it receives a good to very good rating in almost all categories. In terms of sleeping climate, environmental properties and comfort, the pillow leaves almost nothing to be desired. Only for people with broad shoulders. Hard mattresses the model is rather unsuitable.
About. 120 Euro
Disadvantages More expensive model Less suitable for broad shoulders or hard mattresses Smell when unpacked
The second-placed pillow Dormabell Cervical achieves the rating "good" (1,9). This pillow is also made of viscose foam and foam and measures 65 cm in width and 32 cm in length.
Support properties: Basically, the Cervical receives good to very good ratings in the most important category of the test. Only for people with broad shoulders and hard mattresses, as well as high support needs on a hard mattress, the pillow is not suitable.
Other criteria: The pillow turns out to be
particularly durable out. It also achieves good values in the categories of sleep climate, cover, comfort and health and environment. Only with declaration. Advertisement lets the cushion feather.
Stiftung Warentest punishes misleading advertising and lack of support
Of the 20 neck pillows tested, only a total of seven pillows achieved the rating "good" or "satisfactory. The remaining 13 cushions all only achieved the overall grade "sufficient" (1.9). This includes the neck pillows from Danisches Bettenlager, Galeria Home and Mattresses Concord. Reason for the bad evaluation was on the one hand the bad declaration and advertisement, on the other hand the only sufficient support characteristics.
How much do I have to spend for a good neck pillow?
In principle, neck support pillows can already be purchased for relatively little money, i.e. in low double-digit ranges. As the test of donation goods test shows however, there are really good models only starting from approximately 80 euro. Neck pillows between 10 and 60 euros could only quality ratings "satisfactory" in the category comfort and a "satisfactory" or "sufficient Achieve.
However, even expensive models could not necessarily convince in the test of Stiftung Warentest. Even models for 145 or 170 euros received only a "sufficient" as a quality rating. The price does not necessarily say something about the quality. Functionality of the neck cushions from.
The pillows with the best overall scores in the comparison test all cost between around 80 and 130 euros. Due to the durability of the products, the prices are quite reasonable.
Neck pillows in the test: How were the products rated??
To test the pillows, Stiftung Warentest examined the support properties of the pillows. For it four test persons with different physique in side and back position had to lie down on the neck cushions. Both hard and soft mattresses served as a base here. The test persons differed in particular in shoulder width. Had either a high or low support requirement under the back of the head. Then the experts have measured the sleeping position. Also the heat and moisture development, durability and comfort are included in the evaluation. In total, the testers tested 20 neck support pillows. More than 160 measurements evaluated. They ultimately came to the conclusion that only very few pillows adapt optimally to sleeping positions, shoulder proportions and mattress firmnesses.
The overall rating was made up as follows: Support properties (40 percent), durability (15 percent), sleep climate (10 percent), cover (10 percent), comfort (10 percent), health and environment (10 percent) and declaration and advertising (5 percent). Devaluations in the individual categories had a greater effect on the overall verdict. A basically good pillow, which in the category "Declaration and advertising only the grade "poor received, thus could not be better than "sufficient" cut off. What is a neck pillow. How does it work?Neck support pillows, as the name suggests, are designed to support the neck and thus provide relief from neck and back pain. Neck support pillows are characterized in particular by their usually unusual shape, they should primarily fill the gap between head and mattress as accurately as possible. So that the pillows support the cervical spine better.
Height-adjustable neck pillows offer the advantage that they can be individually adapted to the needs and characteristics of the sleeper and thus enable straight lying for almost every person. Especially for broad-shouldered side sleepers neck support pillows can have a positive effect on sleep. Back sleepers and side sleepers with narrow shoulders are usually also well supported by normal feather pillows.
What types of neck pillows are available? First of all, between neck support pillows. Travel neck pillows to distinguish. While travel neck pillows, also known as neck squirrels due to their shape, are intended for travel and thus rather for short periods, neck support pillows are orthopedic pillows for the bed and thus for everyday use.
Neck support pillows differ in particular in their shape and texture. There are fixed pre-shaped pillows and also models that consist of several layers, which allows you to adjust the height individually. In addition, there are both soap-shaped and wave-shaped neck support pillows.
The material used for the special pillows is mostly foam, viscose foam or latex. But also virgin wool, gels, wool or even pine wood can be used in the pillows. Different materials are used, especially for multi-layer pillows.
What to look for when buying a neck pillow?
Who plays with the idea to buy a neck pillow, for example, because of neck pain, should pay attention to some points when buying, so as not to make a wrong decision.
Own body type& Sleep type: Probably the most important thing to consider when buying a neck pillow is your own physique and sleep type. Not every pillow is suitable for every sleep type. Side sleepers, for example, have different needs than back sleepers or stomach sleepers. Therefore, find out in advance which pillow is most suitable for you. But again, try the pillows before you buy them. It is best to test different pillows in a specialist shop. This is the best way to determine on which pillow you lie comfortably.
Material: Neck support pillows can be made of different materials. Most typical are foam, viscose foam and latex. In the case of multi-layered specimens, combinations of fabrics are also often found in the process. Especially people with a latex allergy should therefore inform themselves exactly about the ingredients.
Shape& Individualization: The shape and individualization of the pillow can also be an important purchase criterion. With the form in particular between soap-shaped. Wavy neck support pillows distinguished. Multi-layered construction of a neck support pillow ensures individual adjustment of the height to one's own needs.
Size: Neck pillows are available in a wide variety of sizes. The length usually varies between approx. 50 and 80 cm, the width between 30 and 60 cm, and the height between approx. 10 and 15 cm. Of course, the height adjustability of a pillow must also be taken into consideration. The size plays an important role, among other things, because it can contribute significantly to comfort. In this context, it should also be noted that suitable bedding should be used.
What are alternatives to neck pillows?
Of course, there are many other types of pillows besides neck pillows, which can be quite good alternatives. The most important thing here is to consider what needs you have. Factors such as sleep type, physique and any allergies are decisive here. From feather and down pillows, to grain and natural hair pillows, to water and Tempur pillows, the selection of pillows for bedding is vast.
While there are also extra side sleeper pillows and normal, firm feather pillows usually support side sleepers with narrow shoulders and back sleepers very well, neck support pillows are especially recommended for broad-shouldered side sleepers. In general, the special pillows are not absolutely necessary if you have no problems with your neck and back. For tense people and all those who usually wake up with neck pain, however, neck support pillows can be quite a recommendable purchase. In particular, height-adjustable neck pillows are worth a try, since they can be steadily individualized.
Does a neck pillow contribute to better quality of sleep?
Basically, a special neck pillow can contribute to a better quality of sleep. Especially for people with neck and back problems, headaches or generally with tension problems, neck support pillows can be quite an asset. But in the end there is a little more to it than just the purchase of such a special pillow.
It is much more important to coordinate everything with each other – pillow, mattress, physique and sleep type must all be in harmony with each other. Here, of course, height-adjustable neck pillows offer a decisive advantage of individualization.
In the end, the correct positioning is important. It is important to ensure that the cervical spine does not bend either forwards or backwards. In order to achieve this, it is important that the pillow is "adjusted" correctly, taking into account the hardness of the mattress and the width of the shoulders. Support needs at the back of the head.
Blissful slumber: A good neck support pillow prevents tension and pain.
Are neck pillows suitable for me?
In principle, neck pillows are suitable for everyone. However, you need to make sure that you get a pillow of the right height. This depends on several factors, which we have already highlighted for you in the buying guide. Specifically, it's about: Sleeping position, physique, heat sensation and possible allergies.
In general, neck pillows are recommended especially for side sleepers with rather broad shoulders. For narrow-shouldered side sleepers or back sleepers, normal feather pillows are perfectly sufficient. In general, neck pillows are particularly suitable for people who suffer from tension or neck or back pain. have to struggle with back problems. If this applies to you, the purchase of a neck support pillow is well worth a try.
Can I wash the neck pillow?
If the cover of the neck pillow can be removed, you can wash it at 60 degrees without any problems. With the pillow itself it depends on the filling material.
Down pillows and synthetic pillows: These pillows can be washed in the washing machine at 60 degrees with mild detergent. After washing, you should also rinse the pillow again to make sure that no detergent residue is left behind. Spin the pillow then on the highest speed. You should then dry the pillow gently in the tumble dryer at the lowest temperature, for example for wool or delicates. To keep the pillow nice and puffy, add two tennis balls, these will provide loft, which is extra fluffiness. Additionally, air out the pillow afterwards to prevent mold from forming.
Feather pillows: You should not wash this pillow at home, because in this case the feathers stick together. Have your feather pillow dry-cleaned for this reason.
Latex pillows: This filling material must not get wet under any circumstances, as it attacks the material. If a latex pillow is stained, wipe it best with a slightly damp cloth.
Visco foam pillows: You should preferably wash this pillow by hand in a bucket or the bathtub. Fill the container with warm water. Add a small amount of detergent. Knead the pillow gently, remove the dirt. Then wash it out with lukewarm water and let it air dry. This is how the pillow maintains elasticity.
So, depending on what materials your pillow is made of, you will need to care for your pillow in different ways. To be on the safe side, you should carefully read the enclosed product information of the manufacturer.
Can I use a neck pillow on the road as well?
In addition to neck support pillows for the bed, there are also the travel neck pillows, also known as neck squirrels. Due to their "croissant" shape, the pillows are a good way to provide good support for the neck while traveling and to prevent tension or neck pain as much as possible.
Neck pillows for the road can already be purchased at prices starting at about 10 euros. The variety of models is also very large here. Quite a few travel pillows can also be folded up small so that they can be transported in a space-saving way. However, for use in bed, especially for long periods of time, the neck pillows are not necessarily recommended. Here one should reach then nevertheless somewhat more deeply into the bag. Buy a proper neck support pillow.
The most important questions about neck pillows at a glance
Where can I buy a neck pillow?
Neck pillows can be purchased both online or at brick-and-mortar retailers, such as bed stores. Buying in a specialized store has the advantage that you can try out the pillow directly and thus easily determine which model is most suitable for you, especially with regard to physical procurement, for example.
What types of neck pillows are available? First, there is a distinction between travel neck pillows. Neck support pillows for the bed distinguished. In the case of neck support pillows for the bed, a distinction is made in particular between firm, pre-shaped pillows and individually adjustable ones. As a rule, neck pillows are made of foam, viscose foam or even latex.
What are alternatives to neck pillows?
From feather and down pillows, to grain and natural hair pillows, to water and Tempur pillows, the selection of pillows is vast. In addition, there are also extra side sleeper pillows as well as normal feather pillows. Generally, the special pillows are not essential if you do not have any problems with your neck and back.
For whom are neck pillows suitable?
Neck pillows are especially recommended for side sleepers with rather wide shoulders. For narrow-shouldered side sleepers or back sleepers, some models may be too high, so regular feather pillows are more recommended for these sleep types.
Can I wash my neck pillow?
Neck pillows can usually be washed as a matter of course. Washing etc. depend especially on the material of the pillow. Here it should be absolutely paid attention to the respective manufacturer information.