Solve your stiff neck with one of the GHI’s best pillows (2025)

Finding the best pillows requires a lot of very important snoozing. To get accurate, real-world results, we asked a panel of testers to trial a range pillows at home over a two-week period.

They rated each one on comfort, support, breathability, washability and overall design, and told us whether they'd continue to use it after the trial or not.

Back at the GHI, our experts conduct a further wash test and check for any damage to the pillow's filling or performance.

To find the best pillows for neck pain, we then combined the panel’s feedback, the results of our in-house tests and the advice of experts, to bring you recommendations you can rely on, night after night.

Score: 95/100

This is a top pick for front sleepers. Panellists appreciated its thin padding, which meant it slipped easily under their chests and added comfort below their neck without extending and lifting it.

The combination of down and feather added a touch of luxury too, and testers were impressed with how well it maintained its shape and quality after washing. Drying took a little longer than expected but it was hard to fault for comfort.

Key specifications

Score: 94/100

Latex foam is an unusual filling for a pillow but one that shouldn’t be overlooked – especially if you’re looking for a good level of support. There’s no plasticky smell and our panellists loved its bouncy, mouldable sleep surface.

While not specifically adjustable, it does boast a thick quilted cover that can be removed if you prefer a slightly thinner design. Plus, every single panellist said it regulated their temperature well and said they would continue to use the pillow after the trial.

Key specifications

Score: 93/100

A firm pillow often provides better support, and this one was a hit with our panellists, particularly for those who slept on their side.

There’s an inner layer of foam-enclosed springs and two softer cotton layers, which create an effect that’s both supportive and yielding. You can also switch up or remove the layers to achieve the perfect combination for your sleep style.

Opting for all the layers made it trickier to fit inside a standard pillowcase, so you may need to invest in some new bedding, but that aside, this handy design is a winner in our eyes.

Key specifications

Score: 93/100

This is another adjustable pillow that should give you a great night's sleep. Just like the Simba above, its foam filling moulds to your head and is encased in a cotton cover that’s soft to the touch.

Panellists loved the handy bag for storing any removed foam but found the full pillow too large for standard pillowcases. Other than that, it was a dream to sleep on and left our sleepers feeling refreshed come morning.

Key specifications

Emma Original Pillow

Score: 89/100

If you’re a fan of firmer pillows, this one may be for you. It’s made of three layers of memory foam and can be easily adjusted to cradle your head at the perfect height.

While many like memory foam for its buoyancy, others may not find it soft enough. However, there is a 30-night free trial so you can return it if it doesn’t ease your aches and pains.

Key specifications

Score: 87/100

Designed specifically to alleviate neck pain, the Original Groove Pillow features a unique ergonomic dip that’s perfect for back sleepers. If that’s you, the groove should keep your spine in a neutral position and cradle your neck, while side sleepers are treated to additional support on the edges of the pillow.

Our panel praised the mouldable foam design for its comfort and pain-relieving abilities, but some found the unique shape and firmness took a bit of getting used to.

Key specifications

Score: 87/100

Memory foam isn’t for everyone and that’s why our testers loved this natural fibre pillow from Woolroom. It contains Allergy UK-approved British wool, which can be removed or added to create the height needed for your head and neck.

Wool can be noisier to sleep on but it’s good at naturally regulating body temperature and our panel said the filling remained light and fluffy, even after washing. The pillow also comes with a 30-night trial offering, so you can decide if it's right for you.

Key specifications

Simba Hybrid® Memory Foam Pillow

Score: 86/100

No matter what type of sleeper you are, our panel found this adjustable memory foam pillow comfortable and plump, providing a good amount of support without flattening overnight.

The filling is made of microfibre and Simba’s Nanocube technology – otherwise known as a zipped inner bag of tiny foam cubes that optimise airflow and can be removed to customise the height and firmness of the pillow. Just note, it wasn’t the most breathable on test.

Key specifications

Aeyla The FOAMO Pillow

Score: 84/100

Panellists said that the premium quality of this memory foam pillow made it a good alternative to feather and down options. The foam filling is thick and boasts anti-clumping technology that helps keep its shape and provide maximum support.

It’s another adjustable design, but panellists found that it was quite cumbersome with all the filling, so you’ll likely need to fine-tune it to suit your needs. There’s no storage bag to hold any excess but if you can find a spot for it, this is a worthwhile buy.

Key specifications

Aeyla The Dual Pillow

Score: 84/100

If you like to sink into your pillow, but still want a decent level of support, this two-in-one design is a good choice. It combines a supportive and adaptive inner layer with a soft outer pillow to create a set-up that one panellist compared to “sleeping on a cloud”.

Some found that their head sunk into the pillow quite a lot; however, most agreed that it provided an enjoyable night’s sleep.

Key specifications