What’s the Best Orthopedic Pillow?

Nothing compares to a good night’s rest. When you wake up feeling refreshed, you’re better able to tackle daily tasks and you have the energy to enjoy everything life has to offer. Unfortunately, quality sleep can be hard to come by. The good news is you can eliminate one of the obstacles in your way by investing in the best orthopedic pillow for your needs. 

Orthopedic pillows provide the optimal combination of comfort and support, but they’re not all created equal. We’ve done the work to compile a guide that will help you learn what to look for in an orthopedic pillow and we’ll even give you a few recommendations.

What Is an Orthopedic Pillow? 

The term orthopedic comes from the Greek word orthos, meaning “straight and free from deformity.” It makes sense, then, that an orthopedic pillow is one designed to support the head and neck during sleep to help maintain the natural curvature of the spine.

The best orthopedic pillows are made from responsive materials like memory foam or latex. These materials sink under pressure but maintain some level of support, so the pillow contours to the shape of your body to relieve pressure. Orthopedic pillows can help with a wide range of health concerns like insomnia, lower back pain, snoring, and poor circulation. 

Orthopedic pillows come in all shapes and sizes. Some are shaped like traditional bed pillows while others are contoured to the shape of the neck and shoulders. You can also find orthopedic knee pillows and back pillows. 

Do You Really Need One? 

The right pillow can help you get a good night’s sleep, but what does the “right” pillow look like? A good pillow provides support for your head and neck to keep your spine in alignment all night long. Whether you sleep on your side, on your back, or on your stomach it should help maintain the natural curvature of your spine. 

An orthopedic pillow is a great option for all kinds of sleepers. For side sleepers, these pillows keep the head and neck elevated, relieving pressure from the shoulders. For back sleepers, they contour to the shape of the head to maintain proper spinal alignment. If you tend to switch sleeping positions throughout the night, orthopedic pillows are typically made from materials that adjust well to changes in position. 

Here are some of the other benefits of orthopedic pillows: 

• They contour to the shape of your body to support the natural curvature of the spine.
• They relieve pressure from the head, neck, and shoulders. 
• They keep the head elevated for side sleepers to relieve shoulder pain.
• They provide support to keep you comfortable all night long. 
• They are often made from materials that resist dust mite accumulation. 
• They are generally comfortable for all types of sleepers. 

An orthopedic pillow could be a good fit for all sleepers, but it’s important to find the right one. We’ve scoured the market for the best orthopedic pillows to bring you our top picks.

Our Top Picks for the Best Orthopedic Pillow

While you could certainly find orthopedic pillows at your local home goods store, they can be pricey and your options may be limited. If you’re looking for a good deal as well as some helpful orthopedic pillow reviews, Amazon is a great place to start. 

Here are our top four picks for the best orthopedic pillow: