The NCOA Adviser Reviews Team researches these products & services and may earn a commission from qualified purchases made through links included.
The NCOA Adviser Reviews Team researches these products & services and may earn a commission from qualified purchases made through links included. NCOA does not receive a commission for purchases. If you find these resources useful, consider donating to NCOA.
Using the right mattress can help ease discomfort and improve sleep quality. Neck pain can significantly impact quality of life [1] Machino, M, et. al. Impact of Neck and Shoulder Pain on Health-Related Quality of Life in a Middle-Aged Community-Living Population. Biomed Res Int. Jun 8, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8208860/ , especially for older adults. Neck pain can stem from poor sleep posture [2] 7 Potential Causes of Neck Pain After Sleeping. Lattimore Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation website. Found on the internet at https://lattimorept.com/7-potential-causes-of-neck-pain-after-sleeping/ , leading to misalignment and additional strain on the spine. A mattress that provides adequate support and alignment can help maintain the natural curve of the spine, reducing tension on the neck and shoulders [3] Hong TT, et. al. The Influence of Mattress Stiffness on Spinal Curvature and Intervertebral Disc Stress—An Experimental and Computational Study. Biology. 2022 Jul, 8 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9311775/ .
A study of people with chronic musculoskeletal pain found that when subjects slept on a supportive mattress meant to keep the spine in alignment, they experienced less pain and higher comfort [4] Bolton, R., et al. Effects of Mattress Support on Sleeping Position and Low-Back Pain. Sleep Science Practice. May 10, 2022. Found on the internet at https://sleep.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41606-022-00073-x . Since investing in the right mattress can be a game-changer for managing neck pain and enhancing overall well-being, our Reviews Team researched and tested mattresses to bring to you our top picks.
We found several important factors when testing mattresses specifically for neck pain, including:
Medium to slightly firm mattresses may provide the best balance of support and comfort for neck pain. This firmness level helps maintain proper alignment without causing excessive sinking or pressure points.
A good mattress should support the natural curve of your neck and spine, helping your body remain in a neutral position. Proper support helps reduce strain on the neck and prevents misalignment that can worsen pain.
Look for a mattress designed to ease pressure points, especially around the neck and shoulders. Materials like memory foam or latex can contour to your body, providing targeted relief and reducing discomfort.
Choose a mattress with a trial period of 100 nights or more. This extended period allows you to thoroughly test the mattress and see if it reduces your neck pain. If it doesn’t, a generous trial period lets you return or exchange it.
| Mattress type | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Firm | Medium | Medium | Medium | Firm | Firm | Medium |
| Ideal sleep positions | All | All | Back and side | Back and side | All | Back and stomach | Back |
| Warranty (years) | 15 | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 | 10 |
The Helix Dusk Luxe stands out as an exceptional mattress for those with neck pain, earning our “Best Overall” title. We chose this model due to its balanced firmness and high-pressure relief, crucial for reducing neck pain and improving sleep quality.
The mattress features a hybrid construction combining memory foam and innerspring coils. This combination offers a balance of contouring comfort and robust support. The memory foam layer provides excellent pressure relief by conforming to the body’s shape, while the innerspring coils add bounce and support, ensuring proper spinal alignment. The mattress also has a plush, breathable cover to enhance comfort and cooling and prevent overheating at night.
It has a firmness rating of seven out of 10, which means it’s firm enough to prevent that sinking feeling you get with softer mattresses while still being comfortable. Our testers found that this balance helps keep the spine properly aligned, which is crucial for reducing neck strain and improving overall sleep quality. They also described the plush cover as providing a little bit of sinkage and support for the lower back.
In terms of support, the Helix Dusk Luxe scores a solid four out of five. This means it provides excellent spinal alignment, which is vital for reducing neck strain. The edge supportⓘ This refers to the bed’s stability along the edges. , rated at 3.5 out of five, is decent enough to provide stability around the mattress perimeter, which can be very helpful when getting in and out of bed.
Cooling is another area where this mattress excels, scoring a 4.5 out of five. This high rating indicates that the mattress regulates temperature well, preventing heat buildup that can disturb sleep. Motion transferⓘ The amount of movement felt on one side of the mattress when a bed partner moves on the other side of the bed. is rated at three out of five, which means it’s fairly good at isolating movement, though not perfect. Light sleepers sharing a bed might notice some movement, but it’s not overly disruptive.
The bounce of the Helix Dusk Luxe is rated at 4.5 out of five, making it very responsive. This high responsivenessⓘ Responsiveness describes how much surface bounce a mattress has and how it responds to pressure or the sleeper’s movements, making it easier to move around and change sleeping positions. makes it easier to move and adjust positions, which is particularly beneficial for older adults who may have reduced mobility. Pressure relief is another strong point, with a rating of 4.5 out of five. This means the mattress does an outstanding job of easing pressure points, which is especially beneficial for those with neck and shoulder pain.
When considering the functional support score, which we use to evaluate the mattress’s suitability for older adults, the Helix Dusk Luxe scores 3.75 out of five. This score indicates that the mattress provides a good level of support and stability, making it easier to get in and out of bed. It also offers enough firmness and edge support to prevent feeling unsteady near the edges, contributing to a safer and more comfortable sleeping experience.
Overall, the Helix Dusk Luxe is a fantastic choice for anyone dealing with neck pain. It offers a balanced mix of comfort and support, excellent cooling properties, and outstanding pressure relief, all of which contribute to a better night’s sleep. Our tester found it comfortable in all sleeping positions. If you’re looking for a mattress that will help you wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free, the Helix Dusk Luxe is definitely worth considering.
“Because there is such great bounce, the springs ripple but the plush top absorbs some of the shock.”
– Our tester
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Helix Dusk Luxe has a 4.5 out of five stars with 1,265 reviews on the Helix website. Many reviewers mention positive effects the mattress had on their neck pain.
“I bought this bed because I had a lot of back, hip, and neck pain. Since I’ve gotten this bed my pain has improved significantly. I definitely recommend this bed to anyone with back pain..”
– Michael G., verified buyer, on 10/28/2023
“This mattress is perfect. It’s medium firmness, so it supports me while I sleep. I used to wake up with a sore back or neck with my old mattress, but I don’t anymore. I get restful, comfortable sleep. I’m a side sleeper and my boyfriend is a back sleeper, and we both love it. I adore this mattress. It’s of such high quality and I’m so glad I chose a helix mattress..”
– Becky B., verified buyer, on 3/13/2023
The Helix Dusk Luxe has 4.4 out of 5 stars on Google with 1,313 reviews. Older adults praise its features.
“We are in our 70’s with all the normal aches and pains that older people have. We have tried three other brands of foam/combination mattresses and none of them comes close to the comfort of this Helix. We wanted a fairly firm mattress to support our backs but not too firm for side sleeping. This is PERFECT! We have been sleeping on it for about 5 weeks and it is by far the most comfortable bed we have ever slept on. The mattress is cushy and soft on the top (probably thanks to buying the Luxe version), but you are still well supported and can get out of bed easily (which is difficult on softer mattresses that you sink into).” – Guy F.
For more information on another Helix mattress, see our Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Review.
The best sleeping position for people with neck pain is usually on the back [5] Sullivan, P. Why Do I Have Neck Pain from Sleeping? HealthCentral. Oct. 5, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/neck-pain/why-do-have-neck-pain-sleeping . The Saatva RX is our pick for the best mattress for back sleepers with neck pain because it provides a perfect blend of support and comfort, ensuring proper spinal alignment, which is crucial for reducing neck pain.
The Saatva RX features a hybrid construction that has a combination of memory foam and innerspring coils. The memory foam layer provides exceptional pressure relief, contouring to the body’s shape and easing pressure points. The innerspring coils offer robust support and enhanced edge stability, ensuring proper spinal alignment. Additionally, the mattress has a quilted, breathable cover to improve cooling and prevent overheating during the night. Our tester noted it felt plush and cool to the touch.
With a firmness rating of 6.5 out of 10, it hits that sweet spot we refer to as universal medium, a true middle-ground, which works for most body types and sleep positions. Our testers found that this mattress provides excellent overall support, scoring a perfect five out of five and ensuring your spine remains properly aligned to reduce strain on the neck.
Edge support is another strong point for the Saatva RX, with a score of five out of five. This superior stability around the mattress perimeter makes it easier to sit on and get in and out of bed, which is especially beneficial for older adults who may have reduced mobility. Our tester noted that if you were blindfolded you would not realize you were lying at the edge.
The cooling capabilities of this mattress are impressive as well, earning a 4.5 out of five. This high rating indicates that the mattress effectively regulates temperature, preventing heat buildup and promoting a comfortable sleep environment.
When it comes to motion transfer, the Saatva RX scores 4.5 out of five, meaning it minimizes disturbances from partner movements, which is great for shared beds. The bounce of the mattress is rated at four out of five, providing adequate responsiveness that makes it easy to move around on and adjust positions. Our tester noted the mattress pops right back up when pressed upon.
Pressure relief is exceptional, with a perfect five out of five for back sleepers and a 4.5 out of five for side sleepers. This ability to relieve pressure points is particularly beneficial for easing back and neck pain.
The functional support score for the Saatva RX is 4.375. For older adults, this high score indicates excellent overall support and stability. It makes getting in and out of bed easier and provides the necessary firmness and edge support to prevent feeling unstable near the mattress edges.
Overall, the Saatva RX is a fantastic choice for back sleepers dealing with neck pain. It offers the right combination of support, pressure relief, and cooling properties to ensure a comfortable and restful night’s sleep.
“The sinkage feels like a gentle cradle. It contours to the body, but you feel close to the surface.”
– Our tester
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Saatva RX has 4.9 out of five stars on Saatva’s website with 73 customer reviews. Customers praise its positive effects on neck and other pain.
“Sciatica, lower back pain, and neck pain — I feel none of it with this Saatva RX mattress. I can’t believe it. It’s like a miracle mattress..”
– Kelly L., verified reviewer, on 11/26/2023
“I purchased this mattress several months ago because I suffer from osteoarthritis in my neck, shoulders, back, knees, pretty much everywhere. I was skeptical that this mattress would make that much difference in my chronic pain, but I’ve tried so many different mattresses. This one was comfortable from day 1 and in the months that I’ve had it, it has been the best sleep that I’ve ever had. I don’t wake up with aches and pains and it cradles and supports in just the right areas to relieve pressure on my joints. I would highly recommend it if you have a lot of arthritis, and with their generous return/exchange policy, it’s definitely worth trying.”
– Kathy B., verified reviewer, on 11/2/2023
Learn more about Saatva mattresses in our Saatva mattress review.
The WinkBed hybrid mattress earns the title of “Best Hybrid Mattress for Neck Pain” due to its balanced construction and supportive features. The WinkBed features a hybrid construction that combines memory foam and innerspring coils, offering a balance of contouring comfort and robust support. Memory foam is a great material for those with neck pain because it provides excellent pressure relief by conforming to the body’s shape. The innerspring coils add bounce and support, ensuring proper spinal alignment. This mattress also has a breathable cover to enhance cooling and prevent overheating during the night.
The WinkBed comes in four firmness options: softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus. We tested the luxury firm model and rated it at 6.5 out of 10, which offers a balanced feel that suits most sleepers. The mattress scores four out of five for support, ensuring your spine remains properly aligned, which is crucial for reducing neck strain. It features targeted extra support for the lower back.
Edge support also scores four out of five, offering good stability around the mattress perimeter. This makes it easier to move around and get in and out of bed, which can be particularly helpful for older adults. The WinkBed excels in cooling, with a rating of 4.5 out of five, due to triple-layer HeatDisperse technology. You can expect it to regulate temperature effectively and prevent overheating during the night.
It has a layer of stabilizing gel foam, designed to reduce motion transfer and disturbance from a restless partner. Our tester rated motion transfer at four out of five, which means disturbance is effectively minimized from a partner’s movements—great for those who share their bed.
While the bounce is slightly lower at 3.5 out of five, it still provides enough responsiveness to make moving and adjusting positions easy. Pressure relief is a strong point for the WinkBed, scoring 4.5 out of five (four for side sleepers, five for back sleepers). It effectively helps reduce pressure points, especially important for those with neck and shoulder pain.
The functional support score for the WinkBed is 3.7 out of five. For older adults, this indicates good overall support and stability, making it easier to get in and out of bed and ensuring a stable feel near the mattress edges.
Overall, the WinkBed provides a great balance of comfort, support, and functionality, which is why we believe it’s a solid choice for those dealing with neck pain.
“The hips and shoulders sink into the mattress a little bit but still feel like they’re resting on top.”
– Our tester
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The WinkBed has a 4.8 out of five star rating with 8.686 reviews on its website. Most reviewers are pleased with their purchase and find relief from various types of pain.
“We purchased a king size luxury firm. Delivery was very fast and setup was easy. The mattress is heavy so it’s best to have 2 people. There was a slight off-gassing odor for the first week or two, but it wasn’t too bad and then it was gone. We have had our mattress for about 6 weeks. Our prior mattress was quite plush, so it took a bit of time to adjust to the firmness of this bed. However, now that we’ve gotten used to it, we’ve found it to be very supportive and comfortable and we sleep very well. We have been turning it every two weeks as per instructions. I do wish the mattress had handles to make lifting and turning easier, but that would be my only criticism.”
– Amy B., verified buyer on 5/23/2024
“Feels great. Firm, but not too firm and comfortable. I was having back issues with our 11 year old memory mattress. I did my research and your bed was recommended for older people with back issues. Definitely mixed feelings on purchasing a bed without trying it out first, but your warranty on guaranteed satisfaction or return it with no hassles convinced us.”
– Michael O., verified buyer on 5/22/2024
Learn more about WinkBeds mattresses in our WinkBeds Mattress Review.
Our survey of 600 recent mattress shoppers found that the majority of people sleep on their sides. The Bear Elite Hybrid stands out as the best mattress for side sleepers with neck pain due to its exceptional pressure relief and balanced firmness. This mattress provides the right combination of support and comfort, ensuring proper spinal alignment and reducing pressure points, which is essential for easing neck pain.
The Bear Elite Hybrid features a hybrid construction that has copper-infused memory foam and zoned, individually wrapped innerspring coils. It excels in pressure relief, scoring a perfect five out of five. This superior ability to ease pressure points is particularly crucial for those with neck and shoulder pain. It also prevents pressure buildup at the hips for side sleepers.
It comes in three firmness options and we tested the medium model, rating it at 6.5 out of 10. This will work for the majority of body types and sleep positions but lighter-weight sleepers (less than 130 pounds) may prefer the softer model while higher-weight sleepers will likely prefer the firmer model. The overall support rating of the medium model is 3.5 out of five, offering moderate support for maintaining proper spinal alignment and reducing neck strain.
Edge support is rated at three out of five, providing moderate stability around the mattress perimeter. This may be an issue for higher-weight older adults getting in and out of bed. Thanks to the copper-infused memory foam and phase change material (PCM)ⓘ A material that stores or releases heat to maintain a constant temperature cover, the cooling capabilities of this mattress are impressive, with a score of 4.5 out of five. This ensures excellent temperature regulation, preventing overheating and promoting a comfortable sleep environment. You have the option to purchase a Celliantⓘ Celliant contains naturally occurring minerals and elements woven into fiber, making a product able to capture a body’s heat and convert it into infrared energy that goes back into the body. -infused cover for even more effective cooling power.
Motion transfer is rated at 3.5 out of five, meaning it can reduce disturbances from a partner’s movements, which is beneficial for shared beds. The bounce, though, is a bit low at 2.5 out of 5, indicating that while it provides some responsiveness, it might make movement and position adjustments less fluid.
Because of this lack of bounce and average edge support, the overall functional support score for the Bear Elite Hybrid is on the lower side in this roundup at 3.2 out of five. But overall, the Bear Elite Hybrid is a strong contender for anyone seeking relief from neck pain, especially side sleepers. Its combination of comfort, support, and excellent cooling properties makes it a worthwhile investment.
“The hips and shoulders slightly sink into the top layer, but not below the quilting.”
– Our tester
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Bear Elite Hybrid has a 4.6 out of 5 star rating with 3,774 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mention positive effects the mattress had on their various types of pain.
“I did a TON of research before pulling the trigger on the Bear Elite Hybrid Medium. Husband and I are both back & side sleepers. He has typically preferred firmer than I do, but we’re both seniors now with assorted aches and pains … and neither of us are slender. I read many reviews from both customers and the many mattress review sites out there. Didn’t want to deal with having to send a mattress back if it wasn’t right, but, we have a favorite memory foam mattress topper we got from Amazon, so I figured we could make use of that if the Bear wasn’t QUITE right. Well, neither of us could believe it but from the very first night, it’s been great, and neither of us felt the need to use the foam mattress topper. We are BEYOND happy with this purchase, and I feel this is much more comfortable than our previous hybrid.”
– Susan R., verified buyer, on 10/24/2034
“This is my 4th mattress in 5 years. Finally some relief! I used to be up all night with constant pain and stiffness. This is the first mattress where I can sleep through the night and not wake up in pain. ”
– Julia M., verified buyer, on 12/9/2022
The Bear Elite Hybrid has a 4.4 star rating on Google with only four reviews. Heather R. purchased from Bed, Bath, and Beyond and said, “We stayed at an AirBNB that had this mattress and it was so comfortable we decided to buy one. We got a King sized Firm mattress. It is great! I don’t wake up stiff anymore! My husband sleeps through the night finally. I highly recommend this mattress.”
Learn more about Bear mattresses in our Bear Mattress Review.
The Nolah Evolution stands out as the best firm mattress for neck pain due to its supportive and pressure-relieving features. It comes in three firmness options: plush, luxury firm, or firm. We tested the luxury firm model and found it had a firmness level of seven out of 10, which means it provides the necessary support to maintain spinal alignment and help ease neck pain. Our tester noted they sank only into the top layer, feeling like a gentle hug.
The Nolah Evolution features a hybrid construction with zoned supportⓘ Multiple firmness levels or “zones” built into a mattress so it can support different areas of the sleeper’s body in different ways. in both the coil and foam layers. This zoning provides targeted support and pressure relief, adapting to different parts of the body to ensure proper spinal alignment and comfort. It features reinforced coils and a patented AirFoam denser in the center to support the midsection and less dense along the shoulders and hips to relieve pressure.
This thoughtful construction helps maintain a neutral spine while sleeping, especially helpful for side sleepers. Our testers found the support to be robust, rating it four out of five. Pressure relief is where the Nolah Evolution truly shines, scoring an impressive 4.75 out of five. This superior ability to ease pressure points is particularly beneficial for those with neck and shoulder pain.
The mattress has a breathable, cooling, quilted Euro-topⓘ This is a style of pillow top that provides an added layer of plush. The extra layer of padding is stitched beneath the mattress cover, so it’s flush with the edges of the mattress without adding extra height. cover to enhance cooling and comfort. Although it also has multiple additional cooling technologies throughout its seven layers of construction, it only scores an average three out of five for cooling effectiveness.
In terms of motion transfer, the Nolah Evolution scores 3.5 out of five, indicating it moderately reduces disturbances from a partner’s movements, making it suitable for most shared beds. The bounce, rated at 3.5 out of five, provides adequate responsiveness. Our tester found it easy to move around on and change positions.
Edge support is a highlight, scoring 4.5 out of five. This strong stability around the mattress perimeter enhances ease of movement, a crucial feature for older adults who may have mobility issues. The functional support score for the Nolah Evolution is 3.95.
Overall, the Nolah Evolution luxury firm model is a solid choice for those needing a firm mattress with excellent support and pressure relief. Because it comes in plush or firmer models, it can be tailored to almost all sizes and types of sleepers. Higher-weight stomach sleepers may prefer the firmer model and lighter-weight side sleepers may prefer the plush model.
“It may be a tad too soft for heavier stomach sleepers and too firm for lighter side sleepers, but the zoned support helps bolster the score for both.”
– Our tester
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Nolah Evolution has 4.9 out of five stars reviews on its website. Customers praise its construction and comfort.
“Nolah Evolution 15 Luxury Firm is a great mattress, very comfortable to sleep on, especially on the side. We tested many different mattresses and decided to choose Nolah. The mattress has a great construction with luxurious materials. Nolah customer service is exceptional.”
– Anatoly M., verified buyer, on 2/12/2024
“We love our Nolah mattress! My husband and I have slept on a Tempur Pedic mattress for 12 years and switching to a Nolah mattress was the best decision we could have ever made! We sleep more sound and wake up feeling great!”
– Leticia C., verified buyer, on 10/24/2023
On Google, the Nolah Evlution has a 4.7 star rating with 755 reviews. Kristin P. said, “I am probably one of the most discretionary sleepers ever. I have to have a comfy mattress (supportive yet hugs you as you sleep), amazing pillows and bedding. Sleep is everything! I have had multiple back surgeries and my husband has insomnia so we are a bit of a hot mess without the right mattress. We have now had ours (the 15” Evolution king size) for a little over a year. We have even moved across the country with it. We have been very fortunate to stay in some nice hotels and with a few excellent exceptions this mattress still beats them all! We are customers for life! I should also add that their customer service was excellent.”
Learn more about Nolah mattresses in our full Nolah Mattress Review.
The Titan Plus is the top choice for higher-weight sleepers with neck pain due to its firm support and pressure-relieving features. With a firmness level of 8/10, it provides the necessary support to maintain spinal alignment, which is crucial for reducing neck pain in higher-weight people.
The Titan Plus features a hybrid construction that has four layers: a quilted top with gel foam for a bit of spring and cooling, a memory foam layer for more responsiveness and pressure relief, an eight-inch layer of individually wrapped steel coils for support and durability, and a super dense foam base layer for longevity. An optional GlacioTexⓘ Hypoallergenic fabric made from fibers with high thermal conductivity that allow heat to be quickly and effectively pulled away from your body cooling cover may be added for those concerned with temperature regulation. But you may not need it because our testers rated the cooling capabilities of the Titan Plus as excellent, scoring 4.5 out of five, even without the GlacioTex cover.
Pressure relief is another strong point, with a rating of 4.5 out of five. This superior ability to ease pressure points is particularly beneficial for those with neck and shoulder pain. It also means the mattress can handle the weight of the hips in all sleeping positions, even for higher-weight people. But because this mattress is made for higher-weight sleepers, our average-weight tester (130–250 pounds) experienced too much pressure at the hips and shoulders for side sleeping.
Our testers found the overall support to be impressive, rating it four out of five, ensuring that your spine stays properly aligned throughout the night. Edge support is slightly above average, with a score of 3.5 out of five.
In terms of motion transfer, the Titan Plus scores 3.5 out of five, indicating it moderately reduces disturbances from a partner’s movements. The bounce is slightly higher, rated at four out of five, providing high responsiveness that makes movement and position adjustments easy. Our testers noted that the Titan Plus provides ample surface support and responsiveness, which is crucial for higher-weight sleepers.
One tester mentioned, “The quilted cover makes it a little harder to adjust from my back to side because it adds some give and friction.” But they also highlighted that this same quilted cover, along with the underlying memory foam, contributes to the mattress’s good pressure relief despite its firmness.
The functional support score for the Titan Plus is 3.85. This indicates good overall support and stability, making it suitable for most higher-weight older adults. Overall, the Titan Plus is a solid choice for higher-weight people looking for a firm mattress that offers excellent support and pressure relief.
“It feels a bit too firm to be comfortable for side sleepers of average weight.”
– Our tester
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Titan Plus has 4.7 out of five stars reviews on its website with 2,585 reviews. Customers appreciate its effects on pain, especially neck pain.
“I really like this so far! I was having serious neck and back pain from a memory foam mattress and realized I needed something much firmer. I tried this in a mattress store and ordered right away. I am a back and side sleeper and it’s good for both, but extra good for back sleeping. Definitely a VERY firm mattress but I’d rather have something that I can add a topper to if needed instead of something that’s too soft. I expect it to break in some and be perfect. I am around 150 pounds and I find it to be a very firm and supportive mattress at that weight, but not too firm for me. With my previous mattress, I was waking up every night sweating and I have not once had that experience with this mattress which is a huge relief! I feel confident that this thing will last. My one complaint is that the smell at first was horrible and stuck around for longer than I would expect. My partner didn’t notice it though, so I think I am extra sensitive.”
– Savannah T., verified buyer, on 4/29/2024
“The mattress is wonderful. I have had to sleep with multiple pillows for back and neck support for years. The first night I only slept with one as my back felt aligned and comfortable.”
– Angie B., verified buyer, on 7/6/2022
Learn more about this mattress in our Titan Plus Mattress Review.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid stands out as the best value mattress for neck pain due to its balanced construction and affordable price. While it comes in three firmness levels, we tested the medium and rated it a six out of 10, making it the softest mattress in this roundup. But it’s not so soft that you lose support for correct spinal alignment, essential for avoiding neck strain.
The hybrid construction consists of five layers:
Our testers found the overall support to be moderate, rating it 3.5 out of five, which means it should help maintain proper spinal alignment and reduce neck strain for average and lighter-weight sleepers. Higher-weight people may experience too much sinkageⓘ Good contouring sinkage can give sleepers the feeling of being “hugged” by their mattress, but too much sink can result in misalignment of the spine, especially for stomach and back sleepers. . Edge support is also moderate, scoring three out of five. This provides average stability around the mattress perimeter, again suitable for average or lighter-weight sleepers.
In terms of motion transfer, the mattress scores three out of five, indicating it moderately reduces disturbances from a partner’s movements, so it’s suitable for most shared beds unless a partner is particularly restless.
The mattress has the highest scores for bounce and pressure relief, both rated at four out of five. The high responsiveness makes it easy to move around on and adjust positions. The pressure relief is particularly beneficial for easing common pressure points like hips and shoulders, thus reducing neck and shoulder pain. Our tester remarked that it seems to have a great balance between support and pressure relief even though It’s hard to have one because you tend to lose the other. But this mattress seems to have found a nice balance.
The functional support score for the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is 3.25, indicating decent overall support and stability for older adults.
“I feel cradled but not deep into the mattress, so it’s easy to move.”
– Our tester
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has 4.7 out of five stars with more than 10,000 reviews on its website. All types of sleepers praise its performance and comfort. They also appreciate the price.
“The Signature Hybrid has been very comfortable & a good value. I find the medium to be just right for me; soft enough for painless side sleeping, but there’s enough firmness to support sleeping on my stomach & back. Shipping & unboxing was easy and convenient. I’m satisfied & recommend the medium as a great all-purpose bed for different sleepers.”
– Samuel D., verified buyer, on 1/5/2023
“I love my bed so much as a side sleeper. I used to get really bad neck and back pain from my previous mattresses. I’m so glad I went with the BB signature hybrid.”
– Cedric C., verified buyer on 3/28/2024
“Love this mattress and the price point makes it a no brainer. Getting the best sleep I’ve gotten in years. The pillow top is plush and soft. Just all around a wonderful purchase!”
– Phillip B. , verified buyer, on 3/31/2024
The Signature Hybrid has a 4.4 star rating on Google with more than 11,000 reviews. Customers report better sleep than with previous mattresses.
“I explored all of the major ‘bed-in-a-box’ brands for DAYS, checking YouTube video consumer reviews and other sites that do consumer reviews. It appeared that the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid was the perfect bed for us AND it was cheaper than several of the others that did not test as well. We have had it for a month and I have NEVER slept better on any bed! I have neck and back issues and a separated shoulder. I am also 60. Needless to say, I used to wake up stiff, tired and sore every morning. No more! I highly recommend this bed!” – Dawn C.
Learn more about Brooklyn Bedding mattresses in our Brooklyn Bedding Mattress Review.
Our Reviews Team has dedicated more than 1,000 hours to researching the mattress industry, consulting at least 10 health care professionals, and testing roughly 40 brands and 130 unique mattress models for quality and comfort. We’ve also interviewed eight older adults who recently purchased a mattress and surveyed more than 3,200 recent mattress customers to understand their experiences shopping for a new bed.
Each mattress undergoes a rigorous 36-page testing procedure to score its different characteristics, including firmness, support, and other aspects most shoppers consider. We choose the best mattresses for neck pain based on the scores of the relevant criteria. See how we tested the most important considerations for this review below.
Like most mattress brands in the industry, we use a one-to-10 scoring method when testing firmness, with 6.5 being the true medium firm. Our testers rate this by lying on the surface and comparing the feel to other mattresses we’ve tested. Material density and coil strength influence firmness the most. For most people that experience neck pain, a medium to slightly firm mattress will provide the right balance of support and comfort.
We rate pressure relief on a scale of one to five, with five being the most pressure-relieving. We consider how it feels and use a pressure map with sensors to visualize pressure points around the body accurately. Blue and green pressure map results show great pressure relief, while yellows, oranges, and reds indicate pressure build-up. The best mattresses for neck pain in this review all demonstrated above-average pressure relief.
Support
We score support on a scale of one to five, with five being the most supportive. Mattresses with strong support contour and push into the curves of your body, particularly the lower back or midsection. Not only do we feel support during testing, but we can also visualize it through pressure map results. Maps with mostly white space at the lower back show how the mattress isn’t making contact with the area, which means the mattress isn’t supportive. The top mattresses for neck pain all provide good spinal support to help cradle the neck and potentially reduce strain.
We score edge support on a scale of one to five, with five being the strongest. Our team tests this by sitting and lying on the edge to determine how safe it feels and measure how far it sinks. For example, if a short 11-inch mattress’s edge sinks about 2 inches, it may feel weak because it collapses under body weight.
We use a temperature gun to determine how well a mattress disperses body heat. If the mattress heats up more than 15 degrees, it’s considered a poor score. If it only heats up 5–10 degrees, it’s considered a good or excellent score. The feel of the material under our body is also factored into the score, with one indicating a poor score and five indicating good cooling technology.
Motion transfer is scored on a scale between one and five, with five being the most motion-isolating. To score this, one tester lies on one side of the mattress while another changes positions while lying on the other side. We score this feature by how much movement we can feel across the mattress. If we don’t feel movement, the mattress dampens motion well, scoring a five out of five.
Our team scores bounce on a scale between one and five, with five being the most bouncy. We test this by dropping a 10-pound weighted ball on the mattress surface, recording how many times it bounces, and analyzing the sound of its landing. The ball will bounce multiple times on bouncier mattresses before cradling into the surface, while others thud onto the material, indicating low bounce.
Our team developed this unique score to understand how well a mattress accommodates mobility issues, like difficulty moving around or getting up from the bed. We combined firmness (30%), support (30%), bounce (10%), and edge support (30%) to create a score between one and five, with five being the most helpful for movement in bed. A good functional support score may translate to reduced neck pain since functional support makes it easier to move around in bed and change positions. If you’re stuck in one place all night, you may wake up with a sore neck.
To learn more about our testing and scoring methods, review our sleep methodology.
It’s possible to find a mattress that helps ease neck pain and promotes a comfortable, restful night’s sleep. Consider your specific needs and preferences to find the perfect match for your sleep style and pain relief.
Choosing the right firmness level is crucial when dealing with neck pain. For many people, a medium to slightly firm mattress provides the ideal balance of support and comfort. This firmness level helps keep your neck and spine aligned without causing excessive sinking or pressure points. However, firmness is subjective, and different body types perceive it differently. Lighter-weight people may find mattresses feel firmer, while higher-weight people might experience more softness.
If your current mattress is more than 7–10 years old and you still suffer from neck pain, it might be time for a replacement. Consider the level of firmness that best maintains your comfort and supports proper alignment.
Proper support is essential for easing neck pain. A supportive mattress ensures that your neck and spine stay in a neutral position, reducing strain and promoting better alignment. Look for mattresses that offer zoned support, which provides targeted reinforcement where your body needs it most, such as under the neck and shoulders. This can help distribute your weight evenly and prevent the neck from bending at awkward angles.
Good spinal support is particularly important if you frequently wake up with stiffness or pain, as it helps maintain the natural curve of your spine and reduces pressure on your neck.
Pressure relief is another critical factor when choosing a mattress for neck pain. A mattress that effectively relieves pressure points can prevent discomfort and improve sleep quality. Memory foam and latex are popular materials for pressure relief, as they contour to your body and cushion areas like the neck and shoulders. These materials distribute your weight more evenly and reduce the impact on sensitive areas, making it easier to maintain a comfortable position throughout the night.
If you suffer from neck pain, prioritize a mattress that offers excellent pressure relief to reduce the strain on your neck and shoulders.
If you wake up with neck pain that diminishes during the day, your mattress might be the culprit. An unsupportive mattress can cause misalignment of your spine, leading to strain and discomfort in your neck. If your mattress is sagging, lumpy, or more than seven years old, it might not be providing the support you need for a restful night’s sleep. Other common factors that can cause neck pain are:
Choosing between a soft or firm mattress for neck pain depends on specific preferences and sleep positions. Generally, a medium-firm mattress tends to be the best option for most people with neck pain. It provides a balance of support and comfort, promoting proper spinal alignment and reducing pressure points. This was confirmed by a study in Sleep Science that found that institutionalized older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain had better sleep quality on a medium-firm mattress [6] Ancuelle V, et. al. Effects of an Adapted Mattress in Musculoskeletal Pain and Sleep Quality in Institutionalized Elders. Sleep Sci. 2015 Nov. 8, 2015 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4688575/ .
Side sleepers might benefit more from a slightly softer mattress to cushion the shoulders and hips, while back sleepers often find a firmer mattress helps maintain the natural curve of the spine. Ultimately, the right mattress should support your body’s natural alignment and feel comfortable to you.
Here are some of the materials used in mattresses experts consider beneficial for those with neck pain.
We can’t talk about neck pain without discussing pillows. Choosing the right pillow is crucial for easing neck pain and ensuring a good night’s sleep. The type of pillow you use can significantly impact how well your neck and spine stay aligned, which is essential for reducing strain and discomfort.
Memory foam and latex pillows are often recommended for neck pain. Memory foam pillows contour to the shape of your head and neck, providing customized support and maintaining alignment. Latex pillows offer similar benefits but tend to be more resilient and breathable, which can help with temperature regulation. Both materials provide excellent support and can help ease pressure points.
The size of your pillow should correspond to your body size and sleeping position. A pillow that is too high or too low can cause your neck to bend unnaturally, leading to strain and discomfort. Standard-sized pillows generally work well for most people, but if you are larger or smaller than average, you might need to adjust accordingly.
Contour pillows, which have a curved design to support the neck and head, are particularly beneficial for those with neck pain. These pillows help maintain the natural curve of your spine, reducing strain and promoting better alignment. Cervical pillows, which are specifically designed to support the neck, can also be very effective.
Your sleeping position should also influence your pillow choice:
Alyssa Lawrenson, DC, owner of Refined Chiropractic and Wellness in Colorado, told us, “For those with neck pain, supporting the backward c-shape curvature is essential for reducing pain while sleeping.” This can most easily be achieved by sleeping on your back or side. She recommends avoiding stomach sleeping.
Sleeping on your back is a good position for minimizing neck and shoulder pain, provided you have the right support. Here are some tips:
Sleeping on your side can also help reduce neck and shoulder pain. To get the best support in this position:
Sleeping on your stomach is generally the worst position for neck and shoulder pain, as it can cause significant strain. To minimize pain:
Finding the right mattress can make a significant difference in easing neck pain and improving sleep quality. In this article, we highlighted seven top mattresses for neck pain, each excelling in different areas to meet various needs and preferences.
The Helix Dusk Luxe is our “Top Pick Overall,” offering a balanced mix of support, pressure relief, and cooling properties. The Saatva RX is “Best for Back Sleepers,” providing optimal support and spinal alignment.
The WinkBed is the “Best Hybrid Mattress,” combining support and comfort with excellent cooling and pressure relief. The Bear Elite Hybrid is the “Best for Side Sleepers,” offering superior pressure relief and balanced firmness. The Nolah Evolution is the “Best Firm Mattress,” delivering strong support and pressure relief with zoned comfort. The Titan Plus is the “Best for Higher-Weight Sleepers,” providing extra firmness and support to maintain spinal alignment. Finally, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is the “Best Value Mattress,” offering balanced support, comfort, and pressure relief at an affordable price.
Each of these mattresses has been selected based on specific criteria such as support, pressure relief, cooling, and functional support, ensuring several options for everyone looking to reduce neck pain and enjoy a better night’s sleep.
Foam mattresses, particularly memory foam, are often better for neck pain as they conform to the body’s shape, providing excellent pressure relief and maintaining proper spinal alignment. But, a hybrid mattress combining foam and springs can offer both contouring comfort and robust support, making it a good option for many people with neck pain.
Many hotels use medium to medium-firm mattresses, which generally range from five to 6.5 on the firmness scale. This level of firmness provides a balance of support and comfort suitable for a wide range of sleepers.
A hybrid mattress is often the best choice for those with a bad back and neck. Hybrid mattresses combine the benefits of foam and innerspring coils, providing both contouring comfort and robust support.
In terms of firmness, a medium to medium-firm mattress, typically rated between six and seven on the firmness scale, is ideal. This firmness level can provide the necessary support to keep the spine aligned while also being comfortable enough to reduce pressure points on the neck and back.
The Helix Dusk Luxe is an excellent choice for those with both back and neck pain. It offers a balanced mix of support, pressure relief, and cooling properties, helping to maintain proper spinal alignment and reduce discomfort.
Have questions about this article? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
