Best Mattress for Neck Pain (2024): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Over 30 percent of adults in the United States suffer from neck pain each year. About half of this percentage experiences neck pain so severe, it interferes with their daily activities. This type of pain can disrupt important routines, including sleep. Instead of waking up with a sore neck, a new mattress could improve your sleep quality.

In our article, we review some of the best mattresses for neck pain and share how neck pain sufferers can find the best mattress for a good night’s sleep.

Best Mattresses for Neck Pain

	Mattress	Highlights	Price (Queen)
	Amerisleep AS3	Breathable, responsive foam layers cushion the spine and reduce pressure points.	$1399
	Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid	Zoned pocketed coils relieve pressure and evenly support the body.	$1679
	Zoma Mattress	Gel memory foam pulls heat away from the body, regulating temperature.	$799
	Zoma Hybrid	Pocketed coils provide targeted support for pain-free sleep.	$999
	Vaya Mattress	Thick foam layers contour to the body, aligning the spine and reducing pain.	$599
	Vaya Hybrid	Individually wrapped spring coils suport body weight without causing pressure points	$699

If you’re looking for the best mattress for neck pain, look no further than the Amerisleep AS3. The layers of foam cushion the shoulders and hips, where you may feel more pressure. Zoned sleep technology encourages spinal alignment and minimizes neck and shoulder pain.

“Research has shown that memory foam mattresses, like the Amerisleep AS3, provide pressure-relief support and help to reduce overall pain,” says Dr. Jordan Burns.

The mattress’s medium feel is best for supporting side and combination sleepers.

The first layer is Bio-Pur®, a plant-based memory foam that conforms to the body, relieving pressure points without trapping heat so you don’t wake up hot. Plus, Bio-Pur® is more responsive than traditional memory foam, so you won’t feel stuck inside the mattress. It also has a breathable construction, keeping heat from building up.

The second layer is Affinity with HIVE® technology. Affinity foam provides extra cushion to parts of the body more prone to pressure buildup, like the shoulders. The Affinity layer contains a special sleep technology called HIVE®.

HIVE® technology gets its name from the hundreds of hexagonal-shaped segments formed into five support zones. Areas under the head, back, and legs feel firmer, and areas under the shoulders and hips feel softer. HIVE® levels your spine and ensures even pressure relief throughout the body.

The last layer is a stable foam called Bio-Core®. Bio-Core® supports body weight for even wear and tear. Unlike other support foams, Bio-Core® won’t develop soft spots or sag under regular use. You’ll love the long-lasting support for your spine.

“The memory foam Amerisleep AS3 mattress evenly distributes body weight across the surface of the mattress to help with the reduction of neck pain,” notes Dr. Burns.  

The Amerisleep AS3 Mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial. You can return the bed during the trial period if you find the AS3 is not at your comfort level.

The AS3 comes with Amerisleep’s excellent 20-year warranty which covers sagging greater than an inch. During the first ten years, Amerisleep takes full financial responsibility for repairs or replacements. During the last ten years, Amerisleep will repair or replace the bed at a prorated charge.

Neck and shoulder pain sufferers looking for a plush surface will love the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid. The AS5 Hybrid is one of Amerisleep’s softest mattresses, but it still offers plenty of support and prevents sagging unlike other soft mattresses.

The Bio-Pur® comfort layer molds to your body’s shape without causing you to sag. You’ll love the comfort of thick, plush foam that alleviates pressure points.

Active Flex is the transition foam, a highly-responsive, ultra-soft layer. Active Flex automatically bounces back to its original shape when you switch sleeping positions and prevents your body from sinking into the support layer. Active Flex is unique to the AS5 Hybrid (as well as the all-foam AS5); it ensures you can enjoy the softness of the mattress without sinking and getting stuck.

The base of the AS5 Hybrid contains hundreds of pocketed coils formed in a 3-zone support layer. You’ll feel a deeper compression in your shoulders and more support to your lower back. A base foam protects the bed frame from pocketed coils and keeps the mattress stable.

Amerisleep allows you to try out the AS5 Hybrid for up to 100 nights. If you don’t like the bed after giving yourself time to adjust, you can return it for a full refund.

The Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid includes a 20-year warranty, one of the best in the mattress industry. The warranty covers any manufacturing defects and sagging greater than an inch.

Zoma created the Zoma Mattress for athletes and those with an active lifestyle. Cool, responsive foam layers promote better sleep by reducing pressure buildup and improving recovery.

The medium feel is also a good choice for most sleeping positions. Back and stomach sleepers can enjoy a cradling sensation in the hips, while side sleepers feel a deeper compression under the shoulders.

The comfort layer contains Triangulex™ gel memory foam. Triangulex™ is a sleep technology consisting of triangle-shaped segments formed into three support zones. You’ll love the softness under the head, shoulders, and legs, and the firmness under the back and hips. Triangulex™ ensures even pressure relief and encourages spinal alignment.

The gel memory foam absorbs and dissipates body heat. The gel can soothe inflamed muscles from neck pain by improving circulation.

“Research has shown that cooler body temperatures provide better overall quality of sleep and comfort,” says Dr. Burns.

Reactiv™ is a latex-like foam. This elastic transition layer adjusts to your movement, no matter the sleeping position. Reactiv™ gives the bed a slight bounce, making it easier to get out of bed in the morning.

Support+ is a long-lasting support foam. Support+ ensures steady support without the risk of sagging.

Zoma gives customers a 100-night sleep trial to see if the Zoma Mattress is a good fit. The Zoma Mattress also comes with a 10-year warranty that covers repairs or replacements for sags deeper than an inch as well as manufacturing defects.

The Zoma Hybrid is another great option from Zoma. The Zoma Hybrid includes all the great features of the Zoma Mattress, except the bed contains a pocketed coil support core. The pocketed coils provide targeted support to areas you need it the most, like the lower back.

The comfort layer features gel memory foam to relieve pressure points without trapping heat. Cutouts near the head and foot portion of the mattress help minimize pressure points and keep the spine level. Heavier sections of the body won’t sag and misalign the spine, potentially worsening existing neck pain.

The elastic Reactiv™ foam ensures you don’t sink too deeply into the mattress. The highly responsive layer keeps the body resting on top and has a nice bounce to make movement easier.

The support layer contains hundreds of pocketed coils. Each coil reacts individually to provide targeted support along the spine. The pocketed coils also give the Zoma Hybrid more bounce compared to its all-foam counterpart.

The Zoma Hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial. You can try the bed risk-free—if you don’t like the mattress, you can return it for a full refund after a month.

The Zoma Hybrid includes a 10-year warranty and financially covers the mattress in case of a defect or sags greater than an inch.

The Vaya Mattress is an excellent choice for potential mattress shoppers on a tight budget.  The mattress has a simple design, consisting of two foam layers encased in a soft, breathable mattress cover.

Unlike other mattress brands that charge over $1,000 for a queen size mattress, the Vaya Mattress only costs $599. Vaya offers the same high-quality materials but at a lower price.

“The Vaya mattress promotes a healthy spinal alignment whether you are a back, side or stomach sleeper. This helps reduce the likelihood of neck, back or hip pain,” notes Dr. Burns.

The top layer is Vaya Comfort Foam. This plush foam cradles the body, reducing pressure points. The open-cell design increases airflow inside the foam, so you can sleep cooler compared to heat-trapping, traditional memory foam mattresses.

The Vaya Support Foam ensures the right amount of support along the spine. The durable foam consistently supports the body and won’t develop soft spots over time. The Vaya Support Foam reinforces the bed’s shape, so the surface remains smooth instead of lumpy.

You can enjoy the Vaya Mattress for 100 nights, risk-free. Should you not like the bed, you can return it for a full refund.

The Vaya Mattress comes with a 10-year warranty that covers sags greater than an inch.

SEE ALSO: The Best Place to Buy a Mattress & 7 In-Store Myths

Like their all-foam model, the Vaya Hybrid has a plush comfort layer that molds to the body for immediate pressure relief. However, this foam also has an inherent elasticity that encourages a healthy sleep position by gently lifting the hips.

The Vaya Hybrid has a base made with pocketed spring coils. Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses that use interconnected coils, individually wrapped coils move separately from one another for more accurate contouring and motion isolation. This sturdy base ensures the body is lifted and aligned so you can get deeper, more restful sleep.

The Vaya Hybrid comes with a 10-year warranty that covers structural defects such as sags and indents before .75 inches. They also offer a 100-night sleep trial so you can test out the mattress and make sure it meets your needs.

How to Find the Best Mattress for Neck Pain

Some of the best mattresses for neck pain provide ample pressure relief and support. A too-soft or too-firm mattress could create painful pressure points and increase neck and shoulder pain.

When choosing a new mattress, consider sleeping position, body type, mattress type, and available sleep trials, return policies, and warranties. Knowing these factors can help you narrow down potential options.

If you’re sharing with a partner, you’ll also want to keep their preferences in mind as you hunt for an excellent mattress for couples.

Sleeping Position

Choosing the right firmness for the most comfortable mattress comes down to your preferred sleeping position because it affects how your body weight is situated on the mattress.

For example, back sleepers need a surface that cradles their hips, but keeps the body on top of the bed instead of sinking. In contrast, side sleepers typically prefer a softer feel for optimal cushioning in the shoulders and hips.

Side Sleeping

About 63 percent of American adults sleep on their side. Side sleeping is one of the most popular sleeping positions, and the healthiest too. Side sleeping improves heart health, opens up airways, and reduces acid reflux.

The best mattress for side sleepers is soft to medium. The softer surface provides a deeper compression under the shoulders and hips, areas with more pressure from bearing body weight when sleeping on your side.

A softer mattress can better cradle the head and neck, filling in the large gap between the neck and sleep surface. A mattress firmer than a medium may feel too hard and could increase pressure, aggravating neck pain.

Back Sleeping

Back sleeping can provide pain relief because it naturally aligns the spine. Back sleeping also keeps the hips and shoulders neutral, potentially reducing neck pain.

Medium-firm to firm mattresses for back sleepers are ideal since these firmnesses better support the lower back and prevent the hips from sinking too deep, which could lead to lower back and neck pain.

Combination Sleeping

Combination sleepers regularly toss and turn, switching between two to three sleeping positions each night. Combination sleeping may not be the best sleeping position if you have neck pain, because the tossing motions may increase the risk of pulling already sore neck muscles.

The best mattresses for combination sleepers are medium to medium-firm in firmness. A medium feel provides ample support to the spine, no matter the sleeping position.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping is the least healthy sleeping position. Lying on your stomach places intense pressure on the spine; this pressure could exacerbate neck pain when you twist your head to the side to breathe.

We recommend switching to side sleeping, but if you’re a committed stomach sleeper, there are a couple of practices you can do to reduce spinal pressure. One method is placing a thin pillow under your hips. Slightly elevating your hips can reduce pressure and better align your spine.

The second technique is sleeping without a pillow. Pillows could strain the neck by lifting your head too high and arching the spine. Resting your head directly on the sleep surface prevents muscle strain and aligns your shoulders and hips.

Body Type

Your body type also influences the comfort and support you need for a good night’s sleep. Body type is divided into three groups—light, average, and plus-size. Different firmness levels may be more ideal than others, depending on which group you belong to.

For instance, a soft mattress can offer excellent cushioning and support to a lightweight sleeper or someone who weighs less than 130 pounds. However, a plus-size sleeper may find the bed too soft and unsupportive. Instead, a plus-size sleeper may feel more comfortable on a medium-firm to firm mattress, since this type of bed provides better support to those who weigh more than 230 pounds.

Average weight sleepers can choose a mattress based solely on their sleeping position and comfort preferences since their weight doesn’t change the feel of the mattress.

Mattress Type

You may prefer a bed with more bounce, or a mattress with a conforming feel. Thanks to online shopping, you can easily find all types of mattresses and firmnesses to fit your needs. The most common mattress types include memory foam, innerspring, latex, and hybrid.

Keep in mind if you suffer from neck pain, you’ll want a bed with excellent pressure relief and consistent support. Otherwise, you could end up with the wrong mattress and worsen existing neck pain.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are excellent for neck pain relief. Memory foam softens under heat and weight, molding to the body and relieving pressure points. Memory foam holds its shape and cradles your body, reverting to a smooth surface when you get out of bed. Other mattress materials may not contour as well as memory foam, and your neck pain could worsen as a result.

Another nice feature of memory foam is its ability to restrict motion transfer. For sleepers with neck pain, not being woken up by jolts or movement can prevent the neck pain from getting worse.

Innerspring

In contrast to memory foam, innersprings may be the worst mattress option for neck pain. Innerspring mattresses lack an adequate comfort layer, and may not provide enough pressure relief to reduce neck pain. Some innerspring mattresses may come with a pillow top, which can improve pressure relief but typically sags and thins out after just a few years of wear.

Innerspring mattresses are not as durable as other mattress types. An innerspring mattress has a 5-7 year life expectancy. The steel coils tend to break or bend out of shape quickly, causing the mattress to lose support and leading to pain.

Latex

Latex is similar to memory foam—both provide excellent pressure relief and hold their shape to reduce neck pain. However, latex sleeps cooler and is often more durable than memory foam. Latex mattresses don’t form as close to the body as memory foam, so less body heat is trapped, a nice feature for hot sleepers. Natural latex is one of the most durable materials, lasting up to 12 years, so you can enjoy pain-free sleep for a longer period.

Latex mattresses can be heavier than other mattress types and cost more. A latex mattress may not be within your means if you’re on a tight budget.

Hybrid

A hybrid mattress combines pressure-relieving memory foam or latex with bouncy innerspring coils. Hybrids may be a better choice for those who prefer a coiled support layer over foam. The addition of memory foam in the top layer and the supportive pocketed coils ensures both softness and support for those with neck pain.

Keep in mind hybrid mattresses can be more expensive than other mattress types, but many feel the extra cost is worth it.

Sleep Trial, Return Policy, and Warranty

Sleep trials, return policies, and warranties enable you to try out a new mattress with little risk and fully enjoy the bed for years to come. Be sure to carefully read the fine print of each policy before committing to a purchase. Otherwise, you could end up with a cheap mattress and experience poor sleep from sagging.

Sleep trials give customers time to try out a bed at home without pressure to buy from hovering salespeople. If you don’t like the mattress, most companies will issue a refund. Most sleep trials last 90 to 120 nights, depending on the brand.

If a sleep trial isn’t offered, the next best thing is the return policy. Return policies are not as extensive as sleep trials, but they still give you 30 days to try a new mattress and return it if the bed isn’t a good fit (the same time it takes to adjust to a new mattress).

A warranty protects you from having to repair or replace a defective or sagging mattress. Most brands cover sags greater than 1 inch, although this measurement varies depending on the company. Most beds come with a standard 10-year warranty, but some warranty periods may extend longer, in which case they are usually prorated.

FAQs

Is memory foam good for neck pain?

Memory foam is one of the best mattress materials for neck pain. Memory foam cradles the neck, supports the head, and relieves pressure points. Memory foam can keep your head aligned with the shoulders and hips, reducing neck and back pain. There is the possibility memory foam will cause you to overheat, but many memory foam mattresses have cooling properties, including plant oils, gel, and copper or graphite infusions, to solve this problem.

Does a bad mattress cause neck pain?

If you wake up each morning experiencing neck pain, the problem could be your mattress. A good mattress needs to have the right balance between comfort and support. A too-soft or too-firm bed can throw your spine out of alignment and result in neck pain. If you’re not sure which firmness level is right for you, consider your sleeping position.

How should I sleep to avoid neck pain?

Sleeping on your side or back are the best ways to sleep to avoid neck pain. A high-loft pillow fills in the large gap between the neck and the bed’s surface, keeping the spine aligned for side sleepers. Back sleepers may feel more comfortable with a medium-loft pillow that won’t arch the spine and positions the neck and shoulders to align with the hips.

Should I sleep without a pillow if my neck hurts?

Depending on your sleeping position, your pillow may be the source of your neck pain. You could be resting on an old pillow, or the pillow may not have the right support for your sleeping position. However, stomach sleeping may not require a pillow.

Resting the head on a pillow could misalign the spine because of the intense pressure from stomach sleeping. Instead, stomach sleepers may feel more comfortable without a pillow. Sleeping without a pillow reduces spinal pressure and keeps the spine in neutral alignment.

What’s the best mattress firmness for neck pain?

In most cases, a medium to medium-firm mattress is best for those with neck pain. These two firmness levels are supportive enough to promote a neutral spinal alignment, ensuring the muscles in the neck and back remain relaxed throughout the night. With the spine neutral and the muscles relaxed, sleepers are less likely to wake up with neck pain.

Conclusion

Neck pain can be a source of discomfort, especially when trying to sleep. Sore, stiff muscles can make it hard to concentrate and perform tasks during the day, but falling asleep and staying asleep can be difficult with neck pain. Plus, you could spend less time in deep sleep, a stage where muscles recover from the previous day’s activities. You may wake up in the morning feeling worse pain.

Instead of struggling with sleep due to neck pain, choose a mattress that can relieve this discomfort. Some of the best mattresses for neck pain offer optimal pressure relief, relaxing stiff muscles and reducing soreness. These beds also have even, consistent support for healthy spinal alignment, a key element in reducing neck pain.