Memory Foam Pillow or Down Pillow – Which is Better for Your Neck?

Memory foam pillows and down pillows offer excellent neck support, but which one is better?

They both contour to the shape of your head and neck, and help keep your spine in a neutral position. Your spine is in a neutral position, for example, when you are standing fully erect. Looking from the side, your spine forms a natural s curve, and looking from the front, your spine forms a straight line. As much as possible, you want your neck to be in the neutral position when you lie down in your bed.

I feel a memory foam pillow works best with a memory foam topper or mattress when sleeping on your side. The memory foam mattress or topper will allow your shoulder to sink into the bed the proper amount, keeping your neck straight. On mattresses that are firm, like some innerspring beds, your shoulder may not sink into the bed far enough, causing your neck to bend toward the bed (not in neutral position).

For sleeping on firm beds, on your side, a down or feather pillow is probably better. Unlike a memory foam pillow, you can shift the down around inside the pillow, making it thicker to raise your head up, or thinner to lower your head.

If you’ve never had neck or back pain, all this pillow talk may sound a bit tedious. But for those of you who are suffering with injury or illness, you know that finding just the right fit can mean the difference between another miserable night and a good night’s rest.

In summary, memory foam pillows are excellent for your neck if you mainly sleep on your back, or if you sleep on your back and side AND you also have a memory foam mattress or topper. Down pillows are adjustable in height, so they fit properly with more sleep surfaces and body positions. The bottom line, like all bedding choices, is to get and use what you think will be most comfortable for you.