Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
If you think your current pillow leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to neck support, it’s time to replace it with one made specifically for this purpose. The TEMPUR-Neck™ pillow is an ergonomic pillow made from memory foam, and as the name suggests, it’s designed to support your neck.
Neck support is crucial, especially for side and back sleepers, and it can be valuable to have a pillow made for this. In most cases, memory foam pillows do a good job of keeping the neck aligned, but the TEMPUR-Neck™ pillow takes this an extra step by providing ergonomic support and comfort.
I tested this pillow myself, and in this review, I’ll share with you its design features, pros, cons, and more.
TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
A firm pillow available in multiple sizes.
Sleep Advisor Score
3.90 / 5
Read Full Review
Our Video Review of The TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
I tested the TEMPUR-Neck™ pillow in various sleeping positions to see how it supports the neck and head. I was also on the lookout for pressure relief and whether the pillow helps relieve pressure or whether it might cause tension.
During my tests, I also paid attention to things like the overall feel, durability, cleaning and care, temperature, and off-gassing to help sleepers decide if this is the right choice for them.
Learn more about our testing methodology by visiting our product review process page.
Who Is the TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow Best for?
Pros: Who Might Like the TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow:
- Back sleepers – I love this pillow as an option for back sleepers. I think they should appreciate how well it supports the neck and head so that they remain in alignment with the rest of the spine.
- People who prefer firm pillows – This pillow has a firm feel, and I believe that makes it a good option for anyone who likes feeling on top of a pillow instead of having their head sinking into it.
- Consumers who want choices – I was thrilled to see that this pillow was offered in three sizes. Sleepers are able to pick a size that best fits their body.
Cons: Who Might Not Like the TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow :
- Those who love soft pillows – If you’re a fan of softer pillows that offer more sinkage, I think the TEMPUR-Neck™ pillow may be too firm for you.
- Hot sleepers – This pillow is made from memory foam, which is known to retain heat, and instead, I would recommend a cooling pillow if you’re a hot sleeper.
- Stomach sleepers – The TEMPUR-Neck™ pillow is likely too lofty for those who like sleeping on their stomach. A good pillow for stomach sleepers will be flatter to keep the head and neck from arching too far upward.
What is the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow Made of?
Cover
This pillow has a hypoallergenic polyester knit cover with a zipper along the edge, allowing you to easily remove it. The cover is also machine washable which makes it a breeze to keep clean.
Core
The core of the TEMPUR-Neck™ pillow is made from Tempur® foam, a proprietary material molded into an ergonomic shape. The wave of the pillow is created to follow the natural curves of your neck and head, offering an excellent balance of pressure relief and support. There’s also a polyester netting wrapped around the core to further protect it.
TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow Firmness & Feel
Firmness
The company claims this pillow is extra firm, but I think it has more of a standard firm feel. It was designed for back and side sleepers, but after testing it, I’d say it is best suited for just back sleepers. With the TEMPUR-Neck™, you’re not going to experience the sinking that you do with other Tempur-Pedic products, which could make it too rigid for side sleepers.
Feel
Although the cover is washable and has a soft and gentle feel, I’d still advise using a pillowcase for added comfort and protection. I enjoyed how the memory foam in this pillow molded and contoured around my head and neck.
When I tested this pillow out on my back and my side, I noticed that there was plenty of lift and spine alignment. However, side sleeping felt too rigid and elevated — to the point where I worry that you may not be able to comfortably sleep through the night. It was a different experience for back sleeping, as I felt that it was a spa-like treat.
Loft
One of the best things about this pillow is that you can choose between three sizes. The pillow comes in small, medium, and large. Because the pillow is curved, the loft measures from the highest point where your neck is supposed to be. The large model has a loft of 4.75 inches, the medium is 4 inches, and the small is 3.5 inches. You can find a measuring chart on the company’s website if you need more help deciding on a size.
Weight (Density of the Pillow)
This pillow feels solid and well-made, but I didn’t think that it was overly heavy. The actual weight depends on the size that you buy.
Here are the weights by size:
- Small: 2.2 pounds
- Medium: 2.8 pounds
- Large: 3 pounds
Sleeping on the TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow
Side Sleepers
Although this pillow is designed with side sleepers in mind, I found that it feels overly rigid for side sleeping. Even though the lift under the head and neck is noteworthy, I would venture to say that may be a bit too much. With that in mind, I still think it should be great for alignment, but I am concerned that the lack of cushion will be off-putting for some side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
I love this pillow for back sleeping and think that it is reminiscent of the pillows used at spas or when getting a massage. The amount of lift my head and neck received when I was testing this as a back sleeper felt wonderful. This pillow may feel a little firm for lightweight sleepers, but I think if they purchase the small size, the cranial and cervical support will surpass this slight call out.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers are likely to find this pillow too lofty and uncomfortable. Even the small size with the lowest loft didn’t feel right due to the pillow’s ergonomic shape.
This pillow was not designed for stomach sleepers, and I advise not using it if this is your preferred sleeping position. The TEMPUR-Neck™ feels almost like a choking hazard if you’re on your stomach and is too lofty for optimal alignment.
| Size | Dimensions | Price w/o Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 12.5″ x 20″ x 3.5” | $119 |
| Medium | 12.5″ x 20″ x 4” | $129 |
| Large | 12.5” x 20” x 4.75” | $159 |
TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
A firm pillow available in multiple sizes.
Sleep Advisor Score
3.90 / 5
Read Full Review
Sleep Advisor’s Performance Ratings for the TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow”
Temperature
2/5
The TEMPUR-Neck™ pillow is made from memory foam, which may not be the best option for those who sleep hot. The cover also isn’t designed for temperature regulation, so you might feel heat building up around your head. Read more about cooling pillows here.
Support
5/5
For back sleepers, there is plenty of spine alignment and support with this pillow. It feels dense and supportive and maintains a firm feel throughout the night. Although this pillow was constructed for side sleepers too, it may be too supportive and firm for these folks to find all-night comfort.
Durability
5/5
This pillow comes from a high-quality, reputable brand, so you can expect it to be durable. Furthermore, memory foam is a premium material, so the pillow is unlikely to show signs of wear and tear as quickly. In general, I felt that it was well-made and it could handle multiple years of use.
Comfort
4/5
The ergonomic design and supportiveness of this neck pillow offer high-level comfort for back sleepers. The foam molds around the head and neck to prevent pressure from building up when sleeping on your back. Although it wasn’t as comfortable when I tested it on my side, I still gave it kudos because of the superior spinal alignment. However, the fact that it allows heat buildup may be a turn-off for some people.
Off-Gassing
3/5
Memory foam is known to have a chemical-like smell known as off-gassing when it is removed from its packaging. However, I didn’t notice any with the TEMPUR-Neck™.
Allergens
4/5
The TEMPUR-Neck™ pillow has a hypoallergenic cover, so it’s a good option for people with allergies. On top of that, the memory foam in this pillow is CertiPUR-US® certified.
Cleaning & Care
5/5
You can remove the cover for machine washing. However, the foam core isn’t washable, though you can spot-clean it should you want to freshen it up a little.
Sleep Trial & Warranty
2/5
There’s a five-year warranty on this pillow. However, the company has a strict policy in which they don’t offer any trials for their pillows due to the personal nature of the product.
TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
A firm pillow available in multiple sizes.
Sleep Advisor Score
3.90 / 5
Read Full Review
TEMPUR-Neck Pillow Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tempur pillows good for neck pain?
This pillow should do a good job of alleviating neck pain by supporting optimal spinal alignment for the head and neck while sleeping on your back or side, though I personally would have preferred some slightly softer for side sleeping. Plus, the memory foam adapts and molds to the curves, so there are no empty spaces between your neck and the bed. Here you can read more about good pillows for neck pain.
How do you use a TEMPUR-Neck™ pillow?
To use a TEMPUR-Neck™ pillow, place your neck at the tallest part of the pillow, and your head should rest on the lower part of the pillow. The taller part helps fill in the gap between your neck and the mattress.
How long do TEMPUR-Neck™ pillows last?
Tempur-Pedic pillows should last around five years, given how well-made they feel. These pillows are high-quality and have a durable cover, so you shouldn’t have to worry about a new one any time soon.
How Does the TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow Compare to Other Pillows
TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow vs. Saatva Latex Pillow
Saatva Latex Pillow
A pressure-relieving pillow made with natural latex.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full Review
Who Should Get the TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow?
- People with neck pain
- Those who want size options
- Memory foam fans
Who Should Get the Saatva Latex Pillow?
- Latex fans
- Hot sleepers
- Those who want a softer pillow
If you think the Saatva is right for you, check out our Saatva Latex pillow review.
TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow vs. MyPillow
Who Should Get the TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow?
- Back sleepers
- Luxury shoppers
- Shoppers who want a good pillow warranty
Who Should Get the MyPillow?
- Those who want multiple firmnesses
- Stomach sleepers
- Shoppers who prefer to have a trial period
For more on the MyPillow, check out our MyPillow review.
My Final Thoughts on the TEMPUR-Neck™ Pillow
The TEMPUR-Neck™ is a champion for back sleepers, and I highly recommend it for those looking for a balance of support and pressure relief. It earned an overall score of 4.8 out of 5.
The ergonomic design molds nicely to your head and neck. Additionally, the pillow comes in three sizes, so you should be able to find a great fit for your body.
Although it wasn’t my favorite for side sleepers due to the abundance of firmness, I was still impressed with its spinal alignment capabilities. This pillow was not designed for stomach sleepers, and I recommend that these people just stay away from it.
TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
A firm pillow available in multiple sizes.
Sleep Advisor Score
3.90 / 5
Read Full Review
Julia Forbes
Lead Product Tester
About Author
Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper