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What is a good pillow for headaches?

Lars van der Wijst Lars van der Wijst | 27 Aug 2025
What is a good pillow for headaches?

Do you often wake up with a headache? 😫 There’s a good chance your pillow isn’t giving the right support. That puts you in a poor sleeping position, which creates tension in your neck. That tension can travel to your head. Not ideal! So, do you often have morning headaches? Try a pillow designed to help with headaches and find out whether your current pillow is the culprit. Curious which pillow is best for headaches? Read on.

See all our pillows for headaches

Why do I keep waking up with a headache?

Imagine this: you feel perfectly fine when you get into bed, but you wake up with a headache again. Why is that? There can be several causes:

1. Wrong sleeping posture due to the wrong pillow

Look closely at your sleeping position. Your pillow might be too low or too high. Or it may have gone so limp that it no longer provides proper support. That means your neck and spine are no longer in a straight line, creating neck tension that radiates to your head.

2. Too little sleep or an irregular sleep routine

Sleeping at irregular times, too little, or even too long can all trigger headaches. Your sleep cycle gets disrupted, which can lead to muscle tension. Keep a steady routine, even at the weekend.

3. Stress and tension during the day

If you experience stress during the day, you often take that to bed with you. These feelings can unconsciously cause muscle tension, for example in your shoulders or jaw, and that tension can lead to headaches. Try relaxation exercises before bedtime.

4. Not drinking enough

You lose a lot of fluid while you sleep. Make sure you drink enough, and eat well, during the day so your body has enough reserves for the night. Too little fluid can lead to dehydration, which in turn can cause headaches.

5. Poor air quality in the bedroom

You may be getting too little fresh air at night because your bedroom isn’t well ventilated. Air the room regularly, or sleep with a window open. Oh, and keep your bedroom (and your mattress!) clean for healthier air.

Can a bad pillow cause headaches?

Yes, a poor pillow can definitely cause headaches. If your pillow doesn’t support you properly, your body won’t lie in a neutral position. That can create tension in your neck, shoulders, and upper back. That tension can then radiate to your head and cause tension headaches. Signs your pillow isn’t right include:

  • Your neck and spine aren’t in a straight line.

  • Your pillow is too firm or too soft and doesn’t match your sleeping position.

  • Your pillow is old and worn and has lost its shape and support.


Time to replace your pillow?


What is a tension headache?

If you often wake with a headache, it’s likely to be a tension headache. What is that exactly? It’s a pressing pain on both sides of your head that can feel like a tight band around it. It’s often caused by muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, usually due to a poor sleeping position or an unsuitable pillow. If tension headaches are a regular thing, choosing a well-supporting pillow is a smart first step. With a bit of luck, your morning headaches will soon be gone. 🤞


What is the best pillow for headaches?

Top tip: choose memory foam. Memory foam pillows are reliably supportive and keep their shape. They adapt to your sleeping position and the contours of your body, and they distribute pressure evenly. That reduces muscle tension because your neck and spine stay aligned all night.

Pick your perfect anti headache pillow:

  • Cloudpillo Original This pillow can be tailored exactly to your liking. Remove some memory foam, or add extra filling, to set your ideal height and firmness. That helps prevent neck tension, a common cause of tension headaches. Extra bonus: the pillow has a warm side and a cool side, so you sleep soundly all year round.

  • Cloudpillo Plus Are you a side sleeper who often wakes with a headache? Choose Cloudpillo Plus: the ideal pillow for side sleepers. Thanks to the shoulder recess, your neck and spine stay in a straight line. Broad shoulders or narrow? No problem. Add or remove memory foam pieces to fine tune the thickness and firmness to your body for a relaxed, pain free night’s sleep.


Discover which pillow suits you


"Finally free from neck and head pain after trying many pillows, and pleased with the fast delivery."

Erica: Trustpilot

 

 

What is better for your neck: a firm pillow or a soft pillow?

Should you choose a firm pillow, a supportive pillow, or a soft pillow? It depends on your sleeping position:

  • Side sleeper: choose a medium to firm pillow. It should also be high enough to fill the gap between your head and the mattress.

  • Back sleeper: choose a pillow that is firm or medium firm. It should support your head and neck so your spine stays aligned.

  • Stomach sleeper: choose a soft, thin pillow to avoid lifting the head too far.


Which is better: a firm pillow or a soft pillow?


100 day trial

Have you got your eye on a headache relieving pillow, but want to be sure it suits you? With our 100 day trial you can try the pillow at home in your own bed. You’ll soon see whether your headaches ease. Order your ideal pillow online. Not the right match? No problem: you can return it free of charge. Questions? Feel free to get in touch; our dream team will be happy to help. 🙌