A pillow should keep your neck parallel to the mattress, rather than bent down or up

1. Pillows that adapt to your position are best
Cervical contour pillows work best for most people, he says. Your head rests in a depression in the center. Your neck rests on either a less elevated side when you’re lying on your back, or on a more elevated side when you’re lying on your side.

Foam contour pillows are next best at supporting your neck.