Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck vs Layla Kapok: Which pillow for side sleepers should you buy?

Tom's Guide

4 days ago

Type: Tempur foamPrice: from $119 at Tempur-PedicBest for: Side and back sleepersSizes: Small, medium and largeTrial: N/AWarranty: 5 yearsShipping: Free
Type: Shredded memory foam and kapok fiber blendPrice: from $109 at LaylaBest for: All sleepersSizes: Queen and kingTrial: 30-night trialWarranty: 5 yearsShipping: Free
Your choice of pillow can make or break your sleep, and the having the wrong one can exacerbate or even cause neck pain. On the plus side, there are pillows now available that are designed to suit your specific sleeping position. Two of the best pillows for side sleepers are the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck and the Layla Kapok. But how to choose between them? When considering a pillow for side sleepers, it's crucial to pick one at the right loft and firmness for your body type and sleep preferences. Being a bedding tester, I've had the opportunity to test some of the best pillows of 2025 and rate them against core performance indicators like comfort, support and pressure relief.
Out of both the Tempur-Neck and Layla Kapok, both are crafted to specifically suit side sleepers and to target neck pain reduction. I've tested both, so here's how to choose the right pillow for side sleepers for you...
The Tempur-Neck is Tempur-Pedic's most affordable pillow after the Tempur-Cloud (from $89), starting from $119 for a small size. A medium is priced at $129 while a king pillow will cost you $159.
While pillow deals aren't a regular feature of Tempur-Pedic mattress sales, you can often find a bundle saving of up to 30% off when buying a double pack. This means a pair of medium Tempur-Neck pillows will drop in price from $258 to $180.60.
It's also worth noting that while the Tempur-Neck comes with a 5-year warranty and free shipping, there's no sleep trial. If that's a deal-breaker for you, you'd be better off considering another brand instead.
The Layla Kapok falls in the same price range as the Tempur-Neck, with a queen size pillow priced at $109 while a king is $129.
It's rare to not find a reduction on the Layla Kapok, and right now you can snag a 'buy one and get one up to 50% off' deal, which drops the price of a queen bundle from $218 to $163.50.
Unlike the Tempur-Neck, the Layla comes with a generous package of sleep benefits which includes a 30-night sleep trial, 5-year warranty and free shipping.
The Layla Kapok takes the upper hand here, solely on the basis of a sleep trial since the two pillows are otherwise largely similar in terms of price and deals.
The Tempur-Neck is crafted from a single block of firm pressure relieving Tempur-Material (premium memory foam). It has a unique ergonomic shape that follows the natural curvature of the neck when side and back sleeping.
It is encased in a hypoallergenic knit polyester cover which is both removable and washable. The Tempur-Neck comes as a ready-to-sleep pillow requiring no adjustments or shifting. You also need not worry about regularly fluffing up your pillow since the foam material is not prone to flatten easily.
The Layla Kapok, on the other hand, is made from a combination of shredded memory foam and kapok fiber fill. The Layla comes overstuffed with the fill which you can remove (and store away in the complimentary cloth bag that comes in the package) to suit your sleeping style and preferences.
Kapok fibers are naturally breathable, hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking and silkier than cotton — making this pillow a possible option for hot sleepers and allergy sufferers.
The Layla also comes in a striking honeycomb OEKO-TEX certified grey and white cover made from 68% polyester, 33% rayon and 1% spandex. This outer cover is machine washable while the inner core is spot-clean only.
There is no clear winner in terms of design and materials, as both pillows are drastically different from each other. However, the Tempur-Neck falls behind because its curved structure means that it can't be used by stomach sleepers with neck pain.
If you're expecting the Tempur-Neck to feel like a block of wood, you're in for a surprise.
Yes, the overall build, firmness and construction makes it stand out from regular bed pillows out there but it effectively provides comfy support, crucial for side and back sleepers struggling with neck pain or discomfort.
During the Tempur-Neck pillow review period, I was initially skeptical about the comfort such a firm pillow can offer. However, sleeping on it on the first night felt like a 'spa-massage' for my neck and shoulders. The memory foam block contours to the shape of your neck to soothe your muscles while providing consistent support all night long. This ensures that there is little chance of twisting or straining your neck and shoulders when changing positions during the night.
However, this extra firmness could be a serious disadvantage if you're not someone who requires a pillow for neck pain every day. The Tempur-Neck is also not big on breathability, so if you're a hot sleeper I'd recommend adding Tempur-Pedic's cooling technology (at an additional cost of $20).
The Layla Kapok, on the other hand, offers customizable comfort and support. For a combination sleeper who predominantly sleep on their side, there is little to no adjustment needed, while it should be flattened out more for stomach sleepers.
In my experience, the Layla Kapok is the ideal pick for you if a medium-firm pillow that strikes a good balance of comfort and sturdy support is your priority. Unlike other adjustable models in the market, the Layla Kapok will not flatten easily or shift in the middle of the night causing an uneven distribution of the fill.
The pressure-relieving properties may not match those of the Tempur foam used in Tempur-Neck, but this is a more of an everyday pillow to have if you're not someone who has serious neck or shoulder pain issues.
During the Layla Kapok pillow review period, I found it to sleep at a neutral temperature due to lack of any specialist cooling tech apart from the naturally breathable kapok fibers. This might be insufficient for very hot sleepers prone to overheating and night sweats throughout the year.
In conclusion, choosing between the Tempur-Neck and Layla Kapok depends on the severity of your neck and shoulder pain and your sleeping position.
✅ You're a side or back sleeper: The Tempur-Neck is designed to follow the natural curve of your neck while side or back sleeping.
✅ You prefer a firm headrest: If you prefer your pillow to have a firm yet contouring feel, the Tempur-Neck is the perfect choice. It provides consistent support all night long without any adjustments or shifting during the night.
✅ You crave instant pressure-relief: The curved design offers instant soothing comfort which destresses your neck and shoulder muscles resulting in a spa-like pressure relief.
✅ You're a stomach or combi sleeper: The Layla has a fully adjustable foam and fiber fill which you can simply add or remove to achieve the right feel for your sleeping style. This is the Layla's biggest advantage over the Tempur-Neck, which cannot be used by stomach sleepers.
✅ You prefer a medium-firm pillow: Not a fan of a firm block of foam? The Layla provides a medium-firm feel, which you can always build up or down by adding or removing the fill.
✅ You prefer a pillow with a sleep trial: Unlike the Tempur-Neck, the Layla Kapok comes with a 30-night sleep trial in addition to a 5-year warranty and free shipping.