Neck Pillows Market Assessment, By Shape [U-Shaped Neck Pillows, J-Shaped Neck Pillows, 360 Degree Neck Pillows, Neck Roll, Others], By Filling [Memory Foam, Polyester Hollow Fiber, Others], By Outer Material [Cotton, Polyester, Wool & Hemp, Silk, Others]

Neck Pillows Market Assessment, By Shape [U-Shaped Neck Pillows, J-Shaped Neck Pillows, 360 Degree Neck Pillows, Neck Roll, Others], By Filling [Memory Foam, Polyester Hollow Fiber, Others], By Outer Material [Cotton, Polyester, Wool & Hemp, Silk, Others] By Application [Traveling, Homes, Corporates], By Price Range [Below USD 10, USD 10 – USD 20, USD 21 – USD 30, USD 31 – USD 40, Above USD 40], By Distribution Channel [Online, Offline], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global neck pillows market is projected to witness a CAGR of 4.97% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 65.93 billion in 2023 to USD 128.5 billion in 2031. The neck pillows market has witnessed a surge due to factors such as a rise in the travel of consumers, long working hours, sleeping and resting in inadequate postures, longer duration of international and road travels, consumer's awareness on the usage of orthopedic pillows for relieving the neck and back aches and rise in the migraine and cervical pains. The market will have a positive trajectory with consumers’ ever-growing demand for neck pillows.

Consumers prefer lightweight and eco-friendly neck pillows which provide them comfort during their travel. Key players are innovating their products to design the neck pillows in a way that they are lightweight and comfortable and take minimum to no space during the travel.

For instance, Easier Hike, an outdoor travel equipment and sports company, announced the launch of 5-in-1 Alpha Neck Pillow in March 2021. Alpha Pillow is claimed by the company to be an ideal option for traveling, working in offices, or at home and for taking rests. The offering enables travelers to enjoy a relaxed journey, thus, it is designed light enough to be carried, weighing 0.3 lbs or 135 kg, and be as compact as possible making it portable.

Also, it can be easily washed which meets the eco-friendly belief of EasierHike, ensuring hygiene. It is flexible to be rolled up to achieve a desired stiffness, easily strapped around the neck or deflated and again rolled into a clean, ball-sized pouch. The use of soft latex foam in the neck pillow and its patented overlapping arms fits the customers' necks, offering neck support that does not cause any discomfort to the ears.

Travel Neck Pillows to Dominate the Market

The major reason for the dominance of traveling neck pillows is their applicability in providing support and comfort during long travel journeys. While traveling when someone sleeps while sitting in the chair, the neck muscles tend to relax, causing the head to drop to one side or the other. It may result in strain on the cervical spine and neck muscles. Moreover, the movements while travelling through road or turbulence on flights that may cause a jerk in the head due to sudden movement and, potentially could cause further injury.

To avoid such situations, consumers are willing to use neck pillows while traveling for a more comfortable experience. For instance, Pluto notified the launch of their stylish and sleep-enhancing travel pillow in September 2022. Pluto’s POD makes personal space and provides travelers with optimal sleeping conditions so that they can reach their destinations conveniently and safely. The product is created from a combination of memory foam and Alcantara to provide support, flexibility, and comfort. The design includes a structured and soft hood, which can be adjusted, providing 360-degree support around the neck. The POD is designed to fit all consumers stylishly and hygienically.

Relief in Neck Pain to Propel the Demand

Neck pillows are designed anatomically and ergonomically to relieve neck pain and headaches and provide cervical spine support. Neck pillows help in maintaining posture management by balancing the pressure between the head, neck, and shoulders at the time of sleeping, based on ergonomic principles in the body. Various neck pains are the outcome of age-related wear and tear or poor posture. With people spending the majority of their working days in front of a computer screen, their neck is usually pulled out of alignment, causing pain later. It can be minimized by the usage of supportive pillows and aligning the head and neck with the body.

Consumers are demanding neck pillows to maintain proper posture while sleeping, travelling, or working so that it relieves the neck pain. For instance, Desk Jockey LLC expanded its offering of pain relief devices and physiotherapy accessories in October 2023 by the launch of the memory foam neck cushion, as a solution for relieving neck pain. The newly designed neck wedge offers supportive comfort for long hour flight and car journeys. It is made from the memory foam which helps in molding itself to the shape of the neck, providing relief from stiff and strained muscles which has been caused by reclining or sleeping in some awkward position.

Light Weight Neck Pillows are Driving the Growth of the Market

Lightweight neck pillows are gaining popularity in the market and are driving the demand due to reasons such as ease in carrying the lightweight pillow during travel, especially in case of backpacker travelers, prevailing baggage weight restrictions in international travels, enabling the consumers to adjust their position more comfortably without feeling weighed down as they are less cumbersome.

To solve the problem of bulky and heavy travelling, key players are using different materials such as CosyPUR or innovating in shape or design to ensure that the neck pillows are as light in weight as possible and occupy minimum space during the travel.

In May 2022 Emma, announced the launch of Emma Go multifunctional neck pillow made with CosyPUR which is a flexible foam from BASF. The versatile material, CosyPUR, is lighter in weight than the conventional memory foams, making the neck-pillow ultra-light weight and comfortable. The Emma Go neck pillows are multifunctional and comfortable, due to their exceptional air permeability and breathability provided by CosyPUR. Its open cell structure is one the major reasons for it being light-weight.

Carbon Neutral and Sustainable Neck Pillows are Gaining Popularity

The incorporation of carbon neutral and sustainable practices and the usage of recycled fiber in comparison of using virgin fiber, can significantly offset consumers’ usage of new petroleum, which emits fewer greenhouse gases and helps in conserving energy and water in the process. Consumers are increasingly demanding products which are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

To serve this purpose, key players are introducing neck pillows which are made from environmentally friendly materials like bamboo, organic cotton, recycled polyester, recycled plastic bottles, fabrics and other materials, reducing the waste and appealing to the consumers. Additionally, manufacturers are utilizing eco-friendly dyes and finishes to further reduce the carbon footprint, while providing comfort to the consumers.

For instance, Bitmore announced the launch of Snoooza neck pillows in September 2022. The launch included a set of two carbon neutral neck pillows which provide sustainability with comfort. Both the models ensure sustainability as they are made from GRS recycled material, one manufactured from recycled memory foam weighing 227 grams and another from recycled ABS beads, weighing 120 grams. These neck pillows are as being 100% certified GRS and carbon neutral.

Future Market Scenario (2024–2031F)

Post pandemic, a surge in international travel has been witnessed. People have been seen taking long vacations which tend to over-baggage. The problem is faced by almost all travelers, but no permanent solution has surfaced in the market as of now. With the rise of cross country travels, consumers tend to find out various ways to save baggage costs. Manufacturers have started taking advantage of the opportunity and launching luggage stuffed neck pillows. For instance, Waldeier, a commoner from Kansas City, launched Zipplicity which got patented in 2022. The suitcase disguised neck pillow costs about USD 50 each.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key players in the market for neck pillows are helping in the growth by focusing on continuous product innovation, retail expansions, and strategic marketing. The manufacturers are actively expanding their product portfolio, increasing the base of customers, and catering to their evolving needs. The key players are focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly pillows produced with recycled material, as it is the current trend in the market.

In April 2023, Azurous Inc., DBA Cabeau announced the launch of the Evolution Earth neck pillow. These neck pillows have been designed using the brand's chin strap technology which is yet to be patented. The Evolution Earth series from the brand fulfills the aim of sustainability. The chain strap designed around the headrest helps in keeping the chin of the consumers from falling. Additionally, there are raised sides in the neck pillow which saves the consumers from rolling off in the middle of the sleep. The pillow is completely eco-friendly as it is made from recyclable materials like recyclable premium memory foam core and a removable outer cover is made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate fabric which is again eco-friendly. A recyclable pillow is an ideal option for consumers as it is comfortable and cost-efficient with a retail price of USD 35.