The perfect pillow does exist. It just might take you a while to find it

Marshmallow shapes, ear cutouts, and dual-chamber down pillows. Brands are tackling the complex physics of a good night’s sleep.

[Photos: Coyuchi, Mellow, Parachute]

One morning in the middle of the summer, I woke up to an excruciating pain searing through my neck and left shoulder.

I immediately booked a deep-tissue massage, but the relief lasted a day before the ache returned. After a few weeks of persistent discomfort, I visited my doctor who referred me to a physical therapist. After doing several tests, the therapist identified the culprit: my pillow. Since I’m a side sleeper, my head was collapsing toward the mattress, throwing my spine out of alignment. I was shocked that something so basic could be the cause of such physical misery.

I am far from alone in this struggle. Neck pain is a widespread issue around the world,........

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