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Firmness and fill: Supportive pillows, which the experts we spoke to agree are the best option for people with neck pain, tend to be on the firmer side of the pillow spectrum. According to Dr. Schuler, Those with neck or back pain will find that both medium-firm mattresses and pillows provide the best support at night. Medium-firm pillows cradle your head and help your body stay in a neutral position and alignment while you snooze. While our experts clearly favor firmer pillows for neck support, Foley explains that people should also consider their mattress type and head weight. The right pillow firmness for you will depend on how heavy your head is, how high the pillow is, what position you tend to sleep in, and the firmness of your mattress, she says. The type of fill your pillow has will also affect the firmness level. Memory foam, latex, and wool tend to create a firmer sleeping surface while down, feather-fill, polyfill, kapok, and cotton materials are softer and more plush.
Does The Mattress Matter
The way you sleep and the surface you sleep on will make a difference in the pillow you choose. If you have an old mattress, new mattresses can be affordable and a good investment for your health. A soft sleeping surface may cause more settling of the body in relation to the pillow and necessitate a decrease in pillow height, especially with firm pillows. This may be a consideration in pillows with static sizes. A variable or adjustable height pillow can help compensate for this.
In general, a soft pillow like the side sleeper or an adjustable pillow like the inflatable or water pillow would be best for a soft surface bed where settling is a factor. Similarly, a firm surface will not give as much, therefore, may necessitate an increase in pillow height. In relation to the mattress, the effects of soft or firmness are also function of body weight, so this must also be considered. For example a soft sleeping surface in a high body weight person who likes to sleep on their side would choose the side sleeper at the recommended height since it is a soft density pillow and will tend to settle along with the mattress.
Different Types Of Pillows For Neck Pain
Just like any other commodity, a wide range of pillows are available in the market. They come on different sizes, shapes and dimensions. Some pillows are specially designed pillows like cervical pillow, which has additional support in the cervical or neck region, memory pillow, side pillow and all-purpose pillow.
The material used or fillings in the pillows also vary a great deal like latex pillows and memory foam. Some pillows with water cushion are also available, where the amount of water can be adjusted to obtain the required height for the pillow. Additionally, in some, the water cushion inside the pillow can be microwave-heated and used to relax tensed neck muscles or cooled and used for acute neck pain.
As a part of natural instinct, make sure the pillow you use does not hurt you if it does there is something that needs attention. Your pillow should help you relax your strained neck and offer a rejuvenating sleep. So, make a wise decision and have a good sleep.
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Best Pillows For Neck Pain Video
Watch our video below to learn more about our labs top pillow picks for sleepers with neck pain.
Read our top picks to learn more about each ones materials and unique qualities. In the buyers guide section, well break down the reasons you could be experiencing neck pain and how your pillow can help. Well take a deeper look at how body position and pillow construction can enhance comfort, and well teach you what to look for when shopping for a pillow for neck pain.
Zoey Sleep’s Neck Pillow For Pain Relief
The Zoey Sleep Neck Pillow is designed to provide pain relief for those who suffer from poor sleep. The pillow is filled with a memory foam blend that can be adjusted to your own personal comfort level. You can also adjust how high or how low your pillow loft is to suit your comfort level.
Although Zoey Sleep’s Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow is most suitable for side sleepers, it is loved by back and stomach sleepers too. The machine-washable case and internal/external zipper cases make it easy to keep the pillow clean.
Moreover, the CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex certification guarantees that the materials used in the pillow are safe for you and your family.
- Uses proprietary shredded memory foam fill that is fully adjustable
- You have complete control over the pillow’s loft and firmness
- Machine-washable pillowcase
- External and internal zipper cases for easy cleaning
- Certified by CertiPUR-US & Oeko-Tex
- Some people may find the pillow too soft
- Most suitable for side sleepers
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Settling On The Right Pillow
Each pillow has its pros and cons. There isnt one type of pillow that will satisfy everyones needs, Dr. Bang emphasizes. But these guidelines are grounded in research and can help you find a pillow thats right for you. Overall, trying to keep your posture in check during the day and choosing a pillow that supports your neck properly at night should help you sleep more soundly and pain-free. If you continue to have problems, make sure you make an appointment with your chiropractor.
What Kind Of Pillow Do Chiropractors Recommend
The best pillow will vary from person to person. Chiropractors will recommend pillows based on a persons particular needs, taking into account their sleep preferences and any health conditions or injuries they have.
According to a , a visco-elastic polyurethane pillow could be useful in conjunction with chiropractic treatment to reduce neck pain.
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No Matter Make Certain To Read Reviews
If youre one of the nearly 85% of people who trust online reviews as much as recommendations from friends, then consider reading reviews. There are lots of people who share whatever sleep concerns you have. Theyve been through it before and can help you figure out which might work for you.
Read some reviews before you go shopping, especially if youre looking at a specialty pillow. Some pillows can make all kinds of claims about what they can do to keep you cool or to keep you from snoring. These pillows might cost an arm and a leg and do none of what you want them to do.
Go into the situation informed and dont let prices make your decision. While it might seem like you get what you pay for, the most expensive pillow might not be right for you.
Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
The pillowcase contains shreds or pieces of memory foam. By adjusting the amount of foam present inside the case, you can:
- Change the loft of the pillow
- Change the firmness of the pillow
These pillows come with all the benefits of memory foam including:
- Ability to mold to the shape of your body
- Hypoallergenic
For a solid foam pillow, you can go with either:
- Memory foam
- Latex
Both the materials mold to the shape of your body and provide a good level of support. While memory foam is better at relieving pressure, latex is biodegradable and eco-friendly.
So choose one of the fills on the basis of your own liking.
Note: People suffering from night sweats should opt for a memory foam pillow with cooling gel. As foam retains body heat and passes it back while youre asleep, cooling gel can provide significant relief.
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Horseshoe Pillows When Traveling
When youre in a car, plane, or train, a horseshoe pillow is a great support for your neck. If you have issues with neck pain, dont let your head droop to the side when you sleep on the plane. Make sure your neck is supported.
To learn more about how to sleep well, or if you have neck or back pain that keeps you from living life to the fullest, call or book an appointment online with Premier Spine Institute.
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How Do I Choose The Best Pillow For Neck Pain
Choosing the right pillow for neck pain will primarily depend on the amount of neck support you require. If you are a side sleeper, you should choose a pillow that does not allow your head to tilt upward or downward. Sleeping on your back will require a pillow that prevents your head from tilting forward or backward. Several different types of pillows meet these requirements including fiber, feather, foam, and water-filled as well as orthopedic and cervical designs.
Fiber-filled pillows typically contain either polyester or wool materials. This is the most commonly used pillow and is often chosen by those who suffer from allergies. This is usually not a good pillow for neck pain because the fibers can become flattened in a relatively short period of time. Once the fiber filling has lost its resilience, the pillow offers very little neck support. Fiber-filled pillows can also be a poor choice for people who sleep in both side and back positions.
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Best For Environmental Certifications: Avocado Green Pillow
This nontoxic product contains a mix of organic latex and organic kapok. The latex is Global Organic Latex Standard certified, and the kapok fill and cotton cover is certified by Global Organic Textile Standard .
These certifications ensure that the materials used have been harvested and manufactured in environmentally friendly ways.
This product also holds Greenguard Gold certification, which indicates that it has been tested and found to be low in chemical emissions that could be harmful to health.
The cotton cover is machine washable, and the pillow comes with an extra fill bag so a person can adjust the pillow to their preferences. As a result, the company claims that this pillow is suitable for people in all sleep positions.
The company describes its latex core as durable and able to regulate temperature. The kapok fill is hypoallergenic, and the company claims it is softer and lighter than down.
The pillow comes with a 100-night trial, a 1-year warranty, and free shipping.
The pros and cons a person can consider include:
Pros:
Pillow Size Matters: Find The Right Size For You
While a standard-sized pillow will work for most people, some prefer a larger or smaller pillow. There are many different factors to consider when choosing the right-sized pillow. These factors include:
- Your sleeping position How you sleep can affect which pillow size is best for you. Side sleepers may prefer a thicker soft pillow, while back and stomach sleepers might be more comfortable with thinner pillows that reduce neck strain.
- Personal preference Some people choose a flatter pillow, while others want something cushier.
- Body type Your body size may also play a role in the size of pillow you need. For example, if you are petite, you may want a smaller pillow, while someone with a larger frame may prefer a more oversized pillow.
- Distance between neck and shoulder The distance between your neck and shoulder is something you may want to consider. If the distance between them feels too wide or small, it’s time for a new pillow.
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Tips For Choosing The Best Pillow For Your Neck
Do you wake up with a pain in your neck? Your pillow may be partly to blame. A poor pillow fit for your preferred sleeping mode can make neck pain worse, contribute to headaches, and more.
The human neck has a wide range of motion, making it prone to injury. The vertebrae in your neck are the thinnest ones in your spine, yet they support the weight of your head, a full 10-11 pounds. Think of a 10 pound bowling ball at the top of your spine. If your neck isnt at rest when youre at rest in bed, a lot can go wrong.
If you have chronic neck pain or want to avoid it, whats the best type of pillow for your head? The aim is to ensure your head isnt leaning too far in any direction. When in bed, it should simply rest on top of your shoulders in a neutral position, like it looks when youre standing up. So what kind of pillow should you use? In this blog, Dr. Bonaventure Ngu of Premier Spine Institute gives five tips for selecting the right pillow.
When Should You Replace Your Pillow
While the general rule of thumb for the life of a mattress is about eight years , your pillow usually doesnt last quite as long. Youll need a new pillow every 18 months or so, although a well-made memory foam pillow will last longerabout three years. Not sure if its time for a new pillow? Here are a few ways you can tell:
Give your pillow a once-over. Is it stained? Are there any tears or holes? Does it have a smell? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to throw your pillow away.
If it passes the physical exam, try the fold test. When you fold your pillow in half, does it stay folded or does it spring back to its original position? If it stays folded, your pillow is probably exhausted, and it may be time to say goodbye.
If your pillow is lumpy, smelly, flat , it may be time for an upgrade. The Leesa pillow is comfortable and supportivethe perfect pillow. Through years of development, we created a responsive memory foam pillow thats great for every sleeping position. Its also cooling, made with the premium cooling foam that customers love in our mattress. Plus, the beautifully designed, cozy cover can be taken off and washed.
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Why Trust Good Housekeeping
Lexie Sachs is the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fiber Science from Cornell University and more than 15 years experience in the textiles industry, including merchandising and product development for home products. Lexie joined Good Housekeeping in 2013 and has extensively tested all types of beddingâincluding mattresses, sheets, pillows, comforters and more â using specialized lab equipment and with hundreds of testers.
What Causes Pesky Neck Pain
According to research from 2008, two-thirds of us humans will experience neck pain at some point in our lives.
Neck pain can result from trauma like a sports or work injury or whiplash from a fender bender. But it most commonly results from postural issues, like how we sit while working or watching the flix and you guessed it how we sleep.
Although we all need our Zzzs, those forty winks can really be obnoxious for your neck, especially if you dont have a pillow that offers the proper support for your usual sleep position. Yep it often comes down to what you lay your pretty little head on.
A lot of factors go into determining what kind of pillow will be a bestie to your neck and allow you to wake up feeling pain-free and rested.
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How To Choose The Best Pillow For Neck Pain
Do you often wake up feeling dull and awful about the nights sleep? Do you feel as if you kept on turning and tossing in bed with your neck feeling stiff and painful? It is probably because you have not had a good nights sleep, which can only add to your neck pain.
It is necessary to appreciate the importance of a comfortable and refreshing sleep. If you are already suffering from neck pain it becomes all the more essential as a good nights sleep can help the muscles to relax and pain can actually reduce to some extent. On the contrary, if you do not get proper sleep, your muscles can get even more tensed and hurt more. Additionally, it can make you more irritable and more vulnerable to pain.
The most important factor that contributes to the quality of sleep in such cases is the pillow that supports your neck during sleep. A wrong pillow can worsen pain just as much the right pillow can be more supportive and relaxing. So analyze your health condition, your ways of sleeping, based on your requirements and find the best pillow that suits your criteria. Investing in a good pillow can help in managing neck pain and preventing further damage.
Your Mattress Impacts Your Pillow Choice
The mattress you sleep on plays an important role in what type of pillow you use. The size, firmness level, and type of mattress you own, as well as its condition, can all make a difference in how your pillow feels and how it supports your head and neck.
If you have a softer mattress, your body will tend to sink in more, which means you may need a slightly flatter pillow than normal. On the other hand, a more firm mattress may require a thicker pillow to properly support your head and neck.
Don’t neglect the condition of your mattress when it comes to what type of pillow you get either. An older mattress may provide less support, which means you’ll have to make up for that missing support with a high-loft pillow. A new mattress will provide better support, and combined with a comfortable pillow, you can get better sleep each night.
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