Best For A Hypoallergenic Pillow: Dream Rite Shredded Hypoallergenic Memory Foam Pillow
This pillow contains shredded memory foam and polyester fiber. People can add or remove filling to reach their desired loft.
The pillows maker states that this pillow provides total body support. The cover and fill are hypoallergenic and machine washable.
Price: The Dream Rite Shredded Hypoallergenic Memory Foam Pillow has a list price of around $26.
What’s The Difference Between Memory Foam And Feather Pillows Expand/collapse
Feather pillows typically have a combination of down and feather filling. Down refers to the soft inner feathers of a duck or goose. Feathers are courser than down and less insulating. The difference between feather/down pillows vs. memory foam comes down to weight and feel.
Because feathers and down are much lighter than memory foams, down pillows feel fluffier and have a higher loft without adding bulk. Down pillows don’t have the same contouring support of memory foam pillows, but the higher the fill weight, the firmer and heavier the down pillow will be, which can offer more support for your head and neck.
How Do I Know What Kind Of Pillow I Need
Always choose a pillow that keeps your posture healthy and satisfies your sleeping needs. You know you have the right pillow if it keeps your head, neck, and spine in parallel alignment and supports the curvature of the spine.
It is best to go for firm pillows because they deliver good support to the head and neck, whereas too soft pillows can get flattened with time due to the pressure of the head on the pillow.
You May Like: Does A Tempurpedic Mattress Need A Special Bed Frame
Why Do I Wake Up With Neck And Shoulder Pain
Sleeping in the wrong position or on a pillow that is too high or too low will cause you to wake up with neck and shoulder pain. If your pillow is too flat, it means your neck is not supported and can cause stiffness with neck pain. Always use a firm contour pillow because it provides extra support to your neck when you sleep.
Brooklinen Natural Down Plush
Stuffed full of Canadian down feathers, this Brooklinen Natural Down Plush Pillow features a high fill power of 600. When shopping for down products, its important to note that fill power determines how fluffy and lofty itll be . Sleepers in the market for big ol feather pillows are sure to enjoy this one.
That said, this pillows tall 5-inch profile is easily compressed into a low loft of 2-inches, as natural down is a very soft material. In fact, this pillow has a malleable quality that lets you push, press, and fold it to meet your unique needs. As for me, I like to fold one corner under my arm when Im on my side for extra comfort.
Meanwhile, sleepers with allergies might like to know that this down has been treated with Ultra Fresh Antibacterial Additives, an OEKO-Tex technology used to make it hypoallergenic. So if you tend to avoid real down because of sensitive skin or allergies, just remember that this pillow was crafted to be extra resistant to mold and mildew.
Learn everything there is to know about this pillow in my full Brooklinen Natural Down pillow review!
Price: $$, which is a great value for a natural down pillow. Plus, Brooklinen offers a 365-day return policy and a lifetime warranty.
Perfect For: Sleepers of all styles looking for a soft and lofty pillow filled with 100% real down!
You May Like: How To Measure A Mattress For Fitted Sheets
Best Pillow For Neck And Shoulder Pain
Having neck or shoulder pain can badly affect your daily life. After all, you cannot be productive with this constant pain. However, there are some factors due to which you may wake up with a sore neck and stiff shoulder. It might be the sleeping position, either due to the pillow you are using or your sleeping position. Neck and shoulder pain is widespread and, most of the time, an exhausting issue. An unbalanced pillow can cause pressure on the neck due to a lack of support.
We have reviewed some of the best pillows, have a look and pick the best one according to your preference .
How We Choose Products
Medical News Today chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria where possible:
- Certifications:MNT will choose products that feature CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that these products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
- Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
- Materials and fill:MNT selects products comprising different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles.
- Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
Also Check: How Long Should A Beautyrest Mattress Last
What Causes Shoulder Pain
There are dozens of reasons why your shoulder may be causing you pain. Common injuries included a compromised or torn rotator cuff, dislocation, a broken collarbone, or issues with your shoulder blade. The many ligaments and other soft tissues surrounding this area can create quite a bit of discomfort until properly healed.
Tendonitis and a frozen shoulder can be caused by quite a few reasons, injury and use included, but also can worsen due to poor body circulation or even diabetes. Although this can be addressed through therapy and surgery, it is often a long recovery time.
Disease can also be a leading cause of shoulder pain, the most common being arthritis. Although arthritis can affect multiple areas of the body, or be more localized, it is a chronic condition that needs to be addressed by your healthcare provider. There are many ways to help alleviate the worst of your symptoms, but you can aide in that relief through your choice of bedding by allowing your body to rest and heal each night.
Tips For Avoiding Neck Or Shoulder Pain While Sleeping
Understanding how you sleep is important in alleviating shoulder or neck pain. Combating neck and shoulder pain while you sleep is far-reachingyour sleeping position, the right pillow and mattress, practicing gentle stretches before bed, and practicing healthy posture habits during the day can all work to improve your sleeping experience.
Don’t Miss: How To Fix A Sinking Mattress
How Long Does A Pillow Last
An excellent place to start when determining how long any product will last is to look at the warranty. The median warranty length of the 16 pillows we tested was 2.5 years. This is a reasonable amount of time to expect your pillow to last, especially considering your comfort preferences will change over time, often necessitating a new pillow.
Remember warranties typically only cover flaws in the pillow’s construction or extreme degradation while used normally. The warranty may not cover replacement if the pillow is destroyed due to an accident, such as a spill. To protect against spills, we recommend buying a pillow protector.
Once you’re done with your pillow, you have several options for repurposing, donating, or recycling it. If you have a pet, they may enjoy using it as a bed. Or, if your pillow is still in great shape, you might donate it to an animal shelter, homeless shelter, daycare facility, or charity in your area. If you go this route, check with the facility before dropping it off since many organizations do not accept used pillows.
If you can’t repurpose or donate your pillow, look for a textile recycling facility in your area.
What’s The Difference Between Memory Foam And Polyester Pillows Expand/collapse
Polyester pillows are either pillows with a cover made of synthetic polyester fabric or poly blend, or a pillow with a filling made of polyester or poly blend like a down alternative pillow.
The difference between polyester pillows vs. memory foam is that polyester pillows have a lighter, airer feel. Memory foam pillows are denser and heavier but give you more contouring head and neck support than a lighter, fluffier pillow. Our down alternative pillow is a great option if you want the airy feel of a down pillow, plus the support of memory fiber clusters in the core.
Recommended Reading: How Thick Is A Serta Icomfort Mattress
The Wrong Loft Pillow
Flat pillows often cause necks to crane out of alignment, creating knots and muscle tension. Remember, always make sure your pillow promotes a neutral alignment. When resting on your side, your ears should line up with your shoulders and your chin should align with your sternum. Back and stomach sleepers, youll want to ensure your necks line up with your sternums as well.
What To Consider When Purchasing A Pillow For Neck Pain
Most people dont give much thought to their pillow, beyond choosing a pillow thats nice and squishy for immediate comfort. This means that when we do realize our pillow may be contributing to our neck pain, we may not know how to go about choosing the best pillow. If youre in this position, you may be susceptible to misleading marketing and end up choosing a pillow thats ill-suited for your needs.
To help you get started, weve made a list of the most important factors. Focusing on these factors and having a basic understanding of pillow features and construction can help you find the pillow that works best for you.
Don’t Miss: Where Can You Try A Puffy Mattress
Cervical Pillow Buyer’s Guide
If you decide to search for a cervical pillow to alleviate your neck pain by merely heading to Amazon or another site and searching pillow for neck pain, you are going to receive an overwhelming number of results. It is incredible to see just how many different neck and shoulder support pillows are on the market today.
Going into this shopping process without a general idea of what you are looking for might not be the best approach. Our buyer’s guide aims to answer any questions you may have about the best neck pain pillows and where to find them, taking into consideration your sleeping positions and preferences.
Best Pillow For Side Sleepers With Neck Pain
Pros: Comfortable for all sleep positions, especially side sleeping precise adjustability machine-washable cover
Cons: Relatively short trial period, removing fill can get messy
Only two pillows we tested were deemed comfortable by multiple neck pain sufferers in our tests: our top pick and the Eli & Elm Cotton Side Sleeper Pillow. The Eli & Elm pillow is unique because its U shape helps keep your shoulder and neck in a supported position. It’s filled with polyester and latex that you can remove to get a custom loft and feel. We recommend only removing a little at a time to avoid making a mess.
The Eli & Elm pillow fits into a standard pillowcase despite the shape. If you’re interested in a more precise fit, you can purchase the pillow with a case. I tried the pillow with the Eli & Elm pillowcase and a standard pillowcase and didn’t notice a difference in comfort.
My first night on the Eli & Elm Cotton Side Sleeper, I slept better than I’d slept in months. I found the loft was just right for my side sleeping, so I didn’t remove any. While testing the pillow, I didn’t experience any neck pain.
After a week, my wife took the Eli & Elm pillow and refused to give it back. She mainly sleeps on her back with a bit of side sleeping. The U shape kept her from unconsciously shifting to a position that didn’t keep her spine aligned.
Recommended Reading: How Long Should Your Mattress Last
What To Consider When Choosing A Pillow For Shoulder Pain
The above information should be taken into consideration when searching for the best pillow to help alleviate your discomfort. But what it truly comes down to is what you are personally comfortable with. Obviously spinal alignment should be your main consideration, but coming in close second is the question of which pillow will best support your shoulder pain?
What is your sleep position?As described, this is important, and it cannot be stressed enough. If you do not support your spine, you will compromise your sleep, and in turn delay your healing. For chronic pain issues, a lack of sleep can actually make you be more sensitive to the discomfort, creating a situation that does not allow you to cope well with what you are experiencing.
Do you have chronic or acute pain?Chronic pain sufferers need to address long term pain management rather than a temporary solution to recovery. Those with a temporary need may want to focus more on pillow products that can be useful for more than just one focus.
Do you suffer from arthritis or other disabilities?If your pain is chronic, and caused by an underlying disease or disability, you should always be in consultation with a doctor over what needs you have. But you can help aide in your relief through the use of proper sleep products.
Which Pillow Is Best For Neck Pain
There isnt one single pillow out there thats perfect for everyone, but the best pillow for neck pain has two main characteristics: its firm enough to keep your head at a neutral angle so your spine stays aligned while you sleep, but yet somehow soft enough to allow some give to help alleviate pressure points. Thats why we like the Tempur-Pedic Tempur Neck Pillowit checks all the boxes.
Memory foam and feather pillows are excellent options because they provide support, but also cradle your head to keep your spine neutral. Cervical pillowsthe ones that have a depression in the center and raised edgesare also top picks. Keep in mind that the best pillow for neck pain may not feel totally comfortable at first. It can take some getting used to, so give it a little time.
Also Check: Are Rv Mattress Sizes Different
Z Gel Memory Foam L Shaped Pillow
If you find that you suffer from severe shoulder pain from sleeping on your side, you may want to consider this Z Gel Memory Foam L shaped Pillow. It is a great pillow choice, especially if you are awake in the morning with shoulder pain.
This pillow is made with hypoallergenic, 100 % polyurethane softer memory gel foam that helps side sleepers in obtaining a restful nights sleep. It is perfect for side sleepers & also can be used as a pregnancy pillow. This pillow features an ergonomic design L shaped body that provides perfect support for the head, neck & shoulder. Inside of this pillow consists of a unique gel DOUGH memory foam material which provides a cool nights sleep. It conforms to your neck & shoulder to provide excellent joint cushioning. It is completed with a 100 % Tencel fiber removable cover to assist with moisture-wicking comfort & temperature regulation. In terms of the warranty, the manufacturer offers you 5 years warranty for this product.
PROS
- Strong off gassing smell at first.
Neck Pain Pillow Glossary
CertiPUR-US certified: This is a standard for polyurethane foams, including memory foam. Pillows that are CertiPUR-US certified are made without heavy metals, flame retardants, ozone depleters, phthalates, and formaldehyde. They also have low VOC emissions.
Hypoallergenic: Pillows that are less likely to cause allergic reactions are called “hypoallergenic.” In general, hypoallergenic pillows are made of synthetic materials, like foam or polyester. Bedding filled with down or other animal products is more likely to cause an allergic reaction. Currently, there is no certification process that a manufacturer must go through in order to call its pillows hypoallergenic.
Don’t Miss: Is A Tempurpedic Mattress Memory Foam
How To Choose A Pillow If You Have Neck Pain
If neck pain keeps you up at night, you might want to consider swapping your pillow for one thats the right height. In the pillow world, height is usually described as loft.
The right amount of loft depends a lot on your preferred sleeping position. Stomach sleepers, for example, should opt for a pillow with a lower loft. Essentially, you want a pillow that will keep your spine in alignment without putting too much pressure on your neck.
You might also want to look for a pillow made of supportive foam or latex rather than down or down alternative.
Shape may also be a consideration. Cervical or ergonomic pillows are designed to provide support specifically for the neck and head, for instance.
Pillows can be made from a range of materials, including latex, polyester, cotton, and more. A
How To Choose And Use The Best Pillow
The rule of thumb for a proper pillow is that it should keep your neck parallel to the mattress, rather than bent down or up.
The most common mistake people make is choosing a pillow that bends your neck forward or to one side, Dr. Bang says. It can feel comfortable at first, but once you fall asleep for hours and your neck isnt being supported properly, all kinds of neck problems can happen as you sleep that you may only realize once its too late.
Dr. Bang says neck pain and a stiff neck are most common. Beyond that, you can experience problems with your whole spine twisting the wrong way which over a long time can create lasting damage, he adds.
To avoid these issues here are seven tips he suggests for choosing the most neck-friendly pillow:
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 youre lying on your back, or on a more elevated side when youre lying on your side.
Foam contour pillows are next best at supporting your neck.
2. Latex foam is generally the best material
Natural latex offers support without heating you up like memory foam.
People may not realize that they become hot at night. This can make for restless sleep. By sleeping cooler, you sleep deeper, Dr. Bang says.
Of course, if youre allergic to latex, youll want to use memory foam pillows.
3. Feather pillows cause the most neck pain
Read Also: Does Mattress Firm Sell Latex Mattresses
