Best Height Adjustable Pillow: The Pancake Pillow By Gravity Sleep
The Pancake Pillow is height adjustable. The product comes with six thin pillows that can all fit in a single pillowcase.
The company claims that the Pancake Pillow is suitable for those with neck pain and those who sleep on their side, back, or stomach.
This cervical pillow also comes with the following features:
- queen and king sizes
- a weight of 4.81 pounds
Price: The Pancake Pillow by Gravity Sleep has a list price of around $80.
Find The Right Pillow Shape
If you sleep on your back, look for a pillow with a cervical spine curve, meaning thereâs a bit of a roll or bump under your neck and a flatter spot for your head.
If you sleep on your side, you need a slightly higher pillow to keep your head in line with your spine, and you may also want a pillow with a bump under your neck to support it.
If you sleep on your stomach, consider forgoing the pillow completely and lying directly on the mattress.
Donât forget about travel. If you have the perfect pillow at home, what happens when youâre on the road or in the air? A U-shaped travel pillow can keep your head upright instead of angled to the side when youâre trying to sleep sitting up.
How To Buy The Best Pillow For You
What type of pillow is best for solving neck pain?
Moulded support pillows are supremely comfortable for your neck because they support its natural curve, says Gary Jones. “Your neck naturally curves slightly inwards, and contoured pillows help maintain that,” says Gary. “Over the years, that inward curve tends to flatten, especially if you spend too long stooped over your desk. So a moulded pillow with a high bit for your neck lets your body rest in a more natural and healthy position.”
Memory foam is especially well suited to providing the support your neck needs, so we’ve included several memory foam pillows in our rundown. Foam tends to feel quite soft at first, but it firms up as it moulds to fit the natural posture of your body, creating a cradle that supports your unique pressure points while you’re in the land of nod. On the downside, memory foam can feel a little too warm in summer, so some pillows include special cooling layers to offset clamminess.
If youre considering a memory foam pillow, then be sure to check out our dedicated memory foam roundup next.
Feather and down pillows are soft but versatile, giving you the freedom to make them more and less puffy in different areas to lend exactly the support you want. However they quickly lose their “loft” , and feathers can easily become displaced while you sleep, failing to give your head and neck consistent support through the night.
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Side Sleep Position Needs
Gusseted pillows with higher lofts are a favorite among slide sleepers due to how much support is needed between the head and shoulders. Thick pillows that provide plush contouring and firm support is your best option if the side is your go-to sleep position. This is important in order to keep the soft tissues of your neck well supported and allow it to rest without placing additional strain on the spine.
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Bedstory Memory Foam And Microfibre Pillow: Best Cooling Pillow For Neck Pain And Headaches
Price: £37 |
Memory foam is great for providing neck support, but it can feel rather clammy in warm weather. So pillow specialist BedStory has found a solution: infuse memory foam with cooling gel to regulate temperature, disperse heat and allow the air to move around. The result is a wonderfully supportive pillow that responds to your body’s temperature to help you drift off and wake up in comfort.
The pillow isn’t contoured, and it is quite firm even when you first use it. However the foam moulds beautifully to the contours of your neck and head, whether you’re a side or back sleeper, and then springs satisfyingly back to shape. We also like its super-soft, breathable cover, which you can supplement with a standard pillow case.
Key specs Filling: Memory foam Cover: Microfibre and tencel Sizes: 1
Price: £65 | Buy now from Rested
Down pillows feel luxuriously soft, but that sinking feeling isn’t so great for your neck and shoulder muscles, which need more support. This pillow’s visco-elastic memory foam does a brilliant job of mimicking the softness and give of down, but it also offers superb bounce-back and enough support to avoid shoulder crunch and a stiff neck.
We also love the way one of the long edges curves inwards, creating a nook for your shoulder to fit into. However if you have a long neck or shoulders you may find this pillow just a little too flat for comfortable side-sleeping.
Key specs Filling: Memory foam Cover: ‘Sleepsoft’ outer cover Sizes: 1
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Pay Attention To Pillow Height
If neck pain is your problem, a flatter pillow may be the better option. In one study, higher pillows created more cranio-cervical pressure and a greater cervical angle, meaning your head isnât lined up with your spine. This can result in pain and stiffness if your neck stays at that angle all night.
Best For Stomach Sleepers: Casper Original Pillow
Why We Like It: Caspers unique design keeps the Original Pillow soft yet supportive, and the low loft from the down-alternative filling is ideal to prevent your head from being too lifted when sleeping on your stomach.
Its Worth Noting: It may not be firm enough for some people.
Were sorry to break the news to you stomach sleepers, but Lees says sleeping on your stomach is the worst position for your neck. Even if you have the right pillow, lying on your stomach forces your head to turn to one side, which will likely cause neck pain eventually. If youre a stomach sleeper, learning to lay on your back or side may relieve neck pain more than getting the right pillow.
That said, using too high of a pillow while sleeping on your stomach can create pain. Instead, Dr. Lin recommends opting for a thinner pillow so your head isnt too elevated relative to your torso. The beloved Original Casper Pillowthe sleep companys best-selling pillowutilizes a down-alternative fill with a low profile so your head is comfortable, but not lifted when you sleep on your stomach.
This pillow also features Caspers unique pillow-within-a-pillow design to maintain support on the inside and softness on the outside. Plus, it has a breathable cotton weave to keep you cool at night.
Casper also offers a 30-night sleep trial and has great customer service if youre not happy with your purchase. Even better, this pillow is backed by a one-year warranty.
Price at time of publication: $65
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Back Sleep Position Needs
Back sleepers should look for a thinner yet firmer pillow that can support your neck and cradle your head. This position is ideal for cervical alignment and a restful sleep. Memory foam and down fillings are popular choices for back sleepers as they conform to your heads shape and distribute the filling between the head, neck and shoulders.
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Add Other Pillows As Needed
If you sleep on your stomach, for instance, a flat pillow under your stomach might help keep your spine in line with your head and neck.
If you sleep on your side or back with a flat pillow, a second roll or rolled up towel under your neck could provide additional support. For side sleepers, putting a thin pillow between your knees also helps keep your spine in line with your head and neck.
Also Check: Should You Turn A Tempurpedic Mattress
The 7 Best Pillows For Neck Pain
Your pillow can cause neck pain for a number of reasons.
Just like getting a new mattress, finding the right pillow is a critical factor in getting a good night’s sleep.
In this post, we look at the best pillows for neck pain, making specific recommendations for side sleepers, back sleepers, and combination sleepers.
Here’s a list of the 7 pillows we cover in today’s article:
Best Overall Pillow For Neck Pain
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What Stomach Sleepers Need To Know About Pillows
Stomach sleeping isnt quite as common as side and back sleeping. For this reason, it just isnt as easy to find a great stomach sleeper pillow. Without a proper pillow, sleeping on your stomach can lead to aches, pains and waking up frequently in the night to readjust to get comfortable.The main benefit of sleeping on your stomach is that it can significantly help reduce snoring by enhancing pressure relief on your airway. Keeping your throat and air passage clear is going to allow you to breath easily and prevent loud snoring.
Stomach Sleep Position Needs
Considered the worst natural sleep position you could fall into, if sleeping on your stomach is your unconscious comfort choice, then you should definitely make it as comfortable as possible. The problem with stomach sleeping is that your neck will never be in complete alignment due to having your head turned to one side or the other. As a result, ensuring that your back is in correct posture is incredibly important.
Sleeping without a pillow is the preferable choice, but since most people find this to be uncomfortable, choosing the right pillow for you is vital. A thin and contouring pillow with a low loft would be your best bet, as this will softly cradle your head and give you sufficient neck support.
You may be interested in: Best Pillows For Stomach Sleepers
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Next Steps: Find The Best Pillow For Your Neck Pain At Slumberland
The right pillow can greatly help reduce or completely get rid of your neck pain by offering unparalleled neck support. But finding the right one is challenging. You want to consider a pillow’s loft in your search, as well as the type of pillow you want .
Side sleepers generally want a medium to high loft, while back sleepers want a low loft. And combo sleepers may want a medium loft pillow full of shredded foam so they can adjust it as needed. But what’s most comfortable and supportive for you will also depend on your body type.
At Slumberland, we have a wide variety of pillow options that will help improve your sleep quality. Visit one of our showrooms to try out your new pillow in person and get a personalized recommendation from our staff of sleep experts. Or, if you want to rest your head on a new pillow right away, shop in stock pillows online at any time!
Your Body Size And Body Type
Your height, weight, and shoulder width all come into play for what size, loft, support, and materials are best for you. For example, a small person who sleeps on their side might not need as much loft to put their head in line with their shoulders, while someone with a big frame might need more. Similarly, a small-framed person may be better off with a standard pillow while a person with a larger frame may be better supported on a king-size pillow. People who are overweight may run hotter, so they should opt for cooling materials and stay away from heat-retainers like memory foam.
Then, when youre looking for the best pillow for neck pain, the most important features to consider are:
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My Final Thoughts About Best Pillows For Neck Pain
Well sleepers, weve reached the end of my guide and youre well on your way to finding your new pillow thatll provide pain relief. And as you carefully consider all your options, dont forget to pay close attention to materials, loft, and firmness in order to find your perfect pillow match for a good nights sleep. Oh, and be sure to follow Sleepopolis on social media, and subscribe to our YouTube channel! Happy sleeping, everybody.
How Do I Choose A Pillow For Neck Pain
Those experiencing chronic neck pain should always seek the advice of a medical professional to rule out anything serious. If it’s determined that the culprit is the pillow – it’s an easy fix!First, pick a pillow that suits the primary sleep position . Generally speaking, stomach sleepers need the softest/flattest pillows while side sleepers need the most loft and support.Aim to get the body into neutral head, neck and spine alignment, allowing the natural curves of the body to lay as they should with support but no additional strain. This may take a few tries with different pillows and even some conversations about the right mattress but, over time, finding the best sleeping position and the best pillow to match will be worth it.
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Find The Best Pillows For Stomach Sleepers
Please Note: This Post Contains Affiliate Links
For many of us, sleeping is very particular – we have specific positions, preferred sides to sleep on, and even our preferred side of the bed. Some of us even have special, go-to pillows, too! This is especially true for those of us who sleep on our stomach because to be comfortable sleeping on your stomach, your pillow has to be just right. So, what are the best pillows for stomach sleepers? Here are a few recommendations.
According to our tests, the best pillow for stomach sleepers is the Amerisleep Dual Comfort Pillow. Its low loft is great for stomach sleepers because it helps keep your neck supported without over extending it. It’s also a durable, comfortable pillow with cooling features, making it a great long term investment.
Expand Table of Contents
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.
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Best Cervical Pillow: The Cushion Lab Neck
Amazon
Why We Like It: For back sleepers, side sleepers, and back/side hybrid sleepers, this ergonomically-designed cervical pillow helps cradle your natural spine alignment.
Its Worth Noting: This dense pillow may be too supportive for some.
Cervical pillows, which have a raised edge and lower center, are more supportive than a flat pillow, Lees explains. The design of this one helps cradle your head and stretch your neck, while you sleep.
We love The Cushion Labs Cervical Pillow, as its made from contouring memory foam and was shaped by an in-house ergonomist to ensure proper support and alignment. It features a sloped neck ramp for the lowest part of your C-spine, an arched cushion to relieve upper neck pressure, and a concave head basin for natural alignment when laying down. It has special accommodations for both back and side sleepers: The pillow has a curved shoulder cushion to keep back sleepers from shrugging up their shoulders during the night. And, the pillow features raised face support on the wings for side sleepers.
A cervical pillow’s extra support can be too much for some people and lead to more soreness. So, if this is your first time using a cervical pillow, its smart to look for one with a refundable sleep-trial period. The Cushion Lab offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if this cervical pillow ends up being too supportive for your needs.
Price at time of publication: $59
Product details:
- Trial or guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee
