The Best Pillows To Help With Neck Pain
Below are some of the best pillows for neck pain that a person can consider.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
The EPABO Memory Orthopedic Pillow features an ergonomic contour that may suit back and side sleepers. The contoured design cradles the head, helping keep the spine aligned and relaxed.
The manufacturer writes that this pillow uses breathable memory foam to keep people cool while they sleep.
A person can also adjust the pillow to suit them. It features a removable piece of foam at the back, which can lower the resting position of the head for people who find the pillow too high.
The company describes this pillow as firm. The pillow has a rayon-polyester case and a memory foam fill.
The pros and cons a person can consider include:
Pros:
Other Tips For Back Pain Sufferers
For back pain sufferers, pillow choice is crucial. In addition to choosing a supportive pillow, shoppers can take the following measures to help alleviate back pain and sleep comfortably.
- Choose the Right Mattress: When selecting a mattress for back pain, shoppers should consider their sleeping position and body type. These can affect how comfortable the mattress feels. The right mattress will help alleviate back pain for those already suffering, but it can also help prevent it. A supportive mattress will help keep the spine aligned and improve overall sleep quality.
- Engage in Physical Therapy or Stretching:Physical therapy can help with both acute and chronic back pain. Physical therapy includes exercises and stretches that improve mobility and strengthen muscles. This can reduce pain and tension throughout the body. Heat and cold therapy can also be used in physical therapy to relieve back pain. Working with a physical therapist can result in a long-term plan to manage back pain and its underlying causes.
- Invest in a Mattress Topper: A mattress topper adjusts the firmness of a mattress by acting as an additional comfort layer. For back pain sufferers, a mattress topper can cushion pressure points. Conforming materials like foam and latex help evenly distribute body weight and keep the spine aligned. Investing in a mattress topper is often a more affordable option than purchasing a new mattress, especially if the only issue with the mattress is its current firmness level.
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:
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The Best Orthopedic Pillows On Amazon
If you are looking for an orthopedic pillow to help with neck or back pain, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the firmness of the pillow. A too-soft pillow will not provide enough support, while a too-firm pillow can be uncomfortable. Second, think about the shape of the pillow. Some people prefer a contoured pillow that cradles the head and neck, while others find a flat pillow more comfortable. Third, choose a pillow made from a breathable material so you wont get too hot during the night.
With those factors in mind, here are available some of the best :
This pillow has it all-its adjustable to fit your needs, made from memory foam for comfort and support, and comes with a machine-washable cover. Its also one of the most affordable options on this list.
This unique pillow is filled with water instead of air or foam, which allows you to adjust the level of firmness to suit your preferences. Its also great for people who tend to sleep hot, as the water filling helps regulate body temperature.
This contoured memory foam pillow still provides excellent support for the head and neck.
Pros And Cons Of Each Pillow
If you are looking for an orthopedic pillow, there are a few things to consider. Each type of pillow has its own set of pros and cons.
Here is a look at the pros and cons of each type of orthopedic pillow memory foam:
What Were Looking For:
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.
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How To Select The Best Pillow For Neck Pain
At night when you lay down to sleep, you want your head to be properly supported so that your neck muscles can relax, says Nicole Nagle, DPT. With the wrong pillow, your neck muscles are working overtime at night and this is not going to help your neck pain, she says. Nagle recommends keeping the following factors in mind when looking for a pillow to help ease pain:
How To Use Orthopedic Cervical Pillow
Cervical pain can occur for a wide range of reasons. It may related to the pulling of ligaments or muscle, which often seen in overhead athletes like swimmers, runners, and cyclists. A cervical pillow can provide support for your neck and help alleviate these pains. To use an orthopedic cervical pillow, you should lie on your back with the head resting against the pillow while keeping the shoulders and hips lifted off the ground. The pillow should placed under the head and neck, and it should firm but not too tight. Now you can adjust the height of the pillow to suit your sleeping needs.The best orthopedic cervical pillow one that can adjusted to provide support for the neck and back while keeping the neck in natural alignment. The best way to figure out what size, shape, and firmness of a pillow fits you best is to lie on your back and place a pillow of the same size, shape, and firmness as your orthopedic cervical pillow beneath your head. When you can only get your head within a few inches of the floor, thats the pillow height you need. You may want to try several pillows to find the one that works best for you.The Orthopedic cervical pillow designed to help in supporting the neck for the cervical spine. Those with neck pain, stiff necks and low back pain have found relief with this pillow. The Sleepsia Orthopedic pillow also said to improve posture and reduce migraines as well as chronic headaches.
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Mkicesky Side Sleeper Contour Memory Foam Pillow
Another perfect pillow for side sleepers is this Mkicesky Sleeping Pillow. Made from high-quality memory foam, it is designed to relax any tensed and fatigued muscles on the neck, shoulders and upper shoulders.
It is CertiPUR-certified meaning you can be sure of a night of fresh breath all night. Certified pillows just like every other certified product go through a series of tests to confirm that it contains no harmful products. Another cool thing I liked about this orthopedic memory foam pillow is that the cover is removable and washable.
Looking at the design, the edges have subtable cut-aways that provide your shoulders with support. The center has a hollow design where you put your head and it remains intact all night. Ideal for tossers and turners who wish to have minimal movement at night. One side of the orthopedic pillow is slightly higher and is perfect for back and side sleepers.
Best For Back And Side Sleepers: Wave
This form is the most popular and well known. It supports the natural curves of the neck and relaxes the muscles, keeping the head in the correct position. The rollers vary in height, which will allow you to choose the height that is convenient for you. Suitable for side and back sleeping.
Benefits:
- Removable breathable cover that can be washed
- The material is memory foam
- The ability to change the height of the pillow depending on the weight of the head and position for your convenience
Flaws:
- The smell of foam is also noted, the pillow needs to be aired before use. The seller notes that the smell is not dangerous.
Promising review:
Great price , quality product. Fast delivery. A necessity.Review October 2018:Got this at a reduced price . Great quality memory foam with great quality cover. Very pleased, good support. Less hard than a more expensive one that I had, but actually prefer this. Think it gives all the support required without being too firm. Very good size. Received it in about 3 days.Update October 2020:2 years on and I cant go anywhere without this trusty pillow! Have washed the cover a number of times, and its in great condition. Have just purchased 2 more as my boyfriend and sister are completely taken with it after trying it out Would 100% recommend lying with your back to the bed with just this pillow, a candle and with an electric blanket on, you can feel your back loosening spa level relaxation!
Buy this pillow on Amazon HERE.
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Marnur 23514555 In Cervical Pillow
Another best selling orthopedic pillow on our list is the MARNUR Cervical Pillow. Made from memory foam, it takes after the shape of your head and neck to properly support and correct the alignment of your spine. Its slow rebound rate also contributes to its comfort. It takes about a minute or two max to regain its original shape.
The design of this orthopedic pillow is very intentional, it has three distinct parts- the center, the wedge, and the cervical contour. All these parts work to make this pillow suitable for all sleepers. The high curve benefits both back and side sleepers while the lower curve is ideal for stomach sleepers who benefit from low profile pillows. Hence, it is one of the best pillows for all sleeping styles.
Another noticeable feature hardly found in other memory foam pillows is the extended edges that can be used as armrests. Perfect for resting the arms and shoulders when you are in a side sleeping position.
You should know by now that memory foam gives off a terrible smell when new but with proper aeration, this should go away in 5 days tops. Also, give it a few days before you adjust to the design and firmness of this orthopedic pillow. The outer cover of this cervical support pillow is made of polyester which is known to be resistant to dust mite, mildew, and bacteria. The casing can be removed and machine-washed to maintain its hygiene.
Is A High Medium Or Low Loft Pillow Better For Neck Pain
It depends on what type of sleeper you are. If youre a stomach sleeper, it may be best to choose a pillow with a low loft to minimize the pressure on your spine. If youre a back or side sleeper, a medium loft pillow that allows your head, neck, and spine to form a straight line may be right for you.
Finally, if youre a side sleeper with bigger shoulders, a high loft pillow may be suitable. Note the pillow should equal the distance between the ears and the edge of the shoulders.
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Are Orthopedic Pillows Advisable For Kids And Teens
There are pillows for teenagers and children, but their contouring shape and capabilities are lesser than that of adults. If they are contoured to the extent of an adult pillow, your child may suffocate: the developing neck and head may be damaged when lying down. So though there are pillows available for younger users, they have lesser versatility than the adult ones.
What To Consider While Buying An Orthopedic Seat Cushion
- Filling Material: Buy a good orthopedic seat cushion that has memory foam, preferably with a thick gel layer for better comfort.
- Size: Check the size of the cushion before you buy it. Small seat cushions may not always reduce pain, and may instead lead to other issues.
- Design: Buy a U-shaped or doughnut-shaped cushion to relieve pressure off the tailbone.
- Backrest: You may buy the seat cushion alone. However, if you have lumbar pain, buy a cushion that also comes with a backrest.
- Mesh Cover: Mesh covers allow air ventilation and keep the thighs and hips from sweating.
- Non-Slip Bottom: A cushion with a rubber padding at the bottom secures it in place.
- Handle: A carrying handle makes the cushion easy to be carried wherever you go.
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When You Should See A Doctor About Back Pain
Though some back pain can be managed or treated at home, there comes a time when your pain should be addressed with your doctor. Dr. Shah says you should seek medical attention in these scenarios.
- Youre experiencing night sweats on the regular.
- You have fevers along with your pain.
- Your back is swollen or red.
- You have a sudden, unexplained weight loss.
- Your back pain has not improved after seven days of home treatment.
- Your pain is constant or intense, specifically when lying down.
- You have weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs.
What Makes The Layla Kapok Pillow Stand Out
- Its filled with tiny pieces of Kapok tree fibers and open-celled memory foam, giving it the feeling of down feathers.
- Its adjustable, so you can easily get it to your preferred loft and firmness level.
- The copper fibers and open-celled memory foam promotes airflow and breathability.
Read our full Layla pillow review.
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Best For Changing Positions: Tri
The Tri-Core Cervical Support Pillow is designed for back sleepers. The center dips down to cradle the head and promotes proper alignment in the spine for different types of sleepers.
For back sleepers, the sturdy cervical roll supports the neck itself, while the head rests in the contour. One side of the pillow has a larger neck roll for more support, while the other side has a smaller neck roll for less support.
The manufacturer advises that the pillow may not suit side sleepers but also states that if a side sleeper decides to use the pillow, they should use the side areas because they are higher, allowing for proper neck alignment.
The versatility of the pillows design makes it a suitable option for people who switch positions throughout the night.
Adjusting to pillows such as this one can take time because it requires changes in sleep posture. Core Products recommends that, while breaking in a new pillow, people alternate between using this pillow and a standard pillow. This will help their body adjust to the new sleeping posture.
The company describes this pillow as very firm. The pillow has a polyester fiber fill and a cotton-polyester blend cover.
The pros and cons a person can consider include:
Pros:
The 7 Best Pillow For Forward Head Posture
Posture Correction
If youre trying to find a way to correct your overall posture, you should find the best pillow for forward head posture for an efficient and comfortable fix. Having a forward head posture or iHunch is relatively common caused by poor habitual neck posture alongside an Upper-crossed syndrome. You may not know it, but such poor neck posture can be practiced in daily activities as simple as sitting, looking at a screen, and even sleeping which can easily go unnoticed.
For some, a forward head posture may seem like a simple posture problem that is not exactly a big deal. But if you are one that is conscious about his appearance and health, you would know that such a neck issue is more than just that. Aside from the unnatural neck position and body posture, an unfixed forward head posture can later lead to several health problems including an increase in pressure on the cervical spine, overloading of the muscle, as well as the probability of a hunched upper back.
While there are several ways you can do to improve your posture, fixing your sleeping posture is one way to correct that unwanted neck slant. And what better way to do it than to get a perfectly comfortable pillow that would properly support your neck posture while you sleep? Check out our top picks for the best pillows for forward head posture.
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