Have you been waking up with neck pains and neck discomfort? Are you going to bed tired and waking up exhausted and with a stiff neck? Well, it could be down to your pillows. Pillows are meant to help us sleep better, and there is no better way of handling neck pains than with the right pillows. Neck pains affect everyone irrespective of your sleeping style. You can get neck pains from using a lousy pillow or an awkward sleeping style. All the same, neck pains are treatable, and you can avoid them altogether with the right pillows. However, choosing the right pillow for your neck pain is not a walk in the park. The industry has a huge number of manufacturers that are desperate for a sale. Thus, there is a lot of misinformation out there. We have done our research, and we bring you the best types of pillows for neck pain;
1. Milemont Memory Foam Pillow, Bed Pillow for Sleeping
This Orthopedic Cervical Pillow has 65% polyester and 35% Tencel is suitable for all the sleepers. The pillow memory foam that is certified by CertiPUR-US, and it adjusts perfectly with the head and neck pressure. It is both firm and comfortable. It will keep your head and neck firmly and in an alleviated position that is important in dealing with neck pain. This pillow comes with four different sizes, which makes it ideal for different types of sleeping styles. The Contour pillows help to position your back well, and you can expect to have a healthy spine.
2. Mkicesky Side Sleeper Contour Memory Foam Pillow
This pillow is specially good for back and stomach sleepers who have neck problems. The design of the pillow allows your shoulder and neck muscles to relax completely. The memory foam design positions you well, and thus you will be able to sleep comfortably throughout the night. The memory foam is also essential in relieving pressure on your muscles. It comes with a breathable pillowcase that helps you when snoring. The pillowcase is soft and also washable. Having been certified by the CertiPUR, the pillow will help you deal with all the neck and shoulder pains.
3. MARNUR Cervical Pillow Contour Memory Foam Orthopedic Pillow
It is made with both polyester and bamboo (60% polyester and 40% bamboo). Its ergonomic design is suits the shape of your neck. This makes it ideal for supporting your neck and shoulders. The memory foam is skin-friendly and does not allow the growth of mold. It comes with a great design that supports the sleeping styles of different people. The pillowcase is removable and can is machine washable to allow you to sleep on a clean pillow casing. The pillow is made to allow you to sleep better and more comfortably.
4. Power of Nature Memory Foam Contour Pillow
The pillow is crafted to both back and side sleepers. The manufacturer has ensured that it is safe and healthy to use. The pillows are made with slow rebound memory foam that will adjust to the shape of your body. The inner core of the pillow is hypoallergenic, and dust-proof, which enables the pillow to last longer. Its ergonomic design is shaped to support the head and align it correctly with the spine. The outer cover is breathable and allows for perfect air circulation, which is vital in ensuring that you get the perfect sleep that’s free from all discomforts.
5. UTTU Sandwich Pillow, Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow
The pillow is one of the unique pillows on this list. Rather than the one-size-fits-all- shapes, the pillow has adjustable lofts to fit all the needs and sleeping styles. If you want a smaller size, all you need is to remove the middle part of the pillow. If you want a high pillow, you just keep that middle part. It comes with UTTU dynamic foam that is tailored to conform to the shape of your head and support every sleeping style. The foam does not change with the weather, and you can expect your pillow to be firm all year round. The pillow is designed to fit help you with all your neck problems.
6. Duro-Med DMI Side Sleeper Body Pillow with Contoured Support
This U-shaped pillow is designed to help you deal with all the neck strains and pains. The side sleepers are also considered with a unique ear pocket design that eliminates ear friction. Having been made with firm polyester filling, the pillow is soft enough to allow for comfortable sleeping and firm enough to support your neck. The pillowcase is removable and hypoallergenic, which is vital in ensuring that you get a clean pillow. The U-shaped pillow is portable and is convenient for both home use and travel.
7. Mediflow Fiber: The First & Original Water Pillow
This is one of the most unique and authentic pillows you will find. Rather than the typical memory foam, the manufacturer uses water. The use of water is clinically proven in dealing with neck pains. The pillow will allow your neck muscles to relax, and thus neck pain is reduced significantly. The pillow is convenient for all types of sleepers, and you can expect to have your neck comfortably tucked in. You can adjust the pillow to your liking as the water levels can be easily changed. It is sealed and insulated, and thus you cannot expect any leakages. The cotton shell on top is 100% hypoallergenic for comfort.
8. Cervical Pillow Contour Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain
This pillow’s design supports the neck hence relieving your shoulder pain. The design is well thought out as the slopes are made to prevent the head from rolling over. The edges have cutouts that allow your arm to rest peacefully without alleviating your shoulders. The design ensures that you get to have a peaceful night without getting any neck or shoulder pains. When it comes to the foam, the pillow is made with quality memory foam. Its medium firmness makes it ideal for different sleepers and the temperature sensing feature that allows your neck to tuck in comfortably. Using the two horns side, sleepers with cervical issues can use it to align the body perfectly with the rest of the body.
9. Royal Therapy Queen Memory Foam Pillow
This luxury cervical pillow will help you sleep better and do away with the neck pains. It is carefully crafted to deal with all the areas of your neck and head. This pillow conforms well with your body weight. The heavy parts get adequate support on the pillow, and the sensitive areas, such as the neck, align perfectly with the soft parts of the pillow. It contours perfectly with your neck shape and allows users to sleep comfortably. The pillow is adjustable, and the middle part can be removed to ensure the pillow is low enough for those who like it that way. The pillowcase is also hygienic and has heat-dissipating technology that is perfect for dealing with the heat that may arise at night.
10. Coisum Back Sleeper Cervical
Coisum has been in the market for a while now, and their products suit all your needs. The Coisum Back Sleeper Cervical Pillow is ergonomic to help with the neck and shoulder issues. The pillow is of a memory foam make, which is essential in relieving neck pains. Its Orthopedic Contour is also crucial in ensuring that the neck will not be under too much pressure all night, which results in neck pains in the morning. Moreover, it has a breathable cover, which adds to the value of the pillow.
Factors to consider when choosing a pillow for neck pains.
There are so many factors that need to be considered when choosing the right neck pain pillow. Here are some of the most notable ones;
a. Firmness
Firm pillows are essential for back sleepers as it aligns the neck and spine in a perfect position. None the less, firm pillows should allow for some countering underneath the neck area, which will help the muscles to relax.
b. Shape
There are different pillow shapes and sizes, each one with a specific purpose. For stomach sleepers, a flat pillow will do the job while back sleepers require elevated pillows.
c. Pillow loftiness
This is simply how high and thick a pillow is. You don’t need a high pillow as this will elevate your head so high that it will cause your neck to hurt. Equally, you don’t need a low loft, as it will also cause neck pains. Factors such as the size of the head, the firmness of the mattress, and the bodyweight affect pillow loftiness.
d. Moldability
You need a pillow that is accommodating to your head and neck shapes and positions. Moldability is vital to people who twist and turn a lot at night as it is what helps them find a comfortable angle.
e. Size
Typically, there are four pillow sizes. There is a standard size, which is convenient for static sleepers. Then there is the super standard size, which is a bit longer than the standard size and is perfect for back sleepers. The queen size is wider than the previous two and is perfect for back sleepers. Then there are the king size pillows that are the widest and are design for people who twist and turn a lot at night.
f. Budget
How much are you willing and able to spend on your pillows? This will play a massive role in your choice. There are budget-friendly pillows that will serve you well, but if you want the absolute best, you must be willing to spend more. However, it does not mean that all the expensive pillows are good; some of them are not worth it.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is a firm or soft pillow better for neck pain?
This depends on several issues. If you are a side sleeper, a firm pillow will work best for you as it helps your shoulders and neck align perfectly. If you are a stomach sleeper, you will need a soft pillow as you don’t want the head raised to high, which can cause neck pains or poor circulation.
2. When should I replace my pillow?
You should replace your pillows annually or after two years. However, this should not hinder you from changing the pillows if you feel that they are doing more harm than good. That said, you should not use the same pillow for more than two years.
3. How should I sleep to avoid neck pain?
When you sleep, you should not put too much pressure on the neck. If you are sleeping on your side, you should have a pillow that will align your neck and shoulders. If you sleep on your back, let the neck not be too highly lifted to avoid stress on the neck muscles. It would also help to have two pillows which should help you be more comfortable.
4. What the Experts are saying
Avoid neck pains entirely with the right pillow and correct sleeping angle. You need to sleep in a position that does not put too much strain on the neck muscles, and your pillow should support your neck.
5. How do I loosen up my neck muscles?
Start by keeping your back straight and your head firmly over your shoulders. Turn your head to the left until you feel a stretch on your neck. Turn the head to the other direction until you feel the stretch. For each stretch, make sure you hold the head in that position for about 30 seconds. Repeat this regularly, and your neck muscles will loosen.
Conclusion
A good night’s sleep is paramount to how productive you will be during the day. However, when you experience things such as neck pains, then your sleep becomes discomforting, and you won’t be able to tuck in and enjoy a restful night. It is easy to avoid neck pains . The right pillow and a suitable sleeping position will relieve you of the pain, and so will exercises. If you happen to experience neck pains for a prolonged period, it is advisable to consult the doctors.
[…] dust mites. This said, consider changing your pillow, ideally every 18 months. When choosing your pillow, ensure you go for one that has soft stuffing, is firm and supportive, and prevents your chin from […]