As promised, here is a full guide on how to pick the right pillow to combat neck pain. In the subsequent sections, we will elaborate on the importance of choosing a medical pillow for neck pain, and of course, the factors you should weigh in when shopping.
Neck Pain Explained
The neck is a sensitive part of your body, and any inflammation or injury may cause neck stiffness or discomfort. Astoundingly, the prevalence of neck pain and the disability caused by it have increased significantly in the last 25 years. There’s also a likelihood of both the prevalence and disability increasing even further with population aging.
Now, when it comes to co-occurring symptoms of people experiencing neck pain, the most common ones are:
- Limited range of motion
- Muscle spasms
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Headaches
Will a chiropractor-recommended pillow alleviate all your neck pain? First, we highly recommend consulting a trusted healthcare professional if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. Sometimes, neck pain is provoked by certain underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or osteoporosis.
The Connection Between Sleep and Neck Pain
Experts advise getting at least seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep every night for general wellbeing. So, those nightly hours in bed are critical for people who experience neck pain. Think about it—your sleeping position may either strain your already stiff neck or relax it.
Overall, the best pillow for head and neck pain that is supportive and comfortable at the same time is a “must-have.” If you don’t believe us, look at the studies claiming that an ill-fitted pillow can disrupt your sleep patterns.
Filling Materials for Best Neck Support Pillows
Materials are something to look into as they can either enhance or disrupt your sleep. Not to mention that every person has their preferences when it comes to firmness and loft. Finally, some materials are more hypoallergenic, making them more fitting for a broader range of people who happen to have sensitivities or allergies.
Memory Foam
Memory foam pillows contour the sleeper’s head and neck by molding in response to pressure and heat. Not only are the best pillows for stiff necks from memory foam comfortable to rest on, but they are also relatively affordable, convenient, and hypoallergenic. On the downside, over time, many memory foam products lose their initial shape.
Feather
Feather pillows are incredibly soft to the touch. Since they are highly adjustable, users can adjust the loft by removing or adding feathers. On the downside, these top-rated pillows for neck pain tend to lose their initial loft because of the feathers’ compression.
Latex
All-natural latex is an excellent option if you seek a luxurious feel with pressure point relief. Another benefit of latex is that it is a more sustainable and natural option than other commonly used pillow materials. However, many manufacturers tend to raise product costs due to the outstanding quality.
Down
Down is a popular pillow material derived from geese and ducks’ inner feathers. Since it is incredibly lightweight and super soft, this best neck pillow for sleeping can be easily adjusted to fit the sleeper’s preferences. One disadvantage of down pillows is that they can trigger allergies in some individuals.
Polyfoam
Similar to memory foam pillows, polyfoam products can offer superior contouring and comfort for the entire night. Moreover, polyfoam is hypoallergenic, relatively inexpensive, and lightweight. However, a pitfall of the best-rated pillow for neck pain from polyfoam is that it is not the best option for hot sleepers.
Buckwheat
Sobakawa, also called “the buckwheat pillow,” is the neck pillow of Japanese origin. This type of pillow is filled with buckwheat seed hulls. Considering that buckwheat hulls are natural, a pillow made from this material is allergen-free, breathable, durable, and environment-friendly. Also, the pillow from buckwheat is an excellent option for support as the hulls naturally maintain their shape.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Pillow for Neck Pain
Most people do not realize the importance of choosing a supportive pillow. Instead, they go for a product that provides instant comfort. Unfortunately, potential customers may fall prey to deceptive marketing and end up purchasing an ill-fitted pillow. On the bright side, there are certain factors customers can look into to find the best pillow for neck pain.
Pillow Loft
The pillow loft determines the head’s angle in relation to the spine. If you get a pillow that is either too low or too high, your neck will bend at an awkward angle. That, in turn, causes discomfort and strains the neck over time.
That is why we recommend picking the best pillow for neck pain that keeps your neck and head in a natural position. Moreover, consider your head size and shoulder width when shopping for a fitting pillow. If you aren’t sure which height to pick, go for a product with an adjustable loft.
Level of Firmness
Another essential factor is the best neck pillow’s firmness. Not only does the level of firmness depend on your personal preferences, but it is also linked to the following:
- The pillow’s height
- The weight of your head
- Your sleeping position
- The firmness of the mattress
It is vital to understand that pillows that are too firm can pressure certain body parts, like the ears (if you are a side sleeper). On the flip side, if the pillow is incredibly soft, it might not provide adequate support.
Pillow Support
As mentioned, support is critical to avoiding neck pain. Besides being the perfect height, the best pillows for neck pain should provide sufficient support. Cervical pillows do a fantastic job supporting the neck, as these pillows contour the neck, not leaving unnecessary gaps.
Pressure Point Relief
Pressure point relief is essential if you want to get a good night’s sleep. By opting for a quality pillow with pressure relief, you will alleviate the strain and the pain. Pillows that are the perfect size and shape for your sleeping position will enhance your overall comfort.
Pillow Shape
Nowadays, you can get the best orthopedic pillow for neck pain in all shapes and sizes. Although the pillow’s shape is entirely up to the person’s preferences, we suggest checking our recommendations and reviews above for the best options on the market.
Material Quality
There are many products on the market designed from widespread materials such as feather or memory foam. The main reason why material quality is essential is that it can play a deciding role in determining the pillow’s comfort level and durability.
Bear in mind that particular best pillows for neck support can be washed more frequently than others, while some may require special treatment. The best materials for alleviating neck pain include memory foam, feather, latex, down, polyfoam, and buckwheat.
Cost
Admittedly, the pillow’s price will vary depending on its design and the materials used. We strongly suggest not skimping in this case. Keep in mind, some of these luxurious products can last for years to come! Fortunately for you, we have also included discount information and special deals in our best pillow for neck pain reviews. This way, you can get the best value out of your purchase.
