In the majority of cases, neck pain is not caused by sleeping position. However, the appropriate cushion might prevent your time in bed from worsening the discomfort. Common causes of neck discomfort include poor posture, long periods of sitting, hunching over the phone, and overall strain on the muscles that support the head. (If this describes you, discover how to improve your posture and engage with pillows for neck pain.)
By the time you lie down for the night, you have probably already placed a hefty load on your neck. Chronic neck discomfort might deprive you of much-needed rest. Peter Polos, M.D., an assistant professor of sleep medicine at Hackensack JFK Medical Center in New Jersey and a sleep specialist for Sleep Number, explains: “Pillows give appropriate support from the shoulders up, and they play a key role in good spinal alignment and comfort when sleeping.”
They also assist expand your airways and prevent nighttime snoring. Consider trying a different pillow if your neck pain is causing you to wake up at night. Whether you sleep on your side, stomach, or back, the ideal pillows for neck pain will maintain your neck in a neutral posture, aligned with your spine in a manner that does not generate tension. Along with the proper mattress, the correct pillow will support your head, allowing your muscles to rest as you sleep.
Depending on your sleep pattern, the best cushion for neck discomfort can vary. (Don’t worry too much about the substance; as long as it gives sufficient support, it doesn’t matter whether pillows for neck pain are made of memory foam, bamboo, or anything else; however, down pillows tend to be too fluffy to be effective).
“There are no one-size-fits-all pillows for neck pain; it is essential to choose one that is supportive and pleasant for your sleep requirements,” Dr. Polos explains. “For instance, back and side sleepers should search for a pillow that correctly aligns their neck and spine, since a cushion that is too high or too low might create neck pain.”
Here are the 9 Best Pillows for Neck Pain:
1. Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow
The Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft pillows for neck pain, which are stuffed with shredded memory foam, are adaptable to all sleeping positions while remaining supportive for people with neck pain. It is hypoallergenic and made from bamboo, which keeps it cool throughout the night.
2. Contour Memory Foam Pillow
Neck pain treatment should not be prohibitively expensive. The EPABO Contour Memory Foam pillows for neck pain, which cradles the head of the side and back sleepers and is sometimes available for less than $40, is a good example of a simple pillow with sufficient support. It is intended to give support and prevent your head from shifting into stressful positions throughout the night.
3. Therapeutic Pillow
People with neck pain who want a firmer pillows for neck pain might examine the several memory foam choices, but if you prefer a cushion that is even firmer and more supporting, the Therapeutica pillow should be considered. Its unusual form is intended to cradle your head whether you sleep on your side or back, and it’s made of molded foam, which is stronger than memory foam.
- Neck strain
- Neck Pillow
4. The Purple Pillow
Purple’s unique shape results in pillows for neck pain that is cooler and gives customizable support, making it ideal for persons with neck problems who sleep on their side or stomach. If you suffer from neck aches and need a cooling cushion, Purple is an excellent option for neck pain.
5. Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pillow
As previously stated, stomach sleepers have certain requirements, primarily smaller pillows that prevent neck strain throughout the night. Thin yet supportive, the Belly Sleep Gel Infused Memory Foam Pillow is infused with a cooling gel that prevents you from overheating when lying on your stomach.
One Amazon customer suggests folding it if you change sleeping positions during the night, as many stomach sleepers do. It has a 4.5-star rating overall and almost 800 reviews.
6. D-Core Cervical Support Pillow
Back sleepers, like stomach sleepers, may need specific attention for neck problems. The Core Products D-Core Cervical Support Pillow provides a supporting cradle almost a neck pillow that keeps the head level throughout the night for back sleepers with neck pain. The form may need some time to acclimatize to, but it may provide assistance for back sleepers when regular pillows are inadequate.
7. Kapok Pillow
Yes, we said that fill material is irrelevant. And this is often true; support is the most important factor in alleviating neck pain. However, Layla’s pillow blends kapok (a light and airy natural fiber) with memory foam to provide customizable support that is also very breathable and keeps your head cool.
8. Tempur-Neck Pillow
With its curved form and supportive memory foam, the TEMPUR-Neck pillows for neck pain from Tempur-Pedic claim to keep your neck straight throughout the night. It is available in three sizes, is adaptable to your body type and sleeping style, and is entirely hypoallergenic.
9. Side Sleeper Pillow
There are several advantages to the Sleep Artisan Luxury Side Sleeper Pillows for neck pain. It is stuffed with natural latex and microfiber, which keeps it cool and hypoallergenic, and it can be adjusted to fit any sleeper. For side sleepers in particular, the unusual cut-out form allows the shoulders to rest in a neutral posture, earning it four stars and almost 800 reviews on Amazon.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, getting rid of your neck pain can be as simple as just changing your pillow. If you really look into it, you may find some of the best options in your budget. And if you are still struggling with neck pain even after changing your pillow, you can consult your doctor.
