How to Choose the Best Pillow For Neck Pain

Neck pain is a health condition that many of us experience in our lifetime.

When you experience neck pain regularly, it is best to visit a medical professional. A doctor or physiotherapist can help to diagnose what is causing your neck pain.

However, a diagnosis does not mean an instant cure. For many, the problem lingers. Often a multitude of remedies and solutions help. For instance, choosing the right pillow can help you to manage your neck pain better.

Top Tips For Choosing the Best Pillow For Neck Pain

When choosing a pillow for neck pain, it is best to consider several factors.

Let’s take a closer look.

1. Sleeping Position

Side sleepers need a different pillow when compared to back sleepers.
Checking your sleeping position is one of the first things you should do.

Back sleepers need a thinner pillow than side sleepers. When you sleep on your side, your pillow must be slightly thicker and firmer. This ensures you don’t put any extra strain on your neck and upper spine during the night.

Are you a stomach sleeper? If so, you may only need a thin pillow to keep your neck in the right sleeping position during the night.

The wrong pillow is one of the top contributory factors to a niggling neck and back pain which won’t go away.

2. Choose A Supportive Pillow

Your pillow should support the natural curve of your neck helping your head, neck and spine to remain in the perfect position while you sleep.

Cervical pillows or contoured pillows are the best option for most people to help back pain.

3. Material Matters

Neck pain can be caused by other issues apart from an incorrect sleeping position.

Pillows made from synthetic materials can retain moisture. In a worst-case scenario, they trap mold and mildew particles.

Mold and mildew particles are associated with inflammation in the body which over time can lead to pain in the body.

If you have a pillow made from synthetic materials, pain is more likely to occur in the neck.

A good quality orthopaedic pillow made from natural materials including cotton, bamboo and wool is less likely to retain moisture and store mold and mildew spores.

When you shop around for a pillow, make sure your new pillow is made from natural, breathable materials.

4. The Firmness of Your Pillow

A soft pillow is less likely to support your neck while you sleep.

When you know you are susceptible to neck pain, buy a pillow filled with feathers or eiderdown.

Another option is memory foam neck pillow. It is worth pointing out that not everybody who experiences neck pain finds memory foam useful.

A memory foam pillow can support a good sleep position. But, if you have posture problems which are part of your neck pain problem, you may find all your memory foam-filled pillow does is make pre-existing conditions worse.

5. Don’t Keep Your Pillow For 10 Years

Another mistake many of us make is to hang on to our pillow for too long.

It is easy not to notice the condition of your pillow. Perhaps you think your pillow is fine even though it has become thinner and is dirty.

In a perfect world, your pillow should be replaced every 12 - 36 months.

As soon as your pillow starts feeling flat and slightly lumpy, it is time to replace it.

A stained pillow indicates it is dirty. As mentioned, your pillow can harbour mildew spores and dust mites.

When you have breathing problems during the night, check out your pillow. Is it clean? If not, it is time to change your orthopaedic pillow.

6. Keep Your Pillow Clean

When you buy a new pillow for your bed, make sure it is easy to wash.

Although you don’t need to wash your pillow every week, you should try to wash it every couple of months or so.

When you are at home, air your pillow out by leaving outside for a couple of hours on a nice day.

Pillow protectors help to reduce the risk of allergies caused by dust mites and allergens.

Common allergens you find in pillows are pollen, dead skin and dandruff.
All three can enter your bloodstream and cause pain in your body.

7. What About A Pillow Guarantee?

Yes, there are pillow manufacturers and suppliers that offer a guarantee.

It is a similar concept to mattress suppliers offering a warranty or will take your mattress back.

But first, the emphasis is on you. Explain why you are buying a pillow and what you expect from your pillow.

If you are looking for a pillow to fix your neck pan, and it doesn’t do that, it is nice to know you can exchange or return your pillow.

You may pay extra for a pillow which offers a guarantee. But, if you have a problem with neck pain or experience regular episodes, it is nice to “test drive” a pillow before you commit to it. Paying more is often the right thing to do.

8. Consult a Physio

Still not sure? If you are convinced your pillow choice is right for you, don’t hesitate to consult a physiotherapist or other health professional.

After an assessment, they should be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to choosing the right pillow for neck pain.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right orthopaedic pillow for neck pain is not always easy.

Listen to recommendations from others, but don’t forget that we are all individuals. Your neck pain may be caused by something completely different compared to your best friend.

Paying slightly more and buying a specialist pillow is the right choice for most individuals with neck pain.

Brought to you by Your Back Pain Relief