Ever woke up with a neck pain, wondering what caused it? The majority of those who suffer from neck pain attribute it to their bad sitting posture. While this may be true, did you know your sleeping pillow could be causing it too? An uncomfortable pillow can aggravate pain and cause headaches and other issues. So, what is the best pillow if you have chronic neck pain or you want to avoid it? Here, you will learn about the best-sleeping pillow types. As far as where to shop for it, shop from sleep experts Wakefit, which has a curated collection of sleeping pillows.
How To Choose The Best Pillow For Neck Pain
Believe it or not, the head of an average adult weighs 5 kg, which is a lot of weight for a neck to carry. So, your neck deserves a good night’s rest as much as you do. So, you should choose a pillow that reduces pressure, offers support, and aligns the body from head to toe in a straight line. If you suffer from neck pain, then here are a few options for pillows that are considered the most supportive and must-haves.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a material that contours to the body and a pillow made from memory foam hugs the head and conforms to its shape. When you have neck pain, this pillow is ideal as it is supportive and alleviates the pain. They are comfortable, offer lumbar support, are widely available, and importantly, not pricey. If you don’t have one single sleeping position, the slow bounce back will still support your neck, making it ideal for all sleeping positions.
Down
This is a soft and luxurious pillow made from goose and duck feathers. It is ideal for stomach sleepers, as it is less lofty, but it is not a great choice for back or side sleepers, as they need a thicker pillow. Additionally, it is not durable and needs to be replaced every few years.
Latex
These are firm but responsive pillows made from a material derived from rubber trees. These have less bounce but relieve pressure and keep their shape intact. It helps you sleep cool and is sustainable. Side sleepers who like to sleep cool, need little bounce and support, and have neck pain should choose a latex pillow.
Know Your Sleep Position
Everyone has a favorite sleep position where they feel the most comfortable. Different pillows work well at different sleep positions.
- Back sleepers: A low-loft pillow works best for back sleepers. Choose a pillow that aligns the head and neck with the spine and supports the neck. Some sleepers also find sleeping with a pillow under their shoulders more comfortable. A slightly curved medium-firm pillow is a good choice.
- Side sleepers: Use a thick pillow that fills the gap between the mattress and the neck. The head and neck should be in line with the shoulders, as this keeps the spine straight. A firmer or contoured pillow is good for side sleepers.
- Stomach sleepers: A thin and soft pillow is recommended for stomach sleepers. However, this sleeping style is not recommended as it strains the neck and back, so you should choose a different posture. If that is not practical, then buy a flat pillow so that your neck does not bend. Another choice is to place the pillow under the forehead so that the neck and head are in a neutral position.
Pillow Firmness
Pillows come in many firmness levels, and it is important to choose the best pillow for sleeping as it affects comfort and supports the neck. Here are the various firmness levels currently available:
- Soft pillows: It is the most preferred choice for neck pain and a good option for a stomach sleeper or for those who like a soft feel. However, this is not ideal for a side or back sleeper as it does not offer good support to the neck.
- Medium-soft pillows: It is a good choice for side or back sleepers as a supportive pillow as it provides the perfect balance of support and comfort to get quality sleep.
- Firm pillows: If you want extra support, this pillow is a good choice. A side sleeper should use this pillow as it keeps the neck aligned.
Which Is Not A Good Pillow For Back Pain
While you are now aware of the various types of pillows for beds based on materials and firmness levels, there are certain pillows that you should avoid at all costs. To prevent neck pain avoid too thick, too high, and too flat pillows as they cause strain, lack support, and do not help in maintaining a neutral spinal alignment.
How To Shop For A Neck Pillow Online?
It is not realistic to test dozens of pillows, so there are a few things to consider when shopping for a pillow online. Think of the materials, your sleeping position, loft, firmness, support, and comfort while keeping in mind the ease of care, availability, and price. You can shop online or check out specialty stores, whether you buy online or at a store, and research by going through customer reviews, customer service, and brand reputation.
Using the best pillow for bed reduces neck pain and also improves your sleep quality. When you consider factors like sleep position, firmness, and pillow material, you can find a pillow that supports your neck. Happy shopping!
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