Best Pillows For Neck Pain And Sleep Discomfort
Neck pain is a common ailment that usually doesn’t require medical attention, but it can cause sleep discomfort or interfere with sleep. Neck pain can develop from muscle strain, worn joints, compressed nerves, injuries, or diseases. Awkward sleeping positions can result in neck pain. Sleeping on the stomach is not recommended, especially for individuals with neck pain. An individual's pillow choice may also play a role in neck pain and sleep discomfort. The material and thickness of a pillow should be considered before purchase because pillows that are too stiff or high can strain the neck muscles and exacerbate neck pain. Patients who suffer from neck pain need adequate levels of support to relieve pressure and improve sleep. If an individual's neck pain causes severe discomfort, migrating pain, tingling, weakness, numbness, or headaches, they should consult a physician. Get to know the best pillows for relieving neck pain and sleep discomfort now.
Cervical Pillows
Cervical pillows can be used to support or align the spinal column. They are considered pieces of medical equipment and are also known as orthotic devices. They help with the natural placement of the head and neck, so correct back posture can be maintained during sleep, alleviating neck pain. These types of pillows are used to prevent or help with certain conditions that cause abnormalities in the backbone, like hypolordosis or hyperlordosis. They're usually made from memory foam, which is one of the best materials for pillows used to relieve back pain. Cervical pillows may also help with whiplash, neck sprains, neck spasms, stiffness, or snoring.
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Feather Pillows
Feather pillows, typically filled with duck or geese feathers, are comfortable and fit snugly under the head and neck. Pillows made from feathers are an option for individuals with neck pain because they conform closely to the head and neck. They are lightweight and many of them are adjustable, which is important for individuals with neck pain. Although these types of pillows have a long lifespan, they tend to lose their shape and fluffiness over time. They may need to be continually fluffed and maintained to manage their optimum level of conformity and freshness. In addition, the quills may eventually poke holes in the cover, or the feathers may develop a bad odor over time.
Get to know one of the most important things to look for when choosing a pillow to avoid sleep discomfort, including neck pain.
Match Height To Sleeping Position
The thickness of a pillow is known as the loft of the pillow. Most individuals have a preference, but it's especially important for patients with neck pain to choose carefully, as the thickness of the pillow is a major part of the comfort and support it provides. There are three classes of loft to choose from. They are determined by the pillow measurements: low, medium, and high. Low is less than three inches thick, medium thickness is three to five inches thick, and high is more than five inches thick. Things to consider when deciding on a pillow loft include sleep position, pillow position, and mattress type. Individuals also have to factor in their body weight, head size, and shoulder width.
Individuals who sleep on their backs usually choose medium-loft pillows because they provide a great balance of thickness and moldability. Those who sleep on their side can use medium or high-loft pillows to fill in the extra space between their head and neck and the pillow. Low-loft pillows are usually preferred by stomach-sleepers. It's important to take the time to choose the best pillow for neck pain because the wrong loft can cause strain on the neck and shoulders. Pillow loft also affects the alignment of the neck and spine, which can be a source of neck pain if it's not properly contoured.
Learn about the best pillows for neck pain and sleep discomfort when traveling.
Horseshoe-Shaped Pillow For Travel
A horseshoe-shaped pillow for travel is usually at the top of the list of carry-on items for frequent fliers. In fact, they're hard to miss in just about every form of public transportation. They can be seen dangling around necks or hanging from all sorts of luggage. Long distance traveling usually involves some sleep time, whether from lack of sleep, boredom, exhaustion, or time of day. Trying to get some shut-eye in a sitting position is very awkward and uncomfortable for the average person, and individuals with neck pain may find it even more difficult. Sleeping in a sitting position usually causes the head to wobble in all directions, and individuals can even fall forward in their seat. It may cause them to wake up with a stiff neck or lower back pain. Horseshoe-shaped or U-shaped pillows are very helpful for supporting the neck and alleviating the discomfort and aches caused by strain on the neck and shoulders. They can help users by conforming to the contours of the neck, jaw, or shoulder to provide pressure relief.
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Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam pillows are very popular and effective because of their ability to conform closely to the shape of the head and neck. The material used for memory foam pillows is called polyfoam. It's a hard, dense substance that softens a bit when warmed by body heat. This enables the material to become quite moldable. It has a cushiony feel and is slow to bounce back. Memory foam doesn’t lose its shape, and it can adjust around pressure to improve spinal alignment. These conforming pillows help with neck pain by holding the head and neck in place, relieving pain and pressure, and distributing weight evenly. They may improve sleep quality and leave users feeling well-rested. Other benefits include the cooling effect of good air circulation and loft adjustability for memory foam pillows with a shredded filling. Drawbacks include a high cost and the potential for problems with odor. when these pillows are not taken care of.