Contour pillows are a good choice regardless of whether you are a side or back sleeper. The contours are based on the anatomy of the human body, thereby providing optimum support and promoting spinal alignment when you sleep. In this article, we discuss do contour pillows help neck pain, the factors to consider when looking for a contour pillow, and we review the top cervical pillow of 2021.
Do Contour Pillows Help Neck Pain?
Neck problems from pillow usually occur if your neck does not support the natural spinal curve of your neck. The pillow may be too high or low or too soft. An orthopedic pillow with a contoured design can make your sleep more comfortable if you are suffering from neck pain or muscle stiffness. With proper spinal alignment, you will wake up feeling well-rested.
Factors to Consider When Looking for a Cervical Pillow
The right cervical pillow for neck pain is usually on the firmer side. A firm pillow provides adequate support to the neck and spine. The best neck pillow is usually made of memory foam. Memory foam can mold to the shape of your head and keep your back and neck in alignment, unlike polyester-filled pillows. Higher quality memory foam like CertiPUR-US-certified foam is made with fewer chemicals and is more sustainable. The more expensive pillows often allow height adjustments to customize them to your sleep habits perfectly.
Top Cervical Pillow 2021
Contour Memory Foam Pillow By Elite Rest — Best Contour Memory Foam Pillow
This Contour Memory Foam Pillow By Elite Rest is a great back and side sleeper pillow. It provides therapeutic support for neck and shoulder pain. The pillow is designed to conform to the natural curvature of your body. This promotes gentle neck and spine alignment and supports your neck, shoulder, and head.
The lower contour is 2.75 inches and the higher contour is 4 inches. The pillow is 12 inches wide, which is enough room for the average user. The memory foam is anti-fungal, hypoallergenic, and mildew and dust mites resistant. The removable 20 x 12 inches cover is made of pure cotton and is machine washable. Most users have given positive feedback about the firmness of this pillow.
Desk Jockey Neck Pillow Headrest — Best Neck Support Pillow
A stiff neck can not only be annoying but embarrassing as well. If you get this neck pillow, you can live your life without the embarrassment of having to turn your entire body when you want to look to your side. This versatile neck pillow can be taken anywhere. It comes with an adjustable strap so you can conveniently attach it to any seat you want.
The Desk Jockey Neck Pillow is designed for a lifetime of use. It will never go flat regardless of how much you use it. The cover is removable and machine washable. This neck pillow keeps the ears, shoulders, and spine in proper alignment, eliminating neck pain. The pillow measures 12 x 4 x 6 inches. If you use it correctly, it should support the spinal curve of your neck and not push your head forward. This is an ideal travel accessory if you’re going on long flights.
Contour Products Leg Pillow — Best Orthopedic Pillow for Back Pain
This Leg Pillow by Contour Products is designed to conform to the shape of your inner thighs so that it will remain stable throughout the night. If you are sleeping on your side, this pillow will prevent your lower back from straining by correctly aligning your knees, hips, and spine.
This contour memory foam pillow is a simple solution to stabilize your pelvis and reduce the stress on the sacroiliac joints, herniated discs, muscles, and ligaments. It is made of 100% visco-elastic memory foam. The pillow feels comfortable and soft because of the velour cover.
ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow — Best Orthopedic Pillow for Pregnancy
If you’re unable to sleep at night because of sciatic pain, hip discomfort, or lower back pain, ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow may be the solution you are looking for. The ergonomic design makes it fit comfortably between your legs, promoting ideal spinal alignment.
Pregnancy is a major cause of sciatica. This orthopedic pillow can provide relief from that along with reducing joint pressure, hip pain, and knee pain while sleeping. You can sleep with your legs completely straight, in which case you need to place the pillow between your thighs. If you sleep with your legs curled into a fetal position, the pillow is best placed between your knees.
This chiropractor-recommended knee pillow is portable, durable, and easy to clean. The high-density cut memory foam is superior to competitors. It comes with a breathable zippered cover that is machine washable. The memory foam used for this pillow is heat and weight responsive. It will feel firmer in cold and softer in warm temperatures. It works best at room temperature.
Core Products Tri-Core Pillow — Best Cervical Pillow
The Tri-Core Cervical Pillow by Core Products is made in the USA. The material used is a mix of 50% polyester and 50% cotton, making it breathable and soft. The top and bottom neck rolls have different width for a more customized fit for different sleepers. The side lobes have been made taller for side sleeping. They are comfortable but firm, providing an adequate neck support. The pillow will not flatten because of highly-resilient fiber that springs back when compressed. The trapezoid shape at the center of the pillow cradles the head and allows the built-in neck roll to support the neck firmly. This is very beneficial for back sleeping.
The Tri-Core Pillow can help correct nerve malfunction and recover from injuries since the cervical curve is supported in its neutral position. The pillow comes in 3 sizes — full size, petite, and midsize. The full-size pillow is preferred by most men and taller women. The midsize is suitable for most women, petite men, and children above 10 years of age.
You should keep in mind that this is not your typical comfy pillow. It is designed for orthopedic correction over several weeks. It is best to slowly ease into it by alternating between your current pillow and the Tri-Core for a few weeks. It is also important to note that the trapezoid indentation at the center is not meant for side sleeping.
