How to Find Pillows for Neck Support in 2020? Advice from a Doctor

Most people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about their sleeping positions and their pillows’ quality. Even if you think about your pillow, you may think of its comfort rather than its ability to prevent or reduce neck pain. However, the importance of finding the best pillows for neck support for your sleeping position cannot be exaggerated. Without a pillow supporting the neck alignment, you’re likely to suffer from chronic neck pain at some point in your life. In this article, we help you find the best pillows for neck support for your sleeping position.

Importance of finding pillows designed for your sleeping position

Sleeping is a critical recovery period for your mind and body. As such, if you don’t have the optimal sleeping position or pillow, you may have trouble sleeping. Most people suffer from chronic neck pain, shoulder pain, or back pain at some point in their lives. In fact, millions of Americans suffer from neck pain and back pain before they’re even 30.

You may think neck and shoulder pain occurs because of aging, but they’re more likely caused by poor sleeping position and pillow. According to the American Chiropractic Association, the neck is one of the most vulnerable parts of your body, prone to injury due to an incorrect sleeping position and pillow. You may suffer from neck pain if your pillow doesn’t have the correct thickness, if it’s not compatible with your sleeping position, or if it doesn’t support your neck and shoulders.

But what do we mean when we talk about your pillow supporting your sleep position? Well, most people only think of comfort and softness while purchasing pillows. However, the level of support is just as important. Your pillow must ensure your neck remains neutral, maintaining spinal alignment. Whatever your sleeping position, your neck should be neutral with your spine and hips. If your neck is too high or too low, you may suffer from neck pain.

However, different sleeping positions have different conditions for spinal neutrality. Below, we discuss how to find pillows designed for your sleep position, whether you’re a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper. Once you find the best pillow for neck support for your position, you can reduce neck pain.

Pillows designed for side sleepers

If you’re a side sleeper, your spine must be level with your mattress from the side view. You must find a pillow that easily covers the distance between the mattress to your neck. Thin pillows make your neck bend down, creating an arch in your spine and leading to neck and back pain. Some people make up for the difference by placing their elbow under the pillow, but that can also lead to shoulder pain. You must find a pillow that supports itself, without you having to use your elbow or arms.

If you prefer sleeping on your side, consider Elite Rest Contour Sleeper, widely hailed to be one of the best memory foam pillows for side sleepers. This is one of the best pillows designed with a contoured surface sloping downwards, supporting the neck with a high loft of 4” while allowing your head to settle into the concave center. Elite Rest also provides a 100% cotton and machine-washable pillow cover for optimal air circulation and breathability.

Besides Elite Rest, you can also consider Coisum Cervical Pillow if you need a pillow for reducing neck pain. Coisum is more of an orthopedic pillow, i.e., it is specifically shaped and designed for reducing neck pain by offering optimal neck and spine support.

Pillows designed for back sleepers

If you’re a back sleeper, you need a pillow that keeps your neck and spine stable. Most back sleepers use a medium-loft pillow, though some people also need high-loft pillows. While trying pillows, you can use your neck and chin to determine spinal alignment. When you rest your head on the pillow, the tips of your nose and chin should be on the same level.

Elite Rest Contour Sleeper also serves as a great pillow for back sleepers with an average or large-sized neck. As a memory foam pillow, it conforms to the shape of your neck for optimal support. It also has a 4” loft height suitable for most people.

Belly Sleep Memory Foam Pillow is another suitable memory foam pillow for back sleepers, especially those who suffer from night sweats. This pillow has cooling gel layers that absorb body heat and keep you cool.

Pillows designed for combination sleepers

Combination sleepers toss and turn in their sleep, so they can be side sleepers, back sleepers, or stomach sleepers in a single night. Combination sleepers need pillows for neck support that are just as versatile as their sleeping position.

Mediflow Fiber Water Pillow is one of the best pillows for combination sleepers because it’s a highly versatile and flexible water pillow. The pillow features an insulated and sealed water pouch that you can fill to the optimal level according to your preferred loft height and sleeping position. Side sleepers should fill it with more water, and stomach sleepers should fill it with minimal water. Furthermore, as you toss and turn, the water shifts under your weight, supporting the neck through all your sleeping styles.

Summary

When looking for pillows for neck support, you must consider your sleeping position. Your pillow’s primary goal should be ensuring optimal neck and spine alignment, reducing neck pain. That’s why you must find a memory foam pillow that’s ideal for supporting the neck in your sleeping position. Elite Rest Contour Sleeper is the best memory foam pillow for side sleepers and back sleepers. Mediflow Fiber Water Pillow is the best water pillow for combination sleepers who toss and turn in their sleep.