A Comprehensive Review of Neck Pillows for Sleep
A good night’s sleep is essential to our well-being, but neck pain can be an obstacle to a restful slumber. Neck pillows provide support while you sleep, and there is an expansive selection of kinds of neck pillows available that aim to give relief. By properly identifying our own sleep needs, we can find find which pillow type and design is the most effective solution to get us on the path to a restful night’s sleep.
Sleepers can be categorized based on sleeping position; side, back, and stomach. The goal of a neck pillow is to keep the spine aligned in a neutral position, giving adequate support and comfort. It can be helpful to understand the different kinds of neck pillows available in order to discover the the best option for our individual sleep styles.
What follows is review of the common types of neck pillows on the market, providing a general outline of its characteristics and why it may benefit you the most during your next restful slumber.
Contour Pillows for Side and Back Sleepers
Contour pillows provide support in a U-shaped design. This type of pillow is designed to conform to the natural shape of the neck and head while in the supine position. It can be used for side and back sleepers. A contour pillow for side sleeping should be thick enough to support the head and neck while conforming to the shoulder area without uncomfortable height. Back sleepers should look for a contour pillow with just the perfect level of softness and height.
Contour pillows provide more support than regular pillows and they are currently among the most popular types available.
Cervical Support Pillows for Side Sleepers
Cervical support pillows are designed with the idea of helping people who suffer from neck and shoulder pain. They feature a unique contour shape and come in various sizes depending on the pillow size. These pillows provide firm support specifically designed to cradle the head and neck. The molded shape provides constant support and helps to ensure spinal alignment while sleeping.
For side sleepers, these pillows can help align the spine and are particularly helpful for people who need extra support with neck flare ups. They can also be used by back sleepers who want to maintain a slightly elevated sleeping position.
The large variety of cervical support pillows can be a bit overwhelming. To make the right decision, it’s important to calculate your sleeping habits or contact experts in the sleep hygiene field.
Memory Foam Pillows for Side and Back Sleepers
Memory foam pillows are made of viscoelastic material, so they’re particularly ideal for those who prefer a softer and more rigid pillow. The memory foam holds the head in a neutral position best suitable for back sleepers.
They are made in a variety of shapes that aim to fit the neck, head, and shoulders. For back and side sleepers, a memory foam pillow should be high enough to provide support to the neck when lying on the side but flat enough to provide support and alleviate tension from muscles when lying on the back. People also tend to prefer memory foam pillows because of their breathability factors.
Memory foam pillows are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to provide personalized comfort and pressure relief.
Pros and Cons of Using Neck Pillow:
- Prevents neck pain while sleeping
- Helps maintain proper spinal alignment
- Reduces hazards of sleeping with neck in flexed positions
- Improves comfort for sleeping
- May need to buy new pillows frequently depending on use and material quality
Conclusion
Finding the right kind of pillow is essential to ensure proper support and comfort. It is important to identify your own unique needs to get the most out of the cervical pillow purchase experience. The right pillow, by providing the right level of support, can make a huge difference for those who suffer from neck pain.