- 1. Why do pillows treat neck pain?
- 2. Criteria for finding a pillow for neck pain
- Consider the size of the neck pain pillow
- Choose a pillow that can be adjusted according to your sleeping position
- Choose pillow material for neck pain
- The ability to support the neck curve
- Pillow thickness
- Shape
- 3. How to choose a pillow for neck pain according to your sleeping position
- 4. Types of pillows for neck pain
- 5. More tips to help relieve neck pain after changing pillows
Do you often wake up every morning with pain in your neck? You are not alone, because neck pain is extremely common. If you're thinking of buying a neck pillow, here's what you need to keep in mind to choose the best one for you.
Although it tends to affect middle age most, neck pain can affect anyone. By supporting the head, a pillow can keep the neck in line with the spine, helping to relieve neck pain and allowing the muscles to relax. However, is a hard or soft pillow better? This is the right question, as an ill-fitting pillow can worsen your neck pain. In the article below, Ru9 will discuss pillow types, as well as tips on choosing the right pillow for your needs!
1. Why do pillows treat neck pain?
A good pillow will support the complex musculoskeletal structure of your head and neck, thereby keeping your shoulders, hips, and spine aligned. All of this helps your body relax and rest comfortably, so you wake up feeling refreshed. If your upper body isn't supported enough, you'll struggle to get a good night's sleep, and then may wake up with a stiff neck and back.
Choose a pillow that helps support your neck and its natural curve.
However, not all pillows will treat neck pain, on the contrary, can become the main cause of this condition. If the pillow is too high or too low for your sleeping pattern, it can cause your neck to become crooked in different positions. Therefore, there should be selection criteria for the neck pain pillow to be effective for yourself.
2. Criteria for finding a pillow for neck pain
Like anything, the pillow that works for someone else may not necessarily be right for you. The best neck pillow for you will depend on several factors, including body size and shape, sleeping position, mattress firmness, and personal preference. As follows:
Consider the size of the neck pain pillow
Size is something you must consider when buying a pillow to sleep comfortably while reducing neck pain. When choosing the right pillow size, you must take into account your height as well as your weight.
The size of the neck pillow depends on your height and weight.
Typically, neck pillows for neck pain come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. Oversized people will need larger pillows and vice versa. In case your sleep does not improve with the standard size, you can also purchase a custom-made pillow.
Choose a pillow that can be adjusted according to your sleeping position
Sleeping position plays an important role in deciding the type of pillow we should use. Otherwise, you are most likely to experience physical aches and pains including in the back and neck area. One of the best ways to choose the best pillow for neck pain is to check your sleeping position. If you are wondering how to choose a pillow for neck pain, prioritize the type that adapts to your sleeping position.
Today there are many types of pillows designed for all different sleeping positions. There are separate types of pillows for people sleeping on their backs, people sleeping on their stomachs, people sleeping on their sides... Pillows are definitely good for side sleepers; while thin and extremely soft pillows are needed for back sleepers.
Choose pillow material for neck pain
Rubber, cotton, feather, activated foam… there are many different neck pillow materials on the market, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. If you're looking for a hypoallergenic pillow, you should consider opting for natural latex. This material ensures strength but still comfort and is resistant to mildew and dirt.
Latex and memory foam are the best pillow materials for neck pain.
Another ergonomic pillow option that has grown in popularity in recent years is memory foam. As the name suggests, memory foam has the ability to remember your body and conform to the natural curves of your head, neck and shoulders.
The ability to support the neck curve
You must consider buying a pillow that is able to support the neck curve to avoid neck pain caused by sleeping pillows. One of the ways to choose the best neck pillow for people with neck pain that many people overlook is to pay attention to the natural curve of the cervical vertebrae. These types can support the upper part of the neck as well as the upper back when lying on your side or even on your back.
Pillow thickness
One of the ways to choose the best pillow for neck pain is to consider the thickness or height of the pillow. It can miraculously eliminate neck pain.
The neck should not be higher than the rest of your spine, which means people with neck pain should avoid pillows that are too high (usually more than 5 inches high) to ensure that their head is not pressed into an uncomfortable angle.
Shape
Neck pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the standard rectangular shape to more specialized options designed to address neck pain in one way or another. The neck pillow contours to the natural C-shaped curve of your neck for extra support for stress-free sleep.
3. How to choose a pillow for neck pain according to your sleeping position
As shared above, the way you sleep affects the type of pillow you need to find. Here are examples of neck pillows suitable for different sleeping positions:
Best pillow for back sleepers
Those who sleep on their back will benefit from a flat, thin pillow that supports the neck and spine. In addition to neck pain, if you have lower back pain, you should also place another pillow under your knees to help relieve pressure.
Best pillow for side sleepers
If sleeping on your side, choose a thicker pillow to firmly support your head and neck. The stiffer rim provides support, while the slightly softer center will gently hug your head. In many cases, placing a pillow between the legs is also beneficial to help keep the spine in alignment.
Best pillow for sleeping on stomach
If your neck pain is so bad that you can't sleep, try choosing a thinner pillow. A thick pillowcase can put unnecessary strain on your neck or aggravate aching condition. If you still have muscle stiffness or back pain, try placing another pillow under your belly to help keep your back in its natural curve.
4. Types of pillows for neck pain are popular today
Here are some of the best pillows for neck pain that a person can consider:
Latex neck pain relief pillow
Latex pillows are made from natural, non-toxic plant latex. Many consider this to be the best cooling pillow available today. By providing proper support for the head, neck and spine, latex pillows provide excellent pain and pressure relief.
Young latex pillows are a great choice for people lying on their stomach, side and back. You can rub or flatten the pillow as needed to meet your need for comfortable sleep. Plus, they feel like a soft pillow without the allergy issues that many people have with fillers.
Feather neck pain pillow
Feather pillows are made from clusters of fluff taken from geese, swans or ducks. When lying on the surface of this pillow, you will feel like sleeping on cotton candy.
Feather is also a great option to help people with neck pain because it can mold to the shape of your neck, making it easy to customize. However, over time, this material easily collapses and loses its original elasticity.
Memory foam neck pain relief pillow
The memory foam pillow is tailored to each person as it is designed to respond to pressure and heat from the body. This material retains the natural contours of your head, neck and shoulders. This is important because it helps to keep your spine in alignment. Conventional pillows tend to tilt your head in a tilted direction.
New Ru9 Pillow
Niu Ru9 pillow uses exclusive Graphene Memory Foam technology that is capable of optimal heat dissipation as soon as you lie down. In addition, the Niu pillow is designed to create the most ideal support for your head - neck - shoulders, avoiding the feeling of neck pain when you wake up.
The Niu Ru9 pillow keeps your head and neck cool and comfortable all night long.
5. More tips to help relieve neck pain after changing pillows
- Adjust your overall posture when standing or sitting. So that the spine remains in neutral positions, not crooked.
Stretch your neck every 20 to 30 minutes when working on the computer, driving long distances, or doing other repetitive tasks that stress your neck. It can help if you set a reminder to take breaks on your computer or phone.
Apply heat or ice to ease the pain by taking a warm bath or applying heat or cold. This is especially effective for the first 2 to 3 days of pain.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
In short, the simplest way to relieve neck pain is to change your pillow, and understanding your sleep needs will help you choose the right neck pillow the first time. If neck pain persists after changing pillows or sleeping positions, consider seeing your doctor to rule out more serious conditions.