Looking for the best pillows for seniors? Check out these special pillows for neck pain, designed for elderly individuals, that are not orthopedic.
A simple remedy for tense muscles from sleeping in an awkward position or poor posture at the computer is the use of special pillows for neck pain.
There are several orthopedic and non-orthopedic neck pillows to choose from to help you get a good night’s sleep.
Usually, the best pillow for seniors is one that provides soft support for the head and neck as changes to the spinal cord occur as one ages, but personal preference dictates the choice of a pillow for neck pain relief.
Furthermore, a good night’s sleep is known to promote a healthy heart.
Some people prefer orthopedic pillows which are specially designed to alleviate pain, pressure, or tension while others prefer non-orthopedic options. A previous article evaluated top-rated orthopedic pillows for neck pain.
This article focuses on some non-orthopedic options available on the market. But before you run out to buy a neck pillow, try out the neck roll method in the videos below to see if they work for you.
The technique is inexpensive and could be used in the interim while looking for a suitable neck pain pillow to purchase.
I have personally used the method and find that it does provide relief for soreness in the neck if the towel is properly rolled up.
How to Use a Bath Towel to Create a Cervical Neck Roll at Home for Neck Pain Relief
These short videos by the Pain Relief and Wellness Clinic demonstrate how to use a soft bath towel to create a cervical neck roll at home.
It is a gentle and subtle technique and should not be painful.
If you have any concerns about your health or the pain you are experiencing please see your health professional first.
The first video shows the set-up.
Once you have got yourself set up, place the neck roll in place and lie with it in that position for 10 or 20 minutes to ensure it is at the right support height for the neck BEFORE proceeding to the second video.
The second video shows how to correctly place the neck roll in a pillow.
Home Remedy to Special Pillows for Neck Pain – Creating the Neck Roll
Placing the Neck Roll in the Pillow
PRASNE Sweethome Jane Memory Foam Neck Pillow
This Eyelash Extension Pillow is scientifically designed with an ergonomic curve to help correct the spinal posture of the neck.
The contoured headrest keeps the head and neck level.
The product is commonly used to help treat a variety of conditions affecting the neck and shoulders and some estheticians use it for clients requiring eyelash extensions.
This pillow is medium-firm. With use, the foam will soften and provide a comfortable resiliency.
A change in sleeping position requires different support which is why the pillow provides two distinctly different support options for back and side sleeping.
Product details – Unique Features
- Suitability: Side and Back sleepers
- Item Weight: 1.25 kilograms
- Material: 100% Memory Foam Filling Pillow. Nonallergic and nontoxic
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 inches x13.7 inches x 5/ 4.3/3.1 inches
- Colour: Fitted coral velvet black pillowcase
- Shape: Wedge
- Cover: Removable, washable
- Sizes: Standard and Queen
PROS
- It is lightweight, not super bulky and can be rolled up
- The pillow cover is soft and does not irritate sensitive skin
CONS
- May be too firm for some users but manufacturer states that the pillow will soften a bit with use.
- Due to popularity may not be in stock but quickly re-stocked
Royal Therapy 4-Layer Queen Memory Foam Bamboo Adjustable Neck Pillow
The Royal Therapy snuggle bed pillows are special pillows for neck pain relief. They are designed to contour to the unique shape of the body to help provide even support for the head and neck..
This pillow has two gentle slopes — one slightly higher than the other, so you can choose the side that best fits your neck — with a shallow valley in the center for the head.
Its firm support gently cradles your head and neck, relieving the pressure that often leads to aches and pains.
It allows for adjustments to be made by removing the middle foam layer making it suitable for side, back, or stomach sleepers.
Royal Therapy’s memory foam is CertiPUR-US certified.
Product details – Unique Features
- Suitability: Side, Back and Stomach sleepers
- Item Weight: ~1.00 kilograms
- Material: 4-layer adjustable memory foam, chemical-free.
- Product Dimensions: 24 x 14 x 6 inches
- Colour: White
- Shape: Rectangular
- Cover: Removable, washable hypoallergenic bamboo pillowcase. The bamboo cover is constructed with heat-dissipating technology that eliminates thermal build-up while you sleep.
- Sizes: Extra Queen, King, Extra King
PROS
- It is firm but still has bounce and holds its shape extremely well. When pressure is removed the memory foam slowly resets and returns to its original shape.
- Good for broad shoulders
CONS
- Slight memory foam smell in a few cases
KUCEY STORE Cooling Side Sleeper Curved Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain
This luxury shredded memory FoamBed pillow for sleeping is an adjustable Queen size curved neck pillow that provides cloud-like sleeping comfort for neck pain relief. Designed for all sleepers, especially side sleepers that have a rough time falling asleep.
The KUCEY premium shredded memory foam is breathable, allowing your body heat to dissipate and air to flow freely. It helps reduce stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and back. It “remembers” the curve of your neck and adapts to your shape, properly aligning the spine while sleeping (suitable for side and back sleepers).
This special pillow for neck pain allows you to customize firmness by yourself. If you switch between your back and side throughout the night, you can customize your firmness and softness to what’s most comfortable for you.
Product details – Unique Features
- Suitability: All Sleepers Side, Back & Stomach sleepers
- Item Weight: 1.87 kilograms
- Material: Shredded gel memory foam minimizes heat build-up to help you sleep better – Designed with the perfect balance between firmness and comfort that supports the neck with zero pressure on the head. Air mesh on both sides provides air circulation all night long keeping you feel good. Do not expose the memory foam pillow to direct sunlight.
- Product Dimensions: 29.53 x 19.68 x 7.08 inches
- Colour: White
- Shape: Crescent
- Cover: The KUCEY bamboo pillow cover has two different sides. One of them is made of premium bamboo material, which enables your pillow to be ultra soft and comfortable. Removable outer cover can be zipped off and washed, while the bed pillow itself SHOULD NOT BE WASHED.
PROS
- The pillow has the right amount of curvature that allows flexibility to different kinds of sleepers
- Allows personal firmness customization
CONS
- The slight smell when the pillow newly arrives
BedStory Memory Foam Pillow, Gel Memory
The BedStory memory foam special pillows for neck pain boast of cooling gel infused memory foam which regulates temperature, disperses heat and promotes airflow to prevent sweating. It provides the neck, shoulder and upper back efficient support throughout the night to provide shoulder and neck pain relief. This dust mite resistant pillow is CertiPUR-US Certified.
Product details – Unique Features
- Suitability: Side and Back sleepers
- Item Weight: 1.64 kilograms
- Material: High density memory medium to firm foam pillow. Certified CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX for durability, performance and content. No formaldehyde, no mercury, lead or heavy metals. No chemical smell and hypoallergenic, provides a healthy and safe sleeping condition.
- Product Dimensions: 24″ x 16″ x 15″
- Colour: White
- Shape: Ergonomic
- Cover: Ventilated design memory foam pillow’s cover is specially made with 40% tencel and 60% microfiber fabric, and an air layer on the surface, keeping it comfortable and breathable throughout the night.
PROS
- 3 year warranty
- Good ventilation and not hot
CONS
- May have a slight smell at the beginning when pillow arrives which quickly dissipates
In Conclusion – Special Pillows for Neck Pain
Several studies demonstrate the effectiveness of neck pillows. This article conducts a comparative review on special pillows for neck pain that are non-orthopedic . Many of these pillows require some getting used to and should not be quickly abandoned in the first few days of use.
Leave a comment below if you find the article informative or if you have a question. Please share your experience with any of these special pillows for neck pain to help others in search of that perfect pillow!
Related Articles
Top-Rated Orthopedic Pillows for Neck Pain. The Best Options
FAQ
What are the benefits of orthopedic special pillows for neck pain?
Orthopedic special pillows for neck pain are designed to provide proper support and alignment for the neck and spine, reducing discomfort and promoting better sleep quality. These pillows can help alleviate pressure on sensitive areas, improve posture, and prevent stiffness or strain in the neck muscles, ultimately leading to reduced pain and improved overall comfort.
What type of pillows are best for neck pain relief?
The best pillows for neck pain relief are ones that provide adequate support and alignment for the head and neck. Memory foam pillows, cervical pillows, and contour pillows are all great options as they can help maintain proper spinal alignment and reduce pressure on the neck muscles. It’s important to choose a pillow that suits your individual sleeping style and preferences.
Which pillows are better in providing neck pain relief – orthopedic or non-orthopedic pillows?
Orthopedic pillows are specifically designed to provide proper support and alignment for the neck, making them better for relieving neck pain compared to non-orthopedic pillows. They can help alleviate discomfort and promote better sleep posture.
References
1. Won-Hwee Lee, PT and Min-Seok Ko (2017) Effect of sleep posture on neck muscle activity. J Phys Ther Sci: 29(6): 1021–1024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5468189/
2. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Neck pain: Overview. 2010 Aug 24 [Updated 2019 Feb 14]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK338120/
Hi Ceci,
I love your recommendations. Those are good options for people who suffer from neck pain, and they may purchase one of them to soothe the pain. As you mentioned in this article, most of them have slight smells, and I believe the root cause is the materials used in production. I used to have a pillow like this, and the smell does need some time to dissipate. It’s nice that you give up heads-up first.
I wonder, how long does it take to sleep with any of the pillows listed above and get used to? Do you have a specific time length?
Thanks.
Matt
Hi Matt,
Not all the pillows come with the memory foam smell from the material used, but it is always good to let readers know about this during their decision making process.
Getting used to tusing the pillow can take annything between 2 day up to one week or longer. It depends on the user. It took me a little over a week to get used to using my own contour pillow.
Ceci
What makes these pillows ‘non-orthopedic’ compared to the other ones you have on your site that are orthopedic pillows?
By the look of it, these pillows are also designed with the sole intention of alleviating neck pain.
I was lucky enough to try a similar pillow when staying at a hotel a few years ago. I remember thinking at the time that I need to buy some for myself…. and then I forgot all about it. So thank you for the reminder of the benefits of sleeping with good alignment. It’s time to take better care of myself while sleeping, after all we do spend 7to 8 hours in bed every night.
Hello Andrew. Orthopefdic pillows are specially constructed pillows for the correction of deformities or a functional impairment of the skeletal system. They must meet certain standards before thhey can be called “orthopedic”. These pillows do work wonders for those who need the extra support.
Thanks for your informative overview on Non-orthopedic pillows designed for neck pain. Do most Bed story branded pillows come with a 3-year warranty? In my experience with pillows, mine usually don’t even last for a year, so that would definitely be helpful, especially since these ones are so expensive. Also the Gel-infusion of those pillows have got me sold!
Hi David,
This particular Bed story brand has a 3-year manufacturers warranty tbecause of its high quality (materials and construction)- which is why it is expensive. I totally agree with you that most standard pillows usually last less than a year, but even with those, the higher the quality the more you will have to pay for them.
Ceci
Thanks so much for this overview on the Non-orthopedic pillows designed for neck pain. I have been doing a lot of exercises lately and have experienced neck pain. I am especially interested in the Bedsure pillow and I find it to be reasonably priced. Do you think that this pillow will help with neck pain? I think the pain is due to stress from exercising and perhaps overall stress. Anyways, I really think it may be worth trying it. What are your thoughts?
Hi Ralph,
There is no guarrantee for any product. All pillows reviewed in this aticle are pillows advertised as helpful for neck pain. The Bedsure pillow appears to be both functional and economical.
Ceci
Hi Ceci. What a perfect article for me. I have neck pain when I wake up. I’m thinking to buy a pillow like this. I like the royal therapy pillow recommendation because it contours my body. I like that it’ll give me firm support. I checked the price and it’s $107.67 on Amazon. That’s a lot for a pillow. But then again, it’s not just any pillow. What I like is that it’s not going to flatten (like regular pillows do) after a few months. I think it’s a great investment.
Once you discover a contoured pillow that will eliminate your pain, you will certainly want to make the investment. Many people end up spending even more on their regular pillow because they repace them when they flatten.
Ceci