As we grow older, the aging process involves the onset and progression of degenerative changes. Several top rated orthopedic pillows for neck pain can help alleviate the discomfort due to soreness in the neck and shoulders experienced on waking.
This soreness is usually caused by sleeping with the neck in the wrong position.
Researching and selecting the pillow that is suitable for your needs can be overwhelming because of the shear number of available options on the market.
This article evaluates top-rated orthopedic pillows for neck pain on the market. The comparative review is based on manufacturer’s product specifications, consumer reviews and highlights of their pros and cons.
Table of Contents
Quality of Sleep
Sleep affords the body opportunity to replenish and repair its cells to maintain optimal function, energy and health. People who do not get sufficient sleep are generally moody, fatigued and may have reduced cognitive ability.
A good night’s sleep is known to promote heart health.
Good-quality sleep is associated with improvements in chronic and acute pain. Consequently, sleeping for several hours with the neck bent at an unnatural angle will cause neck pain and affect the quality of sleep.
To address this discomfort, pillows for neck pain help support the head and neck by keeping them both at the appropriate height throughout the night.
Specifically, poor cervical posture during sleep, which is believed to increase bio mechanical stresses on the structure of the cervical spine, can produce cervical pain and stiffness, headache, and scapular or arm pain, resulting in low-quality sleep (Won-Hwee Lee, PT and Min-Seok Ko (2017)
Consider Sleeping Positions and Pillow Support for Top Rated Orthopedic Pillows for Neck Pain
A major mistake that many people make is in not properly supporting their heads while reading or watching television in bed.
Bad posture contributes to neck pain. Things to avoid include propping yourself up on several pillows with your head bent forward.
When reading, ensure that your head is in a neutral position. Best positions for sleeping are on the back or the side.
Sleeping on the stomach can be awkward because it forces the head to be twisted into an unnatural position resulting in back and neck pain.
People sleep in one of three primary positions – on the side, back, or stomach. Most people sleep on their side or back, while only a small number sleep on their stomachs.
No matter the sleep position, the only way to avoid neck pain is to ensure that the head is supported in a neutral position.
If you do not have a pillow or if your pillow is too thin or soft, your neck will bend down and cause a strain on the neck and back muscles along your spine.
If your pillow is too thick, it will bend your head unnaturally upward, also causing strain.
Many soft pillows will collapse over time, and will not consistently support the head throughout the night. Only pillows designed to help relieve neck pain will properly elevate the head.
What are the Best Top Rated Orthopedic Pillows for Neck Pain?
Usually, the best pillow for seniors is one that provides soft support for the head and neck. Firm pillows are generally used to help restore spinal curves, however, in seniors, this may not be advisable.
As the neck changes when we get older, a soft, yet supportive pillow is a popular choice for seniors,
The natural curve of the neck creates a space beneath the neck when the head is placed on a pillow. The best pillows for neck pain support this space beneath the neck. and the head at the proper level.
Orthopedic pillows offer the structural support that you do not get with a normal pillow.
What is an orthopedic pillow? It is a specially designed pillow used to alleviate pain, pressure, or tension in any part of your body.
Most shaped orthopedic pillows or contour pillows for neck pain are made of memory foam which keep the head, neck, and spine properly aligned.
Many of these shaped pillows feature a bulge along one edge designed to to provide support to the user by filling in the space beneath the neck.
This article evaluates top-rated orthopedic pillows for neck pain on the market. It is based on consumer reviews and highlights their pros and cons.
Choosing The Best Top Rated Orthopedic Pillows for Neck Pain
Neck pillows come in different sizes and choices should be based on the physical body frame. The best orthopedic pillows for neck pain are adjustable, providing a good choice when different height levels are needed.
Many pillows come in a variety of sizes and can be fitted to custom measurements.
SAGINO Cervical Orthopedic Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain
The Saginο memory foam pillow is an ergonomically designed pillow with a unique curve design that can distribute pressure according to the sleeping postures and firmly support the head, neck and shoulder.
Do not expose the pillow to sunlight in summer, or wash the pillow core directly.
Sun exposure and water will destroy the structure of the memory foam and affect the hardness of the pillow.
The pillow cannot be used to treat cervical spondylosis. If you want to use it for medical rehabilitation, consult a professional doctor for guidance
Due to the characteristics of the memory foam material, the softness of the pillow core is different by season and temperature, but it will not affect normal function.
The manufacturer explains that the pillow is soft but firm, and you may experience some discomfort during the first two weeks while your body is trying to adjust to the correct position.
Product details – Unique Features
- Suitability: Side, Back and Stomach sleepers
- Item Weight: 1.85 kilograms
- Material: 3D original curve design memory foam; 38% bamboo fibre plus 62% polyester fibre
- Product Dimensions: 34.79 x 20.6 x 18.8 cm
- Colour: White
- Shape: Wedge
- Cover: Removable, washable, hypoallergenic pillowcase resistant to mildew and dust mites
- Sizes: Standard and Queen
PROS
- Comes in high-quality packaging and includes a nice cover.
- Works with every sleeping position
CONS
- Ventilation and wash are required: The pillow may have a natural memory foam odor, which is normal and harmless to the human body. Wash both pillowcases and put the pillow core near the window for 3-5 days when they arrive. Keep cool and dry, and avoid sunlight.
Mkicesky Orthopedic Contour Cervical Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain
Mkicesky Cervical Pillows are made with CertiPUR certified responsive memory foam which reshapes to the perfect desired position to cradle the head and relieve pressure points to improve circulation.
This Contour Memory Foam Pillow has passed the Appearance Patent USPTO.
Product details – Unique Features
- Suitability: Side, Back and Stomach sleepers
- Item Weight: 1.58 kilograms
- Material: 5S Slow Rebound Memory foam
- Product Dimensions: 24.4 x 16 x (4.2-5.3) inches
- Colour: White / Ice Silk
- Shape: Rectangular
- Cover: Removable, washable hypoallergenic cooling ice silk pillowcase.
- Sizes: Lady and Queen
PROS
- Works well for those with broad shoulders
- Works with every sleeping position
CONS
- Some users found the all-season pillow too warm at certain times.
EPABO Orthopedic Contour Cervical Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain
EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow Orthopedic Sleeping Pillows, Ergonomic Cervical Pillow for Neck Pain
Ergonomic, proven contour design perfectly supports and aligns the head, neck, shoulder and back. Some discomfort may be experienced during the first two weeks while the body is trying to adjust to the correct position.
Has an exclusive design: At the bottom of the pillow there is a removable piece of memory form (about 0.8” thick).
If you feel the pillow is too high, you can take it out to lower it. This only applies to back and stomach sleepers.
Note that the height of the sides remains unchanged.
Product details – Unique Features
- Suitability: Side, Back and Stomach sleepers
- Item Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Material: Breathable memory foam keeps you cool and dry
- Product Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 3.9 inches
- Colour: White
- Shape: Ergonomic, Semi-circular shape
- Cover:The removable and washable hypoallergenic rayon/polyester proprietary blend pillowcase feels silky soft and smooth while providing dust mite protection
- Sizes: Standard
- Safety: All materials are chemical-free
PROS
- Works well for those with broad shoulders
- Works well with petite frames
CONS
- Some users found the pillow too firm
HOMCA Memory Foam Cervical Pillow, 2 in 1 Ergonomic Contour Orthopedic Pillow for Neck Pain
The 2 in 1 Cervical Pillow: HOMCA memory foam pillow combines a neck roll pillow and a contour pillow so that you can sleep on both sides.
The neck pillow features an ergonomic design to help support and align the head, neck, shoulder and back in a neutral position,
Product details – Unique Features
- Suitability: Side, Back and Stomach sleepers
- Item Weight: 1.56 kilograms
- Material: Premium memory foam with high density and slow-rebound provides firm support for your head and neck
- Product Dimensions: 59.94 x 39.88 x 12.5 cm
- Colour: White, Black and White, Grey and White
- Shape: Ergonomic; Armrest and hollow design
- Cover: Hypoallergenic rayon/polyester proprietary blend pillow case
PROS
- The height and the wave design of this pillow perfectly fits the neck and shoulders when sleeping
CONS
COISUM Orthopedic Cervical Contour Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain
The high-quality memory foam keeps the pillow moderately hard, to cradle the head to alleviate neck and shoulder pain/stiffness and stop numbness/tingling.
The slope keeps the head from rolling out of a stable position, and the cutouts on the side give the top arm a place to rest and keep it at an angle so that the shoulder is not hunched over.
The unique butterfly shape is designed for back and side sleeping. Back sleepers with cervical issues can sleep on the higher side of the pillow with 2 horns as this side provides better support for the head and cervical.
All other back/side sleepers can sleep on the lower side with cutout areas to position and support the arms.
Product details – Unique Features
- Suitability: Side and Back sleepers
- Item Weight: 1.56 kilograms
- Material: Bamboo fabric, 60 density slow rebound Memory foam, Polyester
- Product Dimensions: 24.4 x 15 x 4.7 inches
- Colour: White
- Shape: Ergonomic, Butterfly shaped
- Cover: Removable, washable, hypoallergenic pillowcase resistant to mildew and dust mites
- Notes: Temperature directly affects the hardness of the memory foam
- An additional design with product dimensions 24.4 x 13 x 4.7 inches comes with a removable, breathable pillowcase.
PROS
- Shape cradles the neck and helps the muscles to relax
- Works with every sleeping position
- Excellent customer service
CONS
- May experience an initial chemical smell when the pillow newly arrives
- There may be a slight natural foam smell after opening the package which should dissipate within 48 hours.
Conclusion – Top Rated Orthopedic Pillows for Neck Pain
Several studies demonstrate the effectiveness of neck pillows. This article conducts a comparative review on the most top rated orthopedic pillows for discomforting neck pain.
These pillows require 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.
Related Articles
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. Her JG, Ko DH, Woo JH, et al. (2014): Development and comparative evaluation of new shapes of pillows. J Phys Ther Sci: 26: 377–380.
3. Gordon SJ, Grimmer-Somers K, Trott P (2009) Pillow use: the behavior of cervical pain, sleep quality and pillow comfort in side sleepers. Man Ther: 4: 671–678.
4. Liu SF, Lee YL, Liang JC (2011) Shape design of an optimal comfortable pillow based on the analytic hierarchy process method. J Chiropr Med:10: 229–239.
5. Tips To Choose A Great Neck Pillow To Alleviate Pain & Provide Comfort And Support https://www.necksolutions.com/neck-pillow/
Joint Health Supplements Offer An Alternative Method For Pain Relief & Managing Many Health Conditions. https://www.necksolutions.com/joint-health/
6. Common Causes of Neck Pain Among Senior Citizens https://seniordirectory.com/articles/info/common-causes-of-neck-pain-among-senior-citizens
Ceci, I have been looking at contour pillows for neck pain for ever and here it is haunting me again haha! I know I need one so badly but I keep avoiding it for the price. I know that it’ll be so beneficial and helpful in the long run. Have you ever used one? If so, what did you think! I’m a hardcore side and back sleeper so I will add a couple to my cart and read through the reviews and think on it again!
Haley,
I currently own a contour pillow. I kept pushing it off until the pain became unbearable. I bought one in a hurry without too much research, AND regretted it immediately! This was actually the reason for writing the two articles on contour pillows. I did a lot of research and comparisons and finally settled on one of the pillows I discussed. You will find the reviews helpful, but that was only one facter considered before choosing to present the selections.
Ceci
This is a great topic. Every time I buy a pillow, after a month or two, it flattens. It’s time for me to buy a contour pillow. I like the Sagino Cervical Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleeper. I’m a side and back sleeper so this would be great for me. Also, I wouldn’t have to worry about it flattening after a couple of months. And the price is $69.99 which is right up my alley.
Dekighted to have been able to provide you value by solving your problem.
Ceci
Hi Ceci, I have been using basic Contour pillows from my Chiropractor for a few years now.
My wife has been doing the same but still hasn’t found one to her liking.
Thanks for providing all the main reasons for people to be aware of the need for sleep quality. I think the key point you make is that we need to keep our heads in the neutral position. My chiro suggested a good way to do this is lie on the bed with your pillow and have someone look at you side on to see your spine and neck alignment. So the mattress and pillow get looked at in combination to assess your spine and neck alignment. In my case, he thought side sleeping was better.
The pillows you have reviewed in great detail show some wonderful options. I’ll show my wife ASAP!
Thanks for your wonderful review.
Hello John.
Your chiro is quite correct with that tip as it does help to see that the head is in a neutral position.
I hope your wife will find the reviews helpful in evaluating the various contour pillow options and that she will find something suitable.
Thanks
Ceci
Hi Ceci,
I am glad you provided this site, now I can find an Orthopedic pillow I think I might like. I have had my pillows flatten out just as you have described. Then I get two pillows and get a stiff neck and back!
So, I am going to get a good one and eliminate that problem. I am a side, back and stomach sleeper, so it is nice to see almost all the models are a good fit for me. Do you know if there is any warranty on these products? Nice to see they come with washable covers!
Thank you for this helpful selection of pillows, you are doing us seniors a favor!
Hi Chas,
Usually if there is a warranty, it will be stated by the manufacturer in the product description. Pillows are tricky as there is a need to ensure that they are returned in sanitary conditions (despite the covers), and how can you ensure that with orthopedic pillows which cannot be thrown into the washing machine? I think returns may be made within 7 days of purchase but not completely sure of this.
Ceci