Neck Pillows

There is no specific pillow for any specific neck condition. Studies are lacking in providing a relationship between pillow and specific neck condition. There are usually multiple conditions and factors related to neck pain, therefore, it is usually best to find a pillow that suits your particular sleeping conditions and comfort requirements. In general, softer - more accomodating pillows are recommended for more painful conditions usually from injury or inflammation. Once past this point, a firmer pillow can be used if well tolerated. A transition phase from an accomodating pillow to a firmer or different design pillow can be challenging and should only be attempted when pain and discomfort levels are no longer tolerated by an existing neck pillow.

The way you sleep and the surface you sleep on will make a difference in the neck pillow you choose.

How Important is Your Neck Pillow?

Studies have shown that a neck pillow can improve the quality of sleep and reduce pain levels. These studies, while usually of poor design and/or influenced by commercial incentives, focus on pillow design, rather than quality and specific properties of materials. Due to the large number of commercially available neck pillows, it is impossible to include all pillows in designed trials, thus studies regarding the how to choose the right neck pillow remain elusive and fail to surpass the credibility from health professionals providing patient advice based on the anecdotal suggestions of expert colleagues and professional associations.

The quality of sleep is influenced by many factors. A good neck pillow is an essential factor, especially for those suffering from neck pain and discomfort. There are a wide variety of pillows available on the market today in various materials, shapes and sizes. They are always emphasized to be a better product to benefit neck pain and sleep than others. However, as noted, there is not clear scientific evidence to prove these claims.

How to Relieve Neck Pain

When it comes to the stresses of our busy lives and time spent on a computer daily, neck pain has become a real problem and most people are trying to figure out how to relieve neck pain without the use of medications and expensive doctors visits. There are many doctor recommended products designed to relieve neck pain at home.

Neck Traction - Relieves pain by relaxing sore and stiff muscles and taking pressure off irritated nerves.

Neck Pillows - Neck Pillows provide important support of the neck during sleep.

Heat Therapy - Moist Heat is very soothing to sore neck muscles and can help to relax you.

Neck Exercises - Exercises can help to relieve pain and help to prevent it from returning.

Memory foam pillows

Memory foam pillows offer a unique material based on the properties of its cell structure. Unlike standard foam pillows that only partially compress when under pressure, the cells in memory foam pillows fully compress when the weight of the head is pressed upon it, then the pillow springs back to it's original shape very slowly. This is how the name "memory foam" came to be, the foam appears to remember the shape of your head when it was last placed upon it's surface.

Memory foam pillows are also temperature sensitive. This means that at lower temperatures it is harder and more viscous, while at higher temperatures, it is softer and more elastic. This is the reason memory foam pillows called visco-elastic.

Neck Pillows for Home Neck Pain Relief

Using a Neck Pillow is a great way to relieve pain, stiff neck and headaches. The right pillow can also help with a more restful night sleep. One of the most profound benefits is the effect using a good neck pillow can have on the curve and alignment of the neck when used properly over a period of time. It is important to choose the right neck pillow and to become familiar with which neck pillows will provide the best pain relief and support.

Is it time for a new pillow? A six-year-old pillow can get 10% to 25% of its weight from dust mites, dead mites and mite excrement!