Pillow Talk
Thinking about the right pillow isn’t a common thought for most of us who have so many other things to worry about. If you’ve recently had time to complain about morning aches and pains as a result of your sleep, then you might want to reconsider how much value you put into a pillow. These accessories are incredibly important in aiding us for a healthier sleep cycle as well as promoting full rest and recovery after a long day of work.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, your neck is actually one of your body’s most vulnerable spots for causing bodily pain throughout your spine due to needing proper alignment when rested. It is imperative that you give your neck the support it needs in order to reduce upper body pain which can culminate into severe health problems later on in life. We’ll discuss the importance of the benefits of choosing the right pillow and also narrow down which pillow options may be right for you.
To begin with, let’s talk about the importance of pillow height with sleep position and body size. Since the human neck shaped in a way that is curved a bit upward to balance the weight of your head, it is crucial that this position is maintained when in a rested position. When the pillow is adjusted too high, then the neck is bent oddly to the side or forward, which can cause an obstruction in breathing and reduced air circulation throughout the body and even snoring.
On the other hand, if the pillow position is too low then the muscles of the neck can have a tendency to feel pressure and discomfort. Pillows usually hover around a height of 4 to 6 inches. One study states that the optimal level of pillow height should be 4 inches in order to allow for greatest comfort as well as least muscle interaction to promote better circulation.
Next, we will talk about sleeping positions that affect the type of pillow that should be used. Back sleepers should use a pillow that provides support from the base of your neck to the top of your head and make sure to align your head and back to reduce twists and stress injury to your neck. Side Sleepers should position the pillow up against your shoulders to reduce shoulder pressure and also should be as level as possible with your mattress in order to promote a healthy alignment of the spine. Back sleepers can rely on pillows that offer contouring in order to nestle your neck comfortably while you rest on your back. Finally, stomach sleepers can utilize a traditional pillow as they lay on the side, but be aware of the thickness of the pillow in order to not cause any shoulder strain.
Here we provide a list of our highest ranked pillows based on a variety of categories that have been tested by consumers and experts in order to promote the healthiest levels of sleep based on your preference. These options set the foundation to what pillow types you should consider the next time you go shopping.
1. Best Overall Pillow for Neck and Back Pain: Dosaze Contoured Orthopedic Pillow, $99.99 each
Sleep experts say that we spend 33% of our lives sleeping. On average. And since we’re supposed to sleep eight hours a day, which is a third of the day, that makes perfect sense.
This pillow is the top of the top, crème de la crème. The innovative contoured, cervical, design and memory foam cradles the natural curvature of your neck, provides incredible support for spine alignment, and is guaranteed to never have you waking up with any shoulder, back, spine, nor neck pain again. We’ve found that this is the best pillow for neck pain, both for side and back sleepers. If you’re looking for a great cervical pillow for neck, shoulder, or back pain, look no further.
It is specially designed to fit both comfort and firmness at every level as well as even provides temperature regulation to prevent any circulation or breathing issues. It comes with a great 30-day satisfaction guarantee in the rare case you do not enjoy the product, however, we can guarantee that you will not be disappointed considering the many outstanding features it has to offer.
And don’t take our word for it, other review sites have come to the same conclusion on the Dosaze pillow being the best pillow for neck pain. You can even check out the Dosaze pillow reviews on the site itself, if you don’t believe us.
And the benefits don’t stop there. If you’ve been tossing and turning because of discomfort while asleep, it could mean your immune system is weakened. In 2020, no one wants to be vulnerable to any kind of viral infections because of a compromised immune system.
Dimensions: 60 cm x 38 cm x 12 cm
Pros:
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Revolutionary Sleep Wave design
- removable cover
- 60% polyester and 40% recycled bamboo
- Made from high-density, high-quality memory foam
Cons:
Memory foam often has a slight off-gassing odor so if you are super sensitive, be aware of that.
2. Best Child’s Pillow for Neck and Back Pain: SpineAlign Latex Bowtie Pillow, $125 each
The perfect choice for children or anyone with a small frame or anyone who prefers a lower profile pillow. The design and shape of this pillow cradle the shoulder and keep the neck straight, reducing pressure in the area.
This pillow is suitable for anyone who sleeps on their side, back, or stomach.
Dimensions: L 57 cm x W 37 cm x H 9/11 cm
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic
- Latex
- Bamboo quilted cover
Cons:
- Pricy for a low-profile pillow
- While suitable for back and side sleepers, many won’t like the low-profile feature
3. Best Latex Pillow for Neck and Back Pain: Naturelle Latex Pillow – Contoured, Adjustable, High Profile, $99.
This pillow is made from pure natural latex, with an inner cover made of 100% cotton jersey. It’s been therapeutically designed to add soft, contoured support to the head and neck. It’s designed for all sleeping positions and people of all sizes. The main benefit of this pillow is the ability to adjust it. It comes with an extra layer of latex, 2cm thick. This means that each pillow has two height options.
Available in three sizes.
Pros:
- 100% latex
- Latex does not sag or lose its shape
- Eco friendly
- Hypo-allergenic
Cons:
- Outer pillow cover is a cotton/poly blend, so not 100% breathable
- Some claim it’s not suitable for side sleepers
- Several complaints of orders that never arrived and or wrong orders shipped
5. Best Value Pillow for Neck and Back Pain: #GoKindly Signature pillow, $66 each.
This is a well-structured pillow that provides an excellent balance between support and comfort. It has a 100% cotton outer cover and polyester fill, meaning it’s machine washable and easy to keep clean.
This pillow is made in Australia and ships free anywhere in the country. And 50% of the profits go to supporting vulnerable women.
Dimensions: 66cm x 41cm x 4cm
Pros:
- 120-day money-back guarantee
- Supportive for back and side sleepers
- Purchasing helps support a woman in need
- Eco friendly
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Not hypo-allergenic
- Not for hot sleepers due to polyester fill
- Some complaints that it is too hard
5. Best Soothing Pillow for Neck and Back Pain: Save & Soft Memory Foam Pillow, $65.88 each
What makes this pillow soothing? The bamboo cover is infused with aloe vera! Thanks to its memory foam construction it provides cervical support, keeping the neck level and aligned with the spine. And since the pillow isn’t contoured, it’s reversible. Meaning you can have a firm, comfortable pillow for a longer life than some others. It’s great for stomach, back, or side sleepers.
Pros:
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- Washable bamboo cover
- Cooling gel
- Latex-free for those that are allergenic to it
Cons:
- Be careful not to buy the “Cervical” version. It’s toddler-sized, which them images do not indicate
- Despite the aloe vera, there are many complaints of strong off-gassing
- Many complain that they are far too hard
6. Best Neck and Back Pain Pillow for Those who Snore: TFS Cervical Memory Foam Pillow $118.73 each
This unique pillow offers ergonomic neck and back relief. The newest design in pillows, it has a contoured butterfly-wing shape that curves to any sleep position—back, stomach, or side. It aids in promoting correct spinal alignment and can help reduce snoring due to the fact it helps to open up your airways. It’s made with 3.5 pounds High-Quality, 70D High-Density memory foam which provides plushness and support at the same time.
Dimensions: 61cm x 30.5cm x 11.7cm.
Pros:
- Reduces snoring
- Hypo-allergenic
Cons:
- No mention of a money-back guarantee
- Many side sleepers say it causes them pain
- Memory foam should fully expand within 24 hours of unpacking. There are many complaints that even after several days, it fails to expand
7. Best Adjustable Height Pillow for Neck and Back Pain: Ecosa Pillow, $120 each
Give your neck the alignment it deserves. This adjustable height pillow is an ergonomic pillow that promises to give you a night’s sleep that is out-of-this-world comfortable. And since we are all different, why would we assume that a single pillow could work for everyone? The Ecosa doesn’t assume that. This pillow comes with extra pads, meaning you can find a height that perfectly suits the curve of your neck.
Pros:
- 100-day money-back guarantee
- Free shipping and returns
- Height adjustable
- Removable cover
- For those who like to travel with their pillow, it comes with compression travel bags
Cons:
- Some side sleepers say it doesn’t work for them
- Some complaints that it’s too soft
- Complaints that it made snoring worse
8. Best Support Pillow for Neck and Back Pain: Spinaleze Medium Profile, $219 each.
This is an Australian made medium profile memory foam pillow. It’s been specially designed for side sleepers who are 6 feet or under in height. It has passed Ultra-Fresh certification, meaning it’s both anti-bacterial and anti-microbial. Due to its patented and innovative design, this pillow promises to provide an optimal balance between spinal support and luxurious comfort. It is the Winner of the ProductReview.com.au Awards in the pillow category for both 2020 and 2021.
Dimensions: 55cm x 36cm x 14cm
Pros:
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-microbial
- Certified by Ultra-Fresh
- Certified by GECA
Cons:
- Very expensive
- No money-back guarantee
- Several complaints of strong, ongoing off-gassing
- Complaints of the pillow flattening too quickly
9. Best Memory Foam Pillow for Neck and Back Pain: Koala Pillow, $150 each.
Regardless of the size of the sleeper or their position, this is a one size fits all pillow. Koala claims that unique shapes and materials aren’t necessary in a pillow. All you need is their well-balanced memory foam pillow. And if you match it with a Koala mattress, even better. The cover is made from eucalyptus TENCEL™ Lyocel and promises to absorb moisture even better than 100% cotton will. Plus, it’s soft to the touch and machine washable.
Dimensions: L 74 cm x W 40.5 cm x H 15.5 cm
Pros:
- 120-day guarantee
- One side is soft, the other side is firmer
- Gel-infused means both sides are cool
- 1% off all annual profits go to an environmental charity
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not so good for stomach sleepers
- Many complain that it is too high-profile
- Not great for hot sleepers
10. Best High-end Pillow for Neck and Back Pain: Tempur Ombracio, $197 each
With its unique shape, it’s like no other pillow you have ever seen. It’s said to be suitable for any sleep position, including stomach sleepers. Sleeping on it lifts your upper body and should alleviate strain and stress on the back and neck. The washable cover is resistant to mites, antimicrobial treated, and is hypoallergenic.
Pros:
- Should support any sleep position
- Improves breathing
- The shape of the pillow allows for better ventilation and comfort
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Pillowcase not included in price
- Some stomach sleepers disagree that it’s for them
Are you a sleeper in need of a pillow that offers the best relief for your neck and back? Hopefully, one of the above will be the perfect fit for you.
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