Know All About Choosing A Cervical Pillow Here!

We spend nearly one-third of our life sleeping and if we face any disturbance during this time, then it can lead to many problems for us, mentally and physically. Since sleep is a biological need and it cannot be avoided for a long time without the person falling sick, you need to have a relaxing and peaceful sleep. This type of sleep not only relaxes your mind and body but also prepares them for the next day. 

But in recent years, a change in lifestyle like looking down for prolonged periods at the phone or not sitting in the right posture, etc have started affecting people’s good night’s sleep. 

Your neck makes up a small portion of the spinal column. Any problem related to your neck can be responsible for disturbing the time and quality of your sleep. You may think that lying on a fluffy pillow and mattress will solve your problem but it is not the solution when you have a neck issue or you wake up with a stiff neck. 

Now, this is when a cervical pillow comes into the picture. A cervical pillow, which got its name from the upper part of the backbone, is also known as a neck pillow.

Many pieces of research have shown that a cervical pillow can do wonders in relieving your neck pain and improving your sleep quality. 

How Does Neck Pain Affect Sleep?

The neck region has less protection than the rest of the spine and is more vulnerable to injury. According to a 2017 study, improper cervical posture while sleeping increases the stress on the spine. People may experience cervical pain and stiffness, headaches, arm pain, and shoulder blade pain. 

People with neck pain find it very difficult to fall asleep. Using a supportive pillow can reduce your neck pain and help you have a restful sleep.

What Are Cervical Pillows?

A pillow or mattress, usually, is used to provide support to the head to minimize the pressure on the neck. The support will prevent any new pain from developing or the previous one from worsening. These types of pillows aim to provide support.

Types Of Cervical Pillows

The type of cervical pillow depends on the position a person sleeps in, the cause of his neck pain, and what feels comfortable. 

Some types of cervical pillows are as follows –

• Neck rolls
• D-core, 
• Standard contour pillows 
• Horseshoe-shaped

Whatever pillow you choose from above, make sure that it sits right with your position and supports the natural shape of the cervical spine. 

Common sleeping positions are –

• Back Sleepers 

If you are a back sleeper, you want to support your neck but you do not want it to be propped up on a hard pillow. You can try a contoured model which is designed especially for this position or a roll-shaped pillow for your neck and a soft, flat one that can support your head.

•  Side Sleepers

To provide adequate support to your neck and keep your spine straight, choose a pillow that is higher under your neck than under your head. It should be thick and hard enough to keep your head up and firm so that your head does not sink into it. 

•  Stomach Sleepers

You don’t need a neck pillow, instead, use a thin pillow to keep your spine straight throughout the night.

•  Sleeping While Traveling 

If you travel often and sleep during the journey, then try a horseshoe-shaped pillow. This pillow will prevent your neck from drooping to one side.

These pillows are available in a variety of materials, including down, memory foam, cotton, and synthetics that can absorb your heat and sweat. Choose a pillow with a material that feels comfortable to you. Try going for a material that can keep you cool as it helps you in relaxing.

Does A Mattress Matter?

Your sleeping position along with the surface you are sleeping on makes a huge difference in the pillow you choose for yourself. A new mattress will be a good investment especially if you have been sleeping on an old one. A softer and firmer sleeping surface will allow more settling of your body with the pillow and it will decrease the pillow height, especially firm pillows. A pillow whose height can be adjusted can help in neutralizing this. 

A soft pillow like the side sleeper or an adjustable height pillow like an inflatable or water pillow is best for a soft surface bed where settling can be a problem. In relation to a mattress, the level of firmness and softness are also affected by your body weight. 

For example, a person with high body weight who is a side sleeper sleeping on a soft surface will choose a side sleeper pillow at a recommended height as the density of the pillow is low and will settle in with the mattress.

How Do You Choose The Best Cervical Pillow?

• Firmness

Different individuals demand different firmness fills. Some individuals may prefer a firm pillow that can provide extra support for the head and neck whereas others may prefer a plusher feel.

•  Fill

Pillows can be filled with different fills like memory foam or water, latex, down or down alternative. People can go for a filling that suits best for them and feels comfortable the most.

•  Size

Products come in a vast variety of sizes. They can range from the ones that are to be used at home to the ones that can be taken while traveling. So, always consider the size of the pillow before purchasing. If you are purchasing a pillow for travel purposes, then it should be small in size as compared to the one you will use to sleep at home.

•  Height 

Some individuals can sleep better with a flat pillow while some sleep better with a higher one. Some pillows come with an adjustable filling that can be adjusted according to the person’s demands. 

Wrapping Up

To conclude, a neck pillow can be the support that you need to sleep better.