Okay, So I get this question a lot. Should I use a regular flat pillow for sleeping or should I use a pillow that has specific contours aka- a cervical support pillow (or a contoured neck pillow) ? I am here today to make the case to my readers that using a cervical support pillow has many benefits especially if you have trouble sleeping and especially if you suffer from neck pain (chronic or acute).
Choosing the right contoured neck pillow for you- that is another blog post altogether. I will say this- different neck pillows provide a different function. Some neck pillows are built for support, some allow for traction while sleeping, others are designed for comfort in a certain sleeping position. Then you get into the different materials that are available for neck pillows these days: foam, buckwheat, polyester fiber fill, water? Who knew? Just like when you go to the store and try to pick out a tooth paste. Do I want one that whitens, fights tartar, fights cavities, makes my teeth stronger- or one that just tastes better? The same thing applies to the neck pillow that you choose for sleeping. We sleep approximately 1/3rd of our life, so this choice is important. In the next blog post, I will review a few some of my favorite contoured neck pillows. In the meantime, think about what you want in your neck pillow. - NJ
- Better Alignment of the head and neck
- Less chance of waking up with a stiff neck
- Less chance of snoring
- Better breathing and enhanced circulation
- Relief of neck pain and tingling in the arms and hands
- Overall better posture during the day
- Promotes deeper sleep
- Relief from chronic neck pain, especially neck pain from arthritis in the neck
- More comfort for sleeping on your back or on your side
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