3 Options for Upgrading Your Pillow
Choosing the right pillow is crucial for your sleep quality and health. A good pillow can impact spine alignment and help reduce or prevent neck pain. However, finding the right pillow can sometimes be a challenge with many factors to consider. Here are some options to help you end up with a pillow that meets your needs.
The “everyday” option
Do you like your current pillow but feel like it needs just a little something extra? You can create a little more support for the natural curve in your neck by rolling up a hand towel and sliding it into the pillowcase to create a contour that lifts the cervical spine. I often recommend this to my patients who have neck pain because of how customizable it is. You can make the roll thicker or thinner based on comfort and the roll can be used for the whole night or just an hour or two as needed.
2. The “DIY” option
If your goal is basic, comfortable support the best place to start is a pillow made of a quality synthetic material. These are often inexpensive, easy to clean, and hypoallergenic, and can offer a similar feel to down pillows and have the advantage of offering more uniform support compared to feathers. The amount of support is the most crucial component of this option. Pressing down on the pillow should result in it having some give without completely bottoming out. Be cautions of pillows that seem too firm or too soft.
3. The “deluxe” option
For those with more difficult sleep issues or a history of neck pain or trauma such as whiplash, a true ergonomic pillow may be required. One of the best available is the Therapeutica Pillow. It was designed by a chiropractor to offer proper neck and head support for both side-sleeping and back-sleeping.
Sleep Like A Baby
Choosing a supportive pillow can make a big difference in how your neck feels and how well you sleep. By following these tips, you can start the process of finding the right pillow to meet your needs and enjoy a restful night's sleep.
Wayne Villeneuve - MPT
Wayne, a consummate professional in the field of Physical Therapy, has a rich educational background. He completed his Master's degree in Physical Therapy from the revered Ithaca College, a renowned institution that helps aspirants reach their optimum potential and acquire the necessary skills in their chosen fields.
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