Sleep has a lot of benefits for your body, from restoring energy and boosting your immune system to helping you process stress so that it doesn’t build up in your mind. But sleep isn’t just about the benefits—it’s also about the needs of each individual sleeper. Because different people cycle through phases of sleep at different hours, their levels of body tension change throughout the night, and their sleeping positions vary as well. All these factors affect what type of pillow works best for each person.
If you’re a side sleeper who also has neck pain, investing in one of the best pillows for side sleepers with neck pain is a wise investment or you’ll continue to find yourself struggling to get a good night’s rest. It can be even more challenging if you a condition like occipital neuralgia, which is why so many people are turning to pillows specifically designed to help them sleep on their sideshttps://pillowsforsidesleepers.com/how-to-choose-the-best-body-pillow-for-side-sleepers/ and reduce neck pain. These pillows offer extra support so that you stay aligned while sleeping, which helps keep neck pain from getting worse and allows you to wake up feeling rested and refreshed.
The best pillows for side sleepers with neck pain
A side sleeper with neck pain typically has a more difficult time getting good sleep because they tend to move less while sleeping and their body is not aligned. When you sleep on your side, your top shoulder is lower than the bottom one, and the head is turned to face the other direction. This causes tension in the neck muscles, which can lead to frequent headaches or shoulder pain.
Which type of pillow is best for side sleepers with pain?
If you have neck pain, it can be hard to find that perfect pillow that supports your head in an up-and-down position. Side sleepers with neck pain are probably more familiar with pillows that help support the natural incline of their head—like the many firm orthopedic foam and memory foam pillows designed for this purpose. The best pillows for sides sleepers with neck pain are a combination of orthopedic and cervical support pillows.
Pillows designed specifically for side sleepers with neck pain also come in other shapes, including curvaceous ones like the Coop Home Goods Pillow Wedge. These pillows offer a bit more comfort than standard ones, but they still provide the same type of firm support you’d expect from a traditional pillow designed for side sleepers. They also give you plenty of room to move while sleeping—something which might be difficult if you roll around too much throughout the night.
Support for the neck and upper back
Another benefit of the best pillows for side sleepers with neck pain is the extra support they offer in these areas. Side sleepers have a tendency to turn their heads into their chests, which can cause neck or shoulder pain. On the other hand, your neck and upper back stay aligned and supported so that you don’t tend to wake up feeling uncomfortable and stiff during the day.
Additionally, these pillows are usually made from hypoallergenic materials like latex, memory foam, or viscose fiberfill so that they are fine for sensitive skin types. There are also many different types of pillows designed specifically for side sleepers with neck pain—from natural fillings like down to specialty materials like gel or cooling materials like ice packs.
So whether you have been struggling to find a pillow that can provide the right amount of support and comfort or you just want an extra layer of support while sleeping on your side, pillows specifically designed for side sleepers with neck pain can help you get a good night’s rest.
Conforming shape to align spine
One of the most important features of the best pillows for side sleepers with neck pain is the shape, which is designed to conform to the person’s spine, which helps align your body and minimize lower back pain. The conforming shape also keeps you comfortable as you sleep, since your head won’t feel like it’s coming off a hard surface in the middle of the night.
Another thing that’s important in these pillows is comfort level. The pillows are typically made from materials that provide soft support and extra comfort, so you can spend more time sleeping than worrying about your pillow. You’ll have plenty of time to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for a new day!
Breathable materials
One of the most important features of side-sleepers with neck pain pillows is that they are breathable. That’s because the sleeping position puts more pressure on the neck, which can cause heat and moisture build up in the area. To prevent this from happening, many side-sleepers with neck pain pillow designs have breathable materials to allow cool air to circulate around your head and neck.
Another key feature of side-sleepers with neck pain pillows is that they are made for all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re a tall or petite person, there’s a pillow designed for you. Side sleepers with neck pain pillows also come in varying firmness levels to accommodate each sleeper’s preference, so that you can choose exactly what level of support will help you sleep better at night.
Washable covers
These pillows also come with washable covers, another must-have feature for side sleepers with neck pain. The covers are designed to protect your pillow from allergens like dust mites and pet dander, which can cause allergic reactions that can disturb your sleep. By using the washable covers, you keep your pillow fresh without ever having to worry about it becoming smelly or uncomfortable.
Down alternative and microfiber pillows
Down alternative pillows draw warm air into the pillow and allow it to be replaced with cool air from the outside. This process helps keep your neck in a neutral position without having to worry about it contracting or compressing against the pillow. These pillows are also composed of flexible materials that let you easily shape them to your head and neck. For this reason, down alternative pillows offer more support for side sleepers who want something that is less bulky than most traditional options.
The downside to down alternative pillows is that they can be harder on your spine than traditional options. Because they let hot air into the pillow, they’re not as comfortable as their counterparts, which typically contain higher levels of foam or other cushioning materials. Microfibre pillows do not have this problem, as they are composed of flexible materials that provide comfort while keeping your spine in alignment.
Synthetic fiber pillows
This type of pillow is extra-soft and conforms to the body’s shape. This makes them ideal for people who often have neck pain from sleeping on their sides or believe that their pillows need some extra support.
Synthetic fiber pillows, unlike many other types of pillows, aren’t filled with down because they are designed to be light and breathable. They are also easy to clean, which can be important if you wake up in the middle of the night and your pillow has a stain or an odour that isn’t pleasant.
Another benefit of synthetic fibre pillows is that they are versatile; they work well with all sleeping positions, including side sleepers. One downside of synthetic fibre pillows is that they can get a bit warm during use. If you decide to switch between two different types of pillows—one made of synthetic fibre and one stuffed with down—you may find the natural feel of down more comfortable in comparison.
Summing up
A pillow that is specifically designed for side sleepers with neck pain can help you get the rest you need. They allow you to be more comfortable and reduce the amount of pain that you feel. So if you have been struggling to find a solution for your upper body, check out some of these pillows that are made just for side sleepers who also have neck pain.
