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Neck pain? It’s a lot more common than you might think. And while you might immediately try to point a finger at your posture during work hours, it could easily also be attributed to bad sleeping habits. If you’ve tried fixing your desk-side posture and bringing your computer to eye-level but still suffer from pain, then it’s time to look somewhere else for solutions: pillows.
Did you know that your sleep posture can affect your entire day’s pain levels around your neck? It’s in your sleep that your body relaxes to the max, so it is crucial that it is supported and not strained. Lucky for you there are plenty of pillows designed to do just that. These neck pillows are typically designed for back sleepers, and come with an inclined section for the neck. When you rest your head on it, you should feel the support of the pillow directly on your skin, so it does not rely on your head muscles to keep your neck up. This will then ease a lot of pressure and tension off and away from your neck, helping you to have a better, and pain-free, sleep. To help you on your search, we've consulted a few physical therapists and doctors to bring you the 12 best neck pillows, because getting a restful night shouldn't be a pain in the neck.
This neck pillow provides the perfect contouring support, without being too soft nor too hard. Instead, it gently cradles your neck for you to melt into the most comfortable sleep.
The mattress magicians at Tempur also have a superb range of pillows. A particular standout is their Tempur-Neck pillow, with its original design that provides you with proper support and comfort by following the natural curve of your body.
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This neck pillow is made with memory foam, so that over time it molds more and more into your personal shape. It has a unique shape intended to fit the form of your neck, shoulders, and head.
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This neck pillow cradles your neck and head shape, allowing your spine to feel perfectly aligned. When you wake up, you'll feel little to no pain.
Brooklinen's Marlow pillow is made of 80 percent memory foam and 20 percent polyester, giving you an ideal balance for comfort and rest. You can even adjust the firmness by the zippers on the side!
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This not only an affordable option but a highly recommended one from physical therapists as well. “Patients with neck pain love this pillow because it’s both firm and supportive. The curvatures place your neck in a more neutral position when sleeping on either your back or your side, depending on how you position it,” say physical therapists Christine Lew and Michael Camacho.
This pillow comes with not only full support for your head and neck but also a unique temperature-controlled technology. Its three layers of foam all serve to keep you comfortable, supported, and in deep heavenly sleep.
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Yes, this pillow comes in a peculiar shape. But it is one of Amazon's bestsellers. We recommend you read some of the many rave reviews, like this one: "I'm usually a side sleeper, but with this pillow I can actually sleep comfortably any way now! It’s great."
Maybe you just want a little indent in the middle of your pillow to cradle your head. This one's particularly great if you're a side sleeper. If your neck pain is only mild, then this affordable pillow is for you.
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If you suspect your pain is coming from a chilled neck, then this one from GhostPillow might help solve your problem. It adjusts to your body heat in real time, allowing you to have a personalized sleeping experience.
Tossing and turning because you're always looking for the "cool" side of the pillow? This pillow is made of classic cotton infused with technology to keep it cool at all times, allowing you to relax into a deep rest.