Do you ever get a crick in your neck that won’t go away? Do you ever wake up with neck pain that puts a damper on your day before it even starts?
As you grow older, shoulder pain, back pain, and neck pain become familiar sensations. In fact, about 20% of Australian adults report sore necks.
This general discomfort may come from the choices you make and the stress you take on. Both lifestyle and tension can have adverse effects on your body, causing physical distress. Then there could be a whole number of specific factors that contribute to neck stiffness in the morning…or it could just be your pillow.
Why Do Some Pillows Cause Neck Pain?
Finding the perfect pillow is tough. Some like to sleep on soft pillows; others like to sleep on firm pillows. Others still prefer high profile, medium profile, or low profile pillows. At the end of the day – or night – it comes down to your preferred sleeping position and how your pillow affects muscle and spinal alignment.
Do You Get Firm Support for Pressure Relief?
Ergonomics are crucial when picking the right pillow. Choose an elevated pillow that will keep your spine straight. Your neck forms an awkward angle if you lie on a bad support pillow. Neck support must be prioritised if you want to achieve a sleep position that prevents neck pain. This preference varies from person to person, and elevation depends on whether you are a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper.
Stomach sleepers should opt for thinner pillows. If they are too elevated, pillows tend to put unnecessary stress on the neck muscles of stomach sleepers, resulting in neck pain the next day.
Make sure to check pillow firmness as well. Even with proper elevation, if a pillow is too soft, or it doesn’t have enough give, your neck may still end up in awkward positions when you sleep, potentially leading to a sore neck. Find a high-density, visco-elastic memory foam pillow to get the firm feel that’ll support your neck muscles properly.
READ: How to Clean Your Memory Foam Pillow
Why Try Memory Foam?
When it comes to pillows, memory foam is one of the best materials for getting the right shape and feel for your head and neck. It allows ample airflow while keeping your spine in a comfortable, neutral position. In addition, cervical pillows or contour pillows are recommended to conform to your neck and head shape and hit all the vital pressure points, regardless of your preference between side sleeping or back sleeping.
Shop the Ecosa memory foam pillow.
How Does Body Type Impact Your Type of Pillow?
Getting a good pillow with the proper elevation and firmness depends on your body type, as much as it does on your sleeping position. Different bodies will need varying heights and firmness levels.
READ: How Many Pillows Should I Use?
Specifically, body size changes spinal alignment in relation to your pillow. For example, if you’re a side sleeper with broad shoulders, you’ll need a more elevated pillow, so your neck doesn’t slope at a downward angle when you sleep. You’ll also need a firmer choice to keep your head raised at the right height. If you get a soft one, your head will sink down to your neck’s level and tense up your spine.
Does This Mean You Need a New Pillow?
We use our pillows daily. Even though we don’t realize it, this leads to a considerable amount of dirt, body oil, sweat, and dead skin cell buildup on your pillow over time, no matter how thick the pillowcase is. If your pillow has been stained and can’t be cleaned anymore despite your best efforts, you’d do well to buy a new one.
Another factor to consider is firmness and flatness. Over time, pillows tend to lose their height and firmness. If you’re not looking for a soft or flat pillow, it might be time to switch it out for a new one to prevent waking up with a stiff neck.
One other reason to replace a pillow is a change in sleeping position. Are you a stomach sleeper turned side sleeper? It could be time to find a side sleeper pillow for better sleep quality and to relieve neck pain.
What If You Really Like Your Pillow?
Even with utmost tender loving care, pillows still deteriorate. It’s best to replace your pillows every couple of years to ensure constant support to your neck and head. You can check out high-quality pillows to get the best deal; you’ll get longer lifespans out of your pillows, which will make the investment worthwhile.
Have a look at the Ecosa memory foam pillow, for example. It’s ergonomically designed to support your neck and head alignment, with the option to adjust pillow height to suit your preferences. Its breathable hypoallergenic structure will keep you comfortable and safe from hot nights or allergies. It also comes with a machine-washable Tencel pillow cover that keeps dust mites, odours, and dirt buildup away. It may just be the choice you’re looking for.
Why Buy a New Pillow that Suits You
Our advice? A new comfortable pillow may just be the pain relief you need. Consider all the factors mentioned above to guide your shopping. Say goodbye to neck pain by finding the best pillow for you, and say hello to a good night’s sleep and pain-free mornings.