Neck Pain

The 13 Best Pillows For Every Type Of Sleeper

Published

4 years ago

July 7, 2021

The 13 Best Pillows For Every Type Of Sleeper

As a kid, you probably used whatever pillow was available to you. As an adult, however, you may have realized that taking some time to find the best pillow for you can make a huge difference in how well you sleep—and how you feel in the morning. Whether you like to sleep on your side, back, stomach or switch between all three, it’s important to have a sleep setup that keeps your spine in line, or as close to it as possible.

The Leesa Hybrid Pillow is adjustable and reversible, making it one of the best pillows for side … [+] sleepers.

Leesa

When it comes to choosing good pillows, “keep the proper alignment of your neck and back as a priority in your decision-making and you’ll have a much better chance of a good night’s sleep,” says Dr. Neel Anand, professor of orthopedic surgery and director of spine trauma at Cedars-Sinai Spine Center in Los Angeles. In general, Anand says you’ll want to look for a pillow that keeps your neck parallel to the mattress and adapts to your sleep position.

Side sleepers generally want a firm, thick pillow, for example, while stomach and back sleepers may be more comfortable with a softer, thinner pillow. Obviously, budget is a factor too, but Anand says you shouldn’t stress if you don’t want to shell out for a pricier pillow. “Don’t assume the more money you spend, the more comfortable you’ll be,” he says. Ultimately, he adds, the best pillow is “the one that feels best to you.”

Whether you tend to get sweaty at night, struggle with back or neck pain, or want a pillow that’s just right for your sleep style, here are some of the best pillow options out there.

Best Pillow For Most People

Coop Eden Adjustable Pillow

Fill material: Shredded memory foam
Size options: Queen, king

Pillows are such a personal experience, and that’s why the Coop Eden Pillow shines. It’s adjustable, so you can remove or add fill (it comes with extra fill if you feel like you need more oomph) as you want to help keep your back and spine aligned. It’s made with a soft, gel-infused memory foam and microfiber fill blend, so it creates a much cooler surface than other standard pillows. And the pillowcase is made with a blend of bamboo-derived viscose rayon and polyester for extra breathability and softness.

What the Reviews Say: With almost 9,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, this pillow is a winner. “I will tell you that we do not take pillow purchasing lightly,” says one happy sleeper. “My husband is a picky pillow person. It can’t be too soft so that it feels like it’s suffocating him in the middle of the night. It can’t be too hard because it makes his neck hurt. We have a rather large pillow graveyard in the spare bedroom… [but] this one…perfection!”

Best Pillow For Neck Pain

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow

Fill material: TEMPUR® material (a proprietary memory foam)
Size options: Small, medium, large

Constantly having to fluff and re-fluff a pillow isn’t exactly ideal, but that’s not a problem with this ergonomic pillow from Tempur-Pedic. Made of the company’s patented TEMPUR material (a type of memory foam), this firm pillow will hold its shape for years. Designed to follow the natural curve of your head and neck, it provides the best support to your upper body when you sleep on your back or your side.

What the Reviews Say: With more than 1,700 5-star ratings online, neck pain sufferers overwhelmingly believe in this pillow. “Now I can finally get a good night’s rest without waking up with a neck ache,” one reviewer said. One side and back sleeper said that the pillow is “extremely comfortable” and “supports my neck perfectly.”

MORE FROM FORBESThe Best Pillows For Neck Pain, According To Glowing Online ReviewsBy Korin Miller

Best Pillow For Side Sleepers

Leesa Hybrid Pillow

Fill material: Polyester microfiber and ventilated gel
Size options: Standard, queen

Adjustable and reversible, this pillow from popular sleep company Leesa has all kinds of great features for side sleepers. One side of the pillow features a soft, quilted surface, while the other side has cooling gel to help you stay comfortable while you sleep. A removable insert can help you adjust the height to find a level that’s perfect for you.

What the Reviews Say: People rave about the hybrid pillow in reviews. “This pillow is amazing,” one wrote. “It was perfect size and density right out of the box. I can say with confidence this is the best pillow I have ever owned.” Another loved the pillow’s cool side, calling it “fantastic.” “Was having neck and shoulder pain on my old pillows. This one is just perfect!” someone else wrote.

Best Pillow For Back Pain

Layla Kapok Pillow

Layla

Layla Kapok Pillow

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Use code FORBES to receive 10% off.

Fill material: Kapok and open-cell memory foam
Size options: Queen, king

Layla has built up a name for itself as a great mattress maker, but the company also produces some of the best pillows you can buy. This pillow is filled with kapok—cotton-like fibers that are softer and lighter than cotton or wool—along with reactive memory foam to help support your head and neck while you sleep. A side zip allows you to remove and add fill to find the perfect height and help to reduce pain in the process. A nice feature: The cover is woven with copper-infused yarn to help reduce odor that can develop in pillows over time.

What the Reviews Say: This pillow racks up good reviews from people who say it’s helped with their pain. One reviewer said it’s “the best pillow I’ve used so far that provides continuous support” while another said, “I no longer wake up with my neck or back hurting.” Plenty of reviewers also said that they liked the pillow so much they bought them for family members, too.

Best Down Pillow

Boll & Branch Down Pillow

Fill material: Down
Size options: Standard, king

Boll & Branch makes its down pillows from responsibly-sourced down that’s triple-washed to ensure a longer-lasting (and cleaner) loft. You can choose from three density options—soft (ideal for stomach sleepers), medium and firm—so no matter your personal preferences, there’s one you’ll like. And the three chamber construction ensures that the pillows won’t go flat over time, like many other down pillows do.

What the Reviews Say: The Boll & Branch Down Pillows can satisfy all types of sleepers. “I have the soft and my husband has the medium down pillow. We both think our Boll and Branch pillows are the best pillows we have ever slept on!” writes one enthusiastic reviewer. “Most comfortable pillow we have ever owned,” says another.

Best Cooling Pillow

Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow

Fill material: T&N Adaptive Foam, graphite, cooling gel beads
Size options: Standard, king

The Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow is soft and squishy, yet supportive—the dream pillow trifecta. It’s made of T&N Adaptive Foam that’s been custom cut (rather than shredded) so it properly aligns your head and neck, while keeping it’s shape all night. It also contains graphite, which pulls heat away from your head while you sleep, and cooling gel beads that trap heat, so you’re always sleeping on the “cool side of the pillow.”

What the Reviews Say: This highly-rated pillow has more than 2,500 5-star reviews. “My all-time favorite pillow!” writes one enthusiastic reviewer. “I found this pillow at a hotel I stayed at and had to find out the brand to purchase one for myself at home. I’ve given my entire family the same pillow and they all love it.” Another adds, “I had no idea this level of comfort existed.”

Best Firm Pillow

Purple Harmony Pillow

Fill material: Purple Grid Hex and Talalay latex core
Size options: Standard, tall

Built with its 360º Purple Grid Hex—an intricate triangle pattern hyper-elastic polymer—the Purple Harmony Pillow relaxes when your head is on it, but maintains its shape over time. It’s firmer around the edges and softer in the center, so it gently contours around your head and neck for support and maximum comfort. It also comes in two heights so you can choose the one that’s most comfortable to you (the 6.5-inch is better for back sleepers, side sleepers with smaller frames and stomach sleepers, while the 7.5-inch is better for side sleepers with average to larger frames and anyone who generally prefers a taller pillow).

What the Reviews Say: With more than 7,200 5-star reviews, it’s a real winner. While one customer acknowledged its high price tag, calling it “the most expensive pillow I have ever bought”, they also added that “it is also the BEST pillow I have ever slept on…a perfect blend of soft and support.” Many others call it the “perfect pillow” and “highly recommend” it.

Best Memory Foam Pillow

Weekender Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow

Fill material: Memory foam and temperature-regulating gel
Size options: Standard, queen, king

Don’t let the low price fool you, the Weekender has a lot going for it. This pillow is made with soft and supportive memory foam to cradle your head and neck, while providing pressure relief and comfort. It also has a ventilated design and temperature-regulating gel to keep you cool and comfortable while you sleep. The removable cover is machine washable, too.

What the Reviews Say: With more than 14,000 5-star ratings, the Weekender has plenty of fans. “I have slept with this pillow every night (and not just a few afternoon naps) since and LOVE it,” one reviewer wrote. “I cram it in my suitcase when I travel for work. Love, love, love it.” One chronic pain sufferer raved about how the pillow has taken away their sleep-induced neck pain, adding, “I literally ordered a second one after two days of using this pillow.”

Best Pillow For Stomach Sleepers

Bluewave Bedding Super Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow

Fill material: Gel memory foam
Size options: Standard, king (in both super slim and ultra slim)

Bluewave makes it known that this pillow is really thin—a huge perk for helping stomach sleepers keep their head and neck in alignment while they snooze. The pillow is just 3.25 inches high and features cooling gel-infused technology to absorb and dispel heat at night. Ventilation holes in the pillow’s memory foam interior also help keep you cool.

What the Reviews Say: Stomach sleepers are pretty impressed. With more than 2,400 5-star ratings on Amazon, customers rave about the pillow’s comfort. “I am EXTREMELY picky about my pillows. But this one was exactly what I was looking for as a stomach sleeper who puts her arm under the pillow,” one said. “It’s like someone took a mattress topper and cut a rectangle out of it, which is exactly what I was looking for.” Another reviewer said they’ve always had issues waking up with a sore or numb arm from stomach sleeping but “this pillow is perfect for that and I’ve stopped having those issues.”

Best Pillow For Back Sleepers

Epabo Contour Memory Foam Pillow

Fill material: Memory foam
Size options: Standard, queen

Epabo’s contour memory foam pillow has an ergonomic design to perfectly support your head and neck while you sleep. Just place your head in the designated spot, and you’re good to go. Made of memory foam, this pillow is breathable to keep you cool while you sleep. It’s also adjustable: It has a removable piece of foam at the bottom of the pillow that you can take out if you feel like you’re positioned too high.

What the Reviews Say: With more than 14,000 5-star ratings, this pillow has racked up some impressive reviews, too. “The shaping in the middle is very comfortable and my neck gets a lot of relief from this product,” one person wrote. Another back sleeper said the pillow “made my neck feel supported and cradled [my] head,” adding, “for a back sleeper this was a great pillow.”

Best Down Pillow

Puredown Natural Goose Down Feather Pillow

Fill material: Down
Size options: Standard, queen, king

These pillows are filled with 100% goose down, giving a plush, comfy feel. Puredown’s double layered cotton shell fabric and polyester inner layers keep feathers firmly inside your pillow, so they won’t prick or poke you. The down itself is cleaned and disinfected, as well as odorless and lightweight. Also, there’s the price to consider: At $46 for two pillows (especially down pillows), this is a total bargain.

What the Reviews Say: The pillows have more than 7,900 5-star reviews on Amazon from happy sleepers. “If you have not used down pillows, buy this set,” one reviewer said, noting that they’re “just as good or better than my $200 each down pillows.” Another wrote that the pillow “doesn’t go flat like most down pillows—one scrunch in the morning and it’s back to it’s original shape.”

Best Value Pillow

Himoon Bed Pillows

Fill Material: Down-like microfiber
Size Options: Standard, queen and king

With a price tag of $27, you can rest easy with this set of two breathable pillows—a budget option marked as Amazon’s Choice. Filled with down-like microfiber, the pillows have the same fluffiness and adaptability of an authentic down pillow, but without the price to match. Because each pillow has ample fill, your head will stay properly supported without sinking into the mattress, keeping your spine in proper alignment so you wake up rested instead of sore.

What the Reviews Say: These pillows have an overall rating of 4.5 stars and more than 4,700 five-star reviewers share an appreciation for the quality and affordable price point. “So soft and comfortable, they don’t flatten out throughout the night. They keep their form which is a plus for me,” one shopper says. “These are such a steal—especially for the price!” says another.

Best Pillow On Amazon

Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows

Amazon

Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows, Set of 2 (Queen)

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Fill Material: Gel memory foam
Size Options: Queen and king

There’s a reason why these are Amazon’s best selling pillows – both thick and fluffy, these pillows make sleep effortless. Once you find your “sweet spot,” this pillow stays put so there’s no need for constant fluffing and readjusting. Plus, it’s stain-resistant and free from harsh chemicals so you can sleep soundly knowing that you’re not breathing in toxins while sound asleep.

What the Reviews Say: These bestselling pillows on Amazon have racked up an impressive (and mostly positive) 125,000+ reviews, and all types of sleepers are happy with them. “They provide great support while maintaining a little “give,” which is especially helpful since I’m a side sleeper,” one five-star reviewer says. “My fiancé who is both a back and side sleeper slept very well too. His snoring was much better, his oxygen levels were normal all night and his sleep score was very good,” says another satisfied shopper.

Best Temperature-Regulating Pillow

True Temp Pillow

Fill Material: 100% foam
Size Options: Standard and king

With Sleep Number’s True Temp Pillow, every side of the pillow is the cool side. Designed with unique temperature-balancing technology, this foam pillow absorbs moisture and prevents buildup of heat and humidity to keep you feeling cool and comfortable throughout the night. Plus, it’s available in three shapes—classic, contour and ultimate—so no matter which type of sleeper you are, there’s an ideal option for you.

What the Reviews Say: With over 500 mostly glowing reviews, many can attest to this pillow’s intense cooling properties. “The pillow definitely does what it says of keeping you cool. I didn’t get sweaty or hot throughout the night,” writes one happy sleeper. “It is cool, and does not take long to cool back down after you have laid on one part of it,” another five-star reviewer says.

AmericanChiro

We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.

Neck Pain

Re: Chronic Pain: Management focuses on the individual, not the pain.

Published

2 years ago

July 17, 2023

AmericanChiro

Dear Editor

Chronic pain management focuses on the individual, not the pain.

I am very pleased with the review by Kang and colleagues [1]. I write as a spinal pain specialist whose patients had an average episode duration of pain pain of 2.5 years [2] for low back pain and 1.3 years for neck pain [3]. These studies confirm that Kang et. al. noted the significant extent of spinal and extraspinal pain, sleep disturbance, and psychological distress. I also recognize the ‘heartsinks’ who have seen many consultants for a variety of complaints, and those with hypersensitivity. I do accept that some patients need further investigations, but it can be done in a way that does not cause further anxiety. To ensure that intensive rehabilitation is not contraindicated. By showing a genuine interest in the family, job and interests of the individual, you can begin to build confidence and hope for the clinical path being recommended.

The review ignores trauma’s effects on some people, causing their pain to begin, and for others, a major factor. Thirteen percent of patients with neck pain who presented to my clinics had a traumatic origin with a missed break and significant psychological comorbidity. Subsequently, it became clear that post-traumatic distress (PTPD), [a term used because post-traumatic stress may require specialist knowledge for diagnosis] can be present in rheumatological practices [4] and with the increasing influx of refugees in the UK [5], more patients are being diagnosed with PTPD. This can have major effects on families [5]. PTPD is commonly seen in medicolegal situations where accidents have caused major destruction to the lives of individuals and their families, including divorce [6]; and is often associated mood disturbances [6].

Kang et. al. correctly mention that sleep disorders are important in the management chronic pain [1], however, two important aspects of a’sleep story’ must be identified. It is important to ask the individual what they are thinking about when they lie awake in bed at night. This may provide clues as to social or family stress. Second, you should ask about their nightmares and dreams, especially if they are unpleasant. These often involve reliving trauma or accidents. When asked about nightmares, people who deny any unpleasant memories during direct questioning may reveal clues. The presence of PTPD can be important because it opens up therapeutic opportunities with psychological support and medications.

My experience in rehabilitation medicine over the years has taught me that to fully assist our disadvantaged clients, social issues must be resolved before psychological issues, and psychological issues must be resolved before physical issues!

References

1. Kang Y et. al., Chronic Pain: Definitions and Diagnosis. BMJ (Clinical Research ed. ), 2023. 381: p. e076036.

2. Frank A. et al. A cross-sectional study of the clinical and psychosocial features of low back injury and the resulting work handicap: Use of the Quebec Task Force Classification. Int J Clin Pract, 2000; 54(10) p. 639-644.

3. Frank A, De Souza L and Frank C. Neck Pain and Disability: A Cross-sectional Survey of the Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Neck Pain Seen in a Rheumatology Clinic. Int J Clin Pract 2005; 59(doi: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2004.00237.x): p. 173-182.

4. McCarthy J. and Frank A. Posttraumatic psychological distress can present in rheumatology. BMJ 2002. 325(27 July): p. 221-221.

5. Frank A. Refugee status: a yellow-flag in managing back pain. BMJ 2007;334(13 Jan): p.58-58.

6. Frank A. Psychiatric effects of road traffic accidents: often disabling, and not recognised (letter). BMJ 1993, 307(13th Nov): p.1283.

AmericanChiro

We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.

Neck Pain

Landmark Trial: Opioids No Better Than Placebo for Back Pain

Published

2 years ago

July 16, 2023

AmericanChiro

The first randomized controlled study testing the efficacy of a short course opioids for acute nonspecific neck/low back pain suggests that opioids do not relieve acute neck or low back pain in the short-term and can lead to worse outcomes over the long-term.

After 6 weeks there was no significant difference between the pain scores of patients taking opioids and those who took a placebo. After one year, the pain scores of patients who received placebos were slightly lower. After 1 year, opioid users were also at a higher risk of opioid abuse.

Senior author Christine Lin, Ph.D., from the University of Sydney told Medscape Medical News that this is a “landmark trial” with “practice changing” results.

Lin explained that “we did not have any good evidence before this trial on whether opioids are effective for acute neck or low back pain, but opioids are one of the most commonly prescribed medicines for these conditions.”

Lin stated that based on these results “opioids shouldn’t be recommended at any time for acute neck and low back pain,”

The results of the OPAL study have been published online in The Lancet on June 28.

Rigorous Test

The trial was conducted at 157 primary care and emergency departments in Australia, with 347 adults who experienced low back pain or neck pain for 12 weeks or less.

They were randomly allocated (1:1) to receive guideline-recommended care (reassurance and advice to stay active) plus an opioid (oxycodone up to 20 mg daily) or identical placebo for up to 6 weeks. Naloxone is given to prevent opioid-induced constipation, and to improve blinding.

The primary outcome was the pain severity at six weeks, as measured by the pain severity subscale (10-point scale) of the Brief Pain Inventory.

After 6 weeks of opioid therapy, there was no difference between placebo and opioid therapy in terms of pain relief or functional improvement.

The mean pain score was 2.78 for the opioid group at 6 weeks, compared to 2.25 for the placebo group. (Adjusted median difference, 0.53, 95% CI -0.00 – 1.07, P=.051). At 1 year, the mean pain scores of the placebo group were lower than those of the opioid group (1.8 and 2.4).

The risk of opioid misuse was doubled at 1 year for patients randomly assigned to receive opioid therapy during 6 weeks as compared to those randomly assigned to receive placebo during 6 weeks.

At 1 year, the Current Opioid Use Measure (COMM), a scale that measures current drug-related behavior, indicated that 24 (20%) patients from 123 patients who received opioids, were at risk for misuse. This was compared to 13 (10%) patients from 128 patients in a placebo group ( p =.049). The COMM is a widely-used measure of current aberrant drug related behavior among chronic pain patients who are prescribed opioid therapy.

Results Raise “Serious Questions”

Lin told Medscape Medical News that “I think the findings of the research will need to be distributed to doctors and patients so they receive the latest evidence on opioids.”

“We must reassure doctors and their patients that the majority of people with acute neck and low back pain recover well over time (normally within 6 weeks). Therefore, management is simple – stay active, avoid bed rest and, if needed, use a heat pack to relieve short term pain. Consider anti-inflammatory drugs if drugs are needed,” Lin added.

The authors of the linked comment state that the OPAL trial raises serious questions regarding the use of opioids for acute neck and low back pain.

Mark Sullivan, MD PhD, and Jane Ballantyne MD, from the University of Washington in Seattle, note that clinical guidelines recommend opioids to patients with acute neck and back pain when other drugs fail or are contraindicated.

As many as two thirds of patients may receive an opioid for back or neck pain. Sullivan and Ballantyne say that it is time to reexamine these guidelines.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health (University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health) and SafeWork SA funded the OPAL study. The authors of the study have not disclosed any relevant financial relationships. Sullivan and Ballantyne have served as board members of Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing (unpaid), and paid consultants for opioid litigation.

Lancet. Online published June 28, 2023. Abstract

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AmericanChiro

We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.

Neck Pain

‘I tried acupuncture for back and neck pain even though I’m afraid of needles–and it’s literally the only thing that’s ever worked’

Published

2 years ago

July 15, 2023

AmericanChiro

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AmericanChiro

We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.