Pillows either help us sleep comfortably, or bother us and cause us neck pain, headaches, and other problems. In this article we will learn very important information about pillows to help you choose the pillow that best suits your neck.

• When should I change the pillow?
  If you use the pad you have been using for years, you may know that your pillows should be replaced every year or two, according to the National Sleep Foundation. You can test your pillow to see if it is still valid, If it remains folded, it is time to get a new pillow.

• How to choose the right pillow for you?
  Choosing the right pillow is a big decision - especially if you are suffering from neck pain. If you are thinking of investing in a new cushion or mattress, the number of options and the amount of conflicting information about choosing the right type can be confusing, says Neel Anand, "It is one of the most important decisions in your life, and you should not miss it, because you need your neck in the years to come," said Dr. In Medicine, professor of orthopedic surgery and director of spinal trauma at Cedar Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.

The best pillows for neck pain depend on a lot of factors. At first you should know your body, know how to sleep, and what are your daily habits? As well as the options for pillows available, here's what to remember.

1. Remember that high price does not mean high quality

The best neck pain pillows are certainly not the most expensive ones. "Do not assume that the more money you spend, the more comfortable you are," says Anand. "The best sleeping surface is the one that will make you feel more comfortable, whatever its price."

2. Try some bends

Dr. Victor Romano, a specialist in orthopedics and sports medicine, says that the pillow he personally saved from the neck pain he suffered for years was a curved cushion to support the curve of the neck and that he still uses the pillow to this day.

3. If you sleep on your belly, there is a pillow for it

"To be honest, sleeping on your stomach will not lead to any improvement in neck pain," says Alex Tauburg, a physician at the Tauberg Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. However, if you always sleep on your stomach , It may not change that easily now, and in this case, it is important to choose a pillow that can fit this sleep situation.

4. Choose a pillow with a fixed warranty and clear recovery criteria

Before buying the pad, it is important to review the warranty policy and return the goods carefully. "There are often fees to pay back the purchased cushion or order, which is more expensive the longer you wait," "Most policies also contain strict rules on where the pillow should be Until they are returned, "and these conditions apply even if you have pain in the neck due to use.

So if you can go to the store to try pillows before you buy it is better; because spending time in advance can save you money and aches in the long term.

5. Do not be afraid to try a new pillow

If you prefer a real feather pillow, but your neck always kills you, why not try something else. The truth is that your comfort depends more on cushion support, not on the material made, and it might be helpful if your pillow does not make you happy to be adventurous. , And try one of the newer styles for making pillows, such as silk, bamboo, or latex.

6- Solid position requires thicker cushions

Ideally, you need enough space between your head and head while lying on the bed. Therefore, when using a solid mattress, you will need a thicker pad, because your shoulder will not sink in a solid position. This requires a thicker pad to accommodate the larger space between your bed. And your head.

7. The soft position requires less thicker cushions

On the other hand, the softest bedding needs a thin pillow, because your shoulder drowns in the bed, and the thick cushion makes the space between your head and head very wide. This is not appropriate in the case of soft mattress, which leads to an uncomfortable neck.

8. Be aware that there is something serious about bending the pillow

Bends are useful for the neck, allowing your neck to rely on the lower side when lying on your back, or on the higher side when you sleep on your side. The key here is to focus on alignment; that is to make sure your neck and back are aligned and that your neck remains parallel to your neck. Ranked, to avoid pain.

9. Consider your daily habits

If you are addicted to technology and text messages, you should avoid the pillow that makes your head bend forward while lying on your back, or that makes your head bend heavily to the side while lying on your side; this aggravates the neck pain you are likely to suffer Bend your head forward to look at your phone all day long.

Sources:
The 9 Best Pillows For Neck Pain, According To Doctors
Pillows for Neck Pain
Our 9 Best Neck Pain Support (Cervical) Pillows - 2018 Guide