If you find yourself waking up in the morning with a neck and head pain, then the problem could the pillow you are using. A pillow that is too high or too low can lead to neck pain.
Therefore, choosing the best pillows for head and neck pain is important because it can help alleviate the pain by ensuring your body is properly aligned.
In this article, we will break down the causes of neck and head pain, how pillows can help with neck and head pain, and factors to consider while choosing a pillow for head and neck pain.
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Our Top Picks
Cervical design to support your neck and head, contour shape to relieve your pain, click to buy the MARNUR Cervical Pillow for neck pain and headaches
Memory foam for soft support, ergonomic design with breathable surface to rest your neck and head, click to buy the Milemont Pillow for neck pain and migraines
Wedge size for whole back support, versatile for sleeping or reading, click to buy the DMI Wedge Pillow for head and neck pains
What Causes Neck Pain and Headaches?
Neck pains, as well as headaches, are caused by improper sleep at night or bad sleeping posture which will leave you with a painful neck and headache in the morning.
When you sleep in the wrong position, your body is not properly supported or aligned thus exerting pressure on your neck and head. Sleeping properly at night in the right position and with the right pillow will make you wake up in the morning feeling fresh and relax.
If you don’t sleep well at night maybe because you are stressed out, then neck muscles will strain and more pressure will be exerted on your spine thus making you have neck pain and headache in the morning.
Also, a bad pillow that makes you strain at night will leave you with neck pain and headache in the morning. It can also misalign your spine thus causing back problems.
Sleep apnea also causes neck and head pain because when you sleep at night your throat muscle collapses thus minimizing the supply of oxygen. The insufficient supply of air causes dehydration which makes you have a headache.
How Can Pillows Help with Head and Neck Pain?
Using the wrong pillows can lead to neck pain and discomfort while sleeping at night. It is not likely that your pillow is the only cause for neck pain. Sleeping on the right pillow and adopting a good sleeping position can help reduce the pressure on your neck.
Make sure that you replace your pillow when it is not able to offer proper support. The best pillows for head and neck pain can properly align your head and neck to prevent any neck muscle strain, which makes you have neck pain and headaches.
The pillow fills the space between your mattress and your head thus putting you in a neutral position. If you are sleeping on your back then you are likely to have neck pain because your neck will not be properly aligned with your head as you turn at night.
To solve this, you should sleep with a thin pillow to properly align your neck with your head. The best pillow helps to ease any pressure which has been exerted on your spine by putting your body in a neutral position.
What’s the Consideration When Choosing a Pillow for Head and Neck Pain?
There are many pillows you can buy on the market but not all of them are good for you. Pillows that are too full or too stiff may strain your neck which leads to neck pain.
That is why you need to choose the best pillow for head and neck pain. Here are factors to consider while looking for the best pillow for neck pain.
Sleep Position
Sleeping position determines the kind of pillow you will buy for head and neck pain.
If you are a stomach sleeper then you should consider getting a thin pillow which will properly support your head and neck, and reduces the pressure exerted on your spine which helps align your spine.
If you are a side sleeper you should consider getting a pillow which is thick to properly hold you in position and provide you with comfort. For backside sleepers, they can choose a pillow that is medium-sized to properly align your spine.
Filling
This is also another factor to consider when choosing a pillow for your neck and head pain.
A pillow that is filled with water properly supports you and cannot be compressed thus preventing head and neck pain.
A pillow filled with hypoallergenic material provides you firm support that properly supports your head and neck, which relieves you from head and neck pain. Also, a pillow filled with memory foam supports your head and neck.
Loft
The loft determines the head angle in relation to the spine. A pillow which is too high raises your head too high and strains your neck and head thus leaving you with neck and head pain.
A pillow that is too low makes you miss the proper support offered by your pillow, which strains your head and neck as it is misaligned. This will give you a headache and neck pain when you wake up in the morning.
Getting the right pillow for head and neck pain can properly align you in a neutral position thus relieving you all the neck and head pain.
Shape
When choosing a pillow for neck and head pain, consider if it is contoured properly to align your back, neck, head, and shoulders. They conform easily to your head and neck offering you firm support.
A D-shaped pillow cradles your head and properly supports your neck with the cervical side. Wedge-shaped pillows have been designed to elevate your neck and prevent any pressure exerted on your back and spine which helps in relieving you from the resulting pain.
Support
Firm support is what you need for your neck and head pain. If you want to get rid of headaches and neck pains in the morning, then you should get a pillow that is firm to support your neck but not too firm to make your neck stiff.
It should also be soft and gentle on your neck and not fluffy so that it supports the contours of your head, neck, and shoulders.
Price
When choosing a pillow for your headache and neck pain you should consider a pillow that is fairly priced and within your budget. Pillows for head and neck pain can start from as little as $25 to as much as $150.
Despite the fair price, it should have all the features you are looking for to ease your headache and neck pain. Getting the best pillows for your head and neck pain will not only relieve pain but also help you enjoy a good sleep.
Top Rated – EPABO Orthopedic Pillow for Neck and Head Pain
Pros
- The pad is suitable for people with a neck injury since it helps to relieve pain and discomfort
- It has breathable materials.
Cons
- This pillow is a bit thin
This orthopedic pillow suits side, back and stomach sleepers for total comfort when sleeping.
- Memory filling
The memory fillings on this neck pillow help align the muscles around the neck and the head for proper sleeping posture.
- Has an ergonomic style
This pillow contours to one’s neck and the head so you can get the right cushioning and support for your head.
- Breathable material
The memory foam materials filling on this pillow has vents that allow free flow of air for breathability purpose
For Side Sleepers – Mkicesky Ergonomic Pillow for Head and Neck Pain
Pros
- The pillow supports all sleeping positions
- It has memory foam material that ensures comfort when sleeping
- The pillow helps to reduce neck pain when sleeping
Cons
- This pillow is quite firm
If you have had a neck injury or experience pain in the neck after sleeping, this pillow may work for you since it helps relieve pain around the neck area.
- Suitable for multiple sleeping postures
This pillow is comfortable for people who sleep in various positions. It suits people who sleep on the back, side, and even stomach since it provides excellent and reliable support.
- Helps to reduce snoring
This pillow features a natural curve design around the neck to ensure you have proper breathing at night, which helps control snoring.
- Washable cover
Maintaining cleanliness of the pillow is easy since the cover is removable for cleaning purposes.
Supportive – Core Products Cervical Support Pillow for Pain
Pros
- This pillow is made with quality materials design
- The pillow helps to improve one’s neck spine muscles
- The pillow is perfect for adults
Cons
- This pillow is not soft
This is a medically prove sleeping pillow that helps to re-correct the spine section around the neck. It provides ample comfort to support the neck and head muscles.
- Helto ease neck painps
This sleeping pillow is quite firm which in return help to offer ample support to the neck muscles
- Large fitting size
This pillow is designed in a large size of 24 x 16 inches to ensure one has a proper fitting when sleeping on all sides.
- Quality material construction
The pillow is made of 50 percent polyester and 50 percent cotton to offer optimal support when sleeping.
Adjustable – UTTU Support Pillow for Neck Pain and Headaches
Pros
- This pillow is adjustable in size
- It has a cooling effect for comfort in hot seasons
- It retains the same firmness for a long time
Cons
- This pillow is not soft
The UTTU support pillow is adjustable to get the right comfort and support when sleeping, depending on your body size.
- The pillow helps relieve pressure
The UTTU dynamic memory foam material construction on this pillow offers excellent cushioning to relieve pressure around the neck and head muscles.
- Cooling effect
This pillow is made with polyester and an infusion of bamboo material that adds a cooling effect to the pillow so you can have a comfortable night sleep.
- It is washable
The pillow is easy to maintain by washing with machine washer.
Memory Foam – Milemont Orthopedic Contour Pillow
Pros
- This pillow provides excellent support including on the shoulders
- It has durable and heavy-duty memory foam materials
- The pillow has a standard size to fit most people
Cons
- This pillow disperses some unpleasant odor when new
If you have a problem maintaining a good sleeping posture when sleeping, this pillow from Milemont may work for you since it helps align the spine on the neck area to reduce neck injuries when sleeping.
- Premium memory material construction
This pillow has heavy-duty and quality premium memory foam material that contours to the neck and head to ensure comfort when sleeping on various sides.
- A reliable size
This pillow features the standard size design to fit people of different sizes.
- Ergonomic style design
This pillow has an ergonomic style that contours around the neck and the head to provide ample comfort and support when sleeping.
Contour Shape – MARNUR Cervical Pillow for Head and Neck Pain
Pros
- This pillow has a unique design and total support
- The pad helps to improve one’s sleeping patterns
- The pillow supports all sleeping positions
Cons
- Too soft for some people
The MARNUR cervical pillow features a unique design plus memory foam fillings to ensure the user has ample support and comfort when sleeping in different directions.
- Unique and ergonomic style
The pillow has an ergonomic style and a natural curve that mimics the neck and head shape to offer the perfect support when sleeping in various positions.
- Washable cover
The cover of this pillow has a zipper for easy removal when cleaning for maintenance purposes.
- Improves good and safe sleeping position
This pillow has quality memory foam materials that contours to the neck and the head to provide the perfect support and comfort when sleeping.
Wedge Pillow – DMI Support Pillow for Pain Relief
Pros
- This is a flexible pillow that supports lower and upper body parts
- The pillow helps to reduce respiratory issues when sleeping
- The pillow reduces snoring by improving breathing process
Cons
- This pillow does not conform to the body
If you are experiencing some digestive issues or even acid reflux, this pillow may help relieve the problem. The wedge pillow elevates the body for a comfortable sleeping angle.
- Multifunctional support
This pillow is suitable for both upper and lower body parts for providing excellent and reliable support.
- Reduces snoring
The pillow keeps the body in an elevated mode to improve the breathing process which in return helps to reduce snoring
- High-density foam
The pillow has the quality and high-density foam materials that contours to the body for a comfortable sleeping night
Is a Firm or Soft Pillow Better for Neck Pains and Headaches?
Both firm and soft pillows help with headaches and neck pains because a firm pillow properly supports your head in position and a soft pillow provides the comfort to the neck by relieving any pressure and properly aligns your head and neck.
For example, pillows made from memory foam provide firm support to your head, and neck and polyester pillows are soft thus offering more comfort to your neck and properly aligns your body.
However, if your pillow is too firm or too soft it may not properly support your head and neck overnight leading to neck and head pain.
Can Bad Pillows cause Neck Pains and Headaches?
Yes, bad pillows can cause neck pain and headaches. This is because a bad pillow will misalign your head, neck, and shoulders thus straining neck muscles and leaving you with neck pain.
If your body is not properly aligned, then the tension and strains are what gives you the discomfort of neck pain and headache and your body might not be properly supported.
A pillow might be too soft, too firm, or too small to properly support you while sleeping thus making you wake up body pains such as neck pain and headaches.
How Long Should I Replace My Pillow?
If your pillow no longer provides you with enough support you need while sleeping then you should consider getting a new pillow. The rule of thumb is that you should replace your pillow after 1 to 2 years of continuous use.
If you bought a pillow for its firmness support, then after some time it has become stiff or too soft that is the right time for you to get yourself another new pillow to support you.
Summary
If you are suffering from head and neck pain, you need to choose the right pillow which is designed for your anatomy and sleeping position. Pillows come in different materials, shapes, and sizes which means that you may need to try different options via trial and error.
But when you choose an adjustable loft pillow, it will take some of that risk. Getting the best pillows for head and neck pain can help you enjoy a wonderful sleep at night and wake up with no pain.