Pillows and Neck Pain

Neck pain and pillow issues go hand in hand for many patients. Unfortunately, little research is available on this popular topic. However, a recent study in Manual Therapy was just published, comparing the following pillow types: 1. Polyester synthetic fibre filled, 2. Foam regular shape (from high density foam), 3. Foam contour shape (high density foam), 4. Latex rubber, and 5. Feather.
The feather pillow was significantly proven as the worst pillow. The best results were found with a Dunlopillo latex rubber pillow (115mm in depth [height]). Pillow shape did not affect pain levels and contoured pillows were actually found to be more uncomforable than regularly shaped pillows.

Remember, we are all shaped differently; perhaps you are comfortable sleeping on your feather pillow? As long as you are not sleeping on a pillow that jacks your head up into flexion and you are comfortable on the pillow you currently own, keep on sleeping well.

If you are a stomach sleeper… become a back sleeper now! If you are a side sleeper, try to get on to your back too as many individuals who sleep only on one side will encounter shoulder and rib injuries over time.

Gordon SJ, et al., Pillow use: the behaviour of cervical pain, sleep quality and pillow comfort in side sleepers. Manual Therapy 2009; 14: 671-678.




I prefer water based pillows over the foam pillows.  I have found that the foam pillows break down over time and lose their elasticity and their shape.  Water pillows do not have this problem.  You can also adjust the firmness of a water based pillow to your personal preference.
 
There has been significant research into water based pillows.

DID YOU KNOW? On average, there are 12 major body shifts and 50 movements in head and neck position during sleep. With the Mediflow Water Pillow, as you roll from back to side, the water instantly adjusts to constantly maintain correct head and neck support and provide outstanding comfort.


RESEARCH -


In a medical school conducted study, on adults with chronic neck pain, it was found that the Mediflow ® Waterbase ® pillow was associated with reduced morning pain intensity, increased pain relief and improved quality of sleep.
Use of a Mediflow ® Waterbase ® pillow in conjunction with chiropractic care resulted in a reduction in neck pain and disability, and improved quality of sleep in subjects with chronic neck pain. ²
Based on a survey of students, faculty and staff at a chiropractic college, over 68% said their quality of sleep improved after using the Mediflow Waterbase ®. Over 84% rated the Mediflow ® Waterbase ® pillow 8 or better (on a point scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest level of satisfaction). ³

CONCLUSION: Proper selection of a pillow can significantly reduce pain and improve quality of sleep.


¹Cervical Pain: A Comparison of Three Pillows, Lavin RA. Research conducted at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation February 1997. original article

²Chronic Neck Pain Findings, Logan College of Chiropractic. Presented at the International Conference on Spinal Manipulation. October 1996 Bournemouth, England.

³Quality of Sleep Findings, Logan College of Chiropractic. Poster presentation at the Conference of Chiropractic Research and Education, June 1996 San Diego, USA.


Sleep tight and sweet dreams!