How to Choose the Right Neck Pillow

Ranked #403 in Healthy Living, #8,314 overall

Choosing the Right Neck Pillow is Very Important for Getting A RestFul Night's Sleep

At Arc4life.com we take neck pain relief very seriously- it is what we specialize in. We also take neck pillows very seriously. In fact, We carry more than 11 varieties of pillows- support pillows, traction pillows, fiber pillows, memory foam pillows, water pillows- Everyone needs to sleep, but how everyone does that depends on your individual health needs. Without proper sleep we cannot achieve optimum health.


When choosing a neck pillow, there can be many choices to make? What exactly do you need?
Square pillow, round pillow, rectangular pillow, foam pillow, fiber pillow, u shaped pillow, travel pillow, sleeping on my stomach pillow, under the knees pillows, sitting in bed reading pillow, after surgery pillow, pillow for my pet, pillow for my snoring spouse, pillow to help me stop sleeping on my stomach, sleep apnea pillow, a pillow to stop my headaches, a pillow to stop my neck pain, a pillow to help me sleep better, a pillow to give me better posture.... the list could go on and on !!

Table of Contents

Understand all of your choices before choosing the right neck pillow

So What Pillow Do you Use at Night?

My Favorite Pillow

So what pillow do you use at night? Well i do have a favorite pillow that i use every night. I even take my pillow with me when i cross the border to visit my parents in Canada. I take it on all my vacations as well. My favorite pillow is called the arc4life cervical traction neck pillow. I use this neck pillow exclusively for many reasons. I have even highlighted the pillow in a special squidoo lens, and have here in this lens as well. My husband started stealing mine, so i ended up getting him one as well. So you can reall all about it, don't worry. Here are the reasons why i love this pillow:

  1. it fits my frame perfectly.I am 5'5", weight between 128 lbs to 135 lbs depending on the season. It is a standard medium size pillow: 20'x26"
  2. there are two sides to choose from: one firmer, one softer
  3. it gives me great neck support at night
  4. i can sleep on my side and on my back
  5. the pillow does not collapse under my head and neck
  6. i am very sensitive, and the pillow does not have any smell to it
  7. i don't like firm pillows at all, this pillow has just enough give to it.
  8. it is made out of polyester fiber fill, so it is very comfortable to sleep on



But that my friends, is just my opinion. It has taken me a few years to find the right pillow. A few years back i was involved in a small fender bender from which i had whiplash. This pillow helped me with that as well.

How to Choose the Right Neck Pillow

Choosing the Right Neck Pillow Based on Your Needs is Important

Do you have neck pain? Stiff neck? Numbness and Tingling in the arms? Do you travel a lot? Are you a petite framed person? Are you a Side Sleeper? Back Sleeper or A Stomach Sleeper? Do you suffer from sleep apnea ?

Well today i am going to help you choose the right neck pillow based on your what your needs are. There are many different kind of pillows online and in stores. It can be very disheartening to choose the perfect one. But you will be surprised to find out that there is a pillow that fits many different criteria. Here are some Criteria to Consider:
  • 1Will you be using your neck pillow for travel? on an airplane?
  • 2Do you have Mild to Moderate Neck Pain?
  • 3Military Neck or Loss of Cervical Curvature in your neck?
  • 4Are you buying a pillow based on your frame?
  • 5Are you looking for a particular filling for your pillow?
  • 6Are you looking for a pillow for headache relief?
  • 7Are you looking for A Special Type of Pillow for A Specific Condition?
  • 8Do you sleep in a certain position?
  • 9Have you recently had a Neck Xray that showed that you have no curve or reversal of the C curve in your Neck?
  • 10Do you Sit in front of a Computer all day, and have forward head carriage?
  • 11Are you buying a pillow for you a 7 year old daughter?
  • 12Are you tossing and turning all night, unable to find a comfortable position?
  • 13Are you waking up with a stiff neck?
  • 14Have you recently had a neck surgery, or suffer with a particular condition such as acid reflux, therefore requiring you to sleep a certain way?
  • 15Were you recently involved in a car accident, had a whiplash accident?

Why Sleep Is Important

***Choosing the Right Neck Pillow is very important, especially since we spend about 1/3 of our life sleeping. Choose carefully and you will get the perfect night of sleep and improve more then your health along the way!!***

Travel Neck Pillows

Funny U Shaped Pillows are A Hit for Airplane Rides....

Travel U Shaped Pillow- Can be made out of foam, or fiber fillDo you do a lot of traveling? If you are one of those people who are putting a lot of miles on frequent flier program, you may want to consider a travel pillow. A travel neck pillow is often U shaped. It can used while you are sitting waiting for your airplane, or sitting on the airplane. A good travel neck pillow will now allow you to sleep upright without straining your neck to the side or going back wards. There are many Travel Neck Pillows designed specifically for the frequent traveller. You can buy travel pillows in foam, fiber and even ones that comes with an ice pack (designed for patients with headaches, called the headache ice pillow)

Travel Pillows

Lots of Choices for Travelling Comfortable

Loading

My Pillow....

No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.- Lin Yutang

Support Neck Pillows

Proper Neck Posture and Alignment are Important for Sleeping.

The Linear Gravity Neck PillowDo you have mild-moderate neck pain and need a support while sleeping? There are many cervical pillows online that are perfect for support. Often these pillows will have an indentation in the middle of the neck pillow and wings on the side- allowing you to sleep on your side or on your back. For a good support neck pillow check out Arc4life's Linear Gravity Neck Pillow.

I have neck and shoulder pain, often severe, from arthritis that developed after neck surgery three years ago. Having tried several neck pillows and found them unacceptable, I was extremely skeptical about the pain-relieving benefits of any pillow but decided to try one more time. Being a small person, I ordered the Small Linear Gravity pillow and must report it now is the only pillow I use. It's no miracle, but it reduces my pain significantly. With other pillows I used to remain tense, now I can feel the muscles in my neck and shoulders (face, too) relaxing when I lie down on my Linear Gravity pillow. I plan to buy another in the medium size for a friend who is having cervical spine surgery. Thanks! - K.Drees, October 31, 2010, USA

Featured Lens on Squidoo: The Linear Gravity Neck Pillow

A support pillow that comes in 3 sizes, and offers two levels of support

A Support Neck Pillow for the Masses. The linear gravity neck pillow appeals to the masses. Small, Medium Large, take your pick. Also Two Rolls to choose from as well. Read our squidoo lense here.
Loading

The Linear Gravity Neck Pillow is available on Amazon

A Great Fiber Support Neck-PILLOW

I am a big fan of the arc4life linear gravity neck pillows. They comes in three sizes and offer great neck support. There are two neck rolls to choose from: one firmer, one softer. A square indentation in the middle keeps your head and neck in place. This neck pillow ensures great neck posture and alignment of the cervical spine while sleeping. You can sleep on your side or on your back.
Loading

Military Neck or Hypolordosis?

Loss of the C Curve in the Neck

Arc4life's Cervical Traction Neck Pillow has a Special V for traction of the neckDo you have a "military neck"? This is a diagnosis in the neck- what it means is the a cervical spine is straight and not curved in a "c" position like a normal neck curve. This is often seen on a lateral cervical x-ray. In this case, a traction neck pillow will be a good choice for you. Althought this type of a neck pillow can take a while to get used to, providing that extra stretch in your neck will give your neck the traction it needs to be in the proper cervical lordosis, thereby giving your neck pain relief. The Cervical traction Neck Pillow is a great traction neck pillow that is comes Doctor recommended.

***** The relief I was hoping for...truly
Like others who have written, I had this item in "save for later" status for a long time, because of the cost...also, because of the potential for disappointment...if this won't work than what? My only regret in making this purchase is that I waited so long. The last reviewer was correct: the period of adjustment was minimal...especially for the degree of relief I experience. Also, like other customers, I have had long time pain and multiple injuries. I disagree with the reviewer who stated that the pillow should be softer. I think that the degree of firmness helps to create the support that is needed. The pillow "fits" me perfectly, so I cannot opine regarding the need for a smaller version. Could be, if someone is especially small or short in stature. Luckily for me, I am experiencing even more relief than anticipated. Morning neck stiffness is all but eliminated. The pillow keeps my head in place, as opposed to it constantly flopping over to rest on my shoulder. Have recommended this pillow to friends and family. I look forward to putting my head down at night. Although evaluating the comfort level of a pillow is a personal opinion, it is my hope that everyone's experience with the cervical traction pillow is as good as mine. Also, having worked as a Certified Massage Therapist for eight years, I believe that this pillow will help to extend the effect of bodywork. (Just an opinion):) - Pink Grace, October 31, 2010, Deep South GA



Read more testimonials Here...

Squidoo Lens for Arc4life's Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow

Loading

The Traction Neck Pillow on Amazon

Helping with Neck Posture and Better Sleep through the night.

Loading

I thought I'd take a chance and buy "just one more pillow"

One more pillow story for you about the cervical traction neck pillow.....

I have been waking up with headaches and neck and shoulder stiffness for months.
My closet is a burial ground for a pile of barely used pillows. I was about to
contact a chiropractor when I saw your pillow and read the testimonials. I
thought I'd take a chance and buy "just one more pillow" but was determined that
this was my last. I slept on it all night right away with no problems. I now
have 4 nights of wonderful rested sleep, no headaches and no stiffness or
pain...what a wonderful way to wake up in the morning! The sides are perfect
for side sleeping which I had never found before in pillows for neck support.
Thank you so very much, I feel like I have been reborn!
- D.M April 17, 2012
Loading

Are you buying a pillow based on your frame?

Consider small, medium or large neck pillows based on your height and weight..

Yes, Size matters when it comes to choosing the right neck pillowAre you 4'11 and petite framed individual? Or perhaps you are a 6'2 college football player. Either way, the average medium sized neck pillow is not going to be a good fit for you. There are good support neck pillows on the market today that come in a variety of sizes. The Linear Gravity Neck Pillow comes in 3 sizes- small, medium and large. The small size pillow is perfect for people who are of height 5'0" or less and the large linear gravity is good for people over 6'0. This is a good support pillow that can be used by side and back sleepers.

Orthopedic Pillow

I have an orthopedic pillow that's made out of a sponge material. I have a plate in my throat, and I have to be careful or I could end up with a bad neck in the morning. That pillow is a must everywhere I go. - Lee Trevino

So many fillings to choose from

Fiber, Foam, Buckwheat, beans, water....

Core Deluxe water PillowAre you looking for a particular filling for your pillow? Are you allergic to fiber or foam and are looking for a specific all natural filling? Buckwheat neck pillows have become very popular. The natural filling of this kind of pillow has some advantages over conventional fiberfill, foam, or feather fillings. The most important quality for the relief of pain is that the material conforms to the exact contours of the head and neck providing support. This means that you have the same amount of support in all areas minimizing the stress on all areas of support. Other filling materials which compress, try to recover their original shape and this puts stress on the muscles of the neck. Other advantages of the buckwheat hull filling are the "cool in the summer, warm in the winter" insulating properties, the ability to adjust the size to your individual needs by removing or adding back filler so the pillow fits you just right. Check out Original Buckwheatpillows for more information about these unique pillows

Firm or Soft Support For your Pillow?

Choose the Support that you like to have at night.

This can be difficult for some people. What type of support to choose? Is soft better, or is firm support better? Really it is personal preference. Some times if you have had some kind of surgery,the Dr will tell you to buy a firm support pillow.

SOFT SUPPORT

  • consider a feather or a down pillow



MEDIUM SUPPORT

FIRM SUPPORT

  • consider the Tricore support neck pillow. Either the gentle or the firm support in this pillow is firm. Also keep in mind that you can this pillow in small (the petite core) or a medium size (the mid core)
  • consider a foam pillow (such as memory foam)
  • check your favorite pillow, and get the manufacturers version that is "FIRM"

For myself personally I like to have a medium support. Not to firm, not to soft. I don't want my pillow to so firm that is rock solid under my head, but at the same time I don't want to have a pillow that collapses either. Having the proper cervical support is important for my neck, otherwise i wake up with a stiff neck.

Special Squidoo Lens on the Tri Core Neck Pillow

Tricore Neck Support Pillow - America's #1 Pillow for Neck Pain Relief

Loading

The Tri Core Family Of Neck Pillows

Available in Peite Core, Mid Core and Full Size

These are very popular neck-pillows on the market today. They have a trapezoid center, and allow you to have proper neck support and alignment of the neck. The only note I will add about these neck pillows is they are very firm. That being said, these pillows will last longer than your average pillow. It may take you a while to get used to such a firm pillow, and for some patients they are not able to get used to it all. So some patience is going to be required if you want to give this pillow a real go. Another benefit of the tri-core pillows is that they are available in various sizes.
Loading

BuckWheat Pillows on Amazon

Loading

Foam Neck Pillows on Amazon

Polyurathane or Memory Foam?

Loading

Satin Pillows- Even these have a purpose

Pillows that won't ruin your hairstyle !

Ab Contour Satin Foam Neck PillowA Luxurious Satin Contoured neck pillow is very versatile and works for many women. The Satin Cover aids in decreasing wrinkles on the face and keeping hairstyles in check. Use this pillow under your neck. The AB Contour pillow will support ones neck and allow you to have comfortable support in your neck while sleeping. This one is composed of foam on the inside. Help to relieve neck pain, upper back and shoulder stiffness and even tension headaches.

Even celebrities who work so hard, have to use a special pillow because so that their hair does not get messed up:

"One perk was that I woke up today still looking good! I mean, even my hair. I had this sort of flip thing going on. I slept with a well-positioned neck pillow, and when I woke up, my flip was still good." - Mariah Carey, Zap2zit.com Oct 2010

Pillow can be composed of so many things: fiber, foam, buckwheat, magnets, cotton, hemp, beads....FLUFF
You just have to choose the right one for YOU. - arc4life

Water Pillows

Adjust your pillow easily with the addition or removal of water

With water neck pillows there is an element of adjustability. You can choose to have a firm or a soft support pillow. The more water you add, the more neck support you will have. For certain conditions, you may need to have firmer support, for other pillows you need to have softer support. Usually with a water pillow, there is an insert that you can remove that you are able to add and subtract water. There will be markings on the insert that indicate the support level.
Loading

What is your Favorite Type of Pillow?

Pillows come in different compositions and they all feel different

Pillows come in different formats of composition

Just like picking out toothpaste or deodorant, picking out the right pillow based on what it is filled with can be very difficult. Each type of pillow has its particular function. Some customers like that a water pillow because they change positions so frequently at night. Some people like memory foam pillows because they accomodate to their head and neck. Others like feather because of the way it feels and some just like fiber because it gives them the best support.

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Headaches..is there a pillow out there for me?

A Pillow with a proper support and cold therapy can provide relief from headaches

Headache Ice PillowA neck pillow specially geared for relief of headaches must be one that targets the cervical paraspinal and suboccipital muscles of your neck. Also, if the pillow has an element of cold therapy that will make it ideal for a headache pillow as well. The Headache Ice Pillo can be used to target migraine and tension headaches. It allows you to use medically recommended cold pack for those acute painful conditions or gives your muscles a chance to relax.

Treatment for Headaches

type=text

What is your at-home treatment for headaches?

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Specialty Neck Pillows available

Pillows available for Sleep Apnea sufferers

Sleep Apnea Pillow for CPAP UsersAre you looking for A Special Type of Pillow for A Specific Condition? There are also specialty neck pillows available such as special CPAP pillows for patients who suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep Apnea refers to a temporary cessation of breathing during the sleep cylce. Patients with sleep apnea often have chronic headaches, tiredness, changes in memory and decrease in ability to carry activities of daily living. The Sleep Apnea Pillow for CPAP Users has a 4" quilted side panel which creates a distinct edge that will not collapse, allowing a cpap mask to comfortably hang over the side of the pillow.

Your sleeping positions plays a Role in the right pillow for you

Back, Side or even stomach sleepers..we have a pillow for you.

Side Sleeper SleepRight PillowDo you sleep in a certain position? Most neck pillows on the market today cater to side and back sleepers. But there are certain pillow that are just for certain positions. For example, the Sleepright side sleeping neck pillow is made particularly for side sleepers. One of the worst positions for sleeping is on the stomach. It can cause a lot of neck pain, and upper back pain, but for some they have grown up sleeping in this position. Is there a pillow for stomach sleepers? YEP...its called the TearDrop Pillow for Stomach Sleepers, and it helps patients to change from stomach sleeping to side sleeping. While adjusting to the new position of side sleeping, former stomach sleepers still get stomach pressure, warmth and support.

What Type of a Sleeper Are You?

Are you A Side Sleeper, Stomach Sleeper, Back Sleeper or a Combination?

Are you a Side sleeper, back Sleeper or Stomach Sleeper?

Which Sleeping Position is Best for you? I have blogged about this many times and I get a lot of customer questions about this as well. I want to find out from my readers, what type of sleeper are you- because it impacts the best choice of neck pillow depending on the position.

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Featured Lenses

Sleeping On Your Stomach

Many people sleep on their stomach, even though this is the worst sleeping posititon. Sleeping on your stomach can create a lot of neck pain and upper back pain. Read more about it here in this squidoo lens:
Loading

Sleeping on Your Stomach

A Specialty Pillow for Stomach Sleepers

The Tear Drop Pillow for Stomach SleepersThe TearDrop Pillow for Stomach Sleepers is designed especially for people who sleep on their stomach- or somehow end up on their stomach every night. This special pillow supports side sleepers and helps stomach sleepers gradually change to a side sleeping position. Check out the Tear Drop Pillow for Stomach Sleepers here.

As seen on TV Pillows

Lots of hype, lots of advertising dollars. Are these pillows worth it?

My Pillow- is this pillow worth the expensive price tag?I added this category on because I get a lot of inquiries regarding pillow such as My Pillow and the Total Pillow. Do these pillows work? Yes for some people they do. But the problem lies in the fact that these pillows are not great for major neck conditions. Things like neck pain, stiff neck, fibromyalgia, occipital neuralgia, neck pain due to a herniated disk or bulging disk. These pillows claim to be the end all and the be all.

Just last week, I got a call from three seperate customers who has used "my pillow" and were not happy. One called it a crapshoot, another called it a very expensive pillow that did not support her neck. The third customer stated she could not get comfortable using the pillow.

As seen on TV : Pillows for the Neck and Everything Else in the Kitchen Sink

Yes, Here is another category of neck pillows available on the market today.

Loading

The Queen of Neck Pillows

Expert Advice on Choosing the Best Neck Pillow

Loading

“Last night I dreamt I ate a ten pound marshmallow. When I woke up the pillow was gone. - T Cooper”

The Neck Pain Support Blog

The Neck Pain Blogger Helps you Find Solutions for Neck Pain Relief

Choose the Right Neck Pillow. Get Up to Date Neck Pain Articles. Learn New treatments for neck pain relief. Neck Pain Relief Solutions
Loading

Pain Relief Solutions for Neck and Back Pain

Arc4life.com
Natural Pain Relief for Neck Pain, Lower Back Pain and Headaches. Learn how to do neck exercises and find the right neck pillow on our site.
Neck Pain Relief Kit
Stop Neck Pain and Stiff Neck with Valuable Tools, information and Pain Relief Products
Glastonbury Chiropractor for Neck Pain and Lower Back Pain
CT Spine and Disc Center is located in Glastonbury CT. Chiropractor, Dr Matthew Bellinger offers natural chiropractic treatment for neck pain, headaches, and low back pain. He also specializes in non surgical spinal decompression with the Drx9000. Call our office at 860.633.8756 to see if you will be a candiate for our treatments.
The Neck Pillow Queen
Expert Advice on Choosing the right Neck Pillow
The Neck Pain Support Blog
The Neck Pain Blogger presents Neck Pain Solutions for Pain in the Necks

About Me

Loading

Come on...Write us a Comment

we want to hear about your favorite pillow....really we do :)

Tell us your trials and tribulations about finding the right pillow. Have you found it yet?

  • soaringsis May 2, 2012 @ 1:05 am | delete
    I have three pillows that I use one at a time,which I might switch in the middle of the night due to discomfort. Your lens has enlighten me to the fact that my pillows are not the correct ones for me. Thanks for this very informative lens.
  • Arc4life May 2, 2012 @ 8:47 am | delete
    It can be difficult to get the right pillow for sleeping. Not having the right one can really interrupt your sleep. Glad you got some good information. Thank you so much for visiting my pillow lens !
  • Top-10-Store Apr 22, 2012 @ 11:40 pm | delete
    I have been looking for a pillow that will support my neck - good info, thanks!
  • Arc4life May 1, 2012 @ 5:58 pm | delete
    I would recommend a contoured neck pillow for you. This will ensure that you get proper neck support - arc 4 life
  • Funny_Beekeeper Mar 14, 2012 @ 4:02 pm | delete
    Too bad I didn't find your lens about choosing the right neck pillow before. I wasted more than 2 years untill I finaly got one that suits me. Well, they say it never too late ;)
    Thanks for this lens, it deserves a big Squidlike from me!
  • Load More

by

Arc4life

Welcome to the Arc4life Squidoo Lenses. Here you can get valuable information for better health everyday. From choosing the right neck pillow, to starting... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

The Neck Pain Support Blog 

The Neck Pain Blogger Helps you Find Solutions for Neck Pain Relief

Loading

Check out these spotlight squidoo lenses on neck pillows 

Helping you get better sleep at night

Loading

RSS: Add your blog 

Loading