Cervical Pillows, Orthopedic Pillows, Neck Support Pillows

What is a Cervical Pillow?

A cervical pillow is a bed pillow designed to support the head and neck, and may be specifically shaped to suit an individual’s orthopedic cervical support needs. It corrects the resting position so the head and neck are at the optimal angles to the resting surface and the torso. This enhances relaxation and relieves cervical tension. The spacing and angle between the head and resting surface may vary depending on whether an individual is lying on the side or the back, and on which side. These pillows generally depress where the head is meant to rest and rise where the neck will be.

Specific shapes of a cervical pillow greatly vary. Some are cylindrical like a roll, while others can be rectangular with a circular, square, or triangular depression for the head. The depression may have different benefits for those who tend to sleep on their sides versus on their backs. Many memory foam pillows are shaped with a wave, or S-shaped, formation. When lying on the back, this enables lifting of the top of the head, depressing the back of the head, and lifting the neck portion so the pillow supports the natural curvature of the spine. Other cervical pillows may have an area which is inflated with air to a proper level for a more customized support.

A cervical pillow has many ways in which it minimizes discomfort. It can aid in the healing of tension and injuries through properly aligning the neck region of the spine. A cervical pillow may be recommended for those with whiplash, fibromyalgia, or other neck injuries. It can also help with shoulder bursitis, arthritis, upper back pain, neck tension, or other injuries which may be affected by cervical misalignment. Snoring can also be reduced through the use of a cervical pillow since it straightens the airway as it aligns the cervical spine. It can even improve sleep, resulting in reduced headaches and other ailments caused by insufficient rest.

How do I Choose an Orthopedic Neck Pillow?

An orthopedic neck pillow may be a good choice if one is experiencing neck and back pain each day upon waking. Although this pillow can widely vary in what it is made of and what it looks like, it shares a common goal with all neck pillows, which is to keep the neck and upper spine in a neutral position while sleeping, to reduce stress and strain to these areas of the body. To begin with, determine the preferred sleeping position. Next, decide which type of pillow material is desired.

Determining the preferred sleeping position is the first step in choosing an orthopedic neck pillow, whether it is on the side, on the back, or on the stomach. The shape of this pillow greatly varies depending on the sleeping position it is intended to support. That is why it is important to figure out which position is the most comfortable and which one an individual maintains the most during sleep. For side sleepers, an orthopedic neck pillow’s design may feature a cutaway area which allows a comfortable shoulder placement. For back sleepers, a neck pillow often has a soft hump or bar at the base which is intended to support the neck’s natural curve. For stomach sleepers, a pillow is usually fairly thin and soft to prevent the individual from thrusting the neck backwards during sleep.

Next, consider which type of pillow material is desired. Many orthopedic neck pillows are made from a dense, spongy material known as memory foam. This foam is intended to conform to the unique curves of the head, neck, and upper back. Other neck pillows can be made from a polyester fiber filling in a variety of supports, from soft to firm, while some may have an added air pocket for personalized adjustments.

Rehabmart is pleased to carry a variety of superior quality cervical pillows from esteemed vendors, which include Core Products International Inc., Independence Medical, Carex, Roscoe Medical, and Milliken Medical.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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