Is the Comfotrac Home Cervical Traction unit good for neck pain? is it safe? is it worth the price?
Cervical traction at home is one of the best drug-free ways to relieve mild to severe neck pain – without endless physical therapy treatments, or surgery.
If you’ve ever tried it at a clinic, you know that it can immediately release all pressure off your neck.
In this review of the Comfortrac cervical traction unit you’ll find:
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Overview
Quick Summary
ComforTrac Deluxe Home Cervical Traction Kit 2.0 is a device that provides spinal decompression to help reduce neck pain and related conditions.
It is engineered to provide maximum comfort, efficacy, and ease of use, but it does take some effort to get reasonable working pressure. It is easy to operate and makes a cost-effective home treatment for cervical conditions such as bulging/herniated discs, pinched nerve, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and muscle stiffness.
However, there is limited data on its long-term safety and therapeutic efficacy.
Where is Comfortrac Made?
Comfortrac, founded in 2003, manufactures its home devices in the USA, and the company’s headquarters is located in Oakton, Virginia.
Over 500,000 of their cervical traction devices are in use at the moment.
Comfortrac Cervical Traction: What You Get
The Comfortrac cervical traction device is a sturdy yet small and portable unit. It’s lightweight, easy to fold, and comes in a padded duffel bag for travel.
- Size – 8 x 10 x 8 inches
- Weight – 10.2 pounds
- Warranty – 3 years
Cervical traction is delivered in the supine position and the angle is adjustable from 15 to 25 degrees (we recommend consulting about this with your physical therapist).
Here’s how it’s designed:
1. Simple one-button pump release (button is located next to the gauge on the hand pump).
The hand pump makes it easy to increase or decrease traction force (up to 50 lbs).
2. Automatic carriage return after traction.
3. Hinge design requires no setup.
4. Memory foam headrest
5. Forehead strap to keep everything in place safely – it grips very well and holds your head tightly in place.
6. Two adjustable clips on the back of the unit allow each wedge to move in or out for custom fit.
7. Instructional video, user’s guide, and duffel bag carrying case.
Comfortrac Home Cervical Traction Review
The Comfortrac home cervical traction device is designed to make home cervical traction possible, and accessible for neck pain sufferers at home.
It works by applying up to 50 pounds of traction force to the cervical spine, using a simple hand pump.
This allows you to decompress your cervical spine, remove pressure from the discs, relax your neck muscles, and ultimately relieve neck pain.
Most chiropractors believe there is an inherent difficulty relaxing while traction is being applied.
The Comfortrac unit tries to solve this by reducing muscle resistance to a minimum – through a supine position.
Also, we found this type of neck traction is infinitely better than any over-the-door type of traction, which sometimes causes jaw pain or a choking sensation.
Comfort & Ease of Use
The Comfortrac unit is engineered to maximize relaxation while increasing the effectiveness of traction therapy for neck pain.
The memory foam headrest is comfortable and the TMJ-predicted discomfort is prevented because it directs traction forces toward the back of the head (which prevents compression of the TMJ).
The Comfortrac is easy to use, takes 1 minute to set up and most users can position themselves in the device without assistance, thanks to the forehead strap and adjustable knobs.
The new pump design in the new model is easy to use and eliminates air leaks.
The gauge shows kilograms and pounds so you can use it as directed by your physical therapist while allowing consistency in your treatment.
The neck wedges are comfortable enough, and you can adjust the width to enhance comfort. The wedges are removable for cleaning.
Safety
The pressure valve limits the maximum amount of force to 50 pounds and has an emergency quick pressure relief valve for safety.
This means you have total control of the traction force at all times.
However, we wouldn’t recommend using the Comfortrac without specific instructions from a physical therapist (the manual states similar caution).
Effectiveness of Stretch
We’ve found that the pump holds the pressure very well, and even though this is a cervical traction unit, you can feel the stretch all the way down your spine.
If you suffer from cervical compression, chances are you’ll feel immediate pain relief, even after the first use.
If you suffer from chronic neck muscle stiffness, results may take a bit longer (3-5 treatments and more).
Expert Review
After searching long and hard, we found one expert review for the Comfortrac device, made by a certified physical therapist. Warch it below:
Looking through hundreds of consumer testimonials, we’ve found that the majority of users are very pleased with the Comfortrac home traction device.
Most of them were familiar with its benefits through their physical therapist, and many of them reported canceling a scheduled neck surgery.
However, some users have stated that this device may not be the best fit for people with a big neck or a very small neck.
With a thicker neck, the rests may not have a lot of grip and the strap may be awkward to use.
It has some stretch to it and it needs to be pulled securely and it’s a little difficult.
Comfortrac Unit Price & Warranty
The best price for the Comfortrac is found on Amazon ($369)
The warranty is 3 years, and through our research, most users like the customer service.
How to Use the Comfortrac Cervical Traction
To use the Comfortrac unit, you simply place the unit on the carpet, and then the back of the head lies on the symmetrical “U-shaped foamy cushion near the bottom of the sliding rest.
The tube is then pumped to hydraulically lift the “U” upward to stretch the neck.
As you pump the piston, the pad is pulled up the rail, gently pulling your head and stretching your neck.
You apply as much pressure as is needed. Press a button to release the air and the pad returns to its starting position.
(In the previous model, you had to pump it up and then twist it to secure it. Now all you have to do is pump it up without any twisting.)
Some people use it for 20 minutes 3-5 times a week, others use it twice a day for 20 minutes.
Again, consult with a professional to determine the right treatment for your needs and condition.
Comfortrac vs. Saunders Cervical Traction
The Comfortrac unit and the Saunders unit are quite similar in their function and neck traction abilities.
Both units have a patented pneumatic system that ensures reliable force accuracy and leak-free performance, and both have an easy-to-read pressure gauge that provides total control of the force at all times.
The main differences between the Comfortrac and the Saunders are the back wedges adjustments and the comfort level.
The Saunders has self-adjusting neck wedges, while the Comfotrac has independently adjustable neck wedges.
The Comfortrac has a one-button quick-release button, while the Saunders does not, and the Comfortrac has a contouring memory foam headrest that cradles the head (and makes it much more comfortable to use.
Also, the Comfotrac has a fully adjustable angle of incline, while the Saunders allows for 3 position settings.
The price of both units is similar – the Saunders Unit costs $348 at HPFY, and the Comfotrac (new model) costs $389 on Amazon.
See our detailed review of the posture pump, another popular alternative for the Comfortrac.
Conclusion
A high-quality home unit allows true replication of clinical treatments and the benefits are identical to what you’ll receive in a clinic (for a fraction of the cost and available to you 24/7).
The Comfortrac home traction unit is designed to be user-friendly and effective. The price may seem high, but if it works for you – you’ll save money on physical therapy sessions or neck surgeries.
The Comfortrac is well-built, lightweight, and portable. You can take it anywhere with you, set it up, and in a minute you’re ready for immediate neck pain relief. No assistance will be required.
It’s easy to use, traction is as comfortable as traction can be, and you can use it without any assistance.
We’ve covered the top neck stretchers in a special post, some of them are less costly than the Comfortrac. Click the link to see more options!
What about you? Have you ever tried home cervical units? I’d love to read your experience with it in the comments below.
To your health and happiness,
The Back Pain Relief Products Team
