If you wake up with neck pain, shoulder tightness, or that “jammed” feeling between your neck and shoulder, your pillow may be the real problem.
A good cervical pillow should do two things at the same time:
- Support the natural curve of your neck
- Keep your head at the right height so your shoulder is not taking the extra pressure all night
The wrong pillow can leave your neck bent, your shoulder compressed, and your upper back stiff by morning.
The right one can make sleep much less aggravating.
Even a very good cervical pillow usually takes a few nights to get used to, and the wrong size or height can still feel bad even if the pillow itself is high quality.
If your pain only shows up during the day, a pillow alone may not be enough – see the best neck stretchers you can use at home.
Do Cervical Pillows Actually Reduce Neck Pain During Sleep?
Yes, the right pillow may help with sleep-related neck pain, especially if your current pillow leaves your neck at an awkward angle.
A 2021 systematic review of 11 studies found moderate evidence that certain pillow features, including a contoured shape, suitable height, and cooling surface, may improve sleep comfort and reduce morning neck pain.
The important part is finding a pillow that fits your sleeping position and shoulder width.
Even a highly rated cervical pillow can make you uncomfortable if it’s too high or too firm.
They won’t fix an underlying neck condition, but a better-fitting pillow can reduce discomfort during sleep.
What is the Best Cervical Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain?
The best cervical pillow for neck and shoulder pain is one that supports the curve of your neck without forcing your head too high or too low, and that also reduces pressure around the shoulder area.
For many people, that means either a well-fitted contour pillow or an adjustable pillow with enough loft to keep the head level and the neck supported.
What Pillow Height Works Best for Neck and Shoulder Pain?
Most people with both neck and shoulder pain do best with a pillow that is high enough to fill the space between the head and mattress, but not so high that it bends the neck upward.
In general, broader shoulders need more loft, while smaller frames often need less.
Adjustable pillows are usually the safest choice if you are not sure.
In a hurry?
See our quick recommendations below, or jump to our full cervical pillow reviews.
Quick Decision
Not sure where to start? Choose by your sleeping position, preferred firmness, and pillow height. Those differences matter more than the brand name.
- Want the best all-around cervical pillow for neck and shoulder pain? Start with the TEMPUR Neck Pillow.
- Sleep on your side, and your shoulder gets jammed up? Go with the Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow.
- Want a firmer orthopedic pillow that really holds your neck in place? Choose the Therapeutica Pillow.
- Want something gentler because you hate very firm pillows? Try the Saatva Latex Pillow.
- Want the most adjustable fit? Pick the SpineAlign Pillow.
- Want to spend as little as possible? Start with the DONAMA Cervical Pillow.
This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
Cervical Pillow vs. Regular Pillow
A cervical pillow is designed to support your neck while you sleep, with a raised area under the neck and a lower area for your head.
Some are advertised as cervical traction pillows, but they don’t really give you the controlled pulling force of a real neck traction device.
The goal is to keep your head and neck comfortably supported, without bending too far forward or to one side.
A well-fitted pillow can help with morning neck stiffness and sleep-related discomfort.
Cervical pillows are designed with a higher area where the neck is supported and a dip where the head is supported.
The higher area supports the natural curvature of the neck, while the dip cradles the head.
They are usually made of memory foam and have a contoured or curved design that conforms to the contours of the neck and shoulders, and they are available in a variety of sizes and heights to offer perfect customization.
Cervical pillows can relieve neck muscle and joint strains, neck morning stiffness, neck arthritis, military neck, occipital neuralgia, whiplash injuries, neck spinal stenosis, and more.
How to Choose a Pillow for Neck Pain
Before you look at materials or durability, focus on these 3 things first:
- Your sleep position – side sleepers usually need more loft than back sleepers.
- How firm you want the pillow to feel – some people love a structured contour, while others hate it.
- Whether your shoulder needs extra room – if your shoulder feels jammed or numb, shape matters as much as support.
In many cases, neck pain that shows up during sleep has less to do with the neck itself and more to do with simple pillow mistakes, especially for side sleepers. It’s worth checking these common pillow mistakes side sleepers make.)
Also consider the pillows’ durability, shape, size, filling, and materials to make the best decision. Here are the details:
1. Resilience & Durability
Every pillow has a shelf life, and for cervical traction pillows, it’s all about density.
Less stuffing means faster wear, while denser ones last longer but can feel too firm.
The sweet spot? A pillow that’s firm enough to last years but still comfortable. To protect your investment, choose one with a shape-retention warranty, like the Therapeutica, backed by 5 years of guaranteed resilience.
2. Shape
Neck traction pillows come in all shapes – trapeze centers, butterfly designs, contours, cut-outs for side sleeping, and ones with wedge extensions for upper back support.
Your choice depends on preference, but pay attention, side sleepers: not all shapes work for you. Look for pillows with dedicated side wings that keep your head in place and your neck aligned – no slipping, no tilting.
3. Size
Cervical traction pillows come in sizes – usually small, medium, or large – and the right fit often depends on the space between your head and shoulder. Sometimes, even your bed size matters.
Medium works for most, but the best pillows offer multiple height options for a perfect neck fit.
Take the Coop Home Goods Cut-Out Pillow, for example – available in both Queen and King.
4. Materials
Cervical pillows come filled with foam, memory foam, or polyester fiber – each with pros and cons.
Memory foam molds well but can sink as it warms, reducing spinal support. Foam feels firmer but offers better neck alignment.
Polyester is softer but less supportive. For example, the D-Core uses polyester, while the Therapeutica relies on firm, supportive foam.
The 8 Best Cervical Pillows
Below, you’ll find our top recommendation for cervical pillows for military neck, neck fusion surgery, cervical bulging disc, neck arthritis, and neck pain with arm numbness, for back and side sleepers.
1. EPABO Pillow – Best Affordable Firm Contour
Firm contour lifts and aligns the neck for military neck relief, but needs a short adjustment period to feel just right
VIEW ON AMAZON $37
Choose this if your neck feels collapsed or unsupported at night and you want a firmer contour pillow at a low price.
- Material – 100% memory foam
- Size – 3 sizes (small/queen/high queen.
- Cover – Hypoallergenic rayon/polyester proprietary blend
- Warranty – 30-day trial by Amazon
✅ Pros – Unique contour design that cradles the head and neck, removable foam insert, affordable
❌ Cons – Takes a while to get used to (for people who are not used to cervical pillows)
The Epabo memory foam neck support pillow is made with breathable memory foam and has a contour to support the cervical spine in the back sleeping posture.
It also has a special area to rest the side of the head, so it does not stray too far forward on the pillow.
This pillow’s special design allows you to take out a removable piece of memory foam at the bottom of the pillow if it feels too high for you.
However:
This mainly applies to stomach and back sleepers.
The height on the sides stays the same. See the image below:
If your neck feels “collapsed” when you wake up, this firm lift is exactly what you’re missing.
The EPABO is worth considering if you want a firmer contoured memory foam pillow without spending as much as you would on TEMPUR or Therapeutica.
Available on Amazon ($37)
- Best for: Back sleepers who prefer a firm contour and want some height adjustment.
- The downside: The fixed side contours may still feel too high or uncomfortable for some side sleepers.
2. Therapeutica Pillow – Best Firm Cervical Pillow
Dual-height traction design with upper back wedge support for bulging discs, though too firm for some.
VIEW ON AMAZON $103
Choose this if softer pillows keep failing you and you want a firm orthopedic pillow that really holds your neck in place.
- Filling – eco-friendly molded foam
- Cover – polyester/cotton machine-washable zippered pillow cover (included)
- Size – 5 sizes (Child/Petite/Average/Large/XL)
- Warranty – 5 years
✅ Pros – Corrects neck alignment for back and side sleepers, available in many sizes (including petite), firm, stays cool
❌ Cons – May be too firm for some people, takes some time to get used to
The Therapeutica orthopedic cervical pillow (recommended by many chiropractors) incorporates 2 pillow shapes into one, with different heights for back and side sleeping.
Although it has an odd shape, it correctly positions the head and neck, both when sleeping on the side and back.
The center contour supports the neck, while the wedge extension reaches under the upper back.
This gives you firmer, more structured support than a typical memory foam pillow.
A unique feature of this pillow is the wedge extension, which supports your upper back as well.
This is the pillow people switch to when softer memory foam keeps failing them.
The Therapeutica pillow is made of foam, which is dense and won’t crumble easily.
In any case, this pillow has a 5-year warranty for shape and resilience.
This pillow is one of the best cervical traction pillows for side sleepers, thanks to its excellent side wings, which make it easy to keep your head on when you’re sleeping on your side and won’t make your head tilt forward or slide back down to the center.
Who should avoid it? People who dislike very firm orthopedic pillows or are not willing to measure for the right size.
Available on Amazon ($103)
Related: The Best pillows for side sleepers with neck pain (including buckwheat pillows, latex pillows, and more!)
3. TEMPUR Neck Pillow – Best Overall for Neck & Shoulder Pain
Ergonomic high-density foam that holds its shape for years, but might feel too tall or firm for smaller sleepers.
VIEW ON AMAZON $82-$134
Choose this if you want the strongest all-around cervical pillow here for long-term support and shape retention.
- Filling – Tempur high-density foam
- Cover – Polyester Knit Hypoallergenic cover (included)
- Size – Small, Medium, Large; separate Travel version
- Warranty – 5 years
✅ Pros – Ergonomic neck support for back and side sleepers, machine-washable cover, firm
❌ Cons – May be too firm and high for some people; consider the size before buying
The TEMPURPEDIC neck pillow is designed to follow the natural curve of your body and keep the neck aligned for back and side sleepers all night, without any more bells and whistles.
This neck alignment supports your neck comfortably during your sleep.
The extra-firm contoured TEMPUR material keeps your neck from sinking into the pillow, and the 3 sizes you can choose from make it fit for all body types and sleep positions.
Size and neck height:
Who should avoid it? People who want a soft pillow that they can scrunch or reshape easily
Available at Tempurpedic ($104-$134) and on Amazon ($82-$134)
RELATED: The Best Tempurpedic Pillows for back/neck pain
Before buying: Check TEMPUR’s size guide carefully. Its firm, molded shape isn’t easy to adjust, and pillows purchased directly from Tempur-Pedic are generally not returnable.
4. Eli & Elm – Best for Side Sleepers with Shoulder Pain
Shoulder cutout, adjustable loft, and side-sleeper support, but not ideal if you want a classic firm contour pillow
Choose this if side sleeping makes your shoulder feel jammed and you want a pillow that gives your shoulder more space.
- Sizes – Queen: 18” x 28” x 6” / King: 18” x 32” x 6”
- Filling – Latex or Memory Foam
- Cover – Cotton, polyester, and spandex blend
- Adjustability – Yes, removable fill
- Trial / Returns – 45-night trial with free returns
✅ Pros – U-shaped side-sleeper design, adjustable loft, gives the shoulder more room, good for neck-and-shoulder alignment, available in latex or memory foam
❌ Cons -Not a traditional cervical contour pillow, shape may feel unusual at first, polyester is part of the fill blend
The Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow can solve a problem that a lot of classic cervical pillows do not solve very well: shoulder pressure.
Its curved U-shape is designed so your shoulder can rest into the cutout instead of being jammed upward under a standard pillow.
That matters if you sleep on your side and wake up with that tight, pinched feeling between your neck and shoulder.
If your shoulder is the part that makes an ordinary pillow fail, this shape makes more sense than a standard contour pillow.
Eli & Elm also lets you add or remove fill, which is a big plus when neck and shoulder pain is really a pillow-height problem.
What makes it stand out from the molded cervical pillows in this guide is that it feels more customizable and forgiving.
You can choose latex if you want a cooler, firmer, more supportive feel, or memory foam if you want something softer and more pressure-relieving.
Broader shoulders often do better with more support, and the pillow is adjustable up to a max loft of 6 inches. That makes it a strong fit for people whose shoulder width makes ordinary cervical pillows feel too low or too flat.
Available at Eli & Elm ($114-$143) and on Amazon ($123)
5. Saatva Latex Pillow – Best If You Hate Firm Pillows
Soft latex support without the rigid shape of an orthopedic pillow. Comes in two heights, but you can’t fine-tune the fill.
Choose this if you want neck support without the hard, locked-in feel of a classic contour pillow.
- Size – Queen: 28” x 18” / King: 34” x 18”
- Filling – Shredded natural latex core + down-like microdenier fiber outer fill
- Cover – Organic cotton
- Loft options – Standard Loft: about 4–5” / High Loft: about 6–7”
- Adjustability – No removable fill, but available in 2 loft heights
- Trial / Returns – 45-night home trial with free returns
✅ Pros – Very breathable, pressure-relieving latex feel, 2 loft options, organic cotton cover, good for people who want neck support without a hard contour shape
❌ Cons – Not a true contour cervical pillow, not adjustable like fill-removable pillows
The Saatva Latex Pillow is a good pick for people who have neck and shoulder pain, but do not necessarily want a hard, molded cervical pillow.
Saatva uses a shredded natural latex core for responsive support, plus a plush microdenier outer layer to soften the feel.
The result is more shapeable and more forgiving than a classic contour pillow, while still giving better support than a flat, floppy standard pillow.
Saatva also offers it in two loft heights, and the High Loft version is best for side and combination sleepers, which makes it the more relevant choice for shoulder pressure and side-sleep alignment.
Instead of forcing your neck into a fixed contour, Saatva gives you a softer, springier surface that still supports your head.
Just choose the height carefully, because unlike Eli & Elm, you can’t adjust the amount of fill.
Plus, it feels squishy and moldable, and many people like that.
This is the one to go for if every “orthopedic” pillow you’ve tried has felt too hard, too high, or too unforgiving on your neck and shoulder.
Available at Saatva ($165)
6. DONAMA Cervical Pillow – Best Budget Contour Pillow
Two contour heights, a butterfly-shaped head cradle, and built-in armrests, but you can’t adjust the foam or customize the height
VIEW ON AMAZON $38-$50
Choose this if you want a low-cost cervical pillow that still gives side sleepers a proper contour shape.
- Filling – CertiPUR-US certified slow-rebound memory foam
- Cover – 84% spandex + 16% nylon + 100% polyester (breathable, removable)
- Size – Standard 21.65 × 12.12 × 4.13 inches; Queen 24.8 × 14.96 × 5.51 inches; King 27.56 × 16.54 × 5.51 inches
- Warranty – Amazon standard
✅ Pros – Budget-friendly, two neck-support heights, head cradle, side armrests, washable cover
❌ Cons – Fixed foam shape, no fine-tuning of loft, may feel too firm or unusually shaped for some sleepers
The DONAMA is a good starting point if you want to try a cervical contour pillow without spending $100 or more.
Its butterfly shape gives your head a central resting area, with two different neck-support heights and grooves where you can rest your arms.
That makes it more flexible than a basic flat memory foam pillow, especially if you switch between your back and side during the night.
But here’s the catch: unlike the Eli & Elm or SpineAlign, you can’t remove filling to get the height just right.
If neither contour fits your neck and shoulder width, there’s not much you can do.
Who should avoid it? Anyone who needs precise height adjustment, prefers a soft pillow they can scrunch, or doesn’t like a pronounced neck contour.
Available on Amazon ($38-$50)
7. SpineAlign Pillow – Best Adjustable Cervical Pillow
Three individually adjustable chambers for your head and neck, but more expensive than most cervical pillows and requires some setup
VIEW ON AMAZON $99
Choose this if you’ve tried several contour pillows and none seem to fit your neck or shoulder width properly.
- Filling – Shredded polyurethane foam (Regular); organic Dunlop latex and wool (Organic)
- Cover – Polyester with mesh sides (Regular); organic cotton (Organic)
- Size – 24″ x 17″ x 5″
- Trial – 60 nights when purchased directly
- Warranty – 5-year limited warranty
✅ Pros – Adjustable head and side-sleeping support, separate chambers, two material options, good for combination back/side sleepers.
❌ Cons – Expensive, takes time to adjust, not intended for stomach sleepers
Most cervical pillows give you a fixed shape and hope it fits your neck.
SpineAlign lets you change that shape yourself.
Designed by chiropractor Dr. Jason Loth, it has three separate chambers:
One for back sleeping and two for side sleeping. You can remove or redistribute filling in each section until your head and neck feel comfortably supported.
That’s especially useful if you switch positions during the night or find that ordinary contour pillows are always a little too high or too low.
You can choose the standard foam version or the Organic version with latex and wool, which has a slightly firmer feel.
The downside is the price and the effort involved in finding the right fill level. But if precise pillow height is your biggest problem, it’s one of the most customizable options in this list.
Who should avoid it? Stomach sleepers, anyone who wants a ready-to-use pillow, or shoppers on a tight budget.
Available on Amazon ($99)
8. Tri Core Cervical Pillow – Best for Forward Head Posture
Firm neck support with a recessed center, two neck rolls, and three pillow sizes, but it takes some getting used to
VIEW ON AMAZON $50-$54
Choose this if your head sinks too far into soft pillows and you want a firmer pillow that supports your neck while sleeping on your back or side.
- Material – 100% polyester fiber
- Size – Petite 19 × 12 × 4″, Midsize 22 × 15 × 4″, Full 24 × 16 × 5″
- Cover – Cotton/polyester blend
- Warranty – 30-day trial, 5% fee for returns, and shipping is not refundable
✅ Pros – Two neck support heights, three pillow sizes, two firmness options, breathable fiber fill
❌ Cons – Takes time to get used to, less customizable than an adjustable-fill pillow, may feel too firm for some sleepers.
The Tri-Core is a good choice if regular pillows feel too soft and your neck needs firmer support at night.
It has a recessed center that cradles your head when you sleep on your back, with two raised neck rolls of different heights.
The sides are higher to support your head when you turn onto your side.
Unlike memory foam pillows, it’s filled with polyester fiber, so it doesn’t have that slow-sinking foam feel.
You can choose Firm for stronger support or Gentle if you’re new to orthopedic pillows.
There’s also a choice of three sizes, which is helpful if standard cervical pillows feel too big or too small.
The downside? Its unusual shape can take some getting used to. Core Products recommends switching between this pillow and your regular one while adjusting.
Who should avoid it? Stomach sleepers, people who prefer a soft, squishy pillow, and anyone who wants to adjust the pillow height precisely.
Available on Amazon ($50-$54)
When a Cervical Pillow is Not Enough
A small neck stretcher for short relaxation sessions, not for sleeping.
VIEW ON AMAZON $20-$25
- Size – 7.5″ x 5.5″ x 4″
- Materials – Molded polyurethane foam
- Warranty – 10 years
✅ Pros – Compact, easy to use at home, two support options, no electricity needed
❌ Cons – Not for sleeping, may feel too firm
The ZAMAT Neck and Shoulder Relaxer is designed specifically to restore the natural curve of your neck while gently decompressing the cervical discs for 10 minutes a day.
It is not a pillow for sleeping; it is made as a neck traction device that is very comfortable, and my trial has shown that it’s highly effective.
This works best when pillows alone are not enough, and you need short daily traction.
You can use the wedge side for a gentler stretch and the other side to take it up a notch and give your neck a more powerful stretch.
Specifically, the Zamat Neck and Shoulder Relaxer stimulates occipital pressure points of OCBR (Occipital Cranial Base Release) and CV4 (Compression of the fourth ventricle).
Under the comfortable fabric (which is removable and washable), you’ll find acupressure nodes for a gentle massage to release the neck muscles surrounding the cervical spine.
The special fabric contains millions of magnetic particles, which help boost blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and are known to relieve aches and pains.
I place it on a hard surface (yoga mat/floor carpet) and use it for 10 minutes before I go to sleep – 5 minutes on each side.
I can feel the stretch immediately and wake up without any neck stiffness or pain.
Available on Amazon ($20-$25)
👉 If you want more non-pillow options for daily stiffness, see our full guide to the best neck stretchers you can use at home
How Do You Use a Contoured Pillow for Neck Pain?
Most contour pillows have two different neck heights.
The lower side is usually better for back sleeping, while the higher side may work better for side sleeping.
The important part is that your head isn’t tilted up, down, or sideways.
Your shoulders should stay on the mattress, not on top of the pillow.
If you wake up feeling more stiff or sore, try the other height or choose a pillow you can adjust.
If you keep rolling onto your stomach, see our guide to pillows that help you stay on your back.
What Cervical Pillow Do Chiropractors Recommend?
There isn’t one cervical pillow that every chiropractor recommends.
The best choice depends on how you sleep, your shoulder width, and how much support feels comfortable.
If you like firm support, the Therapeutica or TEMPUR Neck Pillow may be worth considering. If you sleep on your side and need more room for your shoulder, the adjustable Eli & Elm may be a better fit.
A firmer pillow isn’t always better, especially if it pushes your neck into an uncomfortable position
To your health and happiness,
The Back Pain Relief Products Team
Studies
Ahmed Radwan, Nicholas Ashton, Trever Gates, Austin Kilmer, Michael VanFleet,
Effect of different pillow designs on promoting sleep comfort, quality, & spinal alignment: A systematic review,
European Journal of Integrative Medicine, Volume 42, 2021
Thanks for this post. Very informative. I am looking at the therapeutic pillow for 2 minutes. Looking very interesting. I will buy one as soon as possible.
Keep up the great work! Thank you so much for sharing a great posts.
A shoulder massager relieves stress and fatigue.
Thank you for this article! I just returned the Therapeutica pillow (Petite) because it was like sleeping on a rock, but have the Arc4Life one in my cart on Amazon now. Fingers crossed it’s a lot softer.
I broke my neck in 2009 (in a bouncy castle) and fractured C4/5. Have spent the last 9 years trying to find the perfect pillow. I’m only 5’1″ and so that probably complicates the perfect pillow mission.
As a side sleeper, I find that most “cervical” pillows are too hard. With the Therapeutica one, I just kept wishing it had more “fluff” around it so your head could sink in and be super comfy. Not the case.
I’m trying the Brookstone Total Support pillow now and find it’s slightly better than the Therapeutica, but still too hard.
Wishing everyone a good night’s sleep!
I have an extreme case of Occipital Neuralgia and can’t sleep at night without being in agony. Which of your pillows would be best for my condition?
I would actually be less focused on pillows but on other natural pain relieving methods you can use at night, for example infrared light therapy (the Biomat can be very helpful for you) and using an infrared heat lamp during the day is proven to help for Neuropathy – see my post about it here: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-light-therapy-neuropathy/
What pillow would you recommend for a surgically multilevel cervical fusion with recently repaired separated cervical/shoulder muscles.
I think the best pillow would be a wedge pillow, or a few soft moldable pillows, so you can wedge yourself in between a mountain of pillows so that you wouldn’t move when I you are asleep.
I would also consult my doctor about this.
I have a severe neck ache and the pain goes down from my left chest to my left hand. Which is the suitable pillow for me? I have cervical problem.
I would go for the Therapeutica orthopedic pillow. Good luck!
I have DDD of the neck and don’t know the right pillow to use. I am starting PT soon
I would try the Therapeutica pillow. Also, infrared light therapy can be really helpful as drug-free pain relief for you, and to speed up healing.
OK. I have osteoarthritis and was in a car accident some years back – head smacked on the steering wheel and when through the side window.
I had a wonderful feather pillow with a sort of roll for the cervical spine. It died the death and am looking for a replacement – can not find same.
I usually start the night on my back with another pillow under my knees and turn onto my left side during the night – while sleeping. Tired of waking in neck pain ….lasts for hours.
Can not find the old pillow style….looking for suggestions. I would like to awaken pain-free once again. Thanks. Kate
Kate,
I would try the Therapeutica pillow. It’s not as soft as you’re used to, but it can be helpful in preventing neck pain.
I would also try cervical traction.
I hope you get rid of your neck pain soon.
I was in a car accident in 1982 (35 years ago) and the result was a 35-degree reverse curve. With chiropractic and massage, traction and therapy I now have a neck that is mostly straight, but there is a slight curve appearing. I am in pain most of the time and sleeping is really a challenge. I have used a Wal-Pil-O for several years but I would like to try something new. Which one would be the best to try for my neck?
Sandy,
I’m no expert but it seems to me that the Therapeutica pillow would keep your neck straight and aligned through out the night.
Also, I would highly recommend an infrared neck heating pad to manage and relieve your pain during the day. It’s very effective.
See this post: https://back-pain-relief-products.net/heating-pads-neck-shoulder-pain/
Go for the third one – the UTK infrared neck heating pad. If you’ve never tried infrared therapy, it can change your life.
I wish you all the best and perfect health,
Meital
Our chiropractic office carried the arc4life traction neck pillow and it was well received by our patients. We recommended it for patients with neck pain, military neck and arthritis in the neck, among other ailments. It helped our patients quite a bit. 5/5
I have Ankylosing Spondialis and at the point of complete fusion, can not lay flat, I have a bamboo spine, hunched over permanently, use rolled-up towels in between my neck and pillow, sleep is not good at all will this pillow help me, I have bought Tempur ones, not helpful. Thanks
Anne,
I’m sorry you are going through this.
I would suggest trying the Therapeutica pillow reviewed above. Through my research is the best one.
I have not tried the pillows shown here but have tried one made by Relaxus that is filled with buckwheat hulls. It’s an odd thing but works pretty amazingly. You can massage it from side-sleeper thickness to back-sleeper thickness as needed.
The first one I bought looked like a half-full sack of rice, and I wondered why so little material was in it. I soon realized that there needs to be little enough material for back-sleeping, the center is near-empty. The second one I bought, after family co-opted the first one, had too much material in it and I had to take some out.
There are two downsides: one is that the sleeping surface is hard, so sometimes your ear gets compressed (you just have to make a divot for it). I change pillows for a while if the hardness gets to me. The other is that the material can migrate, so sometimes you wake up with less neck support than when you started. But I never wake up with a sore neck, which does happen with other (latex) traction pillows.
I like that it is a non-chemical option. It would probably make great garden mulch when it’s time for a new one too!
Karin,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us!:)