What is a Cervical Pillow and Who Should Get One?

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What is a Cervical Pillow?

A cervical pillow is a pillow that is specifically made to support the user’s head and neck. The word cervical refers to the cervical area of the spine (neck) that the pillow is designed to support.

There is a cervical curve that is located in the neck and is comprised of the first seven vertebrae of your spine. A healthy cervical curve resembles a C shape if you are looking at the spine from the side.

Cervical pillows help to relieve tension and reduce pain by properly supporting the head and neck while keeping them properly aligned with the rest of the spine when you are sleeping or resting.

Who Should Use a Cervical Pillow and What Are the Benefits?

Anyone who suffers from neck pain, pain in the upper back, stiffness, or headaches might be able to benefit from using a cervical pillow.

Why is it Important to Support the Cervical Area?

Car accidents or other events can injure a person’s neck causing damage to ligaments, tendons, and soft tissue. These injuries can cause the normal cervical curve that is supposed to exist in our necks to disappear and cause us pain and discomfort.

Even if you don’t suffer some sort of traumatic injury to your neck we live in a world that constantly puts stress on the cervical area of our spine. Many of us spend several hours per day sitting to do our jobs. If we spend these hours sitting with poor posture it puts a strain on our necks. Making matters worse, “tech neck” is now a term that we use to refer to a condition that is caused by the frequent straining of our necks to look down at computers, smartphones, and all the other electronics devices that have become such a large part of our daily lives. Below is a video that shows how craning your neck to look at your phone places an extraordinary amount of stress on your spine.

Regardless of what happened to cause your neck discomfort a cervical pillow can help give your neck the proper support it needs to relieve tension and pain by supporting and helping to restore the natural contour of your neck.

What are Cervical Pillows Made Of?

Most cervical pillows are made of foam or memory foam. The memory foam allows the pillow to conform to each person’s head and neck providing individualized support to suit each person’s needs.

Do Cervical Pillows Really Work?

In 2004 a study was published in The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association that showed a statistically significant reduction in pain for chronic neck pain sufferers who used semi-customized cervical pillows.

Do Cervical Pillows Help Side Sleepers?

Most cervical pillows will work great for side sleepers. Sleeping on your back with these pillows is the only way to support and promote the natural cervical curve in the neck. However, it is still important to keep your head and neck aligned with the rest of your body when you are sleeping on your side. Fortunately, most cervical pillows will also do a great job of supporting the heads and necks of side sleepers.

Below you can see a video of how to use the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow for sleeping on your side. While I usually prefer to use these pillows for sleeping on my back the Doctor on the video shows how this pillow can work for side sleepers or people who like to switch positions between their side and back.

Sale

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow

FIRM MEMORY FOAM NECK PILLOW: Offers the perfect balance of luxurious comfort and optimal support to help you get the blissful night you deserve
PRESSURE-RELIEVING COMFORT: Expertly engineered to provide pressure relief and customized support throughout the night while returning to it's shape in the morning
ERGONOMIC SUPPORT: Firmer pillow material properly and comfortably supports the head, neck, and shoulders of side and back sleepers of all body types
RETAINS ITS SHAPE: Ultra-adaptive TEMPUR material provides long-lasting durability and will never lose its shape, offering superior support and alignment for years to come
MACHINE-WASHABLE COVER: As needed, the soft and protective 100% polyester knit hypoallergenic cover can easily be removed from the pillow and machine washed for easy care and cleaning

Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Are Cervical Pillows Just for People With Neck Pain?

In an article aimed at neck pain prevention on the Mayo Clinic website, it is recommended that people sleep in a good position with their head and neck aligned with their body along with support for their neck.

This means that not only can cervical pillows provide relief for people who suffer from neck and head pain, but they can also help us avoid developing neck pain and headaches to begin with.

Here are some bestselling cervical pillows on Amazon:

SaleBestseller No. 1

Osteo Cervical Pillow for Neck Pain Relief, Hollow Design Odorless Memory Foam Pillows with Cooling Case, Adjustable Orthopedic Bed Pillow for Sleeping, Contour Support for Side Back Stomach Sleepers

【STOP! THE NECK PAIN & SLEEPLESS NIGHTS ARE OVER!】After years of discomfort, you've found salvation at last! Meet the game-changer in the pillow industry, all-new ergonomic pillow with US patent – Osteo! The unique design of the hollow center is what sets it apart! The special hollow center cradles the head, helps maintain the natural cervical curve and alignment of the vertebrae in your neck, aims to maintain good blood flow to your neck and head, relieve pressure and remove muscles tension.
【THE BEST INVESTMENT OF YOUR REST & HEALTH!】 Did you toss and turn all night? Did you wake up with neck cramps or back soreness? The wrong pillow may worsen headaches, neck pain, shoulder and arm numbness, notes surgeon Andrew Hecht, MD. Osteo neck pillow provides all of the curves, divots and angles needed to help to relieve pressure which has a more refined thoughtful contour design than others, fits side, back, and stomach sleepers. Choose us, choose better sleep and a healthier future!
【HOT SLEEPERS & ALLERGY SUFFERERS, REJOICE!】Osteo neck support pillow uses 3D mesh fiber pillowcase that allows heat to escape and fresh air to cycle in. You can rest assured that you will own a cooling and sweet dream! If you're sensitive to smell and want a natural and odorless pillow, Ostoe sutera pillow is the answer! We didn't take any shortcuts on the quality of our materials. All of our memory foam pillows are CertiPUR-US certified and Oeko-Tex approved, without any harmful substance.
【ADJUSTABLE! ENJOY PERSONALIZED COMFORT FOR YOUR SLEEP STYLE!】 You tried numerous types of pillows to find the right height. You always need to get a new pillow while your sleep needs happen to change. Stop! You can control your pillow height now! Osteo uses two different thicknesses for a custom feel. Simply rotate your bed pillow 180 degrees to enjoy a higher or lower contour! The removable insert at the bottom also provides more height liberty. Make your pillow just right for every night!!
【HASSLE FREE REPLACEMENT AND WARRANTY - NO NEED TO RETURN!】 You spend about one-third of your life sleeping, why not choose a pillow best for your sleep and health. It's expensive to do cervical rehabilitation by a physical therapist every day, but it's easy to enjoy pain-relief sleep every night with Osteo contour pillow! We promise our quality products and customer service. If you do not enjoy the product, no matter refund or replace, no question asked, you will get the solution at once!

SaleBestseller No. 2

Anvo Cervical Memory Foam Pillows for Neck Pain, Neck Pillows for Pain Relief Sleeping, Side Sleeper Contour Orthopedic Pillow for Back Stomach - Blue, Firm

【WHY ANVO PREMIUM CERVICAL PILLOW?】We proudly have more than 10,000 Healthcare Professionals and sleep specialists worldwide who recommend neck pillow for sleeping. The complex algorithm has solved the "finding-the-right-pillow-quest" for many clients. Are you ready to get the most comfortable, tailored sleep?
【EXPERIENCING POOR SLEEP AND PAIN? TRY OUR CERVICAL PILLOW】 Say "good night" to neck pain. Our memory foam pillows have two different shapes and height, meaning you can get a custom fit for your body. Ergonomically designed, this contour pillow conforms to to the natural curves of your body, ensuring proper alignment of the spine, giving you most comfortable sleeping position for any side, back and stomach sleepers
【SAFETY& HEALTH, SLEEP QUALITY ENSURED】Our memory foam is CertiPUR-US certificated (LAB REPORT I.D. : E392-2021-00556001). We only use the highest quality materials giving you quality sleep. All the memory foam we use is made in-house and adheres to rigorous safety standards. It’s 3-5 seconds High Density slow rebound and gives great support, and it retains its shape even after long periods of use, and releases pressure
【BREATHABLE PILLOWCASE TO KEEP YOU SLEEP COOL】Sleep deeper and wake refreshed. The breathable outer pillowcase with meshed sides will keep you cool and it is removable and machine washable. Lay your head on the best, whether you prefer comfort, cooling, or extra support. The side back stomach sleeper pillow is the pillow of your dreams
【GETTING BETTER SLEEP OR YOUR MONEY BACK】We know you'll experience your best night's sleep on our neck pillows for pain relief sleeping. Avail our 100-night Free Trial offer if you aren’t satisfied. (NOTE)As this orthopedic pillow is to relieve cervical spondylosis, the first trial might have an uncomfortable feeling, but more than 95% of customers are satisfied after the trial period of 30-90 days , gives this pillow a chance, you won’t regret it!

SaleBestseller No. 3

Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Support Pillow for Neck, Shoulder, and Back Pain Relief; Ergonomic Orthopedic Contour Fiber Bed Pillow for Back and Side Sleepers; Assembled in USA - Firm, Full Size

REDUCE HEADACHES, NECK, SHOULDER, AND BACK PAIN: Helps provided proper alignment of the neck while sleeping, and is used to help treat a variety of conditions, such as reduction of stress in the cervical vertebra and spine
SUPPORT OPTIONS: This pillow has two sized neck rolls which provide support options for different neck lengths, simply choose which roll feels the most suitable for your sleeping position; Raised side areas gently support the head neck while sleeping on the either side; Shaped center cradles the head while sleeping on the back
WHY TO CHOOSE FIBER VS FOAM: Fiber is naturally odor free and provides breathability unlike dense foam; Fiber is customizable, providing lasting support; Use the fiber migrating techniques video, “How to Adjust Neck Roll Support in Tri-Core” to adjust the fiber fill to accommodate your body
ACCOMODATES DIFFERENT SIZED SLEEPERS: The FULL-SIZE pillow is recommended for adult sleepers who are around 5 feet 6 inches or taller; The MID-SIZE pillow is recommended for adults around 4 feet 10 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall; The PETITE pillow is recommended for adults who are shorter than 4 feet 10 inches
SIZE/MATERIAL/ORGINS/USE: Full Size, Firm, White 24 inches x 16 inches; Assembled in the USA of Globally Sourced Materials; No latex; Fits a standard size pillowcase; You may need time to adjust to the pillow over several weeks, immediate overuse may increase neck pain; Alternate between Tri-Core and current pillow while your body adjusts

Bestseller No. 4

Olumoon Memory Foam Pillows - Neck Support Pillow for Pain Relief, Ergonomic Cervical Pillow for Sleeping, Orthopedic Contour Bed Pillow for Side, Back & Stomach Sleepers with Pillowcase

【𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗮𝗺 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀】 - Are you suffering from neck pain all night? Our side sleeper pillow does help to reduce neck and shoulder pain, as well as snoring. Very suitable for all posture sleepers(side, back and stomach). The innovative cervical design and memory foam cradles the natural curvature of your neck to improves sleeping quality. Try them out and experience the ultimate in comfort and support.
【𝟮 𝗛𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁】 - Do you often toss and turn because you can't find the height that suits you? Featured with the size of 24.8×14.5×5.1 inches, our ergonomic pillow is perfect for all positions of sleepers. The Olumoon neck pillow is designed to provide optimal support to your head, neck, and shoulders, reducing tension and helping to alleviate neck pain. Designed with different heights on both sides for you to choose, so you can choose the one which is more suitable for you.
【𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗻-𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲】 - Our neck pillows for sleeping with removable and washable pillowcase adopts unique butterfly design. There are specific grooves that allows your arms to go under for comfortable sleep. Its soft & breathable fabric keeps you cool all night, give you the comfortable sleep you want!
【𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗥𝗲𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹】 - The premium quality memory foam is firm and not too soft for maximum comfort and great relaxation of your head, neck, shoulders and back. The cervical neck pillow will rebound within 3-5 seconds when no press, non-deformation all the year. It does NOT compress auricle like other common pillows. Please NOTE that the memory foam pillow core CANNOT be washed!
【𝗛𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗹𝗲-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲】 - Olumoon pillow for neck and shoulder pain provides good solution for the elderly, students, IT workers and those with sleep disorders. Memory foam will have a very slight smell after passing through a high temperature and airtight transportation environment. This is a normal phenomenon. After receiving it, please place it in a cool and ventilated place for 3-5 days. If for any reason you're not satisfied with the orthopedic pillow, please feel free to contact us.

SaleBestseller No. 5

Neck Pillow Cervical Memory Foam Pillows for Pain Relief Sleeping, Ergonomic Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain, Orthopedic Contour Bed Pillow for Side, Back & Stomach Sleepers with Cooling Pillowcase

【Patented Ergonomic Design Contour Pillow】The neck pillow adopts a unique butterfly shape design, which combined with the traditional bed pillow, thus achieving significant neck pain relief. Butterfly shape gives your arms special armrests. Contour design holds your neck at the right height and offers excellent support during sleep. The central cavity properly supports the head, facilitates alignment of the head with the body and spine. Choose Bespillow pillow and experience a sound sleep!
【Safe & Odorless-Premium Memory Foam Pillows】Our cervical pillow is made of CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex certified memory foam, which provides amazing comfort and soft yet sturdy support for sleep. When lying on this neck Pillow, it feels like floating on water or clouds, without any pressure on your skin.Special slow rebound memory foam won't change its shape and firmness due to season. Unleash your best sleep with our ergonomic pillow- the ultimate blend of comfort, style, and quality!
【2 Personalized Height in A pillow for Any Sleep Style】- Do you often toss and turn because you can't find the height that suits you? Bespillow cervical pillow helps you to fix this trouble. Our memory foam pillows comes two height options with size 24.8*14.5*5.1/4.5 inch ( L x W x H). The ergonomic and supportive pillow for neck pain is designed for multiple sleeping positions, such as side sleeping, supine, stomach sleeping, back sleeping and low pillow sleepers etc.
【Breathable Cooling Pillowcase】The sleeping pillow features a high-quality double-layer pillowcase that is soft and fits snugly with the pillow core, with 3 times the breathability of other contour pillow. It is removable with a zipper, machine-washable. The pillowcase is made of COLD SILK TECHNOLOGY FABRIC, perfectly fitting the skin, with soft and cooling fabric that keep you cool all night long-allowing the skin to breathe and have a dry night! Give you the comfortable sleep you want!
【Want a no-worry purchase experience?】You spend about one-third of your life sleeping, so a good pillow is a must-have. Bespillow is a brand of devoted pillow for neck and shoulder pain. We strive for the quality of our products.This cervical pillow is also a great gift for yourself, your parents, friends & colleagues, long-term use will greatly improve the quality of sleep. If you have any problems with our neck pillow, please feel free to contact us, you will receive a reply within 24 hours.

Bestseller No. 6

Cervical Neck Pillows for Pain Relief Sleeping, High-Density Memory Foam Pillow Neck For Bolster Support and Shoulder Relaxer, Decompression Devices Orthopedic Roll Pillow for Bed Office

Ergonomic WaterDrop Design Mainly Work on Neck Pain Relief: The cross section adopts a unique waterdrop design, which combined with the traditional neck roll pillow and cervical pillow , for remarkablely neck pain relief. The concave is for firmly neck support, neck brace for cervical spine alignment and natural head transition area to prevent congestion and dizziness. Gently stretch your cervical spine during sleep and deliver effective result on ending neck pain in the very next morning!
Relieve Pain & Prevent Strain: Demelon cervical coutour shape morphs to the nature shape of your spine, follows the curve of your body, supporting your head and neck for back and side sleeper, perfectly relaxe your cervical spine and shoulder muscle. This neck pillow for pain relief sleeping gently redress your cervical spine during your sweet dream so the tingling effect is reduced significantly in the morning. PERSONAILZE YOUR COMFORT if you need an extra sponge mat.
Cabinet & Foldable = Greater Potential Usage : Demelon cervical neck pillow can be used as a posture pillow to adjust cervical curvature, creates good nasal airflow to help with both neck issues and uninterrupted sleep, lessen pain for knee, ankle. Also, the cabinet and foldable design makes it possible to take it for travel as a camping pillow, lamber support pillow for bed and office, pillows for knee and ankles support, and more to be explored by you.
The Perfect Remedy for Neck Pain: The key for Demelon's moderate support is high-resilience, high-density memory foam pillow core, which is certified by OEKO-TEX ， CertiPUR-US and ISPA, provides substantial support to your cervical spine without stiffly prop up your neck. Completely odorless and healthy memory foam with the ergonomic contouring makes it the perfect remedy to relieve pain and prevent strain. Removable pillowcase is ultra skin-friendly and is available for alternative purchase.
Change Your Sleep Routine with Demelon 100-NIGHT FREE TRIAL AND 3-YEAR WARRANTY: Neck pain can strike no matter what kind of sleeping position you are. Make it a better routine to redress your cervical spine to the natrual shape with Demelon neck pillow for pain relief sleeping. We provides 100-night free trial & 3-YEAH WARRANTY for hassless return or replacement to adapt and develop the healthy sleeping routine. Track your sleep quality and you will notice profound improvement.

Bestseller No. 7

3-in-1 Cervical Neck Pillow with Leg Rest & Lumbar Support - Super Ergonomic Pillow Memory Foam Pillows - Side Sleeper Pillow Cervical Pillow Pillows for Side Sleepers Memory Foam Pillow Bamboo Cover

Bespoke 3-in-1 Design - Introducing Dreamcare's cervical neck pillow with leg rest. Discover unparalleled full body support for maximum comfort. Whether together for lounging or for tailored sitting support, it's time to take your comfort to new heights!
Unmatched Full Body Support - Our ergonomic pillow design aligns your head, neck, shoulder, and back for a personalized fit. Say goodbye to neck and shoulder discomfort as our targeted relief pillow delivers heavenly comfort.
Lumbar Support for Back Relief - Transform your posture with our revolutionary cervical neck pillow. Our side sleeper pillow provides excellent lumbar support when combined with the leg rest, transforming into a back pillow.
Bamboo Blend & Memory Foam - Enjoy the benefits of Dreamcare's Cervical Pillow. It is OEKO-TEX certified, made from safe and odorless materials. The breathable and soft bamboo blend cover is removable for easy cleaning. Our memory foam pillows' 100% memory foam filling ensures unmatched comfort and support.

SaleBestseller No. 8

Cervical Neck Pillows for Pain Relief Sleeping, High-Density Memory Foam Neck Bolster Pillow for Stiff Pain Relief, Neck Support Pillow Neck Roll Pillow for Bed Pillow (Light Grey)

【 2 in 1 Cervical Neck Pillow 】 This pillow is different from traditional pillows, it combines a Neck roll Pillow and a Cervical Pillow in One. The unique concave shape will fit the neck and will fill the gap with the neck and gently stretch the neck. Neck sleeping pillow provides neck support and relief for all sleepers and neck pain. Ideal for cervical spine stretched, neck pain relief.
【 Ergonomic Design Neck Pillow 】 The cervical contour design perfectly aligns your head, neck, shoulder, and back, neck support pillow give you good support and reduces the stress in the cervical vertebra and spine, thus effectively relief muscle tension. Perfect curvature helps the vertebrae stay relaxed, keeps neck and shoulders aligned, and maintains the natural curvature of the spine, so the neck traction pillow can be used as a posture pillow to adjust cervical curvature.
【 Neck Pillow for Sleeping 】 Neck support pillow for sleeping helps relieve the debilitating effects of sciatica, arthritis, headache, post-surgery pain, helps the vertebrae stay relaxed, keeps the neck and shoulders aligned, and maintains the natural curvature of the spine.
【 Memory Foam Cervical Pillow 】 The neck pillow core is made of memory foam with a slow rebound feature, durable and keeps shape without getting flat or become hard for long time use. Perfectly aligns the neck, preventing the impact caused by head downward, support your head, neck, and shoulder properly.
【 Washable Pillowcase 】 Our neck pillow comes with a premium, skin friendly hypoallergenic, removable zipper breathable pillowcase, easy cleaning.

Bestseller No. 9

Nature's Guest Adjustable Cervical Pillow, Better Than Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain, Contour Orthopedic Pillow for Sleeping, Ergonomic Pillow for Side, Back and Stomach Sleepers - Standard Medium

CHIROPRACTOR AND ORTHOPEDIC RECOMMENDED DESIGN - Proven patented contoured pillow design helps reduce neck pain and shoulder pain, and provides optimal cervical support that maintains the proper head, neck and spinal alignment while you sleep. Great orthopedic neck pillow, spine pillow and anti snore pillow!
IDEAL FOR BACK SLEEPERS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO SHIFT FROM BACK TO SIDE SLEEPING – Gusseted edge design ensures stable side sleeper support and optimal back sleeper support. Our side sleeper and cervical neck pillow design allows you to effortlessly shift from back to side sleeping for a more restful sleep.
FULLY ADJUSTABLE – Dual zipper design provides full access to pillow filling. Adjust to your desired firmness in both the back (neck roll cushion) and side sleeping areas. It's the best cervical pillow for neck pain. Firmness Level: Pillow can be adjusted from soft to medium firmness.
PREMIUM QUALITY, HYPOALLERGENIC – Premium cotton fabric cover and revolutionary microfiber support filling provides cool, comfortable support, while relieving neck, shoulder and back pain.
100% SATISFACTION - Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction. We are confident that you will love our pillow, and if you aren't completely satisfied, simply return it within 30 days for a full refund, no questions asked.

SaleBestseller No. 10

HOMCA Memory Foam Cervical Pillow, 2 in 1 Ergonomic Contour Orthopedic Pillow for Neck Pain, Contoured Support Pillows for Side Back Stomach Sleepers

2 in 1 Cervical Pillow: HOMCA memory foam pillow combines a neck roll pillow and a contour pillow, you can sleep on both sides. The neck pillow features an ergonomic design to help support and aligns your head, neck, shoulder and back in a neutral position, allowing you to drift off into uninterrupted slumber and wake up feeling fresh
Quality Sleep: Hypoallergenic rayon/polyester proprietary blend pillow case feels silky soft and smooth to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night. You will fall asleep faster and deeper. All material are chemical free for better health
Armrest Design: There are specific grooves that allows your arms to go under for comfortable sleep. You can lay on your stomach and warp your arms around the wings for perfect support. This cervical pillow for neck pain is suitable for all kinds of sleeping posture
Ergonomic Orthopedic Pillow: The neck support pillow is made of pure memory foam. Premium firm and not too soft to provides the maximum comfort and greatly ease your head, neck, shoulder and back muscle while you sleep on your back or side
Removable Pillowcase: HOMCA neck pillows for pain relief sleeping is fine texture, feel soft, not wool, not the ball. It is very easy to clean, machine washable. HOMCA is committed to providing the best quality and service

Last update on 2023-09-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API