I use this one, seems to help, but only if I sleep with my head in the middle. Sometimes I wake up on my side, on the edge of the pillow, and will have a head/neck ache, I think from unconsciously trying to hold my head from rolling into the divot.
I use this pillow and I love it! It has two height options and works well for me because I’m a side and back sleeper. It’s $39.99
I used to have tons of neck pain when I slept on my side but a few months ago I got a cervical support pillow and I'm never going back, it's been a total game changer. I still flip between my back and sides but it's the best for both! Don't know what I'm going to do for a pregnancy pillow to keep me on mt side though, maybe one of those wedges. My friend let me borrow her u shaped one for a few nights but it was a disaster for my neck.
This is the pillow I got https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07SHC9FG3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_i_QKNDZEGX4CY6ZH9B8KW3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
i got one of these a couple months ago and while I hella hate Amazon... I'm poor and couldn't find anything like it locally.
I'm pretty into it, I dont use it every night because I'm trying to train my back to let me sleep without much of a pillow, but my curve is pretty annoying and is connected to my hip posture so the wedge shape with the neck cutout has been great, especially for stretching even if I don't fall asleep on it
I found a pillow on Amazon that has neck support and a spot for your head and it keeps the entire spine aligned without raising the head too high. Then there are raised sides for if you sleep on your side. The pillow needs to be fitted to your shoulder size so you need to be measured before choosing a size. The whole goal of the pillow is to keep the spine aligned and support the head without adding stress to the neck and shoulders.
Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow - Average https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015N45KDY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xxjdCbMMRS1Z5
They have petite and child sizes!
I'm a stomach sleeper and sleeping on my back sucks, but it does help with TMJ, Have you tried cervical pillow? My neck muscles are often too tense and painful and I can find it totally uncomfortable, but have stuck with it for a few months now, and I wake up on my side only 20% of time now. Progress!
I frequently had neck pain and one day decided to get a good pillow. The one below works no matter what type of sleeper you are.
It was an awesome addition and I’m so happy I went with it!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BKVG42X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mZ2fFbG3ZFYAY
Have you considered a pillow for your head that is specifically meant for back sleeping? I am a back sleeper with an adjustable bed, which has probably helped my recovery be me comfortable, but even I can’t sleep well without a pillow (preferably firm) that’s meant for back sleepers! It definitely helps me from turning over in my sleep, as well as turning my head from left to right.
When I travel by car, I bring my own pillow and even wedge pillow for under my legs to use at hotels/at friends’ houses. Since I fly to my in-laws, I bought a pillow for back sleepers and even had it mailed there to keep in their guest room!
I have a similar one that is “cooling,” so it’s a bit more expensive, so not worth it for the time people need for surgery recovery.
I bought this one on Amazon. It's the only one I've tried, so I don't know if it's the best. But it was a reasonable price and I like it quite a bit.
I slept without a pillow for years, but I have a lot of lateral instability and my head tended to twist and stay in a very bad position all night long, which caused a different set of issues.
I was constantly trying to use a little blanket as a bolster to keep my head straight.
In the end, this pillow below was recommended to me by my PT.
Of everything, I have had the most success with it.
I bought the small and large size. The small was harder and I felt the large was just more comfortable overall.
For reference, I'm 5'3", so not terribly large.
It does well keeping my head stabilized and is even fairly comfortable in the odd night when I side sleep.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0833V68BJ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I was developing neck pain, and it disappeared after I bought a pillow like this: https://www.amazon.com/Anvo-Cervical-Orthopedic-Sleeping-Ergonomic/dp/B092LND2SG/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=memory+foam+pillow&qid=1657482987&sr=8-11
Also, a molded side sleeper pillow like this one is great to cradle your cast/splint while bed bound.
Contoured memory foam. It is literally the only pillow I can sleep on, and I have to replace it every 3 years or so because they do get worn out.
I am sleeping better but I think that’s also because I found this amazing pillow that supports my head/neck MemoryFoamPillow,AnvoNeck...
I am now trying to be more conscious of my posture, surgery didn’t fix my posture, but made it easier to hold a correct posture since now I can close my mouth properly
I have bad migraines and apparently all pillows break my neck and my brains except for a memory foam pillow with this specific shape:
For me, the big hump goes under my neck. I think there's somethign actually wrong with my neck but this type of pillow allows me to sleep, without waking up broken.
No other pillow type works for me that I've tried, they all just leave me broken.
office/kitchen chair, I have a set of Everlasting Comfort seat/back cushion that's been great: https://www.everlastingcomfort.net/products/seat-cushion-back-cushion-gel-infused
I gave up on my recliner, haven't really sat in it for ~2 years. It's either the floor or the above mentioned kitchen chair.
I don't have a travel pillow, when I was flying and in pain , I tried to plan my flights so no leg was longer than 2-3h. Driving we just stop about as often.
Sleeping, I have an Epabo pillow for when I was having shoulder pain, and a generic half-moon bolster for under either my back/knees as needed. We also have a memory foam bed.
All I have to share is this thumbnail pic, It was a Chinese knock-off, meaning affordable for me. There are other higher-cost, similar pillows out there. There are similar pillows available like this Zamat Contour Memory Foam Pillow.
In general I use this from amazon: Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0833V68BJ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_R4G263KVGGB6GCYVRECW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 *has helped with general neck and shoulder pain
During attacks: Soft ice pack wrapped in 2 layers of things tshirt under my head (I use fit+fresh brand from Amazon Also ice roller Pillow between knees Pillow to hug (*cry into) Room dark as I can make it Also cold as I can get it (I've opened windows in winter) With a heavy blanket (for warm and weight) If bad I'll sometimes swap pillows frequently and places I'm trying to rest... couch (i turn lights green) especially if i have to parent and same extra pillows for as much support as I can get to relieve any pressure points or remotely strained joints
I use this pillow: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ET9TXQ/
Takes some time to get used to but helped me a lot. Only downside is it doesn't last very long, usually have to replace mine every 6 months or so.
Yeah man!
Here’s the pillow:
Memory Foam Pillow, Anvo Neck... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092LND2SG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Yoga: Man Flow Yoga on YouTube. The video I’ve been using is 10-15 mins, super easy! Just focus on his instructions and slow deep breaths
I have a therapeutica pillow - it’s awesome. It’s made for rolling around and sleeping on your side or back. Kinda awkward at first, but I couldn’t imagine any other pillow now. I have one at my moms house, one at my in-laws.. Therapeutica Pillow, Firm Orthopedic Support, Back or Side Sleeping, Average https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015N45KDY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_05V0AEQDY5BAM54KJ8Z6
For sure. Here is an example. Lots come with adjustable lift depending on size. Key is to have your spine straight in both directions when you sleep. This pillow helps tremendously with my sleep posture.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079FK5QKD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_PC6T334WVBZB3YYG98ZV
Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Support Pillow, Standard Firm - Full Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ET9TXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_HG78PJ70MZ8D67ZYKAN5
Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow, Contour Pillows for Neck and Shoulder Pain, Ergonomic Orthopedic Sleeping Neck Contoured Support Pillow for Side Sleepers, Back and Stomach Sleepers (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088WNMNX1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_6EJSHDPDYFV27C50Z5TH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
These are close to the ones I have or have used. I actually had two slightly different styles of the foam one.
The first is closer to a regular pillow, filled with regular stuffing not memory foam. And slightly less structured. I like both styles, both have been helpful when I have more issues with my neck which can very much feed into TMJ issues. I think it also helps keep you on your back which is very helpful for me when I am having more issues with tmj symptoms/ avoiding side sleeping which has put to much pressure on one side of my jaw and can cause it lock up.
I'm a side sleeper and I really love this one. UTTU Sandwich Pillow, Adjustable... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079FK5QKD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It has a sort of groove to decrease the pressure on your jaw and ear. I can tell if I travel and accidentally forget my pillow that I'm more likely to have symptoms.
I think best case scenario for TMJD sufferers is back sleeping, but if you're like me and inevitability roll to your side, having a good pillow helps.
ZAMAT Contour Memory Foam Pillow for Neck Pain Relief, Adjustable Ergonomic Cervical Pillow for Sleeping, Orthopedic Neck Pillow with Washable Cover, Bed Pillows for Side, Back, Stomach Sleepers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CVQSTSP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_PGN794NGD38WC89WEYMY
I had to get a special pillow that provides head and neck support. I bought it in late 2018 and it's been great. This post reminded me that I want to buy a new one. It takes a week or two to get used to, but I'm at the point I take it when I travel as it's the only pillow that keeps my neck pain at bay. Here is the link to the one I bought but I'm sure there are
I have had the same problem. I can start on the wedge, but can’t spend the whole night with it.
I tried a couple of different things, but a pillow like the one in the link below has worked best for me. There a bunch of varieties out there… you can sleep on your back and it keeps your head/neck elevated, or sleep on your side and your arm tucks under the “wings.”
Still takes some getting used to, but it worked better for me than the full wedge.
I am also a side sleeper with TMJ, and the same issues were occurring to me. I shopped around and found this pillow that has been very helpful to me: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079FK5QKD?ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details&th=1
It allows your head to rest comfortably while supporting your cervical spine and shoulders. Shop around, see what you think though. Good luck!
I’m still pre-op so take with a grain of salt, but for the first week or two after my ACL injury I was told not to sleep on my side. I’m also a side/stomach sleeper so it was very uncomfortable. What really helped me was getting a special pillow for back sleepers that’s slightly concave (cervical pillow), so I could still rest my head sideways.
Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow, Contour Pillows for Neck and Shoulder Pain, Ergonomic Orthopedic Sleeping Neck Contoured Support Pillow for Side Sleepers, Back and Stomach Sleepers (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0833V68BJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_7YJTPVS2Z3B2Z8P7GNQ0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I don’t know how it’s supposed to feel, but I like to feel like my neck is being held by the pillow.
My quest to find a pillow like that has led me to this one from Amazon Anvo Pillow.
This contour pillow was interesting but it limited my movement when sleeping and was a bit uncomfortable because of that. If you do not toss and turn like I do, it could be worth a try and it looks like they have a sale going. Contour Pillow
I use a cervical pillow, with higher sides and a dip in the middle. I think it's this one, but my boyfriend gifted it to me so I'm not 100%: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BKVG42X/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_944RM2P91P41XFX2SGQD
I don't feel like it makes a difference when I use it, but I used a regular pillow for a few days and had a tension headache Every. Single. Morning. So clearly it's helping! They make some with sides that curve in like wings so you can tuck your arms under, and I might upgrade to one of those eventually because I mostly sleep on my side.
I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SHC9FG3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Amazon tells me I ordered it over 2 years ago which is the longest I've lasted with any pillow. It worked great at first but now I'm less in love with it. Not sure wha the change is/was but it happened in the last 6 months. Might be me, might be the pillow. I find it too hard when I actually have a migraine and use something much softer (something akin to those super soft squishable stuffed animal-type pillows).
I have the same problems have been told a spinal fusion would probably not help my neck as I have stenosis too. Living with the same or similar pain as your Dad
Heat pads. Oxynorm Buprenorphine plaster or Oxycontin. Stretches, lifting any resistance, raking the lawn make it flare up , smoke weed and rest instead.
The best pillow and this did make a real difference for me was an ortheopedic pillow I bought on amazon.
I bought a similar pillow a long while ago, in the days before sciatica set in. I had bungled up my shoulder/upper back, and bought a number of "great for every sleeper" pillows since I tend to end up on my side/stomach. But lately I feel like my head rolls too much, so I've been interested in getting the one like you have. It's probably time to replace it.
The pillow I bought: https://www.amazon.com/EPABO-Orthopedic-Sleeping-Ergonomic-Cervical/dp/B07BKVG42X
I go back and forth between on my back and side, but I feel your pain on being broad shouldered. My favored pillow for when my back is acting up is an almost 5" thick cervical pillow. It's dipped in the middle for back sleeping, but the sides are broad enough to support my neck/head when side-sleeping.
Not the exact model I use but similar:https://www.amazon.com/EPABO-Orthopedic-Sleeping-Ergonomic-Cervical/dp/B07BKVG42X/
There a variety of styles / shapes of cervical neck pillows. It might be worth trying another. I recently order two on Amazon that are foam and looks like a regular cotton filled pillow with an oval stitched into the middle to create the dip. I linked one similar to mine. That style make work better for you.
Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Support Pillow, Standard Firm - Full Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ET9TXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Q0XVWYWQ2FRB808P3BCY
In case anyone is reading this in the future I wanted to let you all know what helped:
Now most mornings I'm waking up pretty pain free. Incredible!
I like the full circle rather than the U shape of a travel pillow because the full head needs support (though I just have the top of the U at the top of my dome to fix that). I'd say go full comfort and add neck support. Might end up looking like an O with a horizontal tube at the bottom. The neck support should sit higher than the face portion but not ridiculously so.
I sleep on one of these bad boys. and have been tempted to drill a hole in the middle lol.
In general though, that looks pretty thin/not supportive. People won't care if their ear feels ok if their neck hurts too much to move so keep in mind over all comfort, that would give you a leg up on travel pillows.
Custom removable covers are a must!!
Looking good though. Good luck with your assignment!
...bump behind your head? What does that mean?
My best guess is you're looking for a more sleep-on-your back pillow, with an indentation for the head, like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ET9TXQ/
If you have a soft airplane neck pillow start there. That’s my go to when it’s real bad. (I suffer from fibro, hEDS, and have recently had a neck fusion from c5-7 from very early onset severe degenerative spine issues; due to hypermobility)
I just recently got this travel pillow Cabeau brand airplane pillow that’s really great.
Airplane pillows are kinda depressing though. Before the fusion I had a regular shaped pillow from my chiropractor to support the cervical spine but you can find it on Amazon etc. I literally could not sleep without it; I took it everywhere. Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Support Pillow, Standard Firm - Full Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ET9TXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_92CMHDGSYSCJ1WDHBPQS
Also; it’s not cheap; but a mattress can also deeply affect neck pain. The difference in my chronic pain in my neck and spine was dramatically changed when we bought a really nice Sealey posturpedic mattress as an upgrade from a good but craigslisted mattress from my 20’s. Game changer; but not cheap. But very much worth it.
Huh, I kinda didn't know that was possible. All I've got is a regular link lol
So far my favorite is this one: https://www.smile.amazon.com/dp/B079FK5QKD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_ZKXQ36F1DQQ9HZPG7Y5C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
What I like about it is that you can adjust the height yourself
I've got 3 more left to try out though so we'll see which one ultimately wins out!
I use this EPABO contour memory foam pillow and enjoy it—I didn't want to pay an arm and a leg for an orthopedic pillow and for me, this one helped a lot and was a reasonable price. It took a while to get used to since it cradles your head/neck, but ultimately it did relieve most of my neck pain from sleeping. It worked best for me to take out the extra padding.
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Pillows that are too fluffy are the devil so I was sleeping with a super flat pillow or no pillow at all, until I got this.
So first, case I get in trouble here, this is just what works for me so ‘your mileage may vary’.
I currently have this one and it works pretty well for me. I mainly side sleep and I have found it quite comfortable for that. Before I just stacked pillows and none of them ever were the right height and that just broke the camels back and I partially herniated 2 discs and pinched. I’m guessing a lot of these memory foam cervical pillows are the same, I don’t know. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SHC9FG3/
Once my neck starts feeling like it’s on a stick, I’m pretty much going to have to lay down for at least an hour and take the pressure off. I’ll try and do sets of chin tucks without and with head turns while laying down. I normally won’t take NSAIDS unless it’s extremely bad also because of medication. Talk to your PT first, cause your condition is different from mine even though the pain seems to be the same/similar.
I like Tri-Core pillows, they take a few nights to get used to but the cradle for your neck is awesome.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079FK5QKD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabt1_TpRUFbSSGJ1RP
This is what I use. It has an incert that you can take in or out and different sized humps on each side so that there are four levels of humps for different people depending on their body size/perference.
I love this pillow and feel that it has helped reduce stress of side sleeping on my jaw. I've finally begun to sleep on my back a good bit and it's comfortable on my back as well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079FK5QKD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabt1_TpRUFbSSGJ1RP
This is what I use. There are lots of variations if you type in "tmj pillow" on amazon. The one I have has an incert that you can take in or out and different sized humps on each side so that there are four levels of humps for different people depending on their body size/perference.
personally I use this
But there may be better ones out there. When I bought mine the amazon page was still 4.5 stars - don't know what happened.
I was a stomach sleeper and that can mess up your neck including SCM muscle. There is a ton of stuff out there that people try and different things work for different people. Some things I would recommend you try and see if they help:
I hope you feel better soon. Keep in touch with us here, if you need support or just want to share. It's terrible feeling alone with something people around you can't easily understand, but we are here. :)
I use this pillow and it's helped with my neck pain a lot - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KVWL7VB/
I took out the insert to make it less high, so you may need to experiment with that. The pillow doesn't really FEEL comfortable when you lay on it, but I feel much better with less pain in the morning, and you get used to it after awhile. Make sure you are sleeping on the correct side of it. I hope it works out for you if you try it.
I had a similar situation with my neck (from sitting in a crappy chair all day). My chiropractor recommended a pillow like this: Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Support Pillow for Neck Pain, Orthopedic Contour Pillow, Standard Firm, White, Full Size 24" x 16" https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000ET9TXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sm_apa_i_0Z1DFb6P0G64E
It's worked wonders. My curve was actually going the wrong way in my neck and now I'm back to normal. Read the directions, though. It'll tell you how to use it...
get an ergonomic memory foam pillow. your problems probably arent soley caused by your bad pillows but it is contributing. i got the sandwich pillow:
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my pain has significantly improved
agreed and posture is directly tied to tongue tie, had mine cut [ anterior only] posture went perfect, as it healed its gone back to me having to mentally adjust it throughout the day. Believe when i get posterior release, tongue will be able to fully go to correct position, and posture will follow. That's cheap as hell ill give it a shot, also bought toe spreaders for posture like them so far. This is my slep pillow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015N45KDY/ref=sspa_dk_hqp_detail_aax_0?psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExRE84Q0U4NkNJUVZaJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzkzODQ2MVc1U1o5NFc2MDdCMCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDQ3MTM1MVpLT05SR1IyVDAwMSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2hxcF9zaG...
Are you a side sleeper, stomach, or back sleeper?
https://www.sleeplikethedead.com/ is a good resource, but I'm a side sleeper and really like this one. Might be an acquired taste though
Off topic, but consider checking out a Therapeutica pillow. I have one and it has greatly improved my ability to be a back sleeper, as well as reducing neck soreness.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015N45KDY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4oikFb8P6K78J
EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow Orthopedic Sleeping Pillows, Ergonomic Cervical Pillow for Neck Pain - for Side Sleepers, Back and Stomach Sleepers, Free Pillowcase Included (Firm & Queen https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BKVG42X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_oVhfFbSJNDYVG I used to wake up basically everyday with neck pain which would then trigger my migraines. After getting this I haven’t woke up with neck pain once! Of course I still get migraines but I don’t wake up with them anymore which is really nice. The pillow is really firm so it’s an adjustment at first but I love it now!!
Not a body pillow but this is the first head pillow that I could sleep on my side without subluxing or dislocating my shoulder with (make sure to measure for the right size). I can sleep on my side and don’t end up collapsing & subluxing my shoulder. Can also switch to my back if I want. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015N45KDY/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_cwteFbTD32MW0
I am a side sleeper with bad neck pain, so I found this on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BKVG42X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
It has been super comfortable and has helped significantly with my neck pain. It much more dense than a traditional memory foam pillow and there are various heights to it, depending on how you sleep.
I’ve got scoliosis and this pillow has been a miracle for my back issues.
Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Support Pillow, Standard Firm - Full Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ET9TXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Gzl6DbDNHF0RM
I used to have this problem. I like listening to ASMR with in-ear earbuds, but lying on your side on a pillow squishes them uncomfortably into your ears. My solution was to buy one of those as-seen-on-tv Total Pillows and sleep with my ear resting inside the hole! As for youtube commercials, you basically have to either tough it out or buy a Youtube Music subscription (which removes all commercials).
So my issues stem from my neck and keeping it from moving is key for me. While I do not get much sleep because of how much pain I'm in, the pillow I've found does help a little. Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow - Average https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015N45KDY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_Q98jYGu8ExKQ1
I have found heat packs are great, and anti-inflammatory, but ask your doctor to prescribe you one that it's not harsh on your stomach. dicoflenac this comes in pill and ointment form. some people swear by the cream, honestly it did not work for me. I have severe pain, but I have found a nice heat pack to the side of my face will temporarily calm the pain, I tend to fall asleep with one on, the best heat packs are the microwaveable ones. Also there are TMJ pillows that help, it takes a little to get used to them. here is a link http://www.amazon.com/Tri-Core-Cervical-Pillow-Full-Standard/dp/B000ET9TXQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455557025&sr=8-1&keywords=tmj+pillow
I have this one, it works great.
I don't think it's ripped, but it's definitely migrating. That really sucks, I'm sorry. If you get a ear cartilage piercing in the future you should invest in a Total Pillow or something of the sort. My girlfriend has a bunch of ear piercings and used this for all of them and never had one reject.