Chronic neck pain from sleeping in the wrong position can have a negative effect on your entire day. Bellow mentioned the best cervical pillow correct this problem by gently cradling your head in a natural position that places the least amount of stress on your neck. There are several different types and shapes of cervical pillows that give gentle correction for the best support and therefore the best night of rest possible!
Cervical hyperlordosis is an unnatural curvature of the spine that needs correction and support to relieve pain and prevent cervical strain or spasms. The best cervical pillow is recommended by orthopedic doctors to maintain or help correct the perfect natural alignment of the neck during sleep. Even if you do not suffer from an extreme curvature of the spine, but are still waking up with pain and strain in the neck area, this will still work perfectly to help you get a restful and painless sleep.
Top 10 Best Cervical Pillow Reviews
This section is the list of the top reviewed cervical pillows on the market today. Under this section, we will analyze the top 10 best cervical pillows on the market, along with their benefits and features. Below the reviews, you will find additional information on cervical pillows to help you decide which option may be best for you. Let’s see the list!
Top 10 Best Cervical Pillow In Summary
| # | Cervical Pillow | Size | Color | Weight | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tri-Core Cervical Pillow | Full Size, Twin Size, Mid Size, Petite Standard, Standard | White, Print | 2.4 pounds | 4.2/5.0 |
| 2 | Original McKenzie Cervical Roll Pillow | Roll 20 x 3.5 in | Blue | 4.8 ounces | 4.4/5.0 |
| 3 | Cervical Memory Foam Pillow | 12x24x4 in | Light Tan | 2.2 pounds | 4.8/5.0 |
| 4 | D-Core Cervical Pillow | Standard | red | 4.5 pounds | 4.1/5.0 |
| 5 | Roscoe Medical PP3113 Cervical Sleep Pillow | 23x 16.1x 4.7 | White | 2.0 pounds | 3.9/5.0 |
| 6 | Carex Round Cervical Pillow | 12 x 5 x 5 | Blue | 1 pounds | 4.1/5.0 |
| 7 | My Pillow Neck and Cervical Bolster Pillow | 6 x 18 in | White | 12.8 ounces | 4.2/5.0 |
| 8 | Contour Mold Cervical Pillow | King | White | 3.2 pounds | 4.0/5.0 |
| 9 | Sleep Ventilated Cervical Pillow | Contour Standard Size | - | 2.6 pounds | 4.6/5.0 |
| 10 | Cervical Support Pillow | Queen | Soft, Standard Firmness | 2 pounds | 3.9/5.0 |
1. Tri-Core Cervical Pillow review
The firm Tri-Core has the flexibility to support the neck properly even with all different types of sleeping positions. The trapezoid-shaped center is designed to support back sleeping, while the sides are wide and tall enough to properly support side sleeping, and there are two different sizes available to further customize your specific needs for the best fit.
The fiber fill compresses and springs back with the lightest touch for incredible comfort. The cover is made of a breathable cotton blend which is super soft and durable. The standard size easily fits a standard pillowcase, while the mid-sized pillow will have a bit of extra wiggle room.
Features
- Color: White
- Size: Full Size (Firm)
- Product Dimensions: 24 x 16 x 3 inches
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
Pros
- Unique design shape
- Side sleeping option
- Customizable
- Super soft
Cons
- Too large
- Weird smell that takes time to dissipate
- Takes time to break it in
2. Original McKenzie Cervical Roll pillow review
The OPTP Original McKenzie® Cervical Roll™ is well-known and loved the brand of cervical pillows with a loyal following and hundreds of rave reviews. The McKenzie cervical pillow is designed to be placed inside a standard roll pillowcase or can be used with most conventional pillow covers.
This pillow can be used for either back or side sleeping, and its firm support means it won’t bunch up or roll around the neck for maximum comfort and support. Comes with a removable, washable cover in a cotton and polyester blend.
Features
- Product Dimensions: 20 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
Pros
- Does not flatten or lose shape
- Very firm
- Lower price point
- Made in the U.S.A.
Cons
- None
3. Cervical Memory Foam Pillow review
This cervical pillow designed for maximum comfort by providing lighter neck support (for those who do not respond well to firmer pillows) with a medium-soft memory foam for side or back sleeping. This pillow features an ultra soft velour cover that is machine washable, medical grade memory foam for softer but still beneficial support.
It is also hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites for allergy sufferers. The shape mimics a traditional pillow making it a great transition pillow or alternative to rolling type pillows. The specially designed curve supports the head while dipping down 4 inches to cradle the neck by helping the spine stay parallel to the mattress.
Features
- Product Dimensions 24 x 12.8 x 4 inches
- Weight 2.2 pounds
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Medical grade memory foam
- Shape mimics traditional pillows
Cons
- Does not offer firm support
- Does not offer the same height as other cervical pillows
- Higher price point
4. D-Core Cervical Pillow review
This cervical pillow features a unique patented “D” shaped center that is designed to cradle the neck for back sleeping to relieve common problems like snoring, neck spasms, arthritis and tension headaches.
Mimics the shape of a standard pillow for an easy transition on the first night. Made with 100% polyester fiber fill. Fits most standard pillowcases. Reviewers love the ultra soft feeling of this pillow and claim that it has made a major improvement on their overall comfort and reduction of neck pain and headaches.
Features
- Product Dimensions 22 x 15 x 4.5 inches (Mid-sized)
- Weight 2.2 pounds
Pros
- Patented “D” shape
- Lower price point
- Made in the U.S.A.
Cons
- Does not support side sleeping
- Difficulty maintaining shape/firmness long term
5. Roscoe Medical PP3113 Cervical Sleep Pillow review
The Roscoe Medical cervical pillow offers gentle support of the head and neck to aid in reducing common sleep issues such as arthritis, neck spasms, snoring and tension headaches.
Additional medical uses for this pillow are: post whiplash treatment, post spinal surgery treatment and relief after neck injuries. This pillow can be used in any sleeping position and is specially designed to keep your body properly aligned during sleep and to reduce tossing and turning to prevent further injury or stress.
Features
- Fits standard pillow cases.
- Size: 16″ x 23″
- Item Weight: 2 pounds
Pros
- Can be used in any sleeping position
- Recessed core gives additional support
- Long lasting polyester fiber fill
- Low price point
Cons
- Takes time to adjust to/reduce firmness
- Can be too firm for some
6. Carex Round Cervical Pillow review
The Carex Round Cervical Pillow designed for maximum flexibility of and ease of use. This pillows compact design can be used in all sleep positions, as well as support for the back or to elevate the ankles or knees.
The hypoallergenic memory foam fill provides instant comfort and relief and the machine washable cover unzips for easy removal.
Features
- Product Dimensions: 12 x 5 x 5 inches
- Shipping Weight: 1 pound
Pros
- Soft washable cover
- Hypoallergenic
- Keeps its shape
Cons
- Small size
- May be too firm for some
7. My Pillow Neck and Cervical Bolster Pillow review
This pillow is unique due to the use of three different sizes of patented interlocking fill. This fill is specially designed to keep the pillow from going flat during the night, allowing you to stay asleep longer without having to make adjustments.
The fill is also designed to stay cool all night with its open cell polyfill that is breathable. The multifunctional shape is great for other uses, as the lumbar support in the car or for office chairs, or as leg or knee support. Fully machine washable and dry-able.
Features
- Product Dimensions 15 x 12 x 10 inches
- Item Weight 12.8 ounces
Pros
- Multi-functional
- Long lasting support
- Made And Manufactured in the U.S.A.
- Low price point
- Can be put in the dryer
Cons
- Some reviewers experienced quality control issues like poor stitching (in which case you can return the pillow for a replacement)
8. Contour Mold Cervical Pillow review
The gentle curve of the counter molded cervical pillow cradles your neck and head to reduce pain and tension for a relaxed and full night’s sleep. The memory foam fills automatically responds to both heat and pressure to mold to your specific body shape and move with you during the night without having to wake up and adjust it.
The thick and soft jacquard knit cover creates pockets of air to keep the pillow cool and minimizes pressure points. This durable pillow will keep its shape after extended nightly use, has a fully machine washable zippered cover and fits most standard pillow cases.
(Manufacturer’s Note: Please give 48-72 hours to the pillow to fully expand. You can also tab or press the pillow few times to hasten expansion.
If your pillow still does not expand, please use the following methods to spring them up:
1.Put Pillows in the Dryer with 2 Tennis Ball
Start off by placing your pillow in the dryer with 2 tennis balls (preferably wrapped in a cloth or socks separately). The tennis ball will hit the pillow, fluffing up the filling. Tumble dry low for an hour to make sure your pillow become fluffier and softer.
2. Leave the Pillow in the Sun
By placing pillows in the sun for a few hours on a bright day will evaporate the moisture that builds up over nights of use and the pillows will fluff up over the course of the day. You could also hang the pillows outside on a clothes line, if you have one.)
Features
- Size: Queen
- Product Dimensions 16.2 x 6.5 x 6.1 inches
- Item Weight 2.3 pounds
Pros
- Durable, machine washable cover
- Gentle curve
- Keeps firmness and shape over time
Cons
- Takes a few days to fully expand
- Some reviewers experienced issues with fill
- Pillow case not water-resistant
9. Sleep Ventilated Memory Foam Contour Pillow review
The Cr Sleep Ventilated cervical pillow features its unique Aircell Technology which keeps you cool all night, and prevents odors. The contoured design has a 2 level “wave” which gives both higher and lower body support or the flexibility to choose which height works best for your comfort.
The gel memory foam is designed to avoid overheating (common with foam pillows), contains no toxic chemicals, and the cover protects from allergens like mold and dust mites. The foam core is spot clean only and should be kept in a cool location and away from direct sunlight.
Features
- Size: Standard
- Product Dimensions 14 x 7.7 x 7.7 inches
- Item Weight 2.3 pounds
Pros
- Cooling gel foam
- Allergen resistant cover
- Medium price point
Cons
- Foam is not machine washable
10. Cervical Support Pillow review
This cervical support pillow is one of the few soft to the touch pillows that gives support while at the same time offering a softer feel that solid foam pillows.
The smaller polyester fiber fill also allows airflow for cooling support and the square shaped dip in the center gives more personalized support to help you stay in the correct position all night for a well rested and continuous sleep.
Reviewers loved how the shape mimics a traditional pillow for a quick and easy tradition and many found it worked from the very first night of use.
Features
- Size: Standard
- Color: Soft White
- Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
Pros
- Soft to the touch while remaining firm
- Smaller fill for better adjustment
- Medium price point
- 100% Money Back Guarantee
Cons
- May take time to adjust (flatten down comfortably)
- Does not contain memory or gel foam
Types of Cervical Pillow
Accommodation or Displacement Pillows (ex: water pillows, memory foam pillows): Relieves discomfort or pain by cradling the head and neck by forming around your natural body shape. These provide comfort and can help to stabilize existing injuries and conditions but do not permanently correct them and are meant to be short-term solutions. This is the first step in treating a condition, but it is important to speak with your doctor about additional pain management forms and therapies.
Orthopedic Support Pillows (core pillows, which are available in different models from standard to gentle support): Support cervical pillows are designed to both correct and maintain the correct postures during sleep by placing the resistance in strategic places to properly align the head and neck. These kinds of pillows can take time for the body to adjust to these changes, and you may need to alternate between the support pillow and your regular pillow for a few weeks to slowly adjust for improved comfort. Try to gradually increase the time you use the support pillow each night.
Combination Pillows (Cervalign brand, deluxe water pillows, memory plus pillows): Combination pillows have a quality or an adjustability that allows the healthcare provider and the user to use the pillow through treatment. The pillow has properties that give an accommodative/displacement function and a supportive function.
So how is a cervical pillow different from other pillows?
A cervical pillow is not a head pillow since it is designed to do more than simply hold the head above your mattress. The cervical pillow is designed specifically to support the neck, which is critical because even the slightest misalignment can lead to chronic pain and severe medical issues. The problem is that there is not enough emphasis on the importance of sufficient support for the neck. However, that is recently changing since the importance of proper neck support through the use of cervical pillows is becoming more widely recognized.
Buying Guide of Cervical Pillows
Cervical pillows need to serve two functions: To correct and maintain. A good cervical pillow should be designed to target and correct the source of pain, therefore eliminating the symptoms before they can manifest while you sleep. This allows previous injuries to heal and to prevent them from reoccurring.
Another important function of a cervical pillow is to maintain good health by aligning the body in the correct natural position. For this maintenance, a good cervical pillow needs to provide equal amounts of support and comfort. Since there are all different kinds of neck injuries, along with differing preferences when it comes to levels of softness or firmness, there is no one size fits all solution. Luckily there is a wide variety of different types of pillows to choose from to find the best one suited for your specific needs.
Pros and cons of best cervical pillow
These cervical pillows have been listed based on customer satisfaction and reviews to provide the top 10 cervical pillows on the market. In this section, we are going to examine the pros and cons of these items, based on customer comments.
Pros
Comfort
The most positive comment of the cervical pillows reviewed was the high level of comfort of the various fills and shapes. Although different people need or prefer varying levels of softness or firmness, each pillow had the majority of customers happily reporting reduced pain and improved sleep.
Low price point
The majority of pillows on this list are available for under 30 dollars, with some even available for less than 20 dollars, making these pillows very affordable.
Durability
Reviewers reported that both the fill and the covers of these pillows are generally very durable. The fill stayed in shape with the same level of fullness even after months of continuous use. The covers were also reported to hold up to several machine washes without breaking down or tearing.
Hypoallergenic
Not all, but several of these pillows are designed by their manufacturers to be completely hypoallergenic, a bonus for allergy suffers. Others feature covers that are resistant to certain allergens.
Cons
Firmness/Softness: Although this can vary greatly from reviewer to reviewer based on preference or need, the biggest downfall for reviewers was either the firmness or softness of a particular pillow. This is why it is important to review each company’s return policy, since it may take a few different products on the list to find your perfect match.
Time to adjust: Another common complaint was the time that it can take for certain fills to compact down to a level that is comfortable for nightly use. This was especially common for smaller or loose foam piece fills that either need to be repeated “fluffing” to achieve the appropriate fill shape, or a few weeks of gradual use to flatten down to the desired level of fullness. Again, this can all come down to individual preference but it is recommended that when switching to a cervical pillow for the first time, allow yourself a few hours a night to work up to full nighttime use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I know what size pillow I need?
Please see the size chart in below to identify which size is right for you!
2. Which is better, a neck pillow or a head pillow?
Actually, a cervical pillow is both a neck pillow and a head pillow. Cervical pillows although by design are made to target proper alignment for the neck, also by default must support the head as well, in order to maintain proper alignment and avoid other strains or injuries.
3. What are the Benefits of Cervical Pillows?
Since cervical pillows are designed to properly support and align both the head and neck, they help you get a night of better and more restful sleep, can prevent reoccurring neck pain or headaches, help you heal after surgery or other severe injuries like whiplash, and can correct posture-related strains. With so many benefits, there is no reason not to try a cervical pillow!
4. What are the Differences Between Cervical Pillows?
There are 5 main different types of cervical pillows: cradle pillows, neck pillows, side pillows, cervical rolls, and comfort pillows. Although the shapes sizes and patented “names” can vary greatly between manufacturers.
The cradle-type pillow helps to distribute the weight of your head evenly, to relieve any pressure or strain on your neck, and fully align the spine. This design also keeps your air passages aligned with your spine and can prevent chronic snoring.
The neck pillow supports both side and back sleepers by cradling the natural curve of your neck. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes from cylindrical pillows to standard-sized firm foam pillows.
The side pillow or dip pillow features a center dip design or well in the middle that holds the head, with sides that are slightly higher to support side sleepers and back sleepers, although this design is reportedly the best option for side sleepers specifically.
The cervical roll pillow has a multifunctional design that works not only with neck support, but can be used for lumbar support and elevating knees or ankles.
The comfort pillow is designed to most closely mimic a traditional pillow, and also offers softness and comfort. This pillow will not work for those who need the serious support provided by firm foam pillow, but make great transition-type pillows for those who are new to cervical pillows, or need less support.
Final Words
To choose the right pillow for you, you need to analyze a few details about your body and your nightly sleeping habits. Do you usually sleep on your side or your back? Do you toss and turn? Have you had recent surgery or suffer from tension headaches? The vast variety of shapes, sizes, and designs of cervical pillows can be overwhelming. However, this guide was created to help you to determine which pillows are best suited for which needs, so after a little self-analysis and research, you can begin to understand what your needs are before looking for a suitable cervical pillow. You need to carefully select the right product for you, so after examining this guide you will be armed with a great wealth of information to help you make an informed decision- leading to a satisfying shopping experience and ultimately, a good night’s sleep.
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