The answer is that it depends on the individual. Some people find that a firm pillow provides the support they need to reduce their neck pain, while others find that a soft pillow is more comfortable. It's essential to experiment with different pillows until you find the one that works best for you.
To keep your spine straight, use a pillow that provides the right neck support -- one that's higher under your neck than under your head. It should be thick enough to hold your head up and also firm enough that your head doesn't sink down into it.
A firm pillow offers consistent support and improves spinal alignment, making it ideal for side and back sleepers. Meanwhile, a soft pillow conforms to the shape of the head and neck, providing cushioning and moldability that may suit some sleepers. Soft pillows are best for stomach sleepers who require neck support.
A firm pillow will support you to keep your spine aligned. A soft pillow, on the other hand, may not be thick enough to support your head and neck, resulting in pain or discomfort. Therefore, if you are a side sleeper, a firm pillow may be the better option. However, make sure the pillow is not too high.
Side sleepers should choose a thick, firm pillow compared to stomach sleepers who need a thinner one. The best pillow will keep your head and neck aligned when lying down. Any fill from down to foam can work for side sleepers as long as the pillow is thick enough to support your neck.
Side sleepers – Side sleepers need a firmer pillow with medium loft to support their cervical spine at rest. Pillows that are too thick or too thin will disrupt the natural curvature of their neck, and can lead to cramps and pain over time.
Pillows and pain
He says a pillow that's too soft or too firm often leads to neck pain. For example, if you sleep on your side with a soft pillow that doesn't provide enough support under your neck, your head has to extend sideways to meet the pillow.
The wrong pillow can stretch your neck muscles and cause your head to be out of alignment with your spine. If the pillow is too plush or too thin, it can't adequately support your head and keep it in alignment with your spine.
The best sleeping positions for the neck are on your back or your side. The back in particular is recommended; just make sure to use a pillow that supports the curvature of your neck and a flatter pillow to cushion your head.
What is the best sleeping position for neck pain? Two sleeping positions are easiest on the neck: on your side or on your back. If you sleep on your back, choose a rounded pillow to support the natural curve of your neck, with a flatter pillow cushioning your head.
The height of the pillow should be neither too high so that it tilts the head too far forward, nor too low that it extends the neck and tilts the head upwards. Generally, the pillow should be around 3 to 6 inches thick to provide adequate support.
Chiropractors often recommend pillows made from memory foam or latex. These materials mold to your body and provide gentle support. You may also want to consider a pillow with a built-in neck roll. This can help keep your spine aligned while you sleep.
As a general rule, one pillow is better than two pillows if you suffer from neck pain. Pillows have an average height of 10cm. If you stack two pillows on top of each other, it will result in a pillow that is 20cm in height, resulting in neck pain due to misalignment and overextension.
Memory Foam
The problem with these pillows is that they are too soft and lack the necessary support for the neck. As a result, the neck cannot maintain its natural alignment and is forced into an unnatural position. This can lead to muscle strain and pain.
The pillow for your head should support your head, the natural curve of your neck, and your shoulders. Sleeping on your stomach can create stress on the back because the spine can be put out of position.
“Pillows with too much material jammed in or that remain too fluffy can hold your neck in an awkward position,” Dr. Bang says. Shredded foam can cool you but loses its stability over time if you sleep on your side.
There could be many reasons why your neck hurts after sleeping. However, if you have no history of neck or back injury, and you haven't done any strenuous activity, the most likely culprit is that you slept in a position that caused your neck muscles to tighten and cause pain.
Hotel pillows are often more comfortable than the pillows people have on their beds at home because they are replaced more often, use more expensive and longer lasting materials, and they support the head in different places than the pillows that people have at home.
Side sleepers typically benefit from softer mattresses because they cradle the hips and shoulders to help maintain spinal alignment. Back and stomach sleepers need less contouring and receive better spinal support from firmer beds with stable surfaces that prevent sinkage.
A good rule of thumb is that your pillow should always keep your neck parallel to your mattress, no matter what position you're in. Your neck shouldn't be bent forward or to one side, which is why experts don't recommend sleeping on your stomach.
When lying on one's side, a pillow should support the head and neck so the spine maintains a straight and natural horizontal line. A thicker pillow is needed for sleeping on the side than sleeping on the back. Bending the knees and placing another pillow between the knees keeps the spine in the neutral position.