Vancouver Chiropractor: Pillow Report
Neck pain and pillow issues go hand in hand for many patients. Unfortunately, little research is available on this popular topic. However, a recent study in Manual Therapy was just published, comparing the following pillow types: 1. Polyester synthetic fibre filled, 2. Foam regular shape (from high density foam), 3. Foam contour shape (high density foam), 4. Latex rubber, and 5. Feather.
The feather pillow was significantly proven as the worst pillow. The best results were found with a Dunlopillo latex rubber pillow (115mm in depth [height]). Pillow shape did not affect pain levels and contoured pillows were actually found to be more uncomforable than regularly shaped pillows.
Remember, we are all shaped differently; perhaps you are comfortable sleeping on your feather pillow? As long as you are not sleeping on a pillow that jacks your head up into flexion and you are comfortable on the pillow you currently own, keep on sleeping well.
If you are a stomach sleeper… become a back sleeper now! If you are a side sleeper, try to get on to your back too as many individuals who sleep only on one side will encounter shoulder and rib injuries over time.
Sleep tight and sweet dreams!
Gordon SJ, et al., Pillow use: the behaviour of cervical pain, sleep quality and pillow comfort in side sleepers. Manual Therapy 2009; 14: 671-678.
1 Comment
Karl Slothour at 8:39 pm on March 4, 2010
It is interesting that the contoured pillows are such a poor choice. I can see your point as my wife owned one and she used it for a brief time and then buried it in the closet. It was hard and bumpy. Thank you for this insight. By the way you may find http://askthechiropractor.us interesting.
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