Most people only consider replacing a pillow for neck pain as they have been using it for years only after they experience some neck discomfort during their sleep or upon awakening. Is there a best time to decide when to replace a pillow? If you reading this article and have neck pain and wondering if your neck pain was caused by your pillow, I hope you shed some light based on my experience we see in our neck pain patients.
Obviously, there comes a time when you have to do something about your pillows if they are causing neck pain. After all, it’s important to make sure that you get the support and comfort needed for a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, most people wait until their neck pain becomes unbearable before doing a replacement. This is not only counterproductive but can lead to more severe issues down the line if not addressed in a timely manner.
Sleeping on an old pillow can cause stress on the muscles and joints of your neck resulting in tension headaches, muscle stiffness and even nerve damage over time. It is much better to do a replacement regularly than endure long-term discomfort from using one that has lost its shape or is no longer providing enough support for your head and neck while you sleep.
Many patients who come in with neck pain have considered changing or have already done a replacement. It is not common to hear patients having owned five to ten pillows or more and still suffering from neck pain! So the million dollar question is when you have neck discomfort or pain, did the problem arise from the pillow or your neck? It may surprise you if I tell you that the problem is more often the neck that needs to be fixed first. Once the neck is better, you might find that sleeping on the same pillow is more comfortable. In short, don’t go spend unnecessary money until you know the origin or cause of your neck pain.
Obviously, there comes a time when you have to do a replacement, it is still not giving your neck the proper support it needs. After a patient gets a neck adjustment or neck tune up, the pain returns especially upon awakening, then it may be worth to consider getting a new pillow. Even if you don’t have neck pain, consider replacing a new pillow if its more than one year old. There are other advantages of doing such replacement as it will be more hygienic as dust mites, allergies or stains may be present.
It is no secret that a pillow can make or break the quality of restful sleep. But what many people fail to consider is how often they should be doing a replacement. In particular, those who experience neck pain or discomfort should consider doing a replacement more often than normal.
A good night’s sleep requires much more than just a comfortable mattress – it requires the right pillow! Doing replacement regularly can have a huge impact on your level of comfort and quality of sleep.
The general rule of thumb is that you should do the replacement every one to two years, depending on their condition and usage. If you’re using an old, worn-out pillow, it’s time for an upgrade as soon as possible! Consider investing in higher-quality options like memory foam which will provide superior support and durability over time.
A comfortable pillow is key in providing support to your neck muscles and spine while you sleep. The right one should help keep your head, neck, and shoulders properly aligned with your spine, reducing stress on these areas which can lead to neck pain. Over time they will be too soft or lumpy which will lose their shape making them less supportive and resulting in poor alignment of your head, neck, and spine.
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to staying energized and productive throughout the day, but if you’re sleeping on an old or unsupportive one, that could be preventing your body from getting the rest it needs. A quality one should help keep your head, neck, and shoulders properly aligned with your spine while you sleep, reducing stress in these areas.
The type of pillow you choose will depend on how you normally sleep – side, back or stomach. For side sleepers in particular, a firmer pillow is recommended as it helps to support the natural curve of your spine and neck better than a softer option. It’s also important to find one that molds comfortably around your head without putting too much pressure on any one spot. If possible try out different pillows before buying; this gives you a chance to see which one feels best for you. For stomach sleepers a thinner polyester fiberfill or cotton fill works best since they provide less cushioning and won’t push the neck up too much.
For years, most people have been content with using the same one until it either wears out completely or becomes too uncomfortable to use any longer. Little do they know, however, that making sure to do a replacement regularly could potentially help alleviate any current and prevent future neck pain. By switching up every year-and-a-half to two years, you can ensure that your spine remains properly aligned and your muscles relaxed throughout the night for more restful sleep and better overall health.
When shopping for the perfect one there are several factors to consider such as size, firmness and material. To ensure proper alignment of your spine it is important to have one that is neither too high nor too flat. A plush or medium-firm one works well for most side sleepers as it provides enough support while still allowing you to sink comfortably.
It’s important to have the right neck support when it comes to your bed. Without it, you can suffer from neck and shoulder pain, headaches, and even poor sleep quality. It is therefore essential that you do the replacement when they no longer offer the necessary support for your body.
There comes a time when you have to do a replacement – but this doesn’t mean that you have to settle for something less than ideal. There are plenty of options available in terms of both materials and design which can give your neck the proper support it needs while still providing comfort and luxury. Look for those that are made with memory foam as these will mold perfectly to the shape of your body and provide maximum comfort on an ongoing basis.
Which type of pillow should you replace? Well, for the best neck support, I find a memory foam does a fantastic job, if they have not been degraded or break down. Have you even seen your running show cushion peel off without warning? Even branded memory foam such as Tempurpedic pillow will degrade. In the following video, I show you a pillow brought by one of our patients who has had neck pain.
Tests to Determine When To Replace a Pillow
The first test most commonly described to determine when to replace a pillow is the Fold Test. Basically, what you do is to fold the neck pillow halfway. If it is very easy to do if it has lost its resilience indicating the need to do a replacement. The fold test method may not work well for memory foam or foam pillows. So I usually suggest a Pinch Test which is illustrated in the video. Interestingly, the video where I describe when to replace a pillow is a Tempur-Pedic brand, which is only slightly more than a year old by a young adult male. Hope this tip will help you make a good decision when you buy your next new pillow. By the way, pillow store owners or department stores usually put these old pillows that start to degrade on SALE. Hence, don’t be surprised if most of the pillows you see in the department store fail the pillow Pinch Test.
