Not so long ago, we discussed in detail...
...what the right mattress is for you if you suffer from back or neck pain. Back and neck complaints can seriously interfere with a good night's rest. And if you don’t recover properly at night, you often suffer the consequences all day long. Fatigue, a short fuse, and difficulty concentrating can all be the after-effects of limited sleep.
A good mattress combined with the right pillow
A good mattress is the first thing to look at when dealing with back and neck pain. With the right mattress, you lay the foundation for the correct support that matches your sleeping position. But the right pillow is just as vital. We often see people spend a significant amount of money on a new bed and mattress, only to say: "Just add two 45-euro pillows." To us, it’s no wonder they still walk around feeling unrested.
When searching for the perfect pillow, your sleep position should be the starting point. Are you a stomach sleeper, a back sleeper, or a side sleeper? Of course, you might also change positions frequently throughout the night what we call "tossers and turners" (a term we’ve recently adopted). Regardless of how you sleep, there is a perfect pillow for everyone. The filling and the shape of the pillow determine the level of support and overall comfort.
What is a good pillow for stomach sleepers?
Some stomach sleepers prefer to sleep without a pillow at all. If you are a stomach sleeper but prefer a pillow, it is essential to keep the profile as low as possible. This is especially important with form-stable fillings like latex and memory foam. Down pillows and kapok pillows are particularly well-suited for those who enjoy sleeping on their stomachs.
What kind of pillow is suitable for a back sleeper?
For back sleepers, we recommend a pillow that is slightly higher at the neck than at the back of the head. This ensures the neck receives the correct support and promotes a healthy posture. A bamboo pillow or a Tencel pillow are both excellent choices for back sleepers.
Which pillow is best for side sleepers?
Finally, the side sleeper. This is the most common position, with 3 out of 4 people preferring to sleep on their side. Experts often consider this the least taxing position for the body. However, side sleepers still require proper support. For a "side-sleeper pillow," it’s crucial to have soft yet firm support for the shoulders and neck. This allows the pillow to support your neck, head, and shoulders optimally. Suitable fillings for this group include latex, wool, kapok, bamboo, and memory foam.
How to sleep best with back pain?
Comfort during sleep is important for everyone. But if you suffer from neck and back pain, it is even more critical that a pillow supports you properly. For these complaints, we recommend a neck support pillow. These are often made of form-stable materials, usually latex, which provide extra support for the head and neck. These pillows are ideal for side sleepers with neck and shoulder issues. For back sleepers, we suggest a lower or softer model. We advise stomach sleepers against using a neck support pillow.
What is a good pillow for shoulder or neck complaints?
Regardless of your preferred sleeping position, a good pillow ensures that your head and cervical vertebrae lie in a straight line with your spine. If you have shoulder or neck complaints, choosing the right pillow is even more crucial. In addition to neck support pillows, latex pillows and memory foam pillows are frequently recommended. Latex is a 100% natural material and is also form-stable; it provides very stable support. Furthermore, latex ventilates exceptionally well and quickly wicks away moisture like perspiration.
With a latex or memory foam pillow, determining the correct height is essential. The height you need depends largely on the firmness of your mattress. The softer your mattress, the more your shoulders sink in meaning we would recommend a lower model. If you have a firm mattress or broad shoulders, a higher model is usually better.
Take back and neck complaints seriously!
Back and neck pain resulting in a poor night's rest can significantly disrupt your daily life. It limits your freedom of movement throughout the day, so don't just "live with it." Take it seriously; the sooner you create the right conditions for a good night’s rest with proper support, the sooner your complaints will diminish. If you can't quite figure out which pillow is right for you, don't hesitate to call, chat, or email us. We’re happy to help you find your match!