When shopping for the best orthopedic pillow, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There are memory foam pillows, cervical pillows, and even contour pillows—all claiming to help with neck pain. Here’s what you need to consider:
1.1 Sleep Position Matters
- Side sleepers: Need a thicker pillow to fill the gap between the shoulder and head. Look for an orthopedic memory foam pillow with contouring support.
- Back sleepers: Do best with a medium-height pillow that cradles the natural curve of the neck.
- Stomach sleepers: Should avoid high pillows and instead go for something thinner to reduce strain.
1.2 Material & Certification
The most popular material for orthopedic pillows is memory foam because it molds to your shape while offering firm support. Look for pillows with CertiPUR-US® certification to ensure they’re safe and durable.
1.3 Shape & Ergonomic Design
One of the most important factors when choosing an orthopedic pillow is its shape and ergonomic design. Unlike traditional rectangular pillows, orthopedic pillows are carefully engineered to support the natural curves of your neck and spine. The goal is simple: maintain proper alignment while you sleep, so your muscles and joints can relax instead of straining.
There are generally several types of orthopedic pillows available on the market:
-
Contour pillows: The most common design, often with a higher curve on one side and a dip in the middle. This design cradles the head while giving extra support to the neck, reducing the chance of waking up with stiffness. Side sleepers benefit the most from this style, as it fills the gap between the shoulder and neck. This type of pillow can also effectively help prevent
snoring.
The Newentor Lullanna Cloud Dream Zero G Pillow is a typical example of this design, offering three sizes and four adjustable height options to meet the needs of different users.