I woke up this morning without the wrenching neck pain I’ve the last couple years. The secret of my success? Stacking two pillows much higher than I thought I needed.
As a side sleeper, I thought the pillow should hold my head the same distance from my shoulder as when I’m standing up. But I went through 11 pillows in a year without relief. Judging the distance between ear and shoulder nearly impossible when you’re lying down. I was worried about getting my head too high — until last night.
Two pillows seemed impossibly uncomfortable when I settled in. Hart even questioned my Great Pillow Experiment. The trial was successful. Turns out I need voluminous fluff to fill the space.
Not only did my neck feel better, my head has been happy so far today. One night’s evidence is laughable by the scientific method, yet I’m buoyed by the results. My solution isn’t perfect for everyone, but may be worth a shot. How much harm could it do? If it hurts too much, you’ll be awake within an hour or two and can adjust it.
I got a chiropractic pillow that is half water and half foam. You fill water to desired firmness. I have the king size and OMG what a difference it make. Expensive but worth it.
There are specialty pillows for side sleepers that you may find more comfortable than the stacking method. They are thicker and firmer around the edges and then dip in the middle to support your head. The idea is that the thicker outside edge will comfortably support your neck. Good luck in your pillow experiment!
Interesting. See that teeny tiny line under “great”? That’s me. However, it took a lot of experimentation before I got there.
Side sleepers need the firmest support of all–the spine needs to be in alignment, and not hanging in space, with your head dropping down!
I use two pillows–one fairly firm one for a base, and then a sort of squishy one on top, so that I can moosh it around to conform to my face.
I think this is very interesting. Report back in a few weeks, and let’s see if it’s made a difference in your overall headache severity.
I switch from my wonderful feather pillow that I love, to one of those memory foam ones when my head is aching.
I recommend those expensive ones from the Chiroprator. Firm foam.
Wow, I’m going to try that. I’ve had the same approach as you…trying to keep my head symmetrical. I keep trying different pillows, and switching them around from night to night.
This is GREAT NEWS! Yay for you!!!