Anybody have any experience using any type of pillow designed to reduce neck pain when sleeping? Memory foam pillows seem like they might be a good bet, but I've heard they get hot. Currently I use a down pillow, which is an improvement over a conventional pillow, but I'd like something better.
I like the Healthy Back neck pillow. Pretty much the same as the Tempur-Pedic neck pillow but it comes in a variety of thicknesses.
It's a memory foam pillow, but I don't find it to be too hot. If it's hot, any pillow will retain your body heat and give it back to you.
do those contoured pillows work OK if you switch sleeping positions? I mostly sleep on my sides, but it's not unusual for me to end up on my stomach or back. I think that's where the down pillow starts to fail me.
I sleep mostly on my side, then on my back. Can't sleep on my stomach for long, but it's not because of the pillow. Never have.
I have no problem on my side or stomach with the contour Healthy Back pillow.
I don't find that the memory foam gets hot. In fact, it SEEMS to remain cooler than a regular pillow. I just don't feel the heat issue.
I ended up getting a Homedics pillow marketed by Tony Little. It's in four sections, filled with beads and covered in spandex. Takes some getting used to, as it's very firm feeling, but quite supportive. I think the main benefit of it so far is that it forces me out of trying to sleep on my stomach. It's just too thick and firm to make that comfortable. That seems to have been the position that gives my neck alot of trouble. So, perhaps with some rehab and strengthening + stretching exercises, I can make some progress with it. I just gotta stay out of those can openers, guillotines, crucifixes, etc. etc. etc.