Neck Support Pillows

One of the most common allergies is from dust mites that can be found on pillow cases. They live on dead cells and moisture. They are related to ticks and spiders. Millions of these little critters can be found on mattresses, pillows and blankets.
The allergy comes from the waste that the dust mites release. This waste is inhaled and causes allergies in millions of people. They experience symptoms similar to those of a cold: sneezing, running nose and coughing. They can also trigger bout of asthma.

What to do about them?
Proper and regular vacuuming should be the first step in getting rid of these pests. Washing sheets, blankets and pillows covers should be done on a regular basis. Make sure to wash in hot water. Purchase an allergy free mattress or a natural latex mattress. Steam cleans the carpets. Try to keep the room cool because dust mites live in hot humid temperatures.

One of the best ways to prevent neck pain is by doing neck exercises, which can be done easily without equipment and it takes very little time. Stretching the muscles in a full range of motion a few times a day will strengthen the muscles of the neck and help protect the neck from injury. If at any time you have any apprehensions about doing the exercises contact your doctor. If the exercises are painful also contact your doctor.

Do the exercises slowly and at least 10 times. Do one group of exercises in the morning and one at night. Breathe deeply as you do each repetition

1. shoulder shrug, bring your shoulders upward and then down
2. side to side neck stretch
3. lock your hands behind your head and try to put your elbows together
4. bring your head forward as far as possible and back as far as possible this is also referred to as the neck flexion
5. roll your head clockwise and then do the reverse
6. neck retractions is where you thrust you head forward and then back

Memory foam pillows are cut to conform to natural sleep positions. They give great support and are specially molded for specific neck, back and spine support.

Ordinary pillows don’t properly support your head and neck This forces your neck into unnatural, potentially harmful positions. Sleeping in an unsupported manner can cause the surrounding muscles in your neck and upper back to work harder which can result in a stiff, achy morning!

With a memory foam pillow your head, neck, shoulders and back “sense” the support and relax so you enjoy a deep, restful night’s sleep and awake feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

The softest pillow you can find is the Down Pillow which is made from the tufts under a geese’s feathers…

The average person spends at least a third of their life in bed sleeping. So if you live to be 75 years old at least 25 years of that will be on a bed stretched out dreaming or tossing and turning. If you spend that much time in bed choosing a pillow should be a choice taken with some deliberation. Sleep is such an important part of life; it rejuvenates the body, mind and spirit.

There are many different types of pillows ranging from soft as down to firm and supporting from cheap to very expensive. No matter the price or the contents that the pillow is made up of, it is important that you choose the one that is right for you.

What pillows are made of varies; here is a list of the popular style pillows.

1. Down pillows are made of the tufts under a geese’s feathers. This type of pillow is known for being very soft and somewhat expensive. Down also a good thermal insulator that can be found in jackets and in beddings. Because of this the down pillow can be considered hot.

2. Foam or memory foam pillows are molded for back and neck support. This is beneficial to those who seek specific support in the neck or back. Like the down pillow it also is considered hot and usually doesn’t hold up as well over time.

3. Cotton pillows are firmer and flatter than down pillows and they don’t offer quite as much support as the foam memory pillows. They last longer than most pillows and are hypoallergenic.

4. Wool pillows are also hypoallergenic. They stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. But they don’t conform to the shape of your head and tend to feel hard.

5. Buckwheat pillows are filled with the hulls of buckwheat. Generally they are considered a firm pillow that may take time to get used to. This firmness is good for neck and curvature support. This type of pillow is relatively heavy and for the most part hypoallergenic. A slight crunching sound can be heard when pressing your head against the buckwheat pillow.

Many people who sleep on their side find that a pillow that isn’t quite as large and firm will suit them better, whereas a person who sleeps entirely on their back tend to use a firm pillow for neck support and comfort. If you sleep on your stomach, and that usually isn’t recommended, then a very flat or thin pillow will do the trick.

Other factors need to taken into consideration when purchasing a pillow. If you suffer from acid reflux then you would need a pillow that is firm and one that you would probably have to stack one on top of the other.  If you have sleep apnea than you may need a specialized pillow.

Make sure to take your time and choose wisely because your rest depends upon it.

The neck is made up of many muscles and tendons making it inevitable that pain will be the result due to over use and injury. There are many factors and conditions that may cause neck pain such as: 

Cervical strain is the result of strain of the muscles and ligaments of the cervical spine. Causes of cervical strain may be from overuse of muscles, over stretching, . Car accidents and sporting events are also a major contributor to cervical strain.

 Cervical spondylosis is the wearing out of cartilage and bones in the neck. Degeneration of the cervical spine is the cause for this condition

 Cervical facet syndrome is a pain found in the neck due to the inflammation of facet joints which are small joints in the back that share the strain of weight and stress of an individual.

 Whiplash neck pain occurs when there is a sudden twisting of the neck which causes the spine to stretch. Car accidents and sports related accidents produce many whiplash injuries.  Pain in the neck, back and shoulders plus headaches are symptoms of whiplash.

Neck pain can be excruciating and very tiresome. You wake up in the morning and you find that the slightest twist in your neck  causes a sharp pain that feels like a knife was stuck in your neck. Holding your head in one position all day will only tire you out.

 Besides doing neck exercises to strengthen and limber the muscles of the neck. The way you position yourself and your pillow are vital in avoiding a sore neck in the morning.

• Your head should not be at an angle on the pillow. This will definitely strain your neck and make your neck stiff in the morning.
• Try to be consistent in how you position yourself at night. If you prop your head up with 2 pillows make sure to do that every night.
• If you wake up in the middle of the night and get up, make sure when you go to bed to go back to your familiar position
• If you need to use pillows to help with your positioning in bed
• Don’t sleep on your stomach because of the strain that it puts on your back and stomach muscles.
• use a neck pillow or a contour neck pillow that is designed specifically for neck support
• Foam memory pillows are designed for neck support.
• A good mattress will also help.