A Complete Guide to Selecting the Right Neck Support Pillow

Neck pain can make even the simplest tasks feel like a burden, not to mention how severely it can disrupt your sleep. For adults in the UK, approximately 10–20% experience neck pain at any given time, with 30-50% encountering it at some point in their lives. Fortunately, choosing the right neck support pillow can significantly alleviate discomfort, improve spinal alignment, and enhance your overall sleep quality.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about selecting the perfect pillow tailored to your sleep position, with expert insights, proper recommendations, and a closer look at Putnams pillows, a trusted brand loved by chiropractors and customers alike.

Why Does Neck Support Matter?

Neck pain isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a major health burden in the UK, often linked to poor posture, stress, and inappropriate pillows.

According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, it’s more common in women and one of the leading causes of disability in the UK, with an annual cost to the economy estimated in the billions of pounds. The wrong pillow can exacerbate pain by misaligning the spine, while the right one offers the support necessary for proper alignment.

See also - NHS Inform Neck Forms

Understanding Your Sleep Position and Its Impact

Your sleep position plays a critical role in determining the type of support your neck needs.

Here’s what you should consider based on how you sleep:

Side Sleepers

• Challenge: Side sleepers require firm neck support to ensure their spine remains level.
• Solution: Look for a higher loft pillow or one that contours to cradle the head and shoulders.

Back Sleepers

• Challenge: Back sleepers need balanced support to maintain natural curvature without pushing the head too far forward.
• Solution: Medium loft pillows, such as cervical roll pillows, can be ideal.

Front Sleepers

• Challenge: Sleeping on your stomach can strain the neck and increase discomfort.
• Solution: Low-loft pillows or slim designs, like the Butterfly Pillow, may help reduce strain.

See also - Your Guide to Healthy Sleep Habits and Finding Your Ideal Sleep Position

Finding the Right Pillow for Your Needs

Here at Putnams, we offer a range of solutions tailored to different needs and sleep positions.

Below, we’ve highlighted some top recommendations.

Putnam Pillow

The classic Putnam Pillow is a top choice for long-lasting neck support. It’s designed to enhance spinal alignment and is perfect for everyday use.

• Customer testimonial: "This is the best pillow I have ever bought and my neck and shoulder problems eased after the first night and continued to get better over a few days. It takes a bit of time to get used to the size being smaller than a standard pillow but the neck support is superb and my whole body feels aligned and very comfortable." - Margaret P
• Best for: Side sleepers and back sleepers.
• Unique feature: Its ergonomic design suits a wide range of users.

Butterfly (Japanese Style) Pillow

For sleepers who prefer minimalism and portability, the Butterfly Pillow is a great option. Its slim, compact profile is especially useful for stomach sleepers or those who travel frequently.

• Customer testimonial: “My physio recommended Putnams. I was suffering with a stiff neck which I thought might be from an unsupported neck whilst sleeping. I’ve found the butterfly pillow helps, and it’s small enough to pack when travelling.” – Gill C.
• Best for: Front sleepers or travel use.

Cervical Roll Pillow

If you have a condition like cervical spondylosis, specialised pillows are crucial. The Cervical Roll Pillow is designed to alleviate pressure on the neck by keeping the vertebrae naturally aligned.

• Customer testimonial: "I was getting neck and shoulder pain in the morning due to lack of support.I am a side sleeper and this pillow,i have the wool filling firm one gives me the support i need.Used alongside my normal pillow no more neck and shoulder pain for me." Thomas S
• Best for: Back and side sleepers with specific spinal conditions.
• Ideal features: Firm, supportive design for targeted relief.

Putnam Self-Adjusting Pillow

Finding a pillow that truly fits your anatomy can be tough, but the Self-Adjusting Pillow removes the guesswork. This customisable option includes inserts to adjust the height and firmness to your liking.

• Customer testimonial: “A very good solution to diverse anatomy. I could experiment with several combinations of the 3 different sizes.” – Otilia M.
• Best for: All sleep positions because of its flexibility.
• Unique feature: Adjustable to suit individual needs.

See also - Relieving Arthritis Aches & Pains with Pillows

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pillow

With so many options available, finding the right pillow can feel overwhelming. Keep these factors in mind to narrow your search:

Pillow Loft Height

The loft, or height, of a pillow determines how well it supports the neck. For example:

• High lofts are great for side sleepers.
• Medium lofts suit back sleepers.
• Low lofts or thin pillows are ideal for front sleepers.

See also - How Pillow Height Affects Sleep Quality

Material Matters

From memory foam to wool pillows, different materials have unique properties:

• Memory foam: Offers excellent contouring and pressure relief.
• Latex: Naturally springy and supportive.
• Wool: Medium to Soft, the adjustable fill can help the correct structure for proper alignment.

Consider Your Mattress

Your pillow’s effectiveness relies on your mattress, as softer mattresses may require lower-loft pillows and firmer mattresses may work better with higher-loft options.

Together, they ensure proper alignment.

Cleaning and Maintenance

A clean pillow isn’t just hygienic; it can also prolong its lifespan. Most Putnams pillows feature removable, washable covers for easy maintenance.

Check the specific care instructions for longevity.

See also - Pillow Maintenance Tips: Prolonging the Life of Your Pillow

Break-in Period

It’s normal for quality pillows to feel different during the first few nights. Allow a few days to adapt and assess whether the support meets your needs.

Tips for Alleviating Neck Pain Beyond a Pillow

While choosing the right pillow is crucial, additional steps can further reduce neck pain:

• Maintain proper posture throughout the day, especially if you work at a desk.
• Incorporate gentle neck stretches and exercises to improve mobility.
• Ensure that your mattress provides adequate support and isn’t sagging.

Improve Your Sleep with Putnams

Neck pain doesn’t have to rob you of a restful night.

Investing in a high-quality pillow designed for your specific needs can make all the difference. With our wide range of handcrafted pillows, tailored for every sleep position, you’re one step closer to waking up refreshed and pain-free.

Find your perfect pillow today and experience the difference. [Shop Now]