How to Tell If Your Neck Pain Is Because of Your Pillow or Your Mattress

Whether you are experiencing neck pain first thing in the morning or even later in the afternoon, it could be caused by your mattress and/or your pillows, and how you use them. Aging mattresses get soft and can definitely be a source for neck and back pain. So can be the position in which you sleep.

Best Sleeping Positions for Neck Pain

Sleeping on either side, or your back, are much easier on your neck than sleeping on your stomach, which is hard on the entire spine. But, no matter the position a firm mattress is generally best for most. There are also different types of pillows advised for various sleeping positions. Or, you may wish to use multiple pillows.

Side Sleepers

You will want a pillow that is higher on the neck and lower for the head, following the natural curve of the area, when sleeping on your side.

Memory foam pillows may adjust well for you. Feather pillows can be great, especially if you like to smoosh your pillows and reshape them. But realize that feathered pillows break down with time and you will need to replace yours every year or so.

Choosing a pillow may also vary on whether you tend to stay in one place longer, or whether you shift from one side to the other a lot during the night.

Back Sleepers

Similarly to sleeping on your side, when sleeping on your back your neck needs more support.

Again a memory foam or feather pillow may be comfortable for you, or latex foam which stays cooler than memory foam. We recommend these brands of cooling foam pillows:

• Tempurpedic 
• Glacier Performance by Bedgear

Alternatively, you may choose to use two smaller pillows, a more rounded one for the neck and a flatter one as a head cushion. There are pillows designed to give this effect, such as cervical contour pillows, which work well for some, but others may find them cumbersome.

Mattresses and Body Pillows

Having a poor, or worn-out mattress results in poor sleep and is definitely hard on the back and neck resulting in pain. According to sleepadvisor.com, you should buy a new mattress at least every 10 years. Depending upon the type, we suggested every 7-10 years.

Many people find memory foam, or pillow-top mattresses comfortable, but they generally break down more quickly than regular mattresses. For side sleepers using one of these topped mattresses prevents the need for thick a pillow as your shoulder will sink into the mattress. For standard, firmer mattresses, a thicker pillow supporting the neck is best allowing it to lift it away from the shoulder.

Body pillows can help provide comfort for side sleepers who want the aid or comfort of having something against the back or stomach. They can also provide a little stability while you sleep, avoid tossing and turning, and providing more sound-sleep time.

Getting the Deep Sleep You Need Without the Neck Pain

Sleeping problems can cause neck and back pain. According to Harvard Medical School, researchers involved in one study found that people with sleep problems include difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking too early in the morning, were more likely to have moderate to severe musculoskeletal pain. The 4,140 otherwise healthy men and women studied were also more prone to develop chronic pain over a year’s time.

One thought is that sleep problems interfere with natural muscle relaxation time. A lack of sound sleep can contribute to pain, and pain can contribute to problems sleeping.

If you are experiencing neck or back pain, having trouble sleeping, or simply have come to realize that it is time to replace your old mattress, visit one of our five Matter Brothers Furniture and Mattress stores in Ft. Myers, Tarpon Springs, Sarasota, Pinellas Park, or Naples. Our experienced staff will take the time with you to test out potential mattresses, discuss pillows, and find you the perfect fit. Give us a call to set up an appointment, or stop by one of our Florida stores. We’ll help you get back to getting a good night’s sleep in no time.