I’ve been slow posting here lately. My life has been split between trying to rest up from my medical issues and trying to work like crazy when I can. Because my working hours tend to be so irregular, depending on when I feel good, I work faster than I’ve ever done before. Plus, I’ve challenged myself in numerous ways to grow my b5 blogs, to be a teacher to my bloggers, and to learn more on my own.
But amidst all that, I’ve been challenged by "the great pillow search" which is, at this point, almost an epic tale.
When I began my massage therapy, my whiplash flared up to such a degree that I could no longer tolerate my favorite pillow. Indeed, I could not tolerate a pillow at all. I have, since then, been on the search for a new pillow.
I’ve tried all 6 pillows in our apartment. Have traipsed from store to store – from Linens ‘N Things to specialty linens stores to WalMart to Sleep Country and all the department stores in between – to find something better. Something soft but supportive. And, above all, with a low rise. Proper spinal support has the neck supported but the head on a level with the body. Most pillows raise the head, so my search has been for a low rise. Support on the neck, but soft enough to avoid pressuring the pain points and triggering yet another migraine.
My doctor recommended a latex pillow. Well, you try to find that. Of all places, I found it at Walmart. Feels like sleeping on air. But high air. Still too high rise. Tried tempurpedic this weekend. Nice, if you don’t have neck problems, but still not for me.
I think I’m going to give up on my quest for support and soft and just get a brand new down pillow. My head hurts so much and I am sick of the migraines. So, hopefully tomorrow I can have my first full night’s sleep in a month!
Incredibly, I found the pillow of my dreams at Ikea. It’s one of those memory-foam-like things, but quite compact.
So sorry to hear you’ve had such trouble. Good luck with your hunt!
Been there, tried that ;)
Today went to a linens store and picked out the softest down pillow they had. They were out of stock, of course, so I won’t get it till tomorrow :)
There are latex form-fit pillows at KEA, like Rob says .. and also at Costco
No, meant I’ve tried that kind of pillow.
you have heard my neck crack, and i think i have mentioned that my neck can be rather painful, not as much as yours (not nearly) but enough to cause discomfort & sleep problems. i havent been able to find a pillow that works either. in the end i have 3 different pillows of different firmness’ on my bed. i use one or none depending on how my neck feels each night… if you find one that works for support/comfort on a constant basis let me know! :)
I WEAR A NECK SUPPORT OR A TOWEL AROUND MY NECK. THEN I USE A DOWN PILLOW.
PERHAPS THIS CAN HELP YOU TOO.
Thanks for the tip. I think a towel might be much, although I have had some success using a soft scarf. Lower and really soft and squishy. I am now using an ultra-soft down and had 50/50 success thus far. Sometimes it’s perfect, sometimes not.
I hear from a lot of people that neck pain differs per day, and so too must our pillows. I guess we need options :)
might want to try a buckwheat pillow, uses the husks, can buy them at futon stores in vancouver and you can adjust the size of the pillow by taking some out if you want. Really adapts well.
Hi Ariennna,
I have had 3 major crashes all giving me major whiplash (people seem to like the back of my car) and Know all too well how much it can hurt. Been searching for a pillow myself (without luck), afraid I cant help you there. However In the 5-6 years I`ve had the pain I`ve had every single type of theraphy possible and can safely say, the only professional that I believe has really made significant difference, is an OESTEPATH.
I believe my pain would have been extremely minimized had the Specialists ever bothered to mention seeing an Oestepath in the first place.
Haven`t been seeing the Oestepath very long but, I haven`t had a single headache/Migraine since.
Please, please, please take me up on this advice As I was told by friends to see an Oestepath for so long but always pushed the idea aside.
Hope this helps!!!
Hi Arienna,
Over my lifetime I’ve experienced many different health problems, and trying to find a pillow that will benefit my body has been adventure, talked with Chriportactor’s and many other nautral physcian regarding this matter. They all recommend the Buckwheat Natural Pillow, takes maybe a week or so to get used of, I will never go back to anything else, also use a pillow between my knees. Trust this will be benefical to you…May God..direct you in the right decision for you and your health. . . God bles. . . Sharon