How do I know if I'm getting enough support for my neck/head while sleeping?

Question

I'm not sure if I need a new, more supportive pillow, or if its from my TMJ. But almost everyday when I wake up from a full nights sleep, my neck is very sore and stiff. I am going to look for a new pillow soon, but is my pillow the cause of it? Am I not getting enough support from it? What kind would be recommended on a students salary?

Thanks for any answers.

Answer 1

Leryn

What does money have to do with the health of your neck or your body.  Sounds like to me if you have any medical insurance you should find a chiropractor to check your neck out.  We do pillows with the foam that shaped for your neck.  I've used them with success, but need varied pillows, that set my head up higher than those pillows do.  

So check out contoured pillows and chiropractor.

Answer 2

This happens to me if I have pillows that are not soft.  It is difficult to find something just right as you cannot take pillows back to the shop.  Have you a pillow in the house that is softer for you to try?

Answer 3

I'm afraid I have to disagree with answer 1 above. Your pillow is critical to a good night's sleep as it is the item that provides needed support for your head. Lie on the ground with your head off the ground so that it is at the same level as your body. Is this comfortable. I think not. Then you need support. A good pillow is critical. Talk to a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist about what is best for you.

Answer 4

Your pillow isn't causing anything, it's the position you're sleeping in.  You need to figure out a position that doesn't cause you to wake up in pain.  You don't need "support" for your head and neck, that's only advertising from people who want to sell you something.  There are no special orthopedic pillows or anything that will help you.  Find a comfortable position and then use the pillow you have to keep you comfortably in that position.