Pillow Talk

[trimmso]

Hi all

Does anyone with throat/neck injuries/medical condition have experience of buying suitable pillows for these type of medical issues.

I have briefly searched on line but the adverts were very complicted for me and I got nowhere.

I always wake up with excrutiating and debilitating neck and throat pain that will wane a little once awake.

I am sure I could do better thatn the regular pillows that I am at present sleeping on believe it or not a few months ago I asked a physiotherapist for advice and unfortunately she did not have any for pillows.

Cheers

[Mary-intussuception]

I just use regular pillows, but lots of them. Nothing too hard/firm, thick or bulky. I have conflicting conditions - for my severe neck/C-Spine conditions I am told I should use only one, no more than two pillows. But - For my Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, post-nasal drip, upper -respiratory tract infections and breathing problems I am told to use five pillows. So I have to compromise and move the pillows arround - try to keep my neck stretched and supported but still keep my upper body a little raised.

I try to go with which condition is troubling me the most at the time, but often several are!

[trimmso in reply to Mary-intussuception]

Dear Mary

Sounds Horrendous what you are constantly dealing with.

I am sorry to sound arrogant but I was taken aback when the physiotherapist I asked did not have good/any advice for me on pillows.

I thought there would be an NHS section that would be able to assess and make according to the patient' personal needs.

I surmised that good sleep is promoted for all whether ill or not so you would think that the medical profession would consider finding the best possible sleeping aids for patients with neck/throat medical issues as a fundemental priority.

But obviously not so.

I sometimes despair as they are able to perform a face transplant but unabe/unwilling to go that extra mile to provide tailored pillows according to one' needs for patients

I was quite willing to pay but just wanted a credible NHS opinion that could be trusted.

Good luck Mary and thanks for your contact

[Yanspirit]

Hi!

I've had the same situation after I gave birth and nursed my baby in an uncomfortable position (i thought it was the reason). Fist it was just a pain in my elbows, then the neck and upper back and at least all my spine and chest felt like on fire from inside out. I've made a decision to feed a baby in different poses, finally stopped nursery but the ache didn't stop. That was terrible, I was not able to do housework, after an hour of walking I was on fire... Awful.

Wasn't able to hold my kid even for a minute, just pain and frustration. But I've got a cure! After months of hell, I started practicing yoga for the beginners and accidentally felt the relief. Day after day It feels better and better, but in the morning the pain returned that's why I decided to try sleeping on the floor, my husband said I'm insane, but mornings are better now. Here's good info about this sleepmentor.net/benefits-of... — it really works. Yoga and a flat “bed”. Hope you will try my method, it's super simple and makes life better without pain. Get well

[trimmso in reply to Yanspirit]

Good morning Yanspirit Thank you for your input.

It must have been so difficult for you to get throagh that period with a new born in tow.

good job you sound like a strong character who thinks outside the box.

I am now old but still a very hyper personality and would find it impossible to stay stil in a yoga class just watching yoga I want to speed them all up

However maybe you are right about the bed because I was just thinking that I am sure if it was lower it would be beneficial so with your thoughts in mind I will do something with my bed very shortly.

Hope the little one is good

[greekqueen]

I I find that using a normal size flattish pillow on the bed and a good memory foam pillow on top, not too firm, has worked for me for the last 15 years with neck pain, and it always gives me a good sleep.

I hate going to a hotel where there is no memory foam pillows, nearly all, then I know sleep will not be easy,

[Hidden]

Ive got tons of different pillows.. sizes and shapes and etc. I use a "My pillow", regular cheap pillow..u shaped travel looking pillow, real stiff long pillows.. evn ones for outdoor use..Never a shortage of pillows in my house. My pillow use depends on type of pain and location of pain I have at the time. Usually if I cant use my "My pillow" its a message I need to see my chiropractor and get adjusted.My best advice is a throw blanket that has two different texture sides to it.My favorite has soft velour on one side and a rougher cotton on reverse.Velour good for summer cooler temps..cotton..warmth.Throw blankets can be squished and twisted and folded to what ur needs r and great with a pillow or not. Hope u find what ur looking for

[trimmso in reply to Hidden]

Hi hippolove

Sorry have not replied sooner but only net upstairs and been down for a few hours.

i will answer both your replies I am serious about the house if I win big I have had such warmth and support and a few laughs since joining this site I wish we were all taking care of each other as I am sure with us all multitasking we would live and eat well.

Plus be treated with kid gloves instead of the usual boxing gloves if you get my drift.

unfortunately Hip I am not at all lucky with winning money.

Infact if I was the only one playing they would lose the balls. So dont hold your breath but never say never.

I think it is shocking that the NHS physio/sleep clinics do not try to assess the best and most comfortable sleeping aides for patients with neck/throat medical issues and yet constantly ram the message of a good nights sleep down your throat I bet they just issue meds easier for them .

I have had more sympathy, advice and guidelines off of you in a few minutes that months of dealing with physio depts.

Anyway maybe one day HealthUnlocked will offer holidays for us all where we can all meet.

I bet your a right livewire I am a bit of a loose cannon myself age has not calmed me down so I will have to wait for the grim reaper to do that later hopefully rather than sooner.

I am just going to tuck in to the cornbeef hash parsnips and spinach I made earlier so good bye for now and thanks for the commaraderie spirit you enthuse

[Hidden in reply to trimmso]

Ill be right over for the corned beef hash and etc..Ill even bring my own fork, LOL enjoy ur meal.. glad I could be some help..u know where to find me.

[GrannaOnTheFarm1]

After years of experimenting with different pillows I finally took the plunge and threw them all away. I now sleep on my back with a small rolled towel (or similar soft object) under my neck. It maintains a normal neck curve. I bought a used adjustable bed ($100!) and raise the head to about 20-30 degrees. This sleeping position is a far cry from my old sleep position - on my tummy with legs and arms at various contorted angles and my nose pressed into two fluffy pillows. Took some getting used to but now I sleep like a babe and Rise rested in the morning, with no pain.