What is a contour pillow? Essentially, it is a pillow designed to mirror, and thus support, the contours of the body. There exist contour pillows of many sizes and functions; some specifically designed for the back, some for the legs, and sometimes for the entire body. For the purposes of this article, only head and neck pillows will be discussed in detail.

Click on the pillow above to see top selling contour pillows!

Contour pillows for the head and neck, which are also referred to as orthopedic pillows, have a distinct appearance. The most basic ones feature a convexly curved center area to accommodate the proper placement of the head. More specifically designed pillows will feature that most obvious indent as well as several additional, more subtle contours. Materials used in the fabrication of these pillows will vary, but will most often be either fibers similar to those used in standard pillows, memory foam, or a combination of the two.

A quick note about memory foam, in order to clarify its function, and examine what distinguishes it from the more standard fiber pillow filling: Also, called visco-elastic polyurethane foam, or low resilience polyurethane foam, memory foam is specially formulated to adapt to the subtle curves of the body. The way it reacts (or indents) is dependent upon its density: Low density will respond to pressure alone, while more high-density foams respond to body heat to make their subtle adjustments.

There are literally hundreds of contour pillows available for purchase on today’s market. It is possible to find diverse brands and pillow specifications both online and in the sleep sections of most department stores. Determining which pillow to buy may initially seem like a daunting task. Understanding what you are buying, and knowing which features to look for will help you to narrow your search. The following contour pillow reviews are not intended to be comprehensive in scope. Rather, they are intended to provide readers with a perspective of the various types of pillows that are currently being produced.

The brand Contour Living produces a wide variety of pillow products for the whole body. Its comprehensive website is easy to navigate, and due to its concentration in this area of sleep products, virtually everyone will be able to find a product that suits their needs. Notably, Contour Living produces the CPAP pillow, which is specifically designed for individuals that suffer from sleep apnea, and who require a breathing mask while lying down. Another brand that produces a pillow recommended for sleep apnea sufferers is the Core Products line, which produces the Tri-Core Pillow. Although not made of memory foam, this pillow is specifically designed to feature a trapezoid center, and is available in three sizes.

The Sleep Better brand also produces a notable contour pillow, called the Iso-Cool Memory Foam Pillow. This pillow can be used by side, back and stomach sleepers, and distinguishes itself for its application of PCM, or Phase Change Material. This material basically consists of microscopic beads that effectively help to regulate the temperature of the body, by absorbing heat and feeling cool to the touch.

Be advised that although contour pillows are generally regarded as the healthiest and most comfortable options for sleeping, some adjustment time is occasionally required in order to feel their positive effects. For some this adjustment may take place within just one or two days. For others, whose previous sleeping postures were significantly different, the adjustment may take up to three weeks. Most contour pillows will sell for between $30.00 and $50.00 USD, however various brands and models will inevitably be priced either higher or lower than this ballpark figure.

When shopping for a cervical neck pillow an individual should attempt to find a model that is safe, comfortable and durable. There is a wide variety of cervical pillow devices from which to choose and the model selected will largely depend on one's budget as well as his or her personal preference. Several manufacturers offer high quality cervical neck pillows, including Alex Orthopedic, Mediflow, Core Products Corporation, and Duro-Med. When one is making a selection is it essential to consider craftsmanship and quality, longevity, cost, and manufacturer's warranty information.

The cervical pillows currently in the highest demand include tri core cervical pillows, basic cervical support pillows and cervical traction neck pillows. These models provide cervical pain relief for those with pinched nerves, shoulder pain, herniated discs and other conditions.

Cervical Pillow Reviews

While there is a vast array of models from which to choose when one is shopping for a cervical pillow, the following have received mostly favorable reviews from consumers:

The D-Core Cervical Pillow

Although not as firm as some of its competitors, the D-Core Cervical Pillow from Core Products helps to keep one's neck in proper alignment, allowing soft tissues and muscles to heal. It is for this reason the D-core Cervical Pillow is a favorite of those whose neck injuries were the result of an accident. In addition, this model is frequently recommended by chiropractors. Typically no more expensive than a standard high quality pillow, this model is a good choice for those who are shopping on a budget.

The Mediflow Cervical Pillow

The Mediflow Cervical Pillow is a water based neck pillow that many individuals find exceptionally comfortable. A hybrid model developed in recent years, this unique pillow features a securely sealed, built-in water pouch that the user can adjust by adding or releasing water from the pillow's core. This model has received favorable comments from many consumers including those who suffer from serious medical conditions such as cervical spine degeneration and damaged cervical discs. This model is at the higher end of the price range for cervical pillows but comes with an excellent manufacturers warranty and is well known for its longevity.

The Alex Orthopedic Cervical Neck Roll Pillow

Orthopedic surgeons for patients who have undergone neck surgery frequently recommend models such as the Alex Orthopedic Cervical Neck Roll Pillow. This model also features an organic option for those with allergies or other environmental sensitivities. Additional Alex Orthopedic models are available such as the Memory Foam Cervical Pillow designed to relieve individuals of disc pressure as they sleep. These models are moderately priced and come with a 6-month warranty.

The Duro-Med Full Size 3 Zone Cervical Pillow

Although some users state that it requires a little “breaking in,” the Duro-Med Full Size 3 Zone Cervical Pillow offers relief to those suffering from chronic neck pain. It is an especially good choice for individuals whose doctors recommend a firm cervical pillow. Those who need a softer model may wish to try the Duro-Med Stress-Ease Pillow that is similar to the 3-Zone model only not as firm. The Duro-Med Cervical Contour Pillow is also an option for those looking for a pillow that features medium firmness but one that will still promote proper sleeping posture.

Finding the ideal neck pillow may take a bit of time and effort on the part of the consumer. Some individuals also find they must try several varieties before making a final selection. It is also wise to ask the opinion of one's doctor or chiropractor when deciding on the best cervical pillow.  Go to a chiropractic clinic for a consultation.

A failure to support the neck can make you end up with not only a stiff and sore neck but for some it can lead to headaches. The strap muscles, located in the back of the neck, are meant to support your head and shoulders. When these long straps become tight, they create tension in the neck and upper shoulders and this can then cause a tension headache. Not supporting your neck during sleep can cause you not to sleep very deeply too. Perhaps you cannot get comfortable or you are restless, sometimes with a feeling that you are falling over. When we do not get REM or deep sleep during the night, we are not as healthy or productive during the day.

A neck support pillow will help keep your natural posture aligned.

Getting regular headaches will slow you down too and it is not healthy. It is always easier to prevent a headache than to get ride of one after the fact. Using a good neck support pillow in the right way can give you the added support that you need.  Do not bunch up the pillow and make it too hard. Instead let the natural fold, of the pillow cradle your neck. A Memory foam neck pillow is very accommodating, and if it is a contour pillow instead of the traditional shape, even better.  They give you support and just the right amount of give at the same time.

A memory foam neck pillow is very comfortable because it molds to the shape of your neck and head.

Modern science has come along way since memory foam was invented in the 1970’s by NASA. Tempurpedic neck pillows are one of the most popular brands of memory foam neck support pillows. They also carry other pillows for regular nighttime use and for therapeutic use. If you visit their site, they will send you a sample of their pillow materials. When you put pressure on this martial and then release it slowly, it goes back to the exact shape it originally was, just as your head does laying on it. The idea is to support the head, neck and shoulders but not to sink in and lose the body’s natural alignment.

Their pillows are not terribly expensive but some companies can be. However, if you think of all the down time you would potentially have from missed workdays and money you could lose from making mistakes, then you are better off thinking ahead. A small investment now could save you time, money and pain in the future.

A travel neck pillow can make a long car or plane ride much more bearable.

When planning a vacation you can get an inflatable neck pillow to take with you. Use it at the hotel and on the plane or car ride there. Normally a long plane ride could irritate your already sore neck but plane pillows just do not cut it. Travel neck pillows come in all shapes and sizes, are usually pretty small, and will fit into your carry on luggage.

If a previous injury is causing you neck pain then a cervical pillow especially made for neck pain is what you should be searching for. During the healing process, the neck muscles can be over stained or even torn. Even with a neck brace, you still need to be sleeping on a pillow with adequate support. This is a time to let your neck rest and recover. You should get plenty of sleep to hasten the healing time as well.

Our first topic provides great information for these coming winter months...information on the Homeopathic Flu Vaccine.  Be sure to read up before getting your vaccine.

The next topic is relevant reading material for women who have just given birth.  After a grueling nine months of pregnancy, you are now ready for post natal recovery.

Another health topic on a lot of people's minds is hair restoration and replacement.  If you are considering hair implant surgery, be sure to read up on the facts first.

I am a particularly big fan of this site because it talks about ball room dancing, which of course really stresses maintaining great posture throughout the dance.  Be sure to check out Ballroom Dancing for Beginners.

The last topic on today's health blog carnival is sleep apnea treatments.  Sometimes snoring can be a more dangerous condition than it seems, so if you snore, or know someone who does, you can find some very useful information in that article.

Hope you guys learn some good stuff from those articles!  Remember to take care of your bodies and take care of your backs.  Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!