by The intensity of suffering from chronic occipital neuralgia differs from person to person. However, there is one option that may provide you with some relief, and that is a good pillow. The best pillow for occipital neuralgia is specifically for targeted support. It gives the head, neck, and back the posture needed to stay healthy.
But with individual needs, you can’t put your finger on the right pillow. The best pillow for occipital neuralgia depends on the individual, so one pillow will not fit all. Many different types of pillows are on the market, and we have reviewed the best ones for you. Check out the dominant features of the pillows and decide on one for yourself.
What Type of Pillow Is Best for Occipital Neuralgia?
Top 3 Best Pillows to Sleep with Occipital Neuralgia
Saatva Latex Pillow
- Responsive & ultra-breathable support
- Responsive head & neck support
Designed for optimal spinal alignment and is responsive enough for great sleep.
Experience the Saatva Latex Pillow and wake up to a night of better sleep. This hotel-quality pillow supports your head and neck in the right way. It reduces pressure and tension around the muscles so you can rest peacefully.
The cover is organic cotton sateen, known for its ultra-breathable feature. It absorbs sweat for your comfort and cooler experience. The cover is removable and can be easily washed and cleaned. The seams ensure the pillow does not lose shape over time and remains intact.
The fill is of micro-denier fiber surrounding the latex core. The latex is treated and washed to eliminate allergens and dust mites. It is shredded for personalized pressure relief and ultimate support. The latex and the cotton filling are all organic ad pure. The genuine materials guarantee a safe and sound, hypoallergenic pillow for you.
Latex is a porous material and is the best part of this pillow. Its buoyant attribute makes it the most versatile pillow to sleep on. Whether you use it to treat your occipital neuralgia is still a remarkable pillow.
Saatva excels in providing genuine bedding products that resolve health issues and help with sleep. The latex pillow is great for treating occipital neuralgia, but try to pair it with an exceptional mattress. You can choose either a hybrid or a memory foam one. Saatva Classic is one of the finest hybrid mattresses that are extremely comfortable and supportive. And if you are a memory foam fan, try the Loom & Leaf by Saatva.
Even if you consider other pillows, each one has great potential. The memory foam pillow and the Down alternative pillows are great for side and back sleepers. Sometimes even hybrid mattresses are only enough to provide relief if paired with a great pillow.
PlushBeds Sateen White Goose Down Pillow
- High-end materials
- Ultra-Soft & fluffy
High-end craftsmanship and natural comfort define this down-filled mattress.
This luxurious pillow is the epitome of comfort and relief. The goose-down filling is one of the softest, plush, and most sophisticated materials as a fill. It is firm enough to offer consistent neck and head support.
The cover is made from a light, soft-to-the-touch cotton sateen with a subtle sheen. The pillow cover is stitched with care and precision. The 100% cotton is breathable and soft. The fabric has a high thread count to hold the fill well and withstand years of use. The durable stitching makes the pillow long-lasting and able to endure regular washing. And the best part is that even if you toss the pillows in a washing machine, they dry off to become fluffier.
The pillow is also cool to sleep on with an airy cover fabric, and the down itself resists heat. They are available in three sizes, making selecting according to your sleeping arrangement easier. You can choose between medium and firm to suit your sleeping preference.
Moreover, the other PlushBeds’ pillows are all crated well to provide enhanced comfort. Whether the latex pillow or the wool one, each is special and lets you enjoy how you want to sleep. You can find the latex pillow in a shredded and solid version. The wool pillows are handmade with 100% virgin wool filling for the ultimate softness. If your call differs from latex, PlushBeds has plenty of other options.
Amerisleep Comfort Classic Pillow
- Supportive
- Advanced open-cell structure
The ultimate pillow to elevate your comfort and sleep cool.
This comfort pillow is a classic example of using a suitable material for the right purpose. The pillow is made of BioPur material that is airy, porous, robust, and firm. The removable soft cover is easy to clean and breathable to prevent odors and mildew. There are air channels for enhanced breathability and heat dissipation.
It not only keeps the pillow ventilated and cool to sleep on but provides support to the neck. The responsive nature makes the pillow more bouncy yet lighter comparatively.
The loft is also 6 inches deep, making the pillow ideal for teens and adults. It is great for treating occipital neuralgia because of the perfect loft and support.
It gives a nice height to support the head and neck of back sleepers and keeps their back aligned. Overall it is versatile and adaptable to all kinds of sleeping preferences.
Amerisleep owns a Flex pillow that is constructed with Microflex cushions. Each can contour to your head’s shape and pressure, providing ultimate comfort.
The Dual Comfort is an innovatively designed pillow with varying lofts and firmness. One side is soft, which is great for side sleepers. The other side caters to back and stomach sleepers with defined firmness.
What is the Best Way to Sleep with Occipital Neuralgia?
Everyone’s experience with occipital neuralgia is unique. However, certain sleeping positions and strategies may help ease the pain associated with it. For example, sleeping with a pillow under the knees can help take pressure off the lower back and spine.
Sleeping on your side with a pillow between the knees can help align the spine. Some people find sleeping on their stomach is the most comfortable, but this can aggravate the condition. Sometimes the right pillow that is comfortable and supportive might be the answer. Ultimately, it is important to experiment with different positions and different pillows.
How Do You Get Instant Relief From Occipital Neuralgia?
You can do a few things to get instant relief from occipital neuralgia. First, apply a cold compress to the back of your neck. This will help to numb the pain and reduce inflammation. You can also massage the affected area or use a heating pad. If the pain is severe, you may need to take pain medication.
Can Sleeping Position Cause Occipital Neuralgia?
Some evidence suggests that sleeping in certain positions may contribute to occipital neuralgia. Specifically, sleeping with the head on an elevated pillow for a prolonged duration can trigger the pain.
Moreover, sleeping with the head turned to one side for an extended time may pressure the occipital nerves. This leads to irritation and pain.
There is no definitive proof that sleeping position is a direct cause of occipital neuralgia. However, it is certainly something to consider. If you are experiencing symptoms of the condition, try to analyze your sleeping position. Changing the style, position, and pillow might help.
What Aggravates Occipital Neuralgia?
Several things can aggravate or worsen occipital neuralgia, including:
- Sustained or repetitive activities that put a strain on the neck. Avoid driving or using a computer for long periods.
- An injury to the neck or head.
- Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis or cancer.
- Stress and tension.
What Vitamins Help Occipital Neuralgia?
Different people may find relief from different types of vitamins or supplements. However, some reported helping include magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12. Some herbs, such as ginger and turmeric, have also been found to be relieving. Do consult with your Physician if you are considering any supplements for treatment.
Will Occipital Neuralgia Ever Go Away?
If the cause is a compressed or irritated nerve, the neuralgia may disappear once the pressure is relieved. However, if the cause is unknown or the nerve is damaged, the neuralgia may be chronic.
Some people may find relief with medication, physical therapy, and other treatments. At the same time, others may find that the neuralgia persists despite these measures.
Our Recommendation
Good sleep is essential to a healthy lifestyle, yet the ideal pillow is hard to find. Side sleepers need a soft one, while back sleepers need support. Lofty pillows are essential for stomach sleepers.
However, choosing a pillow to combat chronic pain like occipital neuralgia is even more difficult. It is best to consult a doctor and get a pillow to help. One with the correct loft, the recommended firmness, and something breathable and durable.