The Queen of Neck Pillows

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October 11, 2018

Not Very Comfortable due to Cervical Support does not Fit Neck Well ...

Not very comfortable due to cervical support does not fit neck well and head feels like it is elevated when laying on back regardless of which way I turn and use the pillow. I have had my C5 - C7 fused and need a pillow with good cervical support- this unfortunaltey is not it. -Kimura

Cervical Spine Pillow - the Arc4life Large traction pillow

The Arc4life Traction Large Pillow was too Large for this Person and the Wrong Pillow

Dear Kimura, we appreciate the feedback on the Arc4life traction pillow. This is a good case study for the Neck Pillow Queen, because I can show my readers how ordering the wrong size or using the pillow incorrectly can cause neck pain and problems.

It sounds as if you ordered the wrong size of the arc4life traction pillow. You ordered the large size of this pillow (28"x17). This arc4life traction pillow also comes in medium, and small. No matter which way you turn the pillow, it will be uncomfortable for you.The medium sized pillow might have been a better fit for you. Also, one more important point to note is that you had a cervical fusion in the C5- C7 area of the cervical spine. That means that those areas of your spine should not move. If this fusion was very recent ( within the last few months ) this is not the right pillow for you. You don't want a pillow that stretches your neck (the traction v side of the arc4life pillow stretches your neck)- rather you need a support pillow. You can safely use the support side of the pillow, but again, if it is too big for you, it might be uncomfortable for you to use daily.

Here are two examples of effective support pillows after a cervical spine fusion: The 1. Cosmed recovery pillow: and #2. Arc4life Gravity Pillow (medium size most likely for you) .

Additional Reading:

Posted at 02:09 PM in How to Choose the Right Pillow, Pillows For Neck Pain | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 06, 2018

If a Pillow is Going to Work For You - It has to be the Right Size and the Right Firmness.

Arc4life traction pillow medium extra firm

“This pillow ( Arc4life Extra Firm Pillow, Medium) might be good for some, but not suitable for my condition (herniated discs in neck). Perhaps works best for a heavier person? I ordered it knowing it could be returned, not realizing i must pay for return shipping. Had i known, i would never have ordered it on trial in the first place.”

- M, April 10, 2018

Dear M,

Thank you for your honest feedback .This type of feedback will actually help someone who is looking for relief from a herniated disc make a better buying decision. Here at the Neck Pillow Queen Blog, I have a lot of readers who need to know the right pillow to buy for a herniated disc, bulging disc, pinched nerve, so I think this will be useful to post.

First of all M, you ordered the extra firm version of the arc4life traction pillow. Yes it is firm, you are right. It is about 25% more firm than the regular support version of this pillow. For all my patients who are looking for a pillow to help with pain relief and from the symptoms of a herniated disc, I always recommend the regular support pillow first, NOT the extra firm version. You might find that the regular support pillow is going to be the right amount of firmness. Why? Because with each arc4life traction pillow there is a gentler side ( the support side ) and a firmer side ( the traction V Side).

Also, You mentioned you are a small sized person. I would probably have recommended the medium arc4life pillow for you (regular support) ( link: https://www.amazon.com/Arc4life-Cervical-Traction-Support-Sleepers/dp/B0002RO3JU) or possibly the small arc4life traction pillow (link: https://www.amazon.com/Arc4life-Cervical-Traction-Support-Sleepers/dp/B00U7WSTD6) - a better way to know the right size would be know what your exact height, weight, frame and frame are. In general a person is very petite (for example 4 ft 8", 4 ft 9", etc and weighs around 100 lbs or less), the smaller pillow is best. If you are over 6 ft and built like a football player order the large. Anyone in between, usually the medium size works well. Like I said, Contact us so we can help you individually.

This is actually the right pillow for a patient with a herniated disc, you just ordered the wrong size. That makes a big difference.

As for the shipping comment, that is standard with all amazon orders, arc4life orders, ebay orders etc, you are responsible for the return shipping.

Most likely, You received free shipping when ordering the pillow and it the policy of amazon that you are responsible for the return shipping.

Please contact Arc4life by visiting our website: https://arc4life.com/ or reach out to us Via Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/Arc4life/. We are here for you to help you get a better night of sleep and to help you with neck pain relief.

- Nav

Additional Reading:

Posted at 10:58 AM in How to Choose the Right Pillow, Information about Neck Pain, Pillows For Neck Pain, Specialty Pillows, Traction Pillows, Types of Pillows | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 04, 2018

The Contours of the Arc4life Gravity Neck Pillow

Check out the Contours on this Pillow:

A Quick Synopsis Of the Arc4life Linear Gravity Support Pillow

Align Your head and neck correctly with this pillow:
- Get Rid of Stiff Neck, Achiness and Stress in the Cervical Spine
- Eliminate stress in your neck, shoulders and upper back.
- Help reduce the pain associated with Fibromyalgia
- Great for patients suffering with neck arthritis, cervical degeneration and cervical spondylosis.
- Comes in 3 sizes: Small (20x15), Medium (24x17)and Large (28x17)
- Order the pillow based on your 1) height and 2) weight 3) Preference for a smaller or larger pillow 4) What you are used to using- a smaller pillow or a larger pillow. Many patients order a pillow based on their mattress size - we do not recommend this.
- Made in the USA. No FOAM, FIBER or RUBBER in this pillow

The Arc4life Linear Gravity Pillow Has 2 sides to it: Two Neck Rolls. One firmer, one softer and gentler.

The Arc4life Gravity Pillow Comes in a Small Size:

The Arc4life Gravity Neck Pillow comes in a smaller size with dimensions of 20" x 15". This is important for three reasons. First it accommodates patients who want a smaller pillow. They might just like to sleep on a smaller pillow that is not so high up and they also might physically need a smaller pillow. For example a petite framed woman who is 5"0 and weighs 100 lbs. She might need a pillow that fits her head and neck well. The small arc4life gravity pillow is great for that. Secondly, this particular is neck pillow is great for teens and kids. If you want your child to have an ergonomically correct pillow to sleep with, this contoured neck pillow will fit them and allow them to sleep with a naturally aligned head and neck. Finally, this pillow makes a great travel pillow. Customers want to be able to sleep when they go away from their own beds - here is a pillow that can fit into carry on luggage.

Sleep Easily on Your Side with This Pillow

Sleeping on your side is easily accommodated with the Arc4life Linear Gravity Pillow. This pillow works to align your head and neck . It takes pressure off of the spinal column this allowing the muscles in your neck to relax.

Sleeping On Your Back with the Arc4life Gravity Support Pillow

Sleep on Your Back with This Pillow

The Arc4life Linear Gravity Pillow will cradle your neck and head while at the same time giving you needed support in the cervical spine. In turn this keeps your breathing passages open. This When you are relaxed with you sleep, you can also get rid of neck tension, aches and stress.

Additional Reading Resources:

Posted at 11:49 AM in Specialty Pillows, Support Pillows | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 06, 2018

What is the Life Expectancy of A Fiber Pillow?

How Long Will My Pillow Last Me?

This is a very common question that we receive on this blog, the Neck Pillow Queen. In particular we get this about our fiber pillows, such as the arc4life cervical linear traction neck pillows, arc4life linear gravity neck pillows and the tri core orthopedic neck pillows.

I know that what most people want to hear is their pillow will last them "forever". Unfortunately, this is not the case, especially when it comes to a fiber stuffed pillow.

In the specific case of the arc4life traction neck pillow and the arc4life linear gravity pillow- there is no shelf life. It could last you a few months, it could last you a few years. All of arc4life pillows are created here in the USA. The pillows are made from a special fiber called gar-netted fiber and are hand stuffed and rolled into each and every pillow. Most other fiber filled pillows use a machine to blow in the fiber. The pillows are not overstuffed. Therefore, the fibers will break down over time. If the pillows were stuffed more, then they would last longer. One prime example of that is the Tri Core orthopedic neck support pillow (this pillow contains fiber that is blown in by a machine). The fiber in these pillows is stuffed to the maximum. There are even two versions of this pillow (gentle and firm) and both them are quite firm. If you were to put your finger on the pillow, there would be a small amount of give. Compare this to the arc4life traction neck pillow or the arc4life linear gravity neck pillow there is more give to these pillows. They are not overstuffed and we don't consider them a firm pillow. The way we would describe them would be in between: not firm like a foam pillow, and not soft like a feather pillow. They are in between.

One the reasons that the arc4life neck pillow are not overstuffed is because they are created specifically to help you through a neck condition. Many of the customers and patients that order our pillow have neck pain, stiff neck, a bulging disc, a herniated disc, arthritis or disc degeneration in their neck. They have been recommended by their health professional to order an orthopedic pillow that has contours. The traction pillow works particularly well because it gently stretches the cervical spine, while at the same time allowing for optimal neck alignment.

In the particular case of the arc4life traction pillow there is a Firm Side and there is a softer side. The V traction side is the firmer side and the neck roll or support side is the softer side. Even though we distinguish between these two sides as being firm and soft, overall this fiber filled pillow is not as firm as other pillows on the market.

Because the fiber is not packed in, the fibers will break down faster than a more firmer pillow. As mentioned above the tri core pillow is another fiber pillow that will last you a lot longer than the arc4life pillow.

If you are looking for softer pillow to start with, try the arc4life natural alignment pillow.

Can you Wash a Fiber Pillows in the Washing Machine?

Yes, technically you can but we do not recommend it. Washing your pillow in the washing machine will further break down the fibers. Also, if you do not subsequently dry the pillow well, you are creating a potential mold or bacteria problem.

Many people do wash their pillows in the washing machine. If you do a quick Google search, you will find a way to do this. Just keep in mind that you will lose some support from the pillow.

What is the Best Way to Keep Your Arc4life Pillow and Other Fiber Pillows Lasting Longer?

To start with get a dust cover with the fiber pillows. A dust cover with a zipper allows mold, bacterial, pollen, pet hairs and other particles out of your pillow. Use a regular pillow case over your dust cover for further protection.

Another way to clean your fiber pillow is to spot clean the pillow. If you have a stain on your pillow, use some detergent or even something as simple as Ivory soap to spot clean the area. Use soap and then rub with clean water. Let the pillow dry well.

Posted at 11:33 PM in Pillows For Neck Pain, Specialty Pillows, Support Pillows, Types of Pillows | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 04, 2018

Review of A Firmer Fiber Filled Support Pillow Great 4 Neck Pain

Is the Tri Core Orthopedic Neck Pillow For YOU?

On this blog we have discussed many neck pillows that are available online: fiber ones, foam ones, water filled one - you name it, we probably have discussed it. One of more popular fiber neck pillows is the Tricore orthopedic neck support pillow. This is considered one of the more firmer pillows and it serves its purpose in the category of fiber filled pillows. This is also considered an orthopedic neck support pillow.

All About the TriCore: A Video

A Video Dr. Bellinger, a Chiropractor Explains the Benefits of Using the Tri Core Orthopedic Neck Support Pillow

This pillow is great for side and back sleepers The construction of this pillow allows for proper neck alignment while sleeping. There are two neck rolls that will keep your cervical spine in the right alignment while sleeping. The great thing is that you can sleep on your back and your side for sleeping. Put your head into the trapezoid center if you are sleeping on your back and use the sides of the pillow if you are sleeping on your side.

Yes, You May Experience Some Soreness

Over the years we have heard it all when it comes to using new pillows. "They made me achy", "they made me sore the next morning" or "I woke up with a headache". This may not be the case for everyone, but for some people you are going to need a short breaking in period. If you are used to using a flat pillow and experiencing neck pain, then using a contoured neck pillow will be a different experience for you. Don't let a few days of soreness deter you. keep in mind that you will engaging different neck muscles while sleeping on the tri core pillow. This could cause some soreness. Similar to when you work out and your muscles are sore or even painful the next day.

Break your new fiber pillow in by just using the pillow for a small amount of the time to start. Start with perhaps half an hour and work your way up to a few hours to sleeping throughout the night.

This Fiber Neck Pillow Will Last You a Long Time Another advantage of using the tricore orthopedic pillow is that it will last you a long time. Because these are firmer pillows, the fiber is packed in. There will be less break down of the fibers over time. If you are looking for something softer go for the arc4life traction pillow.

Who the Tri Core Pillow Geared For?

Really, anyone who wants to be sleeping with correct cervical alignment. This pillow is great for someone who is experiencing regular headaches. For someone who has a military neck or no curvature in their cervical spine as shown by an x-ray. Also great for someone experiencing tingling and numbness from a radiculopathy. Finally great for someone with neck and shoulder pain.

Still not sure if the Tri Core is the Right Pillow for You? Email the Neck Pillow Queen. We answer questions everyday about which pillow to choose. Especially if you are having trouble sleeping or experiencing a specific neck issue.

Additional Reading:

Posted at 01:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 03, 2018

When You Know Its Time to Change Your Pillow...

So You have been Waking Up with Neck Pain and Cannot Figure out Why

This happens to many people, especially for those who have a history of neck pain. Perhaps they have had a previous neck surgery, or they had a whiplash type of accident.

Getting the right pillow with the RIGHT Support for your neck can make a big difference in how you sleep. A pillow that allows you have the proper c curve in your neck when you are sleeping is ideal. A contoured neck pillow such as the arc4life traction pillow or the tricore neck pillow are two pillows that allow this while you sleep. With both of these pillows you can sleep on your back and on your side. This is important because we all move around while we sleep.

Both of these contoured neck pillows that I have mentioned above are composed of fiber. Overtime, fiber breaks down. Depending on the composition of your pillow, your fiber pillow may break down faster than others. In other words, if the fiber pillow is very firm to begin with, the breakdown of the fibers will occur more slowly, then a pillow that is not as stuffed. Case in point: the Tricore pillow is very firm pillow, it will not break down as quickly as the Arc4life traction pillow, which is not as firm. Hence the tricore pillow will last longer than the arc4life pillow. However you will be using a firmer pillow to begin with.

For many patients who use a contoured pillow because of a neck condition, they often do have to change up their neck pillow. They may notice that they wake up with neck pain, or soreness. The pain may be mild or very noticeable. Other symptoms may not be so subtle: numbness and tingling, weakness in the upper extremity. If you are using a pillow that helps with these symptoms, then you want to continue using this pillow.

Posted at 02:09 PM in How to Choose the Right Pillow | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 03, 2018

What Size of Neck Pillow Should I Buy?

Base this decision on YOU not your mattress...

Which Size to Order? Here is a question our team at Arc4life gets asked quite a bit. It is an important question to ask when you deciding what pillow to buy.

For our purposes in this post, I am going to be talking about arc4life's cervical linear traction neck pillow that is available on arc4life.com.

What is the right size of pillow to buy? Small, Medium or Large

Many people erroneously assume that they should order a large pillow because they sleep on a king sized bed mattress. At Arc4life we do not recommend this. You should buy an Arc4life Pillow based on your height and weight.

So here are some guidelines that can help you choose. Remember there are no hard and fast rules, these are guidelines. We have been selling our neck pillows since 2003, and have talked to many customers along the way.

If you over 6 ft, then consider getting the large arc4life traction neck pillow.The dimensions of the larger neck pillow are 28"x17.
If you are between 5'5 and 6 ft, consider getting the medium standard arc4life traction pillow. The dimensions are 24"x17".
If you are petite person, the pillow may be too large for you. So if you are 5'0 and weigh 110 lbs and are a petite framed person, you may want to consider the arc4life traction pillow in the small size: 20"x15" This is the same arc4life traction "V" pillow, however is has shrunken in length, width and thickness
An alternate pillow in a smaller size, such as the arc4life linear gravity neck pillow in the small size. However, if you prefer and find it comfortable to sleep on a standard size pillow, then the medium standard size will be okay for you. Just sleep on the support roll side of the pillow.

Hope this helps you choose the right pillow for your particular needs. We know that everybody is different, and one pillow does not work for all. We commonly will have a customer that is of a petite stature order a medium or a large pillow. If you have any questions, contact arc4life. You can email us, or call us. We respond pretty quickly.

Posted at 11:33 AM in How to Choose the Right Pillow | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 16, 2018

Who Does the Arc4life Traction Pillow Work Well for?

What do You Have Going on In Your Neck?

If you suffer with stiff neck and neck pain, getting a simple flat neck pillow will not help you. You need something more, such as a contoured neck pillow. If you have been diagnosed with a degeneration in your c spine, a herniated disc, or bulging disc, you need a specialized Pillow as well.

What's So Special About the Arc4life Traction Neck Pillow?

This is a contoured neck pillow that that allows you to have the proper curvature, while you sleep on your back or on your side. There are also two important sides to this pillow: 1) a traction side in the shape of V- this side gently stretches your neck while you sleep on your back. 2) a Neck Roll Side - this side supports your neck in the most optimal alignment. You can sleep on both sides of this pillow. Keep in mind that the traction side is firmer, the neck roll side is softer. Both sides work well for someone who has a neck condition or suffers with neck pain.

This Arc4life traction neck pillow works well for patients with:

a herniated disc in their neck
a bulging disc
numbness and tingling into the arms or the hands
degeneration in the cervical spine
fibromyalgia
occipital neuralgia
neck pain
stiff neck
arthritis
military spine or no curve in the cervical spine

Additional Reading:

Posted at 04:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 27, 2018

How to NOT End up with a Closet Full of Pillows

Tired of having a closet full of neck pillows? Well I write quite extensively about pillows and let me tell you I have heard this comment many times - people are sick and tired of ordering the wrong pillow. They try one, it doesn't work - they move on, and ching ching - they order a new one ! The pillows all end up in the closet or their pet uses the pillow as a sleeping bed.

Do you have a Closet Full of Pillows?

Here are some factors to consider to ordering successfully the right pillow the first time:

Size Matters
It is important, especially in the case of THIS neck pillow, to order the right size. One example is the Linear Gravity Neck Pillow which comes in 3 sizes: Small, Medium and Large. Too many customers are ordering this neck pillow because of their mattress size. So for example, they sleep on a king size bed every night. They automatically assume that they should order the large pillow. Same goes for the medium pillow. They order the medium because they sleep on a queen size mattress. Arc4life recommends that you order based on your OWN height and weight and frame. Don't be afraid to contact the pillow company to choose the best size.

What is the level of firmness with the Pillow?
For the majority of users, a firm pillow is not the answer. So when ordering a pillow check to see if the pillow comes in a gentle or firm version. For example, the tricore pillow comes in a "gentle" and firm. If you are not sure, order the gentle - it will be easier to get used to.

What is the pillow composed of ?
Polyester fiber fill? Water? Foam? Check the materials the pillow is made out of. For some people, for example, they are allergic to latex. Some people are very sensitive to the odor given off by a memory foam pillow, and literally cannot get used to it. Check the composition of the pillow.

Does the Pillow have instructions on how to use it?
If the pillow comes with instructions, read them. This is important. The Arc4life traction pillow for example comes with an 8 page booklet on how to use the pillow. For example, Arc4life recommends that you sleep on the support of the pillow to start. It is easier to get adjusted too.

Is There an Adjustment Period?
This is often the case with many cervical support pillows. For some customers they can sleep on a new pillow the entire night with no problems whatsoever. For others they have a lot of sensitivity or pain in their neck. For example, pre existing neck or shoulder pain, muscle spasms or trigger points - they may need to slowly adjust to a new pillows contours . 5-10 minutes the first night, an additional 5-10 minutes the next night etc.

What is the purpose of you ordering a new pillow?
This is a great question, that actually you should ask yourself before you hit BUY. Are you having neck surgery in 30 days and need a recovery pillow? Are you looking to stretch your neck because you have a herniated disc? Are you looking to replace your old pillow? If your old pillow worked for you, order the same pillow. Are you have arthritis pain in your neck? Do you have bad posture because you have a desk job and are constantly looking at the the computer? Think about purpose, before you buy.

When in doubt of how to use or even WHICH pillow to buys, contact the pillow company. Email them, facebook them, there are often multiple ways to get in touch in this technical day of ours. Heck, its better than owning a closet full of pillows.

Additional Reading:

Posted at 03:32 PM in How to Choose the Right Pillow, Pillows For Neck Pain, Specialty Pillows, Support Pillows, Types of Pillows | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 26, 2018

Taking Short Naps During the Day can Be Highly Beneficial for your Sleep

My 19th month old loves her naps. In fact, she is taking one right now. For some people taking a short snooze in the middle of the day can help to improve the quality of their sleep at night time.

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that short naps actually can reduce stress. Having less stress levels make it easier to fall asleep at night. You should try to take naps that are no longer than 20 to 30 minutes. Taking too long of a nap can interfere with your night time sleep schedule. This is one simple strategy you can do to get better sleep at night.

Additional Reading:

Posted at 02:43 PM in Sleep | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Expert Advice on Choosing the Best Neck Pillow. Knowing what you need in your pillow can help you sleep better and have better posture.

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October 11, 2018

Not Very Comfortable due to Cervical Support does not Fit Neck Well ...

September 06, 2018

If a Pillow is Going to Work For You - It has to be the Right Size and the Right Firmness.

August 04, 2018

The Contours of the Arc4life Gravity Neck Pillow

Sleep on Your Back with This Pillow

July 06, 2018

What is the Life Expectancy of A Fiber Pillow?

June 04, 2018

Review of A Firmer Fiber Filled Support Pillow Great 4 Neck Pain

May 03, 2018

When You Know Its Time to Change Your Pillow...

So You have been Waking Up with Neck Pain and Cannot Figure out Why

April 03, 2018

What Size of Neck Pillow Should I Buy?

March 16, 2018

Who Does the Arc4life Traction Pillow Work Well for?

What do You Have Going on In Your Neck?

What's So Special About the Arc4life Traction Neck Pillow?

February 27, 2018

How to NOT End up with a Closet Full of Pillows

February 26, 2018

Taking Short Naps During the Day can Be Highly Beneficial for your Sleep