Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion Helpful Tips Pillow-talk

There's often advice to sleep with no pillow to slow or restrict kyphosis by letting the neck and upper back relax the other way.
As i sleep on my side and need head support, i have constructed a pillow similar to an air-travel support - all at the sides nothing at the back. This means as i roll over or end up on my back there is less support. When i have "no-one to talk to" [sigh] i leave a head-sized gap between two pillows - much more space. I use profiled foam.
I can just manage sleep without a pillow, but need to be between side-on and face-down.

Ted
"Auto-immunity or self-help - no decision"

Ted,
Great idea! I have noted great improvement in neck pain when I lay on my back without a pillow but, like you, really need support when side-lying. I'm going to give your suggestion a try.
Thank you!
LindaG

FYI..... I have recommended this pillow in the past and still use it myself and others here at KA have bought one and love them. It is the Theraputica pillow..... take a look http://www.painreliever.com/ther.html gives good detail explanation, or go here for a great pic of pillow

Doug

Yes, that's the same basic idea.

Thanks Doug

Ted
"Auto-immunity or self-help - no decision"

I use one of these: http://www.tempurpedic.com/shop_swedish_neck_pillows.asp

Tempur, with their memory-foam material, also make this newer version:

The most advanced pillow for correct support to your neck whether you sleep on your back or side. The forward-tilting edge gives superior comfort and ideal support to the upper vertebrae: http://tempur.skybrud.dk/page212.asp


  LZ

I bought two of the low profile ones from my Osteopath 10 years ago - they are well used and well-travelled as i get little comfort on other pillows. I have modified one by scooping material from the middle area for lying on my back.
They have lost the comfort they always gave as i have "acquired" some kyphosis over the years and a stiffer neck noticeable since no medications. If i improve and don't want the scoop it'll be time for new ones anyway...

I often used one of those boomerang shaped pillows on my yacht. Also modified my cabin so i can rest back against the (padded) hull when i am reading or relaxing. The main hull is a deep "Vee" hull so the side is straight and the angle laid back about perfect.

Ted
"Auto-immunity or self-help - no decision"

Inteesting pillow. But it looks like it causes more curve in the neck I thought that my problem was actually pulling my chin towards the chest and that putting a space between the neck and chin, I would have less pain or curvature of the spin. Is my thinking faulty? Would this pillow be a better solution ?

Betty

Hey Betty,

This pillow helps to maintain the natural curve in your neck while giving support. When you lay on regular pillows or with no pillow at all, your neck will try to droop down to touch the bed thus causing your chin to come closer to your chest. This pillow prevents that by giving full support along the entire neck region from head to shoulders, allowing your neck to stay properly aligned.


Doug

Hey doug...

I understand part of the theory, but when I look at the pic of the lady it seems as if her neck is at an angle. I thought that ASer's wanted to keep the neck staighter or flat not tilted like hers. Malybe I need to research some more. Looks like I have some learning to do.

thanks

Betty

Hi Ted

I've got a bog-standard "neck pillow" which I *think* helps, but in the middle of the night when I've got a cat plonked on my head I think the efficiency may alter slightly

Heard that the Tempur neck pillows are WONDERFUL, but no way am I going to get some NASA-researched expensive bit of kit if MY kit's going to use it as a glorified cat bed!!!

Saw a "Dove" pillow a patient brought in - looked a bit weird - but she said it was verrry comfortable, and sounds like what you're describing, but maybe too much padding on the back? No joy trying to do a search on it though - just got some embroidered thing which definately wasn't what I'd seen LOL - that's my disclaimer in case you do a search and think I've lost it

Hmmm, think I better quit whilst I'm behind

Take care fella,

Jan

Yn taitnys smoo ayns bea te jannoo shen tan sleih elley gra nagh vod mayd