Pro Tip: Give Your Body Time to Adjust to Your New Orthopedic Pillow

Lisa Williams

So, you just got a new orthopedic or cervical pillow - exciting! These pillows are designed to give your head and neck the right support, helping you sleep better and wake up with less neck and back pain. But before you dive in and start using it every night, there’s something you should know: your body needs time to adjust.

Jumping straight into using your new pillow every night can actually cause temporary discomfort. Strange, right? But don’t worry - we’ll walk you through how to transition smoothly and get the most out of your new pillow.

Why You Should Ease into Using Your New Pillow

Ever struggled to fall asleep in a hotel or at a friend’s house? That’s because your body gets used to a certain sleeping setup. The same thing happens with your pillow - switching too quickly can disrupt your sleep.

Even more importantly, if you’ve been using a pillow that doesn’t properly support your neck, your body has probably adapted to that position - even if it’s not the best for you. A good orthopedic pillow positions your spine correctly, but your muscles and joints need time to adjust. If you switch too fast, you might feel temporary neck pain before your body adapts.

How to Transition Comfortably

To avoid discomfort and make the switch easier, follow these simple tips:

·        Alternate pillows - Use your new orthopedic pillow every other night at first, switching back to your old pillow in between.

·        Gradually increase usage - If every other night still feels like too much, start by using your new pillow for just a few hours at a time before switching back.

·        Choose the right support level - Some pillows, like the Tri-Core® Cervical Support Pillow, have different neck roll sizes for varying levels of support. Start with the least amount of support and work your way up if needed.

·        Try a second supportive pillow - The Adjust-A-Loft™ Pillow lets you customize the fill level, so you can gradually adjust its support to match your orthopedic pillow. Switching between the two can make the transition smoother.

·        Be patient - It might take a few weeks to fully adjust, so don’t rush it! Give yourself at least two to four weeks before making your orthopedic pillow your go-to.

The Bottom Line

Switching to an orthopedic pillow is one of the best things you can do for your sleep and spinal health. Just remember - your body needs time to adapt. Take it slow, listen to your body, and before you know it, your new pillow will feel like the perfect fit.

Sweet dreams!