Pillow studies did not identify a clear winner for chronic neck pain
A small review of pillows for chronic neck pain found nonsignificant Numerical Pain Rating Scale changes, inconsistent disability results and no statistically significant sleep-quality difference. No material emerged as clearly superior.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
For people with chronic neck pain, this review did not establish a clearly superior pillow type. Numerical Pain Rating Scale improvements were small and not statistically significant; neck-disability results varied, and sleep-quality differences were also nonsignificant. The abstract lists another pain measure without reporting its results, so the pain findings should not be generalized across measures.
The included studies differed substantially in design, outcomes and pillow characteristics. This abstract-based explanation lacks effect sizes, follow-up periods and specific comparators, limiting assessment of the size and persistence of any changes.
Reading outcomes separately
Pain, neck-related disability and sleep quality were assessed with separate questionnaires or scales. The inconsistent disability findings cannot be substituted for evidence of improved pain or sleep. Each outcome needs its own interpretation.
No clear winner
Latex, foam and standard pillows showed no clear superiority in this review. That leaves the comparisons unresolved; it does not establish equivalence between materials. The authors describe only limited support for pillows as an additional therapy.
The original publication
Effect of pillow on pain, disability and sleep quality in patients with chronic neck pain: A systematic review.
Ghosh S, Goyal M, Goyal K
Rehabilitacion (Madr) · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40633255
- Record checked
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