Quick Answer: Who Needs an ObusForme Pillow? ObusForme specializes in Cervical Pillows, contoured memory foam pillows with a "wave" shape (one high side, one low side). This shape fills the gap between your neck and the mattress, maintaining the natural "C" curve of your spine. It is the gold standard recommendation for back and side sleepers dealing with chronic neck strain.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "We have been helping Brantford families sleep better since 1997. Every customer gets personal attention, honest advice, and the kind of follow-up service you just do not get from big box stores."
5 min read
We often spend thousands on a mattress but neglect the pillow. Yet, your pillow supports 20% of your spine. In Brantford, we see countless customers come in complaining of "mattress pain" that is actually "pillow pain." The ObusForme brand is a Canadian icon in ergonomics, and their pillows are a medical-grade solution to this problem.
At Mattress Miracle, we fit you for a pillow just like we fit you for shoes. Here is why an ergonomic pillow might change your mornings.
Prefer to shop in person? Our Brantford store is on West Street.
The Science of Neck Support
A standard fluff pillow collapses under the weight of your head (which weighs 10-12 lbs!). This causes your neck to bend downward or twist.
The "Gap" Problem
Lie on your back. Slide your hand behind your neck. You will feel a gap. A cervical pillow fills this gap with firm support while cradling your head. This unloads the neck muscles so they can fully relax, rather than working all night to hold your head up.
Memory Foam vs. Gel
ObusForme offers a few variations:
Standard Memory Foam: Heat-sensitive foam that molds perfectly to your shape. Excellent pressure relief but can sleep warm.
Gel-Infused: The same supportive foam but infused with cooling gel beads. Better for hot sleepers in Brantford summers.
Adjustable Layers: Some models have removable foam inserts, allowing you to change the height from 3 inches to 5 inches.
Finding Your Height
Size matters. If the pillow is too high, it pushes your chin to your chest. If too low, your head falls back.
- Back Sleepers: Usually need the lower side of the contour (3-4 inches).
- Side Sleepers: Need the higher side (4-5 inches) to bridge the distance from ear to shoulder mattress.
- Broad Shoulders: If you have wide shoulders, you need a thicker pillow to keep your neck straight.
The Adjustment Period
Warning: The first few nights might feel weird.
Your neck muscles have "muscle memory" from years of poor posture. Correcting that alignment can cause mild soreness for 3-5 days. Stick with it. By week two, most customers report waking up pain-free for the first time in years.
Ergonomic Pillow Design and Cervical Health
ObusForme pillows use contoured ergonomic design to support the cervical curve during sleep. Research in the Journal of Pain Research (Gordon et al., 2009) found that contoured (cervical) pillows reduced morning neck pain by 43% compared to standard rectangular pillows in chronic neck pain patients. However, the same study found that pillow height was a stronger predictor of comfort than pillow shape, meaning a properly fitted flat pillow can outperform an incorrectly sized contoured pillow. At Mattress Miracle, Brad measures your cervical curve and shoulder width to determine whether a contoured or flat pillow serves you better.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash an ObusForme pillow?
You can wash the cover, but never the foam itself. Washing memory foam ruins its structure. Air it out occasionally to freshen it.
Is it good for stomach sleepers?
Generally, no. The contour is too high and will strain a stomach sleeper's neck. Stomach sleepers need a very flat, thin pillow.
How long do they last?
High-density memory foam lasts about 3-5 years. When it stops bouncing back instantly or starts to yellow significantly, it's time to replace it.
Why does it smell funny at first?
That is "off-gassing" from the fresh foam. It is harmless and dissipates in 24-48 hours. Let it air out without a pillowcase for a day.
Get Fitted in Brantford
Don't guess online. Come to Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street. We will have you lie down on a mattress similar to yours and test different pillow heights to ensure your spine is perfectly straight.
Sources
- Gordon SJ, Grimmer-Somers K, Trott P. Pillow use: the behaviour of cervical pain, sleep quality, and pillow comfort in side sleepers. Manual Therapy. 2009;14(6):671-678. DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2009.02.006
- Gordon SJ, Grimmer-Somers KA, Trott PH. Pillow use: the behaviour of cervical stiffness, headache and scapular/arm pain. J Pain Res. 2010;3:137-145. DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S11074
- Erfanian P, Tenzif S, Guerriero RC. Assessing effects of a semi-customized experimental cervical pillow on sympathetic nervous system parameters. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2004;48(1):20-28. PMCID: PMC1840035
- Persson L, Moritz U. Neck support pillows: a comparative study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1998;21(4):237-240. PMID: 9608379
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available, wheelchair accessible. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.