Back Support Pillows

Dorothy's Approach to Fitting Back Support Pillows

Most people searching for back support pillows are dealing with pain - either lower back issues or trying to prevent morning neck problems. Dorothy has fitted hundreds of these over 38 years, and her first question is always "where does it hurt?" because back support means different things. We stock three main types: lumbar pillows that go behind your lower back when sitting ($39-$89), wedge pillows for sleeping elevated ($79-$149), and our specialized Somnia posture pillows for neck alignment while sleeping ($89-$139). Each solves a different problem.

Here's what Dorothy sees working: lumbar support pillows help when you're sitting up in bed reading or working on a laptop. The memory foam ones from Health Guard ($49) are best for travel or office chairs. For sleeping, our Somnia ergonomic pillows support your neck's natural curve and keep your spine aligned - that's real back support during sleep. The wedge pillows ($79-$149) are for people with acid reflux, post-surgery recovery, or breathing issues who need to sleep elevated.

The Connection Between Your Pillow and Back Pain

Brad learned this from chiropractors who refer patients to us: if your pillow height is wrong for your sleep position, it throws your spine out of alignment and causes back pain. Side sleepers need 5-6 inches of loft under their head to keep their spine straight. Back sleepers need 3-4 inches. Stomach sleepers need almost no pillow or it hyperextends their neck. We measure shoulder-to-ear distance to determine exact loft you need. Our Talalay latex pillows ($109-$189) let you add or remove layers to get perfect height.

For medical issues like spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or post-surgery recovery, Dorothy recommends trying pillows in our showroom at 441 1/2 West St first. Bring your current pillow so we can compare. Our Somnia Contour pillow ($89) supports the natural curve of your cervical spine and has helped customers reduce morning pain. We also stock specialized body pillows ($79-$159) for side sleepers who need full spine support. Call 519-770-0001 for a proper fitting - our 60-night guarantee means you can test any pillow at home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pillow actually helps with back pain?

It depends on where the pain is. For neck-related back pain, you need proper loft for your sleep position - usually 5-6 inches for side sleepers, 3-4 inches for back sleepers. Our Somnia ergonomic pillows ($89-$139) support your neck curve. For lower back support while sitting in bed, our lumbar cushions ($39-$89) work better. Dorothy does proper fittings at our showroom.

Should I use a wedge pillow or regular pillow for back support?

Wedge pillows ($79-$149) elevate your entire upper body and are best for acid reflux, breathing issues, or post-surgery recovery. They're not ideal for regular nightly sleep. For back pain during normal sleep, proper neck support from a correctly-sized pillow is more important. We help you determine which type you actually need.

How firm should a back support pillow be?

Your pillow needs to support your head weight without collapsing, but not be so firm it pushes your neck at wrong angle. Memory foam and latex pillows maintain support better than down or polyester. Our Somnia posture pillows ($89) and latex options ($109-$189) hold their shape for 8-12 years. We let you test firmness levels in our showroom.

Can the wrong pillow cause back pain?

Absolutely - chiropractors refer patients to us for this reason. If your pillow is too high or too low for your sleep position, it tilts your head and misaligns your spine from neck to lower back. Side sleepers with flat pillows and back sleepers with puffy pillows both end up with morning back pain. Proper fitting prevents this.

Do orthopedic pillows really work for back pain?

The term "orthopedic" is marketing - what matters is whether the pillow supports your neck's natural curve and maintains proper spine alignment. Our Somnia Contour pillow ($89) and Talalay latex pillows ($109-$189) are designed by Dorothy after working with physiotherapists. They work if they're the right height for your body and sleep position.

How long do back support pillows last?

Memory foam and latex pillows last 8-12 years. Down and feather pillows need replacing every 2-3 years as they lose support. Polyester fiber pillows (the cheap ones) flatten in 6-12 months. If your pillow has a permanent head dent or you fold it to get support, it's worn out. Our quality pillows come with care instructions to extend lifespan.

Should I get a cervical pillow or lumbar pillow for back support?

Cervical pillows support your neck and are for sleeping - they keep your spine aligned from head to tailbone. Lumbar pillows support your lower back and are for sitting (reading in bed, desk chairs, car seats). Most people with back pain need a proper cervical pillow for sleep, not a lumbar cushion. Dorothy can assess which you actually need.

What is the difference between contour pillows and regular pillows?

Contour pillows have a curved shape that cradles your neck and keeps your head at proper height. Regular pillows are rectangular and rely on loft alone. Our Somnia Contour pillow ($89) works well for back and side sleepers who need neck support. Some people find the shape uncomfortable - we let you try both styles to see which feels better.

Can a body pillow help with back pain?

For side sleepers, yes - body pillows ($79-$159) let you hug them and put a leg over them, which keeps your spine aligned and reduces lower back strain. Pregnant women and people with sciatica often find relief. They don't replace a good head pillow though - you need both for proper support.

How do I know if I need a back support pillow or a new mattress?

If you wake up with back pain that improves within 30 minutes of getting up, it's usually your sleep surface (mattress or pillow). If pain persists all day or starts during the day, it's likely a medical issue. Try a proper pillow first ($89-$189) since it's less investment than a new mattress ($899-$3,499). Visit our showroom at 441 1/2 West St for assessment. Call 519-770-0001.