The Best Recliner Pillow to Soothe Aches and Pains

Neck pain is a common problem that many people experience daily. Causes for neck pain can vary, as well as their symptoms. It’s an issue that can escalate if it’s not treated in a timely manner or prevented with proper precaution. 

Neck recliners are a simple way to provide comfort for your neck and keep from straining it. This article discusses why you might consider getting a recliner pillow, and for those interested in getting one, we’ll be weighing in on some of the options. 

Neck Pain: Nuisance or Threat 

If you’re reading this on your phone, check if your neck is bending forward and down. If you’re on your laptop, check if you are hunching your back and pushing your neck forward. These small, habitual movements and posture patterns can lead to issues. 

Your head weighs around 11 pounds, and your neck is responsible for holding it up all day long. It’s not an easy task, and it’s understandable how all the muscles and ligaments can easily get strained if your neck supports this weight in the wrong position (especially for eight or more hours a day). Poor sleeping positions can cause neck pain as well, so you might want to look into getting a wedge pillow to improve the quality of your sleep. 

Neck pain isn’t necessarily a serious issue, but we recommend seeing a doctor if you’re having constant pain with accompanying symptoms. Here are some signs you want to watch for:

  • Numbness or tingling in your arms and hands
  • Inability to move your arms and hands
  • Decreased ability to touch your chin to your chest 
  • Fever, nausea, vomiting
  • Trouble swallowing or breathing 

If these symptoms continue for more than a week, we advise you to seek professional medical attention. 

Why You Might Need a Recliner Pillow 

As most neck pain is related to poor posture, the best advice is to find ways to fix that. Keeping the neck in line with your spine in a neutral position is the best thing you can do. Of course, if you’re sitting all day at a desk working, it’s easier said than done. Setting up proper office ergonomics can significantly improve the quality of your posture and prevent neck pain, or any other pain for that matter. 

If you can’t change your entire office setting, investing in a lumbar support pillow or recliner pillow is a great option. Attaching one to an office or game chair will give proper support to your head and take some load off the neck, providing you with more comfort. With all the tedious hours spent working, the last thing you need is to be rewarded with a stiff neck. Instead of getting weekly massages or chiropractic adjustments (which can drain your wallet), a simple recliner head pillow can make a significant difference. 

What to Consider When Getting a Recliner Head Pillow

Recliner pillows are pretty straightforward, but still, there are a few things you want to keep in mind when buying one. 

Comfort

The whole idea of a recliner pillow is to provide you with more comfort, and the right one needs to give continuous support to your neck and keep it in line with your spine. Of course, it’s best if you can try it before buying so you can be sure it’s a great fit. If that’s not an option, read the reviews and assess whether it’s the best choice for you. 

Filler

Your recliner head pillow should provide optimal support and comfort, and it shouldn’t be too thick or too soft. Memory foam is one of the best options. If you prefer a more natural material, look into buckwheat hull fillers. They provide more support, stay cool in hot climates, and you can take some of the filling out to adjust it to your preference. 

Cover Material

The cover of your recliner pillow is as important as the filler. You want it to be soft to the touch, not irritable in any way, and most importantly — removable. Because of the oils, our skin secretes and the air in our surroundings, the cover can get dirty in no time at all. It’s vital that you can take it off and wash it properly. If this is not an option, get one that you can wipe with a damp cloth.

Budget

It’s a good thing that most recliner pillows are affordable. If you feel like splurging, opt for natural materials and fillers, and also look for durable covers that will last for years. 

Top Recliner Head Pillows

We did the research so you don’t have to. Here are our preferred choices for recliners: 

Alibo Memory Foam Recliner

The Alibo neck recliner is made of memory foam and is primarily designed to be used in a car. However, you can easily strap it to your office chair, airplane seat, or even a recliner chair thanks to its adjustable strap. It is on the softer side, so if you prefer your pillow to be somewhat firmer, you should keep looking. This recliner is very versatile and convenient to carry with you, too. 

Octane Recliner

Filled with high-density fiber foam, this recliner head pillow is thick. It’s made of durable bonded leather, so you know it will last for years, which justifies its higher price. You can easily place it on your chair and adjust it anywhere you need along your back. It’s a great choice if you already have a leather recliner chair that lacks a neck pillow. 

Desk Jockey Neck Pillow

Covered in plush velvet, the Jockey neck recliner will give a soft touch to your neck. It will keep your neck aligned while driving, working, or playing video games. It comes with an extension strap so that you can attach it to a chair of your liking. The cover is removable so you can wash it anytime you want, which is always a plus in our book. Made of memory foam, it’s firm and gives just the right amount of support. 

Bucky U-shaped Neck Pillow

What makes this U-shaped pillow unique is its buckwheat hull filling. It can be a perfect solution for those who like natural materials or are prone to allergies. The removable cover is washable, and you can place the filling in the freezer if you want a chilling effect. The great thing is that you can adjust the buckwheat hull filling according to your needs and take some out if you like your pillow softer.

Bottom Line

Whether you spend long hours driving, working, or playing video games, a recliner pillow can improve your posture, ease neck pain and make the time you spend sitting more comfortable. How you choose the right one is up to you. Weigh your options, and make the smart choice that fits your needs.  

Featured image courtesy of Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

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