The effects of pillow designs on neck pain, waking symptoms, neck disability, sleep quality and spinal alignment in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Author(s)
Pang, Johnson Chun Yiu
Author(s)
Tsang, S. M. H.
Fu, A. C. L.
Date Issued
2021
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal
Clinical Biomechanics
Volume
85
Abstract
Background
Neck pain is a prevalent condition that can adversely affect quality of life, productivity at work, and sleep quality. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify clinical trials assessing the effect of different types of pillows on neck pain, waking symptoms, neck disability, sleep quality, and spinal alignment.
Methods
We systematically searched CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, Pubmed and Psychinfo databases from inception to September 2020. Two reviewers independently assessed the articles and evaluated the methodological quality using PEDro.
Findings
Thirty-five articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria of the study. There were nine high-quality studies involving 555 participants. The meta-analysis revealed significant differences favouring the use of rubber pillows to reduce neck pain [standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.263; P < 0.001). Moreover, waking pain (SMD: -0.228; P < 0.001) and neck disability (SMD: -0.506; P = 0.020) were reduced while the satisfaction rate was enhanced (SMD: 1.144; P < 0.001) with pillow use. Pillow designs did not influence sleep quality (SMD = 0.047; P = 0.703) in patients with chronic neck pain.
Interpretation
The use of spring and rubber pillows are effective in reducing neck pain, waking symptoms, and disability and enhancing pillow satisfaction in patients with chronic neck pain. Moreover, there may be no change in the alignment of the cervical spine in the side-lying position, regardless of the use of rubber or feather pillows. Rather, the cervical alignment may be significantly impacted by the shape and height of the pillow.
SFU Affiliated Publication
Yes
Availability at SFU Library
No database links found.