If you suffer from chronic neck pain or have recently injured your neck, wearing a neck brace for sleeping can provide support and help relieve discomfort.
A neck brace for sleeping immobilizes the neck and restricts movement, allowing the muscles and joints a chance to heal. When worn properly, neck braces can be very effective at managing neck pain during sleep.
But with many different braces on the market, how do you choose the right one for nighttime use or to wear as a neck brace for neck pain? How do you ensure you are wearing your neck brace safely and comfortably all night long?
This article provides tips on choosing the best neck brace for sleeping and using it effectively to ease neck pain and sleep better.
We will cover how neck braces work, important features to look for when shopping, proper sizing, and fit, sleeping positions, removing your brace safely, and care instructions.
Read on for insightful advice to help you start benefiting from nighttime neck bracing with a neck brace for sleeping or using a neck brace for neck pain while ensuring you are addressing “Are neck braces safe?”.
How Neck Braces for Sleep Work?
Neck braces work by immobilizing the cervical spine, restricting the range of motion. This allows the muscles and joints in the neck to rest and prevents further injury, helping to manage inflammation and pain.
The rigid plastic or foam structure envelops the neck snugly to support the head and limit twisting or bending movements during sleep.
This stabilizes neck alignments and prevents the head from tilting at odd angles, allowing surrounding structures like discs and nerves to heal. Ensuring proper fit is key to addressing “Are neck braces safe?”
Choosing the Best Neck Brace for Sleeping
When shopping for the best nighttime neck support, consider the following features:
- Adjustability: Look for a brace with multiple straps that allow a customized fit for comfort and effectiveness. Metal stays that can be bent to contour your neck are also ideal.
- Breathability: Breathable fabric like mesh will prevent sweating and discomfort during sleep. Moisture-wicking material can keep your neck dry.
- Cushioning: A soft liner protects the skin from irritation and makes the brace more comfortable for extended nighttime wear.
- Design: Front or back closure, under the chin or behind the neck – choose a style you can easily fasten independently. Side openings allow arm mobility.
- Intended use: Some braces offer multipurpose support for both sleeping and daytime stability. Opt for night use or injury-specific bracing.
➡️ Proper Fit
A neck brace won’t restrict cervical movement correctly if it doesn’t fit right when using a neck brace for sleeping. When worn too loose, it allows excessive motion that irritates injured structures. However, an excessively tight brace cuts off circulation and causes other issues.
Follow sizing guidelines carefully and adjust straps for a snug fit without pinching. The brace should feel secure but not constrict when wearing a neck brace for sleeping or using it as a neck brace for neck pain.
It shouldn’t shift out of place when you move your head. Try the brace on while standing and sitting to ensure a customized, comfortable fit.
➡️ Sleeping Positions
Wearing a fitted neck brace properly aligned encourages neutral spine positioning for healthy rest when using a neck brace for sleeping. Consult your physician, but sleeping on your back with appropriate neck support is often recommended for injury recovery.
Side sleeping puts uneven weight on cervical structures which can aggravate pain. Stomach sleeping twists the neck unnaturally and is never advised with a brace.
Listen to your body’s signals and avoid positions causing discomfort. Placement of a slim pillow under the knees can enhance back sleeping comfort.
➡️ Removing Your Brace
It’s important to detach your neck brace slowly and carefully to avoid sudden, straining movements. Start by loosening the top straps before unzipping or unfastening closures. Gradually work down, releasing one strap at a time. Move your neck gently to stretch muscles and improve blood flow.
Cradle your head with your hands for support when completely removing the brace if needed. Inspect the skin for irritation using a mirror and clean the interior with antibacterial wipes.
➡️ Caring for Your Brace
Follow manufacturer instructions to clean the brace without damaging structure or fabric including your neck brace for sleeping—Handwash removable pads in mild soap and air dry. Check hardware regularly and replace worn parts for optimal performance.
Travel bags protect braces from dust or impact damage. Let the moisture evaporate after use by storing the brace outside the carrying case. Keep soft brace linings clean and bacteria-free to prevent skin infection.
Are neck braces safe?
There should be fewer, though not zero, injuries for users of the device if it is effective. Exactly what they discovered was that only 26 people who wore braces had cervical spine injuries, compared to 239 people who did not.
Conclusion
A neck brace for sleeping can facilitate proper healing of cervical injuries by immobilizing and supporting the head and neck when used correctly. But are neck braces safe? Choosing an ill-fitting brace or wearing it improperly may cause other issues. When selecting the most appropriate bracing, consider key factors like customized adjustability, breathable fabric, padded comfort, and intended use.
Follow care instructions to keep your brace in working condition. Worn correctly, nighttime neck bracing allows muscle, joint, and nerve structures to rest. This speeds healing following injury or surgery.
Have you tried a neck brace at night? How did it impact your pain levels or sleep quality? Let’s discuss your experiences in the comments.
Reference
- Barati, K, et al. (2017). The effect of soft and rigid cervical collars on head and neck immobilization in healthy subjects. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4184/asj.2017.11.3.390
