In my TMJ intakes, I ask about sleep position. Why?
You have posture 24/7/365! And, since you spend about one-third of your life sleeping, your posture during sleep is at least as important as your waking posture. Maybe it’s even more important, since you’re unconscious and may get your body into some unusual positions that create strains.
Hence, setting yourself up for good sleep posture will pay off over time with less strain and pain in your body. Waking up refreshed and pain-free from a good night’s sleep makes each day way more pleasant.
Nearly everyone who comes to me for jaw issues also has neck issues, which I tend to in several ways.
It’s not enough to improve jaw and neck function with bodywork, however, if you are sleeping on a pillow that doesn’t support good sleep posture.
I recommend a pillow designed for back and side sleepers called the Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow. It looks like this:
The middle part supports the curve of your neck when sleeping on your back.
The sides of the pillow keep your head and neck aligned with your torso when sleeping on either side, and it supports your jaw without adding pressure.
Best of all, it comes in different sizes for different shoulder widths for side sleepers. Many pillows are promoted as being therapeutic, but this is the only one I’ve found that comes in sizes to fit various body shapes.
Here’s a link to the manufacturer, Core Products, with information about sizing, prices, warranty, firmness (I recommend original firm), and more.
Is it expensive?
Yes. However, with a 5-year warranty, it prorates out to about $25 per year, depending on size.
Your comfort is surely worth that. Also, I’ve used one of these pillows for longer than 5 years, and it retains its shape.
If you really need to save money, after reading the Core Products information and measuring to get your size, you can save a few dollars buying on Amazon.
Here are links for the Petite/Firm model, the Average/Firm model, the Large/Firm model, and the Extra-Large/Firm model on Amazon.
A former long-term TMJ client, Deborah — my very first TMJ Relief client, who no longer has any jaw issues — told me about the Therapeutica Travel Pillow. It’s smaller, less expensive, and easier to travel with.
Deborah likes that this smaller pillow allows her to sleep closer to her partner.
She turns the indented side up for back sleeping and the flat side up for side sleeping.
It comes in Petite and Average sizes.
Read about it on the Core Products website.
Here’s info on the Petite travel model on Amazon, and here’s the Average model.
These prices are subject to change. Also, as an affiliate, I receive a very small percentage if you buy through these Amazon links.