Sleeping Safely with a Cervical Collar: Tips
Recovering from neck injury and surgery often necessitates using the prescribed cervical collar for quite sometime even whilst sleeping. Whereas, this orthopedic collar acts in aiding the recovery process and protecting the neck.
There are users who find difficulty sleeping in a comfortable position. Inability to find frequent sleep disturbances and concerns about safety are common experiences.
By implementing sleeping habits that include simple, practical changes you will be better positioned to sleep soundly without impeding your recovery process.
In this blog, we will explain how you can sleep safely while using a cervical collar and how to make sleeping more restful without compromising your healing process.
Why Is It Important to Sleep with a Cervical Collar?
A cervical collar is actually worn around the neck. It reduces the range of movement and is used to immobilise or stabilize the spine from the neck downwards.
While sleeping, people unknowingly make many movements from one sleeping position to the next. Without proper support these such movements might put too much stress to bear on the healing neck. Sleeping with the collar as instructed helps:
- Keep the neck in proper alignment
- Reduce unwanted movement during sleep
- Minimise discomfort caused by sudden neck movements
- Support the healing process
- Lower the risk of additional injury
Choose the Right Sleeping Position
The amount of your neck support varies greatly depending on how you sleep and your favorite slumber posture.
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Sleeping on Your Back
For most people, sleeping on the back while wearing a cervical collar is the safest and most recommended position.
This position helps keep the natural curvature of the spine in line so that the collar is performing the job it needs to be performing. Place a pillow that is firm under your head. It will keep your neck in a neutral position and will not push it too far forward.
2. Sleeping on Your Side
If you cannot comfortably sleep on your back, side sleeping may be acceptable if approved by your healthcare provider. When sleeping on your side you should:
- Use a firm pillow to fill the space between your shoulder and head.
- Hold your neck straight rather than tilted.
- Try not to curl your body in.
- Ensure your shoulders line up with your hips.
3. Do not Sleep on Your Stomach
Do not prefer sleeping on your stomach especially while using a neck collar. Here sometimes the neck may have to be positioned at an inconvenient angle, putting stress on the cervical and decreasing the efficacy of the collar. Moreover, it can make it difficult to breathe and feel comfortable.
4. Use the Right Pillow
With help and a decent pillow selection, most people can get a good sleep. A supportive pillow should:
- Keep your head level with your spine
- Prevent excessive bending of the neck
- Feel firm enough to provide stability
- Avoid pushing your head too far upward
Using more than two pillows to raise your head is a practice best avoided unless your physician suggests you do.
5. Ensure the Neck Collar Fits Properly
The size of the neck belt should be fitted and snug, not too tight. Before you go to sleep, ensure that:
- The collar is correctly positioned.
- The fasteners are secure.
- Your chin rests comfortably in the designated support.
- You can breathe and swallow comfortably.
- There are no folds or pressure points causing discomfort.
A collar that’s too loose, will not offer proper support and one that’s too tight, could cause distress, chafing or bedsores.
Consult your doctor if the collar still feels uncomfortable after adjustment to proper fit or you try to make it feel more comfortable on your own.
6. Avoid Removing the Collar During Sleep
Remove the cervical collar if it feels bothersome, especially at bedtime as it may not be comfortable for sleeping as you tend to want to restrict motion from it.
Taking it off with medical guidance could allow unwanted neck movement and interfere with the healing process. If the neck collar is impeding your sleep, speak to a healthcare professional about having adjustments made as opposed to taking the collar off yourself.
7. Managing Night-Time Discomfort
Experiencing slight discomfort in the beginning and first few nights of wearing a cervical collar is common. Few schemes that may help such as:
- Working through your recommended recovery protocol.
- Doing slow breathing exercises for a few minutes.
- Follow up a consistent sleep schedule.
- Avoid consuming caffeine shortly before going to bed.
8. Keeping the Neck Collar Clean
The neck does feel more comfortable with a clean shirt, it’s soothed, not all itchy and rough. If your collar has removable padding:
- Wash the pads according to the care instructions.
- Allow them to dry completely before reuse.
- Wipe the plastic components regularly if recommended.
- Substitute worn or damaged padding when instructed.
When to Seek Your Healthcare Provider?
Facing some discomfort is normal but certain symptoms should not be ignored. You should seek medical advice in case of:
- Increasing neck pain
- New numbness or weakness
- Trouble in breathing and swallowing
- Skin irritation
- Pressure sores
- A collar that doesn’t fits properly
Key Takeaways
In the beginning of using a cervical collar, sleeping might feel awkward, but it needs some time, patience and tips to fully recover. Adopting the correct sleeping position, right collar usage, proper pillow usage and creating a comfortable sleeping environment while healing can significantly improve safety and comfort.
Moreover, you should listen to the advice of your health care providers above all. The more regularly you use a soft cervical collar along with healthy sleep habits, it will protect the back and contribute to a comfortable and easy recovery.
