If you’ve landed on this page, you’re probably aware that TMJ disorders include a variety of symptoms that make simple tasks like sleeping and chewing painful. You’re here because you’re experiencing the unnecessary suffering associated with TMJ, and you’re not alone.
TMJ affects about 12% of people in the United States – that’s a lot! Without treatment, the severe pain and restricted jaw movement associated with TMJ can worsen, particularly if sufferers don’t consider their sleeping position. Properly supporting the head and neck while asleep is one of the best remedies to relieve TMJ problems.
How should you sleep if you have TMJ?
Fortunately, there are pillows designed to alleviate these symptoms.
Properly constructed pillows are hugely beneficial when it comes to relieving jaw pain and jaw joint pain, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to start your day.
But selecting the right pillow isn’t always easy. With a plethora of pillows on the market, it can be a bit tricky to find the best, and choosing the right one can mean the difference between surgery and a pain-free lifestyle.
That’s why we’ve composed this list of the 5 best pillows for TMJ. Read on to find the best TMJ pillow for you, and put an end to your nighttime neck niggles.
Pillow Comparison Table
Top 5 Best Pillows for TMJ
Accutrig TMJ Relief Pillow
Highlights
- Material: Memory foam
- Sleeper Type: All sleepers
- Firmness Level: Medium firmness
- Warranty: 100% Money-back guarantee
Overview:
First on our list of TMJ pillows is the Accutrig TMJ Relief Pillow. This product is popular with its users, boasting excellent ratings on Amazon.
Designed to eliminate pressure at the temporomandibular joint, this medium-firm pillow relieves jaw pain by realigning your neck and spine while you sleep, reducing migraines, tension headaches, and other common TMJ symptoms.
And it’s not just for sleeping – this ergonomically designed pillow can go with you to the office, eliminating the distraction of annoying pain. All you need is a flat surface to lie on and a few quiet minutes to yourself. Adjust the pillow to your desired comfort level, and feel the results for yourself.
If you’re not satisfied, the company offers a warranty with a 100% money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Comes with a 100% money-back guarantee
- Medium-firm support
- Eliminates back and shoulder pain at work
- Specifically designed as a pillow for TMJ sufferers
Cons
- Cervical spine support is not as satisfactory as other options.
2 – PureComfort – Side Sleeping Pillow
Highlights
- Material: Memory foam
- Sleeper Types: Side sleepers
- Firmness Level: Soft
- Warranty: 5-year
Overview:
When it comes to high-quality pillows, PureComfort is one of the best in the industry. This model is ideal for relieving ear pain by reducing facial pressure as you sleep.
Not only is this a perfect pillow for TMJ relief, its durability, efficiency, and comfort has earned it a certification from CertiPUR memory foam. It’s safe for children and those with sensitive skin, made with a hypoallergenic, dust mite-resistant bamboo pillow case which contains no heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates, or other toxic materials, AND it’s machine washable, making it easy to clean and maintain.
The model comes with a 5-year warranty and a 100% money-back guarantee within the first 100 days.
Pros
- Eliminates ear pain
- CertiPUR certified
- Relieves neck pain
- Machine washable
- Comes with a 5-year warranty and a generous refund policy
Cons
- Less comfortable than other models.
3 – Coisum Cervical Pillow Contour Pillow
Highlights:
- Material: 60 density high-quality memory foam
- Firmness Level: Medium-hard
- Best For: Side and back sleepers
Overview:
This pillow is perfect for those looking specifically to relieve shoulder and neck pain. Designed with high-quality memory form, this pillow prevents tingling and numbness, eliminates shoulder and neck stiffness, and prevents shoulder sores.
Side and back sleepers alike will find relief with this TMJ pillow; the high-density memory form contours perfectly to the shape of your neck, providing better support for the head and cervical area.
The pillow case is removable and washable, making it easy to clean, and the breathable surface leaves you feeling refreshed throughout the night.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Contours to the exact shape of the neck
- Made without harmful chemicals
- Made with breathable material
Cons
- Not hypoallergenic
4 – Coisum Back Sleeper Cervical Pillow
Highlights:
- Firmness Level: Medium-firm
- Sleeper type: Back sleeper
- Material: High-quality memory foam
Overview:
This cervical pillow (designed specially for back-sleepers), is another outstanding model from Coisum. Made with 60 density slow-rebound memory foam, this pillow helps to relieve pain in both the neck and shoulder area by providing you with enough support to remove pressure while you’re sleeping; it’s also significantly less expensive than other pillows for TMJ.
With two different size options, users can choose where their contour sits – either higher or lower on their bodies. Made with skin-friendly, hypoallergenic polyester, this pillow is machine washable, easy to maintain, and made without harmful chemicals.
Pro
- Less expensive
- Pillowcase is removable and machine washable
- Comes with different size options
-
Made with skin-friendly material
Some reviewers found this pillow a little too firm.
5 – LumaLife Luxe Pillow Bed Pillow
Highlights:
- Material: 60% polyester and 40% bamboo
- Sleepers Type: All sleepers
- Firmness Level: Soft
Overview:
The LumaLife Luxe Pillow is another great pillow for TMJ sufferers. Made with 60% polyester and 40% bamboo, this model is a perfect choice for anyone suffering from temporomandibular joint dysfunction by both improving sleep and reducing pain.
The pillow is comfortable for all sleepers (including front, back, and side sleepers). Designed with a 100% latex form, it not only supports proper neck alignment, but provides your shoulders with adequate support as well. And if you’re concerned about wrinkles, the LumaLife Luxe offers an efficient, contoured shape that will help prevent wrinkles on your face and neck by reducing pressure to those areas.
Pros
- Perfect for all sleepers
- Made with soft polyester and bamboo
- Aligns the neck
- Prevents wrinkles
- Form is 100% latex
Cons
- Some users feel the pillow is too thin.
Final Thoughts
TMJ is a painful condition. However, it’s also a treatable one. Left alone, TMJ can lead to head pain, tooth loss, shoulder and jaw discomfort, and chronic exhaustion. If ignored for too long, it may even require surgery to correct.
The good news is that you don’t have to resort to painful tactics and medical procedures to eliminate your TMJ pain. Relief can be as simple as selecting one of the pillows from this list.
Take a look at each of the pillows on this list, consulting with your health care provider if necessary. There are several considerations to make when selecting the perfect pillow for your specific needs. Pillow firmness, material composition, washability, and price are all important factors. However, there is almost nothing compared to the relief that comes from a good night’s sleep free from TMJ pain.
