5 Best Neck Braces Reviewed: Which One Is The Best For You?

Ezonedeal Medical Neck Support Self-heating Brace

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Customer Favorite
This inflatable product is made with a soft, itch-free material. It helps stretch the neck and realign the spine gently, reducing neck stiffness over time.

PROS
The air mattress can be used multiple times a day. It has a design that is adjustable to fit people of all sizes. It is easy to deflate and store in small spaces.

CONS
This brace does not come with instructions. Some users got headaches after using it.

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Cozyhealth Soft Foam Neck Brace

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Most affordable
This odor-free option provides support and relief from pain and spinal pressure.

PROS
This pillow is made with soft foam that you can sleep on. It can be adjusted to give you the best lift. The pillow doesn't have latex and is available in different sizes.

CONS
Some people have said that the foam is too rough and itchy on the skin.

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velpeau Neck Brace

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Most comfortable
A product that is effective and comfortable for supporting the neck, jaw, and spine.

PROS
An excellent option for both daytime and nighttime use. Perfect for treating headaches, neck strain, and other conditions. Reasonably priced.

CONS
The size of this brand may be different from some other brands.

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ZHIYE Neck Brace

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Simple Yet Solid
Some users find this option to be supportive and more comfortable.

PROS
The core of this Neck Brace is latex-free. People who have back and neck pain can use it for therapeutic benefits. Some people say the inner core is squishy and comfortable.

CONS
The walls are sometimes considered to be too short.

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OTC Cervical Collar

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Great Deal
Has shorter walls than other choices, making it a good choice for small people.

PROS
This smaller-sized Cervical Collar might be more appropriate for nighttime wear. It is comfortable and cool, with a breathable outer layer.

CONS
This might be too narrow for people who are bigger.

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How to Choose the Best Neck Braces

Neck injuries can vary in terms of type and severity. Pain in the neck can be caused by sleeping at a weird angle, slipping and falling, being in a car or sporting accident, or degenerative changes in the neck or spine.

If you have pain in your neck, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before buying a neck brace. He might advise you to wear a neck brace if you had neck trauma or surgery.

If you are ready to buy a neck brace, we suggest you read our top recommendations.

Neck braces, often called neck orthotics, are available in various materials: molded plastic, metal, elastic, foam rubber, and cotton or nylon fabric.

TYPES OF NECK BRACES

There are different types of neck braces. Soft cervical collars support and control pain after a traumatic injury, rigid neck braces help control movement, while cervical-thoracic neck braces provide extra support.

Soft cervical collars

Most soft cervical collars are made of thick foam rubber. They help support the neck and head, reducing pressure on the injured area. Fastened with adjustable Velcro straps.

Rigid neck braces

Rigid neck braces are made of molded plastic. And one good thing about them is that they have adjustable Velcro straps and removable padded liners. After injury or surgery, rigid neck braces are sometimes used to restrict movement. Miller J and the Philadelphia collar are the most commonly used rigid neck braces.

Cervical-thoracic neck braces

Different types of braces can help with neck and upper back injuries. Cervical-thoracic neck braces are designed to help people who have had neck surgery or have had an injury. These braces are made of plastic. They have a two-piece padded chest jacket held securely in place with Velcro straps. They give chin support.

FINDING A PROPER FIT

If your neck brace does not fit, you will experience skin problems. You may also feel uncomfortable because of the moisture or pressure on your skin. If you can't adjust the brace yourself, go to an orthotist so they can help you make it fit better.

Keep in mind to look for a neck brace with a money-back guarantee of comfort and correct fit.

SHOWERING AND BATHING WITH A NECK BRACE

You can remove your neck brace if your doctor agrees. Otherwise, just wear it. After showering, have a caregiver remove the brace for you. Also, ask your caregiver to replace the soft line with a stiff one and help you put the brace back on.

• You should only remove your neck brace in a prone position and not while standing or sitting.

FEATURES

Closures: There are several different closures and adjustment points for neck braces, such as collars with hook-and-eye closures, Velcro closures, and string or strap closures.

Size: There is a wide range of neck braces with different circumferences (21 inches to 42 inches) and heights (2.4 inches to 4 inches). To find the right size for you, use a tape measure.

You should consult your physician or the product literature to determine what size is best for you. Some companies offer a printable tape measure to measure yourself at home.

Adjustability/inflation: Some neck braces have adjustable cotton-padded liners, making them more comfortable for the person wearing them. Other neck braces are inflatable. This means that the wearer can adjust how much pressure is applied to their neck and shoulder muscles.

NECK BRACE PRICES

Inexpensive: Some neck braces are not as well-constructed as others. But if you only have to wear the brace for a week or two, you can buy the less durable ones because they are less expensive. They fall between $8 to $12.

Mid-range: The hard cervical collar is more expensive, costing between $20 and $30. However, the soft cervical foam rubber collar brace is cheaper, costing between $15 and $20.

Expensive: If you are looking for a neck brace that is well-constructed and will fit better than budget choices, expect to pay between $50 and $65 for a soft cervical collar and between $75 and $90 for a hard cervical collar. Cervical collars are designed to be comfortable and supportive. They provide a lot of motion restriction without causing pain or skin breakdown.

The pricier neck braces have hypoallergenic, washable, cotton-lined, and breathable surfaces. They have surfaces that are softer and less abrasive than less expensive models. Some more expensive neck braces also have height-adjustment technology.

DID YOU KNOW?
There are different types of neck braces. The most rigid type is a halo neck brace or spine traction device. Another type of firm neck brace is called a SOMI (sterno-occipital-mandibular immobilization device). This type has a chest plate with stabilization bars that fit over the shoulders.

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TIPS

• You must change or clean the padded neck brace liners every day. Wash the pads and let them dry. Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals.
• Use mild detergent and water to clean the hard surfaces of your neck brace. Rinse off any excess soap and moisture. Let the brace air dry.
• Private health insurance and Medicare can help pay for medical appliances, including neck braces prescribed by a physician. Call your insurance company and ask if they will cover the cost of a neck brace.
• When choosing a neck brace, make sure to get one that is FDA approved.

Start from a prone position to put on a hard brace. Place the front half of the brace over your chest. Slide it upward until it is firmly nestled behind your chin. Attach the Velcro straps so that they are secure (yet not too tight).

FAQ

Q. How much should I restrict my movement if I wear a neck brace due to injury?

A. It can be challenging to get used to wearing a neck brace. The brace restricts movement so that you might feel unbalanced at first. Try to avoid any sudden or exaggerated movements, such as extreme twisting or bending the spine. When you move, use your leg and arm muscles to help. Make sure to do this when transitioning from lying down or sitting to standing up. Also, follow your doctor's advice about getting back to exercise.

Q. How many weeks or months do I need to wear my neck brace?

A. Talk to your doctor about your injury and follow their advice. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to wear a brace for four weeks or up to four or six months. Some people with degenerative problems have to wear their neck brace for a long time or until it is fixed.

Q. What are do’s and don'ts when wearing a neck brace?

A. It is good to wait until your doctor says it is okay before you do any vigorous activities. Never drive any type of vehicle: car, scooter, ATV, motorbike, or gold cart. This is because you might turn your neck and injure yourself. If you ride in a car, do not sit in the front seat. This is because the airbag might hurt you. You also should not ride a horse or do anything that might shake your neck or cause you to bump around.

Q. How can I shampoo my hair if I wear a neck brace day and night?

A. You should use dry shampoo every other day. Using dry shampoo is not as refreshing as using traditional shampoo, but it will help keep your hair clean and smelling good while wearing a neck brace.

Ezonedeal Medical Neck Support Self-heating Brace

BOTTOM LINE
This inflatable product is made with a soft, itch-free material. It helps stretch the neck and realign the spine gently, reducing neck stiffness over time.

Shop Now

Cozyhealth Soft Foam Neck Brace

BOTTOM LINE
This odor-free option provides support and relief from pain and spinal pressure.

Shop Now

velpeau Neck Brace

BOTTOM LINE
A product that is effective and comfortable for supporting the neck, jaw, and spine.

Shop Now