Goodbye neck pain, hello sweet dreams.
Finding the right pillow when you have a sensitive neck can be a Goldilocks-level endeavor: Too soft, and you’ll wake up unable to look to the side; too tall or firm, and you still have a stiff neck the next morning. I’m someone who values sleep very deeply. So the hunt began to find the replacement for the glorified pancake of a pillow I was using at my partner’s house. (I also asked him to replace his mattress — I’m really fun, I promise.)
As a side sleeper, having support for my head and neck is a necessity. Otherwise, I tend to shrug my shoulders upward to fill the space between the pillow and the mattress, leading to an achy neck and sore shoulders. If I can’t get comfortable that way, I’ll fold the pillow in half, laying my arms underneath in a lopsided pile. If I’ve exhausted those options, frustration leads me to forgo the pillow entirely and sleep sans accessories, directly on my arms.
To top it all off, I’m a sweaty human. Flannel sheets leave me with night sweats, sometimes with sopping wet hair stuck to my face. Memory foam pillows feel great, but they tend to retain heat, leading to more perspiration than rest and relaxation.
My search came to an end when I came across the Cushion Lab Deep Sleep Pillow, which just so happens to be on sale for Sleep Week.
Why I chose Cushion Lab’s Deep Sleep Pillow
After going down a pillow-shopping rabbit hole, I stumbled upon the Cushion Lab Deep Sleep pillow. The pillow took over two years to develop, and its patented foam technology means it’s soft on top to mold to the shape of your head and neck, and denser on the bottom to provide support.
It has an oblong shape, which sounds strange at first, but its ergonomic silhouette is made with a purpose: It dips in the middle to bolster your head, with varying heights at opposite ends to cradle your neck and properly align your body.
It comes with a silky pillowcase that not only fits snugly — which you’ll know is a tall order if you’ve ever searched for linens to fit memory foam pillows — but is just as innovative as the pillow it houses. Instead of a typical pillowcase, this one functions almost like a shower cap, with a round elastic opening that goes across the back of the pillow. It’s super easy to slip on and remove, and the elastic keeps the case itself from slipping and sliding, reducing friction between your face and the pillowcase. Not only will this lack of friction prevent you from waking up in the morning with pillow creases on your cheeks, but silk pillowcases also benefit your hair and skin.
My Cushion Lab Deep Sleep Pillow review
I squealed with glee when this thing arrived in the mail. My partner was also excited — after all, he’s been the one listening to me trash-talk his pillows for two years straight. It came rolled up in an elongated box, but was easy to slip out of the packaging without hacking it to bits with scissors.
The pillow had no unpleasant chemical or factory smell, and I appreciated that it sprung to life almost instantly. (Unlike a foam mattress, I didn’t have to wait for this to expand to its full size.)
Treating myself to an early bedtime that night, I was so excited to crawl into a cozy sleep arrangement and try out the pillow. As a side sleeper, I was shocked to actually enjoy how I felt while lying on my back; instead of my neck feeling inverted or my chin being shoved into my chest, I felt supported. I finally understood what trainers meant by having a “neutral spine” — everything felt like it was in alignment.
I swear I passed out not long after that moment of sweet relief, and even when I turned throughout the night, I never felt my shoulders inching up toward my neck or my arms wrapping underneath the pillow for more elevation. Is this what sleep is actually supposed to feel like?
Long story short, I was shocked by how much I loved this pillow. It’s my literal job to be skeptical about products and their claims, but this one delivered on its promises. I’ve been using it for several weeks now, and the only thing that’s changed is that now I have to fight my dog for it — she’s a fan, too.
Even my partner, who sometimes chooses to sleep without a pillow (is he OK?), has started inching his way onto mine throughout the night. When he WFB (works from bed), I often find him using it to prop himself up after I’ve started work at my desk.
Why you should try a Cushion Lab Deep Sleep Pillow right now
The best part? It’s on sale right now for a fraction of the original price for Sleep Awareness Week, which happens every March, hosted by the National Sleep Foundation to shed light on all the ways we can improve bedtime. And with it comes massive discounts. Instead of the usual $135, the Cushion Lab Deep Sleep pillow is available for only $88. You can save even more with bundle pricing — so buy a few pillows and hand them out as gifts for birthdays or other upcoming spring holidays like Easter or Mother’s Day.
If you think a pillow isn’t the sexiest gift, consider how life-changing a good night’s sleep can be, which is truly priceless. The Cushion Lab pillow’s features are undeniable, and they should be widely shared.
You can also score other beloved Cushion Lab products, like the Pressure Relief Seat Cushion and Back Relief Lumbar Pillow, on sale, too.
What‘s On Sale at Cushion Lab
Ultimate Sitting Comfort Bundle
Cushion Lab
The key to not aching after a full work day at your desk is ensuring your spine is in proper alignment. Instead of trying to figure out what components you need to add to your setup individually, go all-in with this trio of cushions that support your back, hips, and knees. This set includes Cushion Lab’s famed back and seat cushions, but it also comes with a foot pillow to ensure your knees stay at a right angle while you’re seated.
Travel Deep Sleep Pillow
Cushion Lab
Take your sweet dreams on the road with this mini version of the Deep Sleep Pillow. It rolls up into a tiny bundle for easy transport, and it boasts the same shape, memory foam, and smooth cover as its full-sized counterpart, ensuring you get all the support you need while on the go.
TruFiber Bamboo Sateen Sheet Set
Cushion Lab
These bamboo sheets have a small environmental impact (bamboo uses less water and fewer pesticides than cotton), but they’ll have a huge impact on your sleep. Instead of spending the night restless and sweaty, you’ll stay cool and calm in these silk-like sheets.
Pressure Relief Seat Cushion
Cushion Lab
That wooden dining chair you’ve been using at your desk for two years is starting to hurt your tush, and we get it. This cushion adds a bit of height and softness to hard seating, while the molded shape helps relieve hip pressure and can help improve your posture, too. For those who don’t sit at a desk, you can also stick this on your car seat to make long drives more bearable.
Back Relief Lumbar Cushion
Cushion Lab
Lower back pain doesn’t discriminate — it’ll strike whenever and whoever it wants. Whether you find yourself aching after sitting on a plush couch for too long or while typing at a computer, adding support to your spine can help reduce pain. Made from high-density foam, the wing-shaped cushion cradles your spine and adds extra padding to keep you upright without feeling too propped up.
Deep Sleep Pillow Cover
Cushion Lab
Washing your specialty pillowcase multiple times a month isn’t realistic for most of us, so it’s smart to have plenty of backups. The Deep Sleep Pillow comes with one gray cover, but you can buy pink or white options if you prefer a different look. Just be sure to not wash this with anything that has velcro on it — the fabric is delicate and will pill easily when rubbed against rough fabric. (Which I learned the hard way.)