Water pillow | Mister Sandman

What is a water pillow?

How well do water pillows help with neck pain?

Many people suffer from neck pain or develop neck issues over time. The causes of neck pain are mostly harmless, but can also stem from serious conditions. A key role in preventing and relieving neck pain is played by the pillow, neck pillow, or head pillow used for sleeping, the head or sleep pillow. Because regardless of the causes of discomfort in the neck, using the wrong pillow can trigger discomfort in the neck and head pain or worsen existing neck issues.

Avoid tension through the right pillow-mattress combination

To avoid tension, the pillow should match the mattress. Mister Sandman offers three mattress models - Liara, Serena, Anea, which fit many different pillows, including water pillows. The Mister Sandman mattress finder quickly and competently recommends the right mattress model for you. You can then comfortably test it together with your water pillow for 30 days without obligation and if you are not satisfied, you can have it picked up for free by us.

The right pillow for tension

To prevent or alleviate tension and discomfort in the neck, many people embark on the search for a pillow that meets this need, such as a neck pillow or neck support pillow. Finding the right pillow is often not that easy. There are plenty of pillow models specifically aimed at people with neck problems:

Various neck pillows
Orthopedic neck support pillows
Neck pillow
Neck roll
Head pillows with certain pillow fillings that are supposed to relieve the neck while lying down, for example pillows with spelt, gel pillows, water pillows with a water core

Neck pillows in the test

The right pillow is very important for a healthy and restful sleep. To what extent certain pillows aimed at people with neck complaints, such as neck pillows or neck support pillows, are also suitable for them is often not proven by studies. Although there are tests that evaluate pillows, such as neck support pillows, water pillows, or generally head pillows. However, many of these test results refer exclusively to test categories, such as

Handling of the pillow
Pillow material
Price-performance ratio of the pillow
Popularity of the pillow

Few studies on the effectiveness of neck support pillows

For many of these pillows, such as pillows that contain natural fillings or pillows that contain gel, or also orthopedic neck pillows and neck support pillows, there are no studies that prove the effectiveness of these pillows. An exception is water pillows. An American university conducted a clinical study with water pillows to investigate the effectiveness of water pillows and water head pillows for neck complaints compared to other pillows and neck pillows in the test. The water pillows in the test were tested on 41 people. The goal of the water pillow test was to answer the following test questions:

How long do the test subjects take to fall asleep while using water pillows?
How well do the test subjects sleep through during the water pillow test?
How do the test subjects rate their sleep while using water pillows?
How is the overall sleep quality evaluated during the test period with water pillows?

Procedure of the water pillow test

The test subjects initially slept for several weeks on a pillow that they usually use as a head pillow or sleeping pillow. Most of the time, these were pillows with down or a foam filling. In the test, the test subjects were then supposed to sleep on a neck pillow, more specifically a neck roll, and then on a water pillow of a specific pillow brand. The test subjects were to keep diary entries about pain and their overall well-being throughout the entire test period. In the last third of the water pillow test or the test phase, the test subjects were finally to indicate their satisfaction with the pillows used in the test (normal head pillow, neck pillow, water pillow). The test subjects in the water pillow test were individuals suffering from the so-called cervical syndrome, meaning test subjects with general complaints in the cervical spine area, some also with accompanying headaches.

Water pillow as test winner

The neck pillow test or water pillow test conducted by John Hopkins University showed clear test results. In all test categories, the water pillow used in the test was ahead, especially compared to the neck pillow, and the water pillow ultimately emerged as the test winner from the test.

The test showed that the water pillow used, unlike the other pillow models, significantly reduced morning neck pain in the test subjects.
The test showed that using the water pillow as a sleeping pillow or head pillow significantly improved the sleep quality of the test subjects.
The test showed that the use of a neck roll significantly worsened both the neck pain and the sleep quality of the test subjects compared to the use of a water pillow.

Water pillows effective for neck pain

Unlike test results that only refer to specific pillow features, this test shows that water pillows can be effective against neck pain and accompanying headaches. Other pillows seem to be less suitable in this regard, according to the test result.

What distinguishes water pillows from neck support pillows?

In contrast to various types of pillows and the classic neck roll, water pillows are less familiar to many people. For many, the mere idea of sleeping on a pillow filled with water, that is, a water pillow, seems somewhat strange. Because that is exactly what it is. A water pillow, as the name water pillow already suggests, is a pillow that contains water, or better said, can be filled with water. Compared to neck pillows or ergonomically shaped neck support pillows, some differences become clear:

A water pillow does not have a special ergonomic shape like many neck pillows and neck support pillows.
A water pillow is shaped like a normal sleeping pillow or head pillow.
A water pillow has a core made of water.

What does a water pillow look like?

A water pillow is not just a cover filled with water. Rather, a water pillow consists of different pillow layers:

The first water pillow layer often consists of fiber fluff. Fiber fluff is very soft and waterproof.
With the upper water pillow layer, the water pillow looks like a normal pillow, sleeping pillow, or head pillow.
Through the first layer, the water pillow initially feels like a normal pillow.
The water pillow has a water bag inside. The water bag is, of course, filled with water before the water pillow is used.
The water filling inside the water pillow is interchangeable.
The size of water pillows is usually 40x80 and 50x70.

Different sizes of water pillows

Commercially available pillows and sleeping pillows, for example with down filling, usually have the size 80x80. Since the size of water pillows differs (40x80, 50x70), one must consider the water pillow cover before purchasing a water pillow. Of course, one can also use covers of size 80x80 as a water pillow cover and simply fold the excess fabric over. However, this handling with the head pillow cover often proves to be disturbing during sleep. Many water pillow brands therefore also offer the matching water pillow cover right away. Usually, it is

The cover for a water pillow is usually made of cotton (or a polyester blend).
The cover for a water pillow is removable.
The cover for a water pillow is washable.
The cover for a water pillow is often equipped with a zipper.
The cover for a water pillow is often quilted, providing comfort.

How does the water get into the water pillow?

A water pillow is not available pre-filled with water, but only the cover for the water pillow. The water pillow must be filled with water by yourself after purchase. When buying the water pillow, a small funnel is provided to make it easier and more convenient to fill the water into the water pillow. With this funnel, the water bag inside the water pillow can be filled very quickly and easily.

What amount of water fits in a 40x80 water pillow?

Typically, water pillows are offered that can hold a water volume between 1 and 5 liters. How firm you fill a water pillow depends entirely on your own preferences and needs. By varying the amount of water in the water pillow, the degree of firmness can be influenced. Depending on how much water you pour into the water pillow with the funnel, you get a different degree of firmness. If you are unsure which degree of firmness you prefer for your water pillow, you can easily conduct a test or several tests. When sleeping on the water pillow, you always use a specific amount of water over certain periods of time. In comparison, you will quickly be able to say which water pillow firmness level suits you best.

What is the degree of firmness in pillows?

Pillows and water pillows can have different degrees of firmness just like mattresses. Depending on the type of filling and the amount of filling used, the pillow is softer or firmer. For example, with pillows filled with down, the ratio of down to feathers in the pillow determines whether the pillow is softer or firmer. The higher the down content in a down-filled pillow, the softer the pillow is. The lower the down content in a pillow, the firmer the pillow feels when lying down and sleeping.

Finding the right firmness level of water pillows

The firmness level of pillows is therefore related to the filling amount of the filling. But how does one choose the right firmness level for a pillow, whether it is a normal pillow or a water pillow? With regard to the firmness level of a pillow, one should consider the individual sleeping position that one usually takes during sleep. Depending on the sleeping position, certain firmness levels are recommended for pillows. The advantage of water pillows compared to other pillows is that the firmness level is variable depending on the amount of water filled (filling amount).

If you prefer a softer sleeping feel for the head, you should fill the water pillow with 1 to 2 liters of water.
If you prefer a firmer sleeping feel, you can fill the water pillow or water head pillow more fully, but still ideally not to 100%.
Since the firmness level of water pillows is variable, the water pillow can be used for many different users and adjusted individually.

Advantages of water pillows 40x80

Water pillows have compared to other pillows that do not have a water core some advantages. This is mainly due to the main feature of water pillows, the water core of the water pillows. Due to the water filling of the water pillow, it adapts to every movement during sleep.

A water pillow is equally suitable for side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers.
A water pillow has an individually adjustable firmness level.
A water pillow can be used by different users and always adapts individually.
A water pillow is never wrinkled or flat.
Water pillows can be easily taken on trips when empty.
Water pillows are very suitable for allergy sufferers.

Disadvantages of water pillows 40x80

Water pillows have some disadvantages compared to other pillows.

When the water pillow is filled with water, it is very heavy.
A water pillow is not quiet. The water inside the pillow can produce disturbing noises.
Due to the water in the water pillow, a strong cooling effect is often unavoidable. One should pay attention to the choice of the right water pillow cover.
With poorly manufactured water pillows, there is a risk that water will leak out.

Which mattresses are suitable for water pillows?

For a healthy and restful sleep, the right combination of different elements is crucial. Mattresses, slatted frames, pillows, and bed linen, all these elements should fit into a larger whole. The properties of mattresses are usually given special attention, even though mattresses are just one element in the interplay of mattresses, pillows, slatted frames, and bed linen. When buying a mattress, one should ensure that the existing pillows, head pillows, and sleeping pillows match well with the mattresses. Sleeping pillows and mattresses fit well together when mattresses and pillows meet the needs of the user in their interplay.

Which mattress firmness level is suitable for water pillows?

When buying mattresses, one should pay attention to the fact that the mattresses have the right firmness level. Mattresses should fit individual needs. The firmness level of mattresses is a matter of personal preference and individual needs. Physical complaints should be taken into account when choosing the firmness level of mattresses.

Zoning of the mattress with water pillows?

Mattresses with zones help to support certain body areas more strongly and relieve other areas. Depending on personal health condition, zoning in mattresses can contribute to more comfort and better sleep

Mattresses should match personal sleeping habits (sleep position)
Mattresses should be tested for harmful substances and suitable for allergy sufferers

When it comes to bedding items like mattresses, pillows, and bed linen, one should generally pay attention to certification for the sake of one's own health. If one wants to add a water pillow, the question of whether the water pillow fits the mattress is justified. Because pillows and mattresses should complement or enhance each other's properties .

Mister Sandman mattresses fit with water pillows

Mister Sandman mattresses can be well used with water pillows. Which mattress is individually suitable is indicated by the Mister Sandman mattress finder. Mister Sandman not only offers high-quality products but also a great price-performance ratio. Mister Sandman mattresses are Made in Germany and have an Öko-Tex certificate. In addition, Mister Sandman offers a 10-year guarantee.

Preventing neck pain with water pillows

If one suffers from neck pain or wants to prevent neck pain, one should look for mattresses that take this circumstance into account:

Mattresses with very good pressure relief
Mattresses with excellent point elasticity
Mattresses with high support elasticity

Prevent neck pain with the right pillow

The same applies when choosing pillows. The pillows should be chosen for problems with the back, neck, and spine just like the mattresses, with regard to their pain- and tension-relieving properties. Water pillows match mattresses that address neck and back complaints.

Water pillows optimally support the spine and thus prevent or alleviate neck pain.
Due to the flexible filling amount in water pillows, the height of the water head pillow can be varied and thus adjusted to the respective mattresses, ensuring an optimal lying position is achieved.

Test water pillows yourself

Water pillows or water head pillows fit various types of mattresses and mattress models. When purchasing a mattress or acquiring a water pillow, one should pay attention to personal needs. One should always conduct a lying test for both mattresses and pillows. Only through a thorough test can one be sure to have found the right product or the right products for oneself. When acquiring mattresses, one should ensure that they have the opportunity to subject the product to a longer period of personal testing in the form of trial sleeping. Similarly, one should proceed with pillows. Especially with water pillows, a certain adjustment period is necessary.

Water pillows and water mattresses

Aside from pillows in the form of water pillows, there are other products for the bedroom that are filled with water. One of the most well-known products that is filled with water is water mattresses or water beds.

Water mattresses or water beds are expensive to purchase and maintain
Due to the weight of water mattresses, the bed is hardly movable
Mattresses filled with water cause high heating costs

So, if someone wants to use products with water in the bedroom, they do not have to immediately buy a water bed along with their water pillow. Water pillows serve their purpose very well in conjunction with other mattresses that are not filled with water.

Which neck pillow is recommended?

When asked which neck pillow is recommended, one cannot give a blanket answer. Neck pillows and neck support pillows differ significantly in their designs and properties. Whether one chooses neck pillows with water, gel foam, or visco depends significantly on personal needs. More important than the type of pillow, whether water pillow, water head pillow, or neck support pillow, is the question of whether the pillow is individually suitable. The pillow, whether water pillow or another pillow, should provide comfort but also correctly support the spine and counteract muscle tension. The pillow products should meet various criteria. One should be aware that if one switches from a conventional pillow to a water pillow or neck pillow, a certain adjustment period should be taken into account. One should also pay attention to the material of the cover for a water pillow. This should be made of breathable cotton or a high-quality cotton-polyester blend. If these points are considered when purchasing a water pillow, one can look forward to comfort and a healthy sleep at night.