The effectiveness of the Simmons Beautyrest® pillow in the management of chronic non-specific neck pain : a controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background : A lack of peaceful sleep and adequate neck support during sleep has been described as a significant contributing factor to the development of chronic non-specific neck pain. Health-care practitioners often prescribe a cervical pillow for the treatment of chronic non-specific neck pain despite the ambivalent findings of several studies. Recently Simmons South Africa introduced the Simmons Beautyrest® pillow which it claims is able to support the cervical spine and promotes a restful sleep. This study, therefore, set out to determine the potential of the Simmons Beautyrest® pillow in alleviating chronic non-specific neck pain. Objective : This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the Simmons Beautyrest® pillow compared to the participant’s usual pillow (the control) in terms of objective and subjective findings in the management of chronic non-specific neck pain. Methods : Forty individuals, aged 18 to 45 years of age, experiencing chronic non-specific neck pain were recruited via convenience sampling. The study was a single-blinded, cross-over interventional study. All participants underwent a case history, physical and cervical orthopedic examination. Objective (algometer and Cervical Range of Motion measurements) and subjective (Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, Sleep and pain diary) outcome measures were obtained at each of the five consultations over a four week period, with the cross-over occurring after two weeks. SPSS version 18.0 was used to analyze the data. Demographic data was analyzed using the Chi square tests and t-tests. The consultations were averaged for each phase of the cross over design to result in a two treatment, two period cross over design. Repeated measures ANOVA testing was used to evaluate the effect of the intervention on subjective and objective measurement according to the method of Dallal (Esterhuizen, 2011). The sleep and pain diary data was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Wald chi square test. Results : A significant difference in the perceived comfort levels between the two pillows (p < 0.001) was observed with the Simmons Beautyrest® pillow having a higher comfort rating. A significant decrease in NRS scores (p = 0.018); NDI scores (p < 0.001); and NRS scores on awakening (p < 0.001); neck stiffness rating on awakening (p < 0.00); headache rating on awakening (p = 0.043) was observed in relation to the Simmons Beautyrest® pillow. A significant improvement (p = 0.001) in algometer readings was observed when using the Simmons Beautyrest® pillow when compared to participants usual pillow. A significant increase in mean right lateral flexion measurements was observed in both groups when using the Simmons Beautyrest® pillow (p = Conclusions : The Simmons Beautyrest® pillow was effective in improving chronic non-specific neck pain. It was regarded as comfortable and provided relief with regards to the clinical features of non-specific neck pain.