My Isotonic Memory Foam Pillow Saved My Neck!

I do not mind getting older, but I wish my joints were younger. Having lived over four decades, my joints like to complain. It seems that every year or so, a different joint starts to shout out for attention.

A few months ago, I suddenly started to feel an annoying pins-and-needle sensation in the back of my neck. This would occur after a long day at the office, especially if I had been doing paper work, with my neck bent over my desk. Sometimes it would also occur after spending excessive hours at the computer. Clearly, the old discs in my neck (and I'm not talking CDs here) were unhappy. After several weeks of trying anti-inflammatory medications, wearing a neck brace at night, and adjusting my pillows, nothing was helping. It was time to investigate getting a special pillow.

After reading some positive reviews, I decided to investigate memory-foam-type pillows. The local Bed, Bath and Beyond store had an overwhelming selection of specialty pillows, all more expensive than the next, all claiming to be a panacea for neck pain. After spending far too much time in the store, being quite indecisive, I opted for the "Isotonic Memory Foam " wedge-type pillow. I believe that the price was approximately sixty dollars, and I was happy that, for a change, I actually had remembered to bring my 20-percent-off coupon. While that seemed expensive for a pillow, I was willing to try almost anything to end my neck problems. I am more than satisfied with the results.

How did it work out?
In a word: Great! The weird, uncomfortable tingling in my neck started to resolve after the first night I slept on this pillow. I have now been using this pillow for two years and have not had any recurrence of neck pains.

What does the pillow look like?
This is quite a substantial pillow. It is 21 inches wide and 15 inches from top to bottom. As this is a contoured wedge-like shape, the height varies from 1 ½ to 4 inches tall. It is also pretty heavy: in an effort to be as helpful to the consumer as possible, I even weighed this pillow. Here's how I accomplished the weighing: first I weighed myself on my bathroom scale, then I weighed myself again while holding the pillow, and the difference between the two weights is the pillow weight. Thus, I determined that this pillow weighs four pounds. That's pretty hefty for a pillow.

Now about the shape of this pillow.
The pillow bottom is flat, and has heavy horizontal ridges. This weighs the pillow down: it will not shift around on your bed. It will stay put, wherever it is placed. The top of the pillow has hills and valleys. Basically, there is a tall hill at the top of the pillow, and a smaller hill at the bottom. In between, there is a valley that, if you are a side-sleeper like I am, will support your head.

Can you sleep in different positions using this pillow?
Yes, apparently between the "high" hill and the "low" hill, as well as the flat wedge on the bottom, you have three different options for using this pillow; all you have to do is turn the pillow over, or flip it. As already mentioned, I'm mostly a side-sleeper, and place my head in the "valley", with my neck supported by the "lower" hill, as recommended for side-sleepers. Apparently, back and front sleepers may prefer sleeping on the flat wedge side, or the "higher" hill, but I have not done so myself.

Is the pillow comfortable, and is it too hot?
This pillow is supremely comfortable. In fact, the first time I took it out of the box and tried it, I fell asleep instantly! I was concerned that the memory-type foam would feel too hot, but this has not been a problem at all. The pillow comes encased in a zippered cotton-polyester covering that has a plush, almost velour-like consistency. One can sleep directly on this washable cover, or cover it with the standard sized pillow case of your choice. I have done both, but mostly keep a pillow case on it, for ease of washing. It has remained comfortable for two years now.

What is the foam like?
It is a memory-type foam. It is sort of a dense, very springy foam. If you press on it, it is soft enough to give, but still supportive, and it slowly springs back to its original shape once the pressure is released. It is difficult to actually describe in words how this foam provides exactly the right degree of softness and support, at the same time. The only word that comes to mind is: perfect.

Is the pillow washable?
The foam itself cannot be machine washed. If soiled, it can be spot cleaned with warm soapy, water, and air dried at room temperature away from sunlight and heat. The zippered cover can be machine washed in warm water and tumble dried using low heat. For extra protection, I use a pillow case over this covering.

Bottom line:
I love this pillow. The next time I travel, this pillow will have to go with me, or perhaps I will purchase a travel sized version. I am completely spoiled. The only down side: my kids like to watch TV in my bed, and now they are begging for their OWN Isotonic pillows, too. I haven't yet given in to them, but perhaps I will start looking out for those 20% off coupons from Bed, Bath and Beyond.