Comparison of Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, and Comfort between Buckwheat and Latex Pillows

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate differences in neck pain, shoulder pain, and comfort between buckwheat and latex pillows in elderly sanatorium residents. METHODS: The crossover experimental study was performed with 30 elderly patients in a convalescent hospital for seniors. The buckwheat and latex pillows were used for 2 weeks, the 7 day was assigned as the washout between each one week intervention, respectively. Pre- and posttest visual analog scale (VAS) scores for neck and shoulder pains and the neck disability index (NDI) were investigated. Data were analyzed using paired-samples t test, and their correlations were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 21.0 (IBM Corp., New York, NY, USA). RESULTS: After the 2-week intervention, results showed that the use of buckwheat pillows decreased the VAS scores for neck and shoulder pains and NDI. Further, the use of latex pillows decreased the VAS score for neck pain and NDI, but the VAS score for shoulder pain showed no statistically significant differences (t=1.887, P=0.069). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, using latex and buckwheat pillows is the best option for reducing neck pain. Between the buckwheat and latex pillows, the buckwheat pillow is a better option for decreasing neck and shoulder pains.