Best Soft Neck Brace
The soft neck brace (also known as a soft cervical collar) has perhaps earned an unfair reputation as a gimmick, thanks to years of television sitcoms featuring characters prone to exaggeration. We have seen time and again an actor entering a scene in a soft collar sharing an unlikely story about being attacked at a local karaoke night or some such nonsense. We are used to stories of would-be plaintiffs quickly throwing on a soft collar when entering a courtroom to sue for damages after a car accident.
Despite these frequent cliches, the bottom line is that soft neck braces are a legitimate medical need for many patients and an important tool in relief and recovery. What might serve as a gimmicky prop on your favorite television show is something you will view differently when you find you actually need one.
The soft neck brace market is full of options, and we will walk you through what you need to know before you purchase one, as well as highlight four of our favorites.
| Name | Image | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1.Vive Neck Brace - Foam Cervical Collar |  | |
| 2.Soft Foam Cervical Collar, Neck Brace |  | |
| 3.ProCare Low Contour Cervical Collar Neck Support Brace |  | |
| 4.VELPEAU Neck Brace -Foam Cervical Collar |  |
What is a Soft Neck Brace?
Patients use soft neck braces to support the head and the spinal cord when needed after an injury or surgical procedure. Many physicians also recommend these braces to manage some instances of neck pain.
While neck braces (or cervical collars) can be incredibly effective tools, you should never use one without consulting your physician first. In any event, if you experience pain caused by trauma or injury, you should be evaluated by a medical professional.
You may also see hard neck braces, but these are used to treat more severe injuries. A soft neck brace is typically constructed of a soft material like rubber, felt, or foam. Hard neck braces, on the other hand, typically use plexiglass or plastic.
The soft neck brace has a sheath of cotton or nylon covering the rubber, felt, or foam and fastens around the neck with Velcro straps. A hard neck brace will typically come with removable padded liners for comfort.
In addition to these neck braces, there is another category of cervical-thoracic braces. These surround the neck and have straps for a padded chest jacket. These may be used when a patient has suffered both neck and upper back injuries.
A hard neck brace restricts movement more than a soft neck brace, which sits below the jaw. These are typically used as a short-term treatment: wearing the collar for an extended period could weaken the neck muscles, and we will look at more side effects below.
Reasons to Use a Soft Neck Brace
There are many reasons why your medical provider might recommend a soft cervical collar. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Recovery from Surgical Procedures: After neck and other surgeries, patients must limit certain movements, avoid lifting heavy objects, and allow their bodies to rest and heal. A soft collar helps surgery patients restrict the amount of side to side movements and neck rotations, ensuring they do not cause further damage after surgery.
- Whiplash and Other Injury: Neck injuries are extremely common in car crashes as well as falls, so soft collars may be needed to recover from whiplash.
- Conditions Due to Aging: One problem some patients experience as they age is cervical spondylosis, and a soft cervical collar could help manage this condition.
- Management of Nerve Pressure: Pressure on the nerves in our neck can cause intense pain, and in some cases, a soft neck brace may be recommended by a doctor to reduce that pressure and alleviate pain.
If your medical provider asks you to wear a neck brace, be sure you follow their instructions about what type of brace to use, the length of time you should wear it, and any additional treatment for your condition, such as physical therapy.
Are There Side Effects to Wearing a Soft Neck Brace?
While soft neck braces are generally safe and effective medical devices used to treat neck injury, there are some side effects you should be aware of before using one. Discuss any concerns or questions about these side effects with your physician before using a neck brace.
- Weakening and stiffening of your neck muscles could occur after long-term use of a soft neck brace.
- The use of a soft neck brace could cause a breathing obstruction, especially if worn incorrectly. Those with specific breathing issues (such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) should discuss these concerns with their specialists.
- Using a soft neck brace could increase jugular blood pressure.
Just as you would pay attention to and report to your doctor any strange side effects you may be experiencing with a new medication, you should pay close attention to any side effects that seem to be linked to the use of the neck brace.
If the side effects are severe, your physician may recommend alternative tools and treatments for your neck injury and suggest you discontinue the use of a soft neck brace.
Tips for Using a Soft Neck Brace
Once your doctor has asked you to start wearing a neck brace, you should follow these tips to get the best results as you heal and recover from trauma or surgery.
- A snug fit is key when it comes to the device’s effectiveness, but you do not want it to be so tight around your neck that you are uncomfortable or experiencing a choking sensation. If left too loose, the collar will be ineffective and could also rub your skin and end up causing painful blisters and irritation.
- A neck brace is not a full-body cast, so do not stop moving entirely! While you cannot exactly train for a marathon in a neck brace, you should not lie in bed for days on end, either. Moving around will prevent you from getting too stiff, and it helps to take small walks throughout the day.
- Avoid heavy lifting while wearing a soft neck brace (and/or any time your neck is injured).
- Sit upright in chairs with correct posture, which will also aid in your overall recovery.
- Wear the collar as much as your physician instructs, even if that means the entire day. It will only be effective if you keep it on for the periods she prescribes, and resist the urge to take it off frequently.
Can I Sleep While Wearing a Soft Neck Brace?
Patients using soft neck braces to recover from injury or a surgical procedure often wonder if they will be able to sleep in the collar. While it takes some getting used to, it can be done. Follow our tips below to ensure you can sleep safely and comfortably while wearing a soft neck brace.
- Be sure the brace is fitted properly before you go to bed, which will minimize irritation.
- You may need to use a thinner pillow than you normally sleep on, to ensure your beck stays in a neutral position. You do not need to be overly “propped up” as you sleep in the neck brace.
- Try to sleep on your back and avoid twisting your neck.
- Take care to get up slowly in the morning; gently roll to the side and place your feet on the floor while raising your upper body.
The Best Soft Neck Braces: Our Top Four
Vive Neck Brace – Foam Cervical Collar
Available in black, beige, or white, the Vive Neck Brace is ergonomically designed with plush foam to ensure maximum comfort as you recover from injury. The breathable knitted material covering the foam is key to this brace’s comfort level, minimizing the chances you will begin to feel overheated while wearing it and sleeping in it.
This three-inch-thick collar provides support and stability for your jaw and neck, and the integrated fastening strap makes it easy to take on and off. This soft brace will fit around necks with circumferences ranging from 15 to 20.5 inches, so be sure to measure before you order.
For a reasonably priced brace backed by a 60-day guarantee from the manufacturer, you cannot beat the Vive neck brace.
Kefit Soft Foam Cervical Collar, Neck Brace
We like that Kefit offers two color choices (black and white) in this soft neck brace as well as two sizes. The medium brace fits a neck circumference of 18 to 20.6 inches, and the large is suited for a neck circumference of 20 to 22.6 inches.
The high-density foam construction and stockinette cover make the Kefit brace breathable and comfortable. Plus, the Velcro closure is adjustable, so you can personalize the fit for maximum comfort.
This is another solid choice for anyone needing a soft neck brace for post-operative recovery or as you heal from an injury.
ProCare Low Contour Cervical Collar Neck Support Brace
Two density options (firm or medium) along with three sizing options make the ProCare Low Contour one of the best soft neck braces for a truly personalized fit and comfort experience.
This cervical collar is latex-free with an adjustable Velcro closure, and it works exceptionally well for patients with shorter necks. One stockinette cover is included with this soft neck brace.
VELPEAU Neck Brace – Foam Cervical Collar
Five colors and four sizing options make this VELPEAU soft brace a popular choice for those seeking variety, and a dual-use version comes with a flexible plastic support gate. The ergonomic design of this brace results in something that is both lightweight and durable, providing support without being too rigid.
Breathable materials ensure comfort during use and an adjustable Velcro closure ensures you can personalize the fit with this soft brace.
What Else Can I Do for Neck Pain?
While soft neck braces can serve as an effective tool in treating neck pain caused by an injury or surgery, they may not be suitable for everyone. Even with adjustable closures and breathable fabrics, some patients may not be able to tolerate wearing them, whether during the day or while sleeping at night.
Cervical collars are just one way we treat neck pain: fortunately, there are other things you can do to alleviate pain and speed up your recovery. Be sure to discuss any treatment options with your doctor first.
Physical therapy is of great benefit to many patients with neck pain, and your primary physician should be able to provide a referral to a physical therapist who has the expertise to work with you and your particular neck problems. In addition, some doctors might suggest an exercise routine that includes yoga, walking, or even swimming.
Stretching is one of the best ways to address neck and shoulder pain, and a regular stretching routine could help you prevent future injuries, too.
One of the more recent advancements in pain management has come in the form of TENS Unit Therapy, which stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. This type of treatment involves sending impulses to stimulate our body’s own pain management processes.
In a time when prescription drug abuse is a major risk for many patients, options such as TENS UNIT Therapy and stretching routines are certainly appealing to many individuals suffering from neck pain.
Other tried-and-true remedies such as ice and heat therapy and over-the-counter pain relievers may be of benefit to those recovering from neck injuries or surgery.
Soft Neck Braces: A Summary
Soft neck braces or cervical collars are an affordable and effective way to treat neck pain on a short-term basis. They should only be used when instructed by a physician, and it is critical to fit them properly to ensure they work effectively. Adjustable closures and a variety of sizes mean there is a good neck brace for virtually any patient who needs it, and they can be used 24 hours a day or as directed by your medical provider.
