Acupressure pillow: what it is for, how to use it for the neck, which to choose
Acupressure pillow: what it is for and how to use it for the neck
The acupressure pillow is a pillow covered with spiked flowers, designed for the nape and neck, where the flat mat doesn’t reach: lying on your back, you place it under the cervical curve for 15 to 20 minutes.
It is used for neck pain, stiff neck, neck and shoulder tension, tension headaches and to fall asleep; it is also used under the lower back or under the legs.
The Mysa Thermo pillow (42 × 25 × about 6 cm) has 33-spike pyramidal flowers and an organic spelt husk filling that is warmed in the oven or microwave for 1 minute, combining acupressure and heat; the ThermoMag version adds 8 biomagnets. The Tromsø study (Hohmann 2012) measured a reduction in chronic neck pain after two weeks of daily use of a spiked device.
Real relief for the neck
Organically grown spelt husk: warm it for a minute, place it under your nape, and feel the heat and the micro-spikes working together. Nobody catches up with us: you deserve only Mysa.
Why a pillow as well as the mat
The mat treats the back; the neck, with its curve, stays raised and doesn’t touch the spikes. The pillow fills the cervical curve and rests the spikes on the muscles of the nape (upper trapezius, suboccipitals), where postural and screen tension builds up.
It is used on its own, 15-20 minutes, or together with the mat (Duo set) to treat back and neck in the same session.
Mysa pillows compared
| Model | Spikes | Filling | Heat | Magnets | Who for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermo pillow | 33-spike pyramidal flowers | Organic spelt husk | Yes, oven/microwave 1 min | No | Neck pain, stiff neck, sleep |
| ThermoMag pillow | Same | Same | Yes | 8 biomagnets | Neck with persistent contractures; not with a pacemaker |
| Hot ErgonoPad | 33-spike pyramidal flowers | Spelt husk | Yes | No | Lower back, postural corrector, belt |
Dimensions of the Thermo and ThermoMag pillow: 42 × 25 × about 6 cm.
How to use it for the neck
- Warm the pillow for 1 minute (optional): the heat relaxes the muscles before the spikes get to work.
- Lie on your back on a soft surface; place the pillow under the nape, so that the curve of the neck rests on the spikes and the head stays in line.
- For the first days with a thin cloth or the Mysa t-shirt; then bare skin.
- 15-20 minutes, breathing slowly; the neck muscles release after 5-10 minutes.
- Every evening for 2-3 weeks; then as needed. Mysa rule: no more than 14 consecutive days, then 5 off.
Other positions: under the lower back, sitting or lying; under the calves for heavy legs; under the feet for reflexology.
What the research says
The randomised trial by Hohmann and colleagues (University of Tromsø, 2012) treated patients with chronic neck pain with a spiked device for 30 minutes a day for 2 weeks: significant pain reduction and a higher pressure pain threshold, with no adverse events.
The Karlstad study (Kjellgren 2011) included neck and back pain of 16 years on average: reduction in acute pain after 3 weeks. Local heat is a recognised aid for cervical muscle tension. All the studies.
Contraindications
The same as for the mat; in addition, for the heated pillow: check the temperature with your hand, do not exceed 1 minute of heating, do not fall asleep with the freshly heated pillow; for the ThermoMag, no pacemaker or electronic implants.
In case of neck pain with dizziness, tingling in the arms or after a recent whiplash, see a doctor first. All contraindications.
By the Mysa Lab Team · Updated 6 November 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is the acupressure pillow for?
To treat the neck and nape, where the mat doesn’t reach: neck pain, stiff neck, postural tension, tension headaches, sleep.
How many minutes?
15-20 minutes a day, preferably in the evening.
Can it be warmed?
The Thermo pillow yes: organic spelt husk, 1 minute in the oven or microwave.
Do I need the mat, or is the pillow enough?
For the neck alone the pillow is enough; for back and neck together, the Duo set.
Which is best for neck pain?
The Mysa Thermo pillow, for the combination of pyramidal spikes and heat; with persistent contractures, the ThermoMag.
Can I sleep on it all night?
On the spiked pillow you can; many people do.
