Best Neck Hammock (2022): Reviews & Comparison

The neck hammock is a great way to relax your neck and shoulder muscles. Whether you are suffering from neck pain or want to just relax, you can stretch with your head cradled in the hammock and experience immense benefits. 

You will feel a gentle stretching of the neck as the hammock pulls the head away from the shoulders. This can decompress the spinal cord and increase blood flow. This automatically enables oxygenation of the surrounding muscles, reduces pain, and improves neck and shoulder mobility. 

The best part is, you have to do absolutely nothing to enjoy this bliss. Just lie down and place your head in the hammock after securing the straps to a higher level like a doorknob. The great thing about the neck hammock is that it is handy and easy to carry. It can be hung from anywhere where you have some space to stretch and needs just 10-15 minutes for you to benefit from it.

Our Neck Hammock Reviews

The challenge is in finding the right neck hammock as there are many available in the market. Worry not! We compare five of the best neck hammocks available to help you choose what works for you best.

The Original Neck Hammock

Designed by Dr. Steve Sudell Jr., a licensed physical therapist using his decade-long experience in physical rehabilitation, the original Neck Hammock is a patented cervical traction assistant.

It works by gently stretching the neck and pulling the head away, decompressing the spinal cord, and increasing the blood flow in the region. The muscles around the shoulders get more oxygen as a result, giving you relief from pain and increasing the mobility of the neck and the shoulders. It is portable and a single-point solution for neck and back problems.

Whether you are an athlete, traveler, or have long working hours, you can carry this with you and stretch at the first opportune moment for pain relief or just relaxing. It can be wrapped around any door, railing, or pole and has two sewn-in, medical-grade adjustable straps. This durable hammock also has a sleep mask that lets you catch up with your sleep as you relax.

Specifications

Benefits

The first benefit is its portability, which makes it easy to carry this around anywhere you go. The second is the fact that you can loop it through a doorknob, fix it in the door jamb or wrap it around a pole and start using it immediately. Then, of course, comes the benefit to your spine and neck and shoulder muscles. 

The stretch your neck gets is beneficial for the spine, decompressing it and oxygenating it. This gives immediate relief from shoulder and neck pain, making it more mobile. The improved blood circulation to these parts will refresh you.

Pros

Cons

Verdict

On the whole, this patented pioneer of a product is definitely a boon for the mobile executive and the athlete who may experience a stiff neck at awkward moments. It doesn’t need much to hook up as you can even stick it in the door jamb and shut it tight, stretch out on the floor and give the neck and shoulders the much-needed relaxation by resting your head on the hammock. Go for it.

Fisher Traction Neck Traction Device

The Fisher Traction Neck Traction Device uses revolutionary Negative G-Force Technology designed by a chiropractor. It works combined with gravity to gently, yet effectively provide relief from neck problems commonly associated with using smartphones and computers. It’s also a useful tool to help you relieve pressure, improve posture, and strengthen your spine. The device is already assembled, so it’s easy to use anywhere.

Specifications

Benefits

Designed with state-of-the-art Negative G-Force Technology, the Fisher Traction Neck Traction Device enables you to live an active, health life without having to suffer from neck pain and strain. The patented release straps were constructed to be ultra-durable so there’s no worry of breakage or snapping, while giving you full control of the decompression intensity you’re after. Simply attach to a door and pull to use.

Pros

Cons

Verdict

While this contraption requires knowledge of your spine and properly watching the tutorial video to use it correctly and safely, it’s worth investing in despite the price only if you’re willing to do the work in learning how to use it properly. The price can be off-putting for some, but if you are in serious need of relief from neck decompression issues, the Fisher Traction Neck Traction Device is an effective product that you’ll be able to benefit from for a long time.

Warm Welcome Y Strap Chiropractic Spinal Decompression Tool

The Warm Welcome Y Strap Chiropractic Spinal Decompression Tool is a quality neck hammock constructed with the y-axis spine strap that effectively eliminates pressure from top to bottom of the spine. Easy-to-use manual decompression can be done anywhere; simply rest your head on the comfortable padded strap and someone can do the gentle pulling for maximum relief.

Specifications

Benefits

This superior-quality neck hammock does wonders for neck pain thanks to its terrific construction and durable features. The Warm Welcome Y Strap Chiropractic Spinal Decompression Tool can effectively provide relief from neck pain and compression issues because of the y-axis design, which is widely used by chiropractors and physical therapists. The results can be felt instantaneously and is easy to assemble.

Pros

Cons

Verdict

If you are looking for fast-acting and effective relief from stiff neck, compressed spines, and neck pain, the Warm Welcome Y Strap Chiropractic Spinal Decompression Tool does a terrific job. For the user, wearing it is easy, and you only need another person to do the gentle pulling. 

As a result, the user can experience a significant improvement in back and neck health. This is a great investment for anyone who wants to easily fix neck pain just about anywhere.

XYCOO SL Neck Stretcher

The XYCOO SL Neck Stretcher is a versatile neck hammock that enables you to manually yet gently obtain relief from neck compression. It’s compact design means that you can use it anywhere, whether you are at home or in the office.

Neck sprains and strains are a thing of the past with this neck stretcher hammock. The construction features quality washable material, as well as easy-to-assemble design that doesn’t require any tools.

Specifications

Benefits

If you have been suffering from neck sprains and pains caused by bad posture, office work, or being on your phone too much, the XYCOO SL Neck Stretcher is an effective, affordable solution. There are no complex tools needed to assemble it, unlike other neck hammocks in the market. By using it just 15 minutes a day and attaching it to a door, you will be able to enjoy relief from neck pain.

Pros

Cons

Verdict

While the XYCOO SL Neck Stretcher has many uses and is easy to assemble, it’s prone to breakage and has some safety issues that the manufacturer still needs to resolve. It may be comfortable but it will not last a long time, so you would be better off going with another neck hammock. 

OTC Cervical Traction Kit

The OTC Cervical Traction Kit is a neck hammock that reduces compression in the head and neck simply by filling the calibrated weight bag with water, then attaching it to any door. No special tools are required, and its adjustable size can be used by most adults. Aside from neck sprains, it can be used to obtain relief from disc bulges, minor cervical spine fractures, and neck traction.

Specifications

Benefits

The OTC Cervical Traction Kit is easy to use simply by fastening the metal bracket on any door. This allows you to obtain relief from a wide range of neck and spine problems because it efficiently expands the neck and head to reduce any compression. The halter itself is comfortable to wear; it’s made from latex-free material, for quick and easy physical therapy.

Pros

Cons

Verdict

While you may need the assistance of a second person, at least initially, the OTC Cervical Traction Kit is worth buying because it’s more affordable compared to other similar neck hammocks but does the job just as well. However, you should be careful not to put too much water in the bag otherwise you’ll be in pain, so always start out with a light weight.

It does require more time to setup but considering the relief that you get from this contraption, it’s certainly recommended. You’ll save significant money from pricey physical therapy and chiropractor appointments by using the OTC Cervical Traction Kit.

What Is a Neck Hammock?

A neck hammock is a device that provides your neck muscles with a means to stretch to decompress the spine and relax the back muscles. 

A strap and a sling do the trick. You fix the strap to something as simple as a doorknob, lie down, and place your head on the sling 2-4 inches above the ground. This also causes your upper back to be elevated a little. The head is pulled gently away, which gives the neck a good stretch and the spine some room to decompress. 

This automatically improves blood circulation and oxygen to this part of the body. If there is pain, you will feel relief. Even if there is no pain, it can be very relaxing.

The neck hammocks are portable and can fit into your bag. So, if you are traveling, you can still carry this. Some models come with a stand so that you can use it even in the open where there is nowhere to wrap the strap around. Just 10-15 minutes every day is enough to feel the difference. It takes time and needs to be done regularly to receive the maximum benefit out of it.

These days, there are many models available manufactured by different companies. So it is important to consider the following factors when choosing a neck hammock.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Neck Hammocks

A neck hammock is meant to be restful as well as relieve you of pain. So it is important that it serves the purpose. No point buying it if you are going to worry about your safety and sturdiness of the product.

Here are some pointers to what you should look for when buying the neck hammock.

Strap Length

This is important because you need your upper body to be a clear 2-4 inches above the ground level for your neck to stretch and spine to decompress.

Since each body type is different, check the strap length and where you intend to use it to see if you will get the required elevation for the upper body when you are using it. The ideal is to go for an adjustable strap so that not just you, others in your family too can use and get real value for money apart from pain relief.

The Sling

The sling is where you place the base of your head. It should be sturdy, not slippery, and have good air circulation. You are going to be resting on it for at least 10-15 minutes and becoming hot and sweaty will not help you feel relaxed.

Good cotton or any other breathable material is good. There are some which come with holes for the ear that may help increase the comfort even more.

Accessories

The quality of the clips used to hold the strap and the sling should be excellent. It should be able to bear the weight of your head, which will put pressure on the sling as gravity pulls it down. If it snaps, you can injure your head, which is dangerous.

Stand

If there is a stand with the neck hammock, which is a great addition, make sure it is made of sturdy material and has good dynamics to prevent its toppling when you rest your head on the sling hanging from it. The stand should also be easy to fold and store or carry to retain its portability feature.

Storage Bag

A storage bag becomes important in that case to enable you to carry it around. The bag should be durable and withstand wear and tear.

Conclusion

A neck hammock is a simple device to reduce the chances of your painful and stiff neck becoming a severe problem later on. Neck pain is a common problem, but with a neck hammock, you can alleviate the impact and recover quickly. 

It works by giving your neck a good stretch, thereby decompressing the spine for better blood circulation and oxygenation. You need to use it regularly for at least 10-15 minutes at a stretch to see the benefits. You will definitely feel more relaxed and experience an improvement in sleep.

Buying the right product is important for you to truly benefit from it. Whichever product you go for, look up reviews, and compare. There is no one-size-fits-all solution and so you must also use your discretion to make sure a particular product suits you specifically.

Once you are sure and place the order, test it by using it for shorter spans of time to get used to it and to assure yourself of its quality and safety. If this meets your expectations, then chill and relax and find your neck and shoulder mobility increase with time.