Small Size Good for Long, Slim, Necks
I have a history of neck injuries, and currently have four bulging discs along with other issues. In the past month I have tried four different cervical collars ranging in cost from under $10 to $69. This is by far my favorite one, and is one of the two collars I did not return. I am going to discuss the different collars, but if you want to just read info on this collar, skip to the last paragraph. My issue is that I have a very small neck; it measures under 12" around. The first collar I bought was the DMI Soft Foam Cervical Collar Neck Support, Small, 2 1/2 Inch Width. It did fit nicely around my neck ok, so I kept that one. But being only 2 1/2" high it didn't provide much support. (My neck is long, as well as skinny.) It is kind of like wrapping a soft belt around the middle of my neck. So in search for a taller collar I ordered the Procare 79-83003 Cervical Collar, Firm Density, 7.5 cm Height, 46 cm Length, Small. Length was small enough, but like my first collar, it was too short as well. The firm density did not make up for being too short. I returned it. Next I decided to bite the bullet and go more expensive, so I ordered the Aspen Vista TX (Thoracic Extension) Cervical Collar Neck Brace (One Adjustable Size). The description said one size adjustable, and I liked the way it came down and gave support to the upper chest & back in the photos. The description also said 'no returns', so I called Amazon before ordering and asked if a return would be possible if the collar was too big. They said yes, so I ordered it. To my dismay, it was indeed too big. It is a two piece collar, you put one piece on the front, then the back piece. The front piece tucks inside the back piece then Velcro straps hold them together. I had to tuck the front piece in so much, that the ends of the front piece were OVERLAPPED in the back of my neck! The velcro barely had anything to bit onto once I had it all together. The part that came down on the upper chest and back were not close enough to my body to provide any support at all. So needless to say, I have taken advantage of Amazon's great return policy and the brace is already boxed up and waiting to go out. Finally, we get to the cervical collar in question and the one I like the best, (the Wonder Care Soft Cervical Collar neck support). This collar has great support, and it goes all the way up to offer support under my chin. This keeps my neck in a healthier upright position. There is a nice deep slope to the front of the collar which allows for the natural shape of the face/chin. It supports the chin as well as the sides & back of my neck. If I am not moving around a lot I keep it a bit more snug, If I want to move around a bit I loosen it a little and it still supports my chin enough to keep me from making stupid movements. I can even eat with it loosely on, it reminds me to bring the food up to my mouth rather than tilting my head down toward the food, and it keep it loose enough to swallow comfortably. The breathable holes are a good idea, although it's still pretty cool weather here so I look forward to seeing if they help later this summer. The only thing that seems odd to me, is that the description says this is a soft collar. Mine seems pretty stiff, but I personally like the support of it. There is a LOT of cushion, so even tho it provides great support, it doesn't dig in anywhere. As reference for those who are considering the small, my neck measures between 11 3/4" - 12" around, and lengthwise it is about 4 1/2" from my sternal notch (V) to the top of my neck where the underside of my chin begins. For me, there is quite a bit of overlap when wearing it but it is very comfortable and there is plenty of Velcro to accommodate a variety of neck sizes. The collar itself measures 19 1/2" long (not including velcro flap). The height of the collar is 4 1/2" high on the sides, and 3 1/2" under the chin. I would estimate that this could easily fit a neck up to 14-15", even though the chart says small fits only up to 13". In fact, if I put this on with the ends of the collar just touching in the back (no overlap), I can fit my whole fist inside the collar in the front of my neck with room to spare. Bottom line, I am so very happy that I took a chance on this one. It is everything I need in a collar.....good height, good support, comfortable, nice chin rest, and fits my slender neck. I am uploading a photo showing how it supports my neck and chin area. Hope this info is helpful! Read more
