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58 of 59 found the following review helpful:
 Inflatable neck traction device Jan 30, 2010
By Holly
"aikidokaratefan"
I ordered this because I have chronic, intermittent neck pain. I've got 2 degenerated (flattened) discs. I knew that stretching my neck manually helps, so I figured that using a simple traction device would give relief.
There are much more expensive ones available, but I wanted a reasonably priced, but effective one.
This model works just fine for me. It's easy to put on. You have the open side facing in the front, and attach with the velcro fasteners.
If you're a little careless, you might criss-cross the velcro tabs and fasten it crooked, but you'd know right away, because it would be cockeyed like buttoning a sweater crooked.
There is a bulb attached to the inflatable mechanism, which looks and feels like a blood pressure cuff. After you fasten the thing on, you tighten the screw on the bulb and start pumping. You pump until your neck is stretched enough so that you get relief. If you pump it up too much, your head won't pop off, but your lower jaw will start to hurt from the pressure. If that happens, just release the screw valve on the bulb-pumping mechanism until you get the right comfort level.
If you're a woman (or a cross-dressing guy who wears makeup), and have foundation on your jaw/neck, it would rub off on the fabric. No tragedy, just fyi.
Once you've got it pumped up to the right pressure, and you've been wearing it for about 15-30 minutes, you'll probably start getting a little itchy. It starts feeling a little scratchy and hot. At that point, I just took it off. By then, I had pretty good relief.
The instructions warn you not to sleep with it on, which is kind of funny, but they just want to be cautious. I used mine sitting up, or semi-reclining while watching a movie. I guess the company doesn't want you to pump it up too hard, fall asleep and choke yourself, earning a Darwin award.
Just for laughs, watch your face in the mirror as you pump this thing up. It scrunches up your skin and underlying tissue, so that you look like a basset hound. You won't want to run off to the store wearing this thing, just use it at home. My family cracked up when I first put this on.
Summary: Effectiveness: 8.5/10 Comfort: 7/10 Value for price: 9.5/10 Overall, definitely 2 thumbs up.
43 of 43 found the following review helpful:
 Neck Traction Relief... Sep 14, 2009
By Atomicgerry
I ordered this because I had 2 bulging disks in my neck and was looking for some relief. I was skeptical that this inflatable cushion would do this, but I was in pain and the meds just was taking the edge off. It was easy to use; just wrap around your neck, attach the two velcro straps and pump it up. To my surprise, I could feel some relief as I could feel my vertebre moving and releasing a bit; which gave me some relief for my pain. I would wear this during the day when the pain was extreme and it seemed to provide some relief each time. I know this isn't the cure all for my condition, but it worked for me and provided temporary relief, which I was looking for. The only thing you have to watch is not to strap it too tight around your neck; because when you pump it up it can cut choke you a bit. Overall it was well worth the price for the relief it provided. I gave it a 4 instead of 5 because the directions could be better in explaining how to attach it around your neck etc.
25 of 25 found the following review helpful:
It Works!! Mar 23, 2010
By W. A.
"Texas bound"
I was trying neck traction therapy at a physical therapy location as a last attempt at avoiding fusion of C3, C4, and C5. I saw this item on Amazon and thought I'd give it a try. Not only does it put better all-around traction on your neck, but it is soft, easy to use and VERY comfortable. I gave up on the physical therapy and showed the physical therapist the device. She was very impressed and agreed I may as well try the device rather than keep paying for physical therapy. I tried it for another two weeks. Sadly, it did not prevent me from having the cervical fusion last week. I had waited far too long to address my neck problem, but I did get a bonus. The "soft" collar they gave me to wear after the surgery is in the trash can...this thing (since it's inflateable and can be adjusted to any pressure you desire) it ten times more comfortable and actually allows me to drive 3 days after surgery by taking the pressure off my neck of holding up my head and softens the effects of any bumps I hit. I would have paid twice the amount for this collar. Although it is still too early to tell about the outcome of the fusion (because I have a lot of pain), I plan to use this in the future after I am completely healed for any neck problems that start to arise. I highly recommend it to anyone, and advise anyone who is starting to have recurring neck pain GO SEE YOUR DOCTOR before it degenerates to the point of needing surgery like mine did. If he recommends neck traction therapy...I've used this and have been to professionals. For my money this is better.
12 of 12 found the following review helpful:
Finally - Some Relief Jan 18, 2011
By dallas7
I've suffered from osteoarthritis in the upper cervical vertebrae for several years. The deterioration has resulted in what I call my "snap, crackle and pop neck" which causes the usual persistent pain, discomfort and numbness - not to mention tension headaches that would kill a horse.
I stumbled on this class of device while researching the Web for something better than the wraps and pillows that were becoming less and less effective. Folks suffering from various afflictions of the neck praised the level of relief it provided. There are several different variations on this design (stacked inflatable bladders) and I decided upon the ChiSoft based on pricing and reviews and, of course, Amazon availability and convenience. I ordered one in November 2010.
As things turned out, it arrived as I was in the middle of some severe stiffness and an accompanying headache. Seated upright in my recliner, I donned the collar and began pumping. As it began to support my head a wave of relief washed over me as my neck muscles were completely relieved of their duty supporting my skull, a feeling I had never before experienced prior to this. I continued to add some more pressure (much less than what could be considered traction) and became so relaxed I closed my eyes and fell asleep for almost two hours! I awoke with a feeling of refreshment I hadn't enjoyed in years. This is the best neck pillow I've ever used!
Since then I've used the ChiSoft two to three times a day and it's none the worse for wear. This is a quality item at a great price. I often wear it with just enough pressure to support my head for activities that place a lot of stress on my neck. Like extended sittings at my computer. Writing this review...
While in my situation, the greater levels of pressure (traction) I sometimes use won't provide a cure of any sort, this device nonetheless has improved the quality of my life.
In the accompanying instruction sheet is the cryptic #2: "Squeeze the air lock out of the middle of the tube." The air lock is a little ball that lives in that bulge in the tube. Pinching the bulge and the tube is how you move the ball back and forth to seal and unseal the tube. Please see the image I posted which I hope will help clarify that. Obviously, the tube is not sealed when the ball is in the bulge and vice versa.
Tip: should you find that you've inflated the collar to the point of distress or pain you could over react and fumble with the air lock and deflation valve. Instead, just pull the Velcro straps to open the collar for instant alleviation.
Whether you use this as a custom neck pillow or a traction device or both, the quality and ease of use of the Chisoft make it a perfect choice at a perfect price point.
12 of 12 found the following review helpful:
Not much traction Aug 24, 2010
By Keeping It Real
The negative:
This device is not strong enough to provide any significant traction. Both I and my wife used this. I am about 220lbs, she is about 120lbs. The traction was insignificant for us both. My wife also complained that it pushed her head forward when if inflated, which is the exact position her head SHOULDN'T be in. It's pretty useless for my needs but my wife did find a way for it to be helpful for her...
The positive:
My wife was able to find mild traction that she thought was helpful when she used it LYING DOWN on her back. This allowed her head to fall backwards, over the device. She said it was actually comfortable and she thought the mild traction might be more helpful for her than more intense traction.
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