A neck and shoulder relaxer works best in a 5-minute gentle session with the convex side under your neck, lying on a firm floor — never a bed — and stopping at a stretch, not pain.
The first ten minutes with this device usually go one of two ways: you feel a slow release across the base of your skull, or you feel a sharp pull that tells you the side is wrong. The difference comes down to one positioning decision and how long you stay there. This is a manual, non-app tool — no batteries, no settings, no OS requirements. What matters is the side you choose, where the support sits on your neck, and how quickly you build up.
What the Device Actually Does
A neck and shoulder relaxer applies gentle traction that follows the natural curve of your cervical spine. The convex side lifts and supports the neck; the concave side deepens the stretch. Neither side forces movement — you lie still and let gravity and the shape do the work. The device is meant to align with the cervical curve and feel like a gentle stretch, not strain. If it feels like strain, you are either on the wrong side, on too soft a surface, or staying too long.
How Do You Set Up Your First Session?
Lie down or recline in a quiet place on a firm surface — a floor mat or a firm carpet, not a bed. Soft surfaces change the angle of the device and reduce how effectively it supports your neck.
Position the device so the neck support sits around the middle of your neck. Start on the gentle traction side — the convex side facing toward your head. Shift the device slightly up or down until it feels comfortable, then settle. Bend your knees, rest your hands beside your head, and breathe slowly.
Run the first session for 5 minutes, then reassess. If that felt fine, add another 5 minutes. The progression rule is simple: reassess before you extend, never push through.
If you want to compare specific models before committing, our roundup of the best neck and shoulder relaxer options walks through shape, firmness, and side design.
Which Side Should You Start On?
Start on the convex side if your flexibility is low or your pain is significant; move to the concave side only when the gentle side feels comfortable. That is why it comes second, not first. The convex side is the easier starting position, and for many users it is the only side they ever need.
| Device Side | What It Feels Like | Who Should Start Here |
|---|---|---|
| Convex (gentle traction) | Light lift under the neck, mild stretch | Low flexibility, significant pain, first-timers |
| Concave (strong traction) | Deeper stretch, more tissue stimulation | Users comfortable with the gentle side |
| Mid-neck placement | Support centered on the cervical curve | Everyone — shift up or down until comfortable |
| Firm floor or mat | Stable angle, consistent support | All sessions |
| Bed or soft surface | Shifting angle, reduced effect | No one — avoid it |
| 5-minute starter session | Short, assessable stretch | Every new user |
| 10-minute session | Full standard session | Users who tolerated 5 minutes |
| 30-minute daily cap | Maximum combined daily use | Never exceed |
When Should You Stop?
Stop immediately if you feel dizziness, numbness, or increased pain, and stop use and consult a clinician if discomfort persists after your session. Those are not signs to push through — they are signs the position, side, or surface is wrong for you.
Some people should not use this device at all. Skip it if you have a neck injury or fracture. If you are pregnant or have a known medical condition, check with a healthcare provider before your first session.
One more limit easy to overlook: this is not a pillow. Sleeping on it overnight is outside how the device is designed to be used, and the Teeter Neck Relax and Restore Duo instructions state the device cannot be used as an ordinary pillow all night long.
Common Questions
Can I use it on my bed?
No. A bed or soft surface changes the angle of the device and reduces how well it supports your neck. Use a firm floor, a mat, or firm carpet instead. The support needs a stable base to hold your cervical curve in the right position for the full session.
How long until I notice a difference?
Most users feel a mild release within the first few sessions if positioning is right. If nothing changes after several consistent 10-minute sessions, the side or placement is likely off. Recheck that the support sits mid-neck and that you are on the gentler convex side first.
Is it safe to use every day?
Stop right away if you feel dizziness, numbness, or rising pain. Anyone with a neck injury or fracture should avoid the device, and pregnant users or those with medical conditions should clear it with a clinician first.
Sources
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.
- Teeter. “Neck Relax and Restore Duo User Instructions.” States the device is not intended for all-night use as a pillow.
- Ogawa. “OG357 User Manual.” Describes convex versus concave side positioning for neck traction.