Position the Occipivot with its flat base underneath, your neck against the curved recess, and its raised contacts beneath the base of your skull. Your healthcare professional should confirm that the device and position are appropriate for you.
Before starting, check which support you have. The Occipivot and other Pivotal Therapy devices are separate shapes with different positioning instructions. A demonstration for another neck support may not apply to yours.
Occipivot, cervical pivot, or cervical traction: which instructions apply?
Use this comparison to identify the correct instruction set before trying a position shown online.
| Product | Distinguishing feature | What to confirm before use |
|---|---|---|
| Occipivot | A shaped support with raised contacts for the skull-base region | Ask your clinician to demonstrate the contact location on this exact support. |
| Cervical Pivot | A different pivotal therapy component shaped for the cervical muscles | Obtain its own positioning instructions; selecting it on the product page does not make it an Occipivot size option. |
| Saunders Cervical Home Traction | A traction system with a hand pump and force gauge | Follow the prescribed traction settings and the system’s operating instructions. |
If your clinician has recommended measured traction, confirm the equipment with them before substituting a passive support. Our home cervical traction selection guide addresses that separate equipment decision.
Which way does the Occipivot face?
Use its shape as your reference:
- Base: Set the flat surface underneath the device.
- Neck recess: While lying on your back, bring your neck to the concave portion.
- Raised contacts: Rest the skull base over the fingertip-shaped projections, contacting the occipital muscles.
These are the positioning landmarks described in the Occipivot instructions. If you cannot identify them confidently, bring the device and its instruction sheet to your appointment. Ask your clinician to show you the orientation before you lie down, then check it again with you in position.
Can I use an Occipivot on a bed?
The manufacturer permits a bed, treatment table, or floor. That does not establish that every mattress will suit your individual setup. If the support sinks, shifts, or feels different from the arrangement demonstrated in the clinic, ask your clinician to assess your intended surface.
Tell them if getting down to the floor or getting back up is difficult. Ask for a demonstration using a surface you can access comfortably at home.
How long should the first session last?
The instructions limit the initial trial to a couple of minutes in a painless position, with later increases directed by a healthcare professional.
Before leaving an appointment, write down the session length and frequency recommended for you. Also ask what should prompt a shorter session, a pause, or a follow-up visit. An online routine cannot account for your symptoms or your response to the first trial.
What if the Occipivot feels uncomfortable?
Do not treat increasing discomfort as a goal. Describe what happens so your clinician can reassess the device, position, and plan.
| What you notice | Useful next step |
|---|---|
| You are uncertain where the contacts should rest. | Request a positioning check instead of guessing from a product photograph. |
| Pressure becomes painful. | End the trial and discuss the contact location and suitability before trying again. |
| You feel worse later. | Record how long you used it and when symptoms changed; share that information before progressing. |
| There is no immediate benefit | Ask how your clinician intends to assess progress. Lack of instant relief does not justify adding pressure or time yourself. |
A short record can make follow-up more useful: note the surface used, session length, whether you moved your head, and symptoms during and after use. Bring the actual device if the problem is difficult to explain.
Should I move my head while using it?
The instructions allow head movement to find comfortable positioning. Ask your clinician to demonstrate any movement they recommend and explain its purpose. Do not turn a positioning demonstration into a self-prescribed set of repetitions or a forceful stretch. See the model-specific instruction sheet.
Can I sleep on an Occipivot?
The instructions do not establish overnight use. Plan an awake session in which you can monitor your response and finish at the recommended time. Discuss a separate sleep-support recommendation with your clinician if nighttime comfort is your main concern.
When should I seek medical advice instead of adjusting the device?
Obtain medical advice before self-treatment after a head or neck injury. Persistent or worsening symptoms also warrant assessment.
Stop use and seek clinical advice for new or worsening arm tingling, numbness, or weakness. Seek urgent medical attention for a substantial loss of strength or coordination, unexplained balance difficulty, or new bladder or bowel dysfunction. These are general neck-related warning signs, not a complete device-specific contraindication list.
What should I confirm before using it at home?
Ask your healthcare professional to help you answer four practical questions:
- Can I identify the correct support and repeat the demonstrated position?
- Do I know the session length and frequency intended for me?
- Have we discussed whether movement is part of my plan?
- Do I know when to stop and whom to contact if symptoms change?
For product identification and current ordering options, visit our Occipivot product page. For questions about your symptoms or treatment plan, consult your healthcare professional.
