put the towel rolls or small pillows UNDER your main pillow on either side of your head, so that it is raised up around your head on either side. that way these props are not easily pushed away during the night. Did this for months after the acccident.

you can also use a u-shaped neck pillow, but keep it sitting like a U, so the bottom is under your neck but the sides are up alongside each side of your head, so it cradles your head and not your neck. To do this you need one where you can mash down or shift the stuffing that is right under your neck so that it isn't too thick and therefore bending your head/neck forward.