The difference between a soft neck brace like the Bell-Horn Universal Cervical Collar and a rigid neck brace is the range of movement they allow. Since soft collars allow some limited range of motion, they serve as a transitional brace from rigid cervical collars and rehabilitation aid for minor neck conditions. On the other, if you’re recovering from neck surgery or suffer from a very severe neck condition, a rigid neck brace provides 100% neck restriction for maximum stabilization and support. Soft Collars have a foam rubber, polyethylene, or inflatable cuff that encircles your neck, and rigid collars have a tough plastic shell covering a vinyl or foam core.