How to choose an orthopedic pillow for sleeping

Quality rest is the key to a fulfilling life. And the choice of pillow should not be approached lightly. Our spine has a special curved structure in the neck area and if in the upright position the muscles take on the necessary load, then in the horizontal (relaxed) state the spine needs help. How to choose an orthopedic pillow for sleeping?

orthopedic pillow photo options — The quality of sleep and a person's well-being is influenced not only by the duration of rest, but also by how well-chosen sleeping accessories are.

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Features of orthopedic pillows
VIDEO: How to choose an orthopedic pillow.

Features of orthopedic pillows

It is thanks to this special pillow that the neck and head are kept in the correct position, which guarantees complete rest and relaxation of the muscles. Otherwise, there is no way to relax, blood circulation is disturbed and pain appears. This causes not only lack of sleep, but also serious diseases.

orthopedic pillow selection photo — The pillow provides support for the cervico-occipital region, so you need to approach it responsibly.

The main criteria that are taken into account when choosing an orthopedic pillow are shape, size, filling and purpose. According to their purpose, they are divided into adults, teenagers and children for daily sleep, as well as pillows for pregnant women and for travel.

The form

When faced with a choice for the first time, you will be surprised at how diverse their form is. The most common forms of pillows are:

Rectangular;

rectangular orthopedic pillow — The classic rectangular pillow is simple in shape and versatile.

With two rollers (the so-called wave);

orthopedic pillow wave — The orthopedic pillow with memory effect has two edges (rollers) different in height and width.

With shoulder recess;

how to choose an orthopedic pillow — Orthopedic pillow under the head for adults with a recess under the shoulder.

The pillow is a crescent-shaped bolster.

orthopedic pillow roller — Crescent pillows are medium soft and do not lose their shape even under the weight of the body.

According to experts, the ideal shape for permanent use is an anatomical rectangular pillow with rollers.

anatomical pillow — Rectangular anatomical cushions with bolsters are best as a permanent sleep accessory.

The classic rectangular pillow is simple and versatile. However, its orthopedic properties are questionable. They can only be provided with a high-tech filler, but not in any way with a form.

orthopedic pillow — A pillow is one of the main attributes for a full and healthy sleep, and you need to choose it responsibly.

"Wavy" pillows with different heights of bolsters along the long sides and a depression in the middle are the best option for everyday sleep. For such pillows, medium-hard or hard filler is most often used.

If you sleep only on your back, then the crescent shape is definitely your option. Such models are softer and more elastic than their rectangular "brothers", while they fix the cervical spine well, retain their shape and do not wrinkle. By the way, the same shape, only in a smaller size, is produced as travel pillows.

orthopedic pillow crescent — On any trip, an orthopedic travel pillow can come to the rescue.

Products with a shoulder notch are quite a specific option. But they were appreciated by those who like to sleep on their sides and people of full build.

cushion with shoulder recess — The pillow has a recess under the shoulder to ensure the physiologically correct position of the head and neck during sleep.

The size

If the shape of the pillow is a matter of your personal preference, then its size is the main condition for choosing the right one. The wrong choice of parameters will not allow you to sleep even on an orthopedic pillow.

orthopedic sleep pillow — Its size depends on your weight and height, the degree of firmness of the bed, and the position in which you prefer to fall asleep.

Adult models vary in the following size range: length 40-80 cm and width 30-50 cm.The most popular products have the size of an ordinary standard pillow - 50x70 cm.Children's models are available in a size range from 20x30 cm to 50x40 cm.

selection of orthopedic pillows — For adults of average build, models with a length-to-width ratio of 60x40 cm are suitable.

Remember that the width and length of the pillow depends on your parameters and body size. A tall and large man will feel comfortable resting on a 50x80 cm pillow. And for people of average build, the 40x60 cm format is ideal. An important point: the pillow should not overlap the mattress in width.

anatomical pillow photo — Huge pillows that fit the shoulder and even part of the torso bring a lot of problems with the spine.

Another indicator that deserves close attention is the height of the model. The height should correspond to the distance from the mattress on which the person lies to his neck. Consider the position of the sleeping person when measuring. To determine the height of the orthopedic pillow, measure the value from the edge of the shoulder (from the top of the tubercle of the greater humerus) to the base of the neck. A calculation error of no more than 2 cm is allowed. Standard pillows are available in a sufficient range of widths - from 6 to 16 cm.

orthopedic pillow photo — Height is one of the most important parameters, because it is this value that ensures the correct position of the spine during sleep.

Consider also the fact that people who prefer to sleep on their backs need to choose a shorter and moderately stiff model than pillows for those who like to sleep on their sides. Well, those who like to see sweet dreams while lying on their stomach should choose the softest and very low pillows.

side orthopedic sleep pillow — In the lateral position on a soft mattress, you can choose a product with a higher bolster, since part of the shoulder will "go" into the mattress

By the way, do not forget that the quality of your mattress influences the choice of pillow. So, the harder the mattress, the less it sags under the weight of your body, and in this case the pillow should be higher. If you prefer to relax on a soft mattress, choose lower orthopedic pillows.

low orthopedic pillow — A bed with a soft mattress needs a lower pillow than a hard mattress.

Excipients

The main requirements for the filler:

Increased elasticity;
Moisture resistance;
Ability to keep in shape;
Ability to adapt to the shape of the head.

memory foam pillow — Most often, high-quality orthopedic pillows are filled with natural latex, polyurethane foam, holofiber, buckwheat husk, wool.

Buckwheat husk. Today this filler is used quite often. It is considered the most natural, environmentally friendly and inexpensive orthopedic filler. Its main advantage is that it spreads evenly inside the cover and supports the head and neck well. A delicate acupressure massage, which is "carried out" with buckwheat scales, will become a pleasant bonus.

buckwheat hull pillows — Advantages: aromatic and massage effect, high hygiene and antibacterial properties, environmental safety.

As a result, blood circulation is stimulated and the nervous system relaxed and calmed. And the disadvantages include the characteristic rustling of buckwheat husks. It turns out that for some, these sounds are too loud and can even interfere with proper rest. Another feature of such anatomical pillows is their weight, they are quite heavy. Well, their service life is about 3 years.

Latex. It is a natural material of medium hardness.It contains about 15% synthetic additives that increase elasticity and durability, and reduce density. Latex is obtained by industrial processing of the milky juice of the rubber-bearing Brazilian hevea.

latex orthopedic pillows — Isoprene monomer is added to natural rubber to make the packing more elastic and durable.

Such pillows perfectly keep their shape and are distinguished by increased elasticity. They are hygienic, do not retain moisture, lightweight and durable (service life up to 5 years). And in order for a pillow with a latex filler to also have massage properties, they are often "cast" with tubercles.

Memory foam is a completely man-made material. The main feature of such pillows is that they "remember" the contours of the neck and head, and after use they "return" to their original shape. This pillow is not very comfortable to use during the hot summer months as it heats up quickly. In addition, there is a characteristic specific smell. Well, in order to get used to such a pillow, it will take time, because at first it seems too hard.

memory foam orthopedic pillow — Advantages: high orthopedic effect, comfort, does not cause allergies, durability (3-5 years), easy care.

It is a fact that orthopedic sleep pillows are much more useful than ordinary pillows. It may take time to find an option that is ideal for you. But the decent assortment of models on offer today ensures you can do it.

How to choose an orthopedic pillow for sleeping

Features of orthopedic pillows

The form

The size

Excipients

VIDEO: How to choose an orthopedic pillow.