Choosing an orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis

Neck diseases are the scourge of modern man. Due to the immobility associated with the modern pace, you often have to sit at your desk. This affects the state of the body.

What about those who have undergone this disease? The answer is simple - you need an orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis. With the help of such a medical device, you can not only reduce pain during sleep. The posture that a person takes when using orthopedic accessories contributes to better blood circulation in the brain. There are frequent cases of complete recovery from an illness.

What should it be?

There are no strict parameters for the orthopedic product. Each person should choose a pillow based on their own preferences, physiological parameters and, most importantly, the testimony of the attending physician.

In general, there are several parameters that must be observed in any medical orthopedic device.

• The pillow should support the head in the correct position.
• Have a clear geometric shape that provides contact with the body in the necessary places.
• Have a medium hard core.
• Pass air between its surface and the sleeping head.
• Have a hypoallergenic filler that does not cause allergies, redness, rash, itching.
• Provide comfort with individual physiological parameters.

Currently, with the development of the medical industry, a huge variety of all kinds of drugs and devices are presented on the market. They differ by manufacturer. It is the competitive relations of firms producing orthopedic products that have contributed to a significant increase in the quality of pillows, a large selection, and variety.

What types are there?

Before choosing an orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis, you need to understand what types are presented on the medical market. But in what parameters they differ:

1. the size;
2. the form;
3. filler type;
4. type of upholstery;
5. shelf life.

Also, this can include color, smell, and other minor properties.

When buying orthopedic pillows, pay attention to the unpleasant odor from the filler. It shouldn't be at all. The presence of an insignificant percentage of the smell arising from natural fillers (buckwheat, latex) is allowed.

Before purchasing a product, you should consult your doctor.

The size

The size of the orthopedic product is the main parameter when choosing. There are several standard sizes to suit different categories.

• For young people - thickness from 8 cm to 10 cm.
• For older people, women, young men - from 11 cm to 12 cm.
• For men of large build - from 12 to 18 cm.

As you can see, the main dimensional parameter is the thickness (height) of the product. The fact is that when resting on the side, the head should be at the same level (line) with the back (spine). The length of the shoulder (from the neck to the humerus) is individual for each person.Therefore, manufacturers produce pillows in sizes comparable to this parameter.

To buy a suitable product, measure your shoulder size using the method shown in the figure below.

In addition to thickness standards, manufacturers produce orthopedic pads of a certain length and width. So, in the store there are products 40x50 cm, 50x70 cm.

The form

The second of the main characteristics in the selection of accessories. Orthopedic surgeons recommend that you purchase pillows that are shaped to suit your sleeping habits. There are two most common positions:

1. on the back;
2. on the side.

Some people sleep on their stomachs. Orthopedic doctors categorically do not recommend the practice of sleeping on the stomach, even for healthy citizens. The fact is that in this position a person has to turn his head to one of the extreme positions (left, right). Prolonged stay in this position leads to overstrain of the neck muscles, increased stress on the intervertebral discs, and, as a result, pinching of the nerve endings.

Most popular models:

• rectangular ordinary;
• oval, with a hole inside;
• wavy with two ridges, a depression in the middle;
• wavy with two bolsters, a shoulder recess, a recess in the middle;
• road in the form of a crescent, oval;
• roller.

The two listed above allow you to sleep on your stomach. It is oval, with a through hole, road (oval, crescent).

Orthopedic surgeons recommend using a wave-like model for home (with or without a shoulder for the shoulder) and a rectangular version. These two types provide the best effect in the prevention and treatment of osteochondrosis.

Filler

The first thing to look for when choosing is the filler material. Pads are available with the following compositions:

1. natural (buckwheat husk, bamboo, natural latex, cotton, down / feather);
2. artificial (artificial latex, Memory foam, springs, gel, synthetic winterizer, holofiber).

The most suitable filler for orthopedics is natural latex made from the sap of exotic trees. Thanks to a special technology, the base is made porous, allowing air to pass through. This has a beneficial effect on the sleeping person, allowing air to circulate freely between the surface of the pillow and the head.

Important. The product must breathe. This promotes better blood circulation, comfort, and also prevents the formation of pathogenic bacteria and parasites.

Artificial latex has similar properties. Its difference is in a lower price, in the presence of an extraneous odor. In terms of elasticity, both fillers are in no way inferior to each other, it is good to keep their shape under constant load.

A spring block is ideal for acute chronic neck pain. Elasticity, combined with comfort, will provide a sound, healthy sleep for several years.

Spring blocks are also produced from latex springs. According to user reviews, this model is more convenient than metal springs. At night, this design gives more comfort.

The most modern model is filled with cooling gel. Unlike previous types, it has a less elastic structure. These pads are suitable for citizens with minor neck ailments.

Polyester works well. Due to the ideal price / quality ratio, it has earned popularity among people with diseases of the cervical spine. Has an elastic base. The product will last up to 7 years.

Models

Among Russian manufacturers, the following stand out:

• Armatek;
• Trivers;
• Magical dream.

And here is a selection of foreign manufacturers:

• German Grass;
• Luomma;
• Nature's.

The cost of Russian pillows starts at 1000 rubles. Decent models will cost you 3-4 tr. Foreign counterparts are more expensive, so the first German manufacturer on the list asks for its products from 8000 rubles. The second and third in the list - 2 tr. and 3 tr. respectively.

The presence of visible defects, threads, breakthroughs, dents, cracks is not allowed on the product. Ask for a certificate for all products. Contact specialized medical stores, centers.

Video: how to choose a pillow for osteochondrosis