Features of the choice and use of an orthopedic pillow

Full rest is impossible without a pillow. And if the pillow is orthopedic, then there is the prospect of not only getting a good sleep, but also bringing the spine back to normal and solving some problems with the musculoskeletal system. What is an orthopedic pillow? How to choose a model for yourself?

What is it for

Probably, many people notice that trying to get comfortable on someone else's bed (at a party, or on vacation), they just want to put their hands under their heads. And this is not an accidental gesture.

The human body is designed in such a way that in a horizontal position the spine in the cervical spine bends unnaturally. As a result, the nerve endings are pinched, blood circulation is disturbed. As a result, you can wake up with a headache in the morning.

Conventional pillows provide some support for the head and neck, but even then our horizontal position is not ideal. And over time, when using ordinary feather pillows, even a healthy person develops deformity of the cervical vertebrae, chronic fatigue, and even increases the risk of stroke.

Obviously, choosing a pillow is not a matter of your personal preference, but a vital aspect that deserves our closest attention.

Orthopedic pillows were created just to ensure that sleep was truly healthy. The main task of this accessory is not to allow the cervical spine to deform. And, as a result, if you use a special orthopedic pillow, then:

• All muscle groups are relaxed, and the body gets a healthy rest.
• The load on the spine becomes even across all sections.
• Cerebral circulation improves.
• Deep breathing becomes possible and the likelihood of snoring is reduced.
• If there are pain syndromes caused by neurological diseases and problems with the musculoskeletal system, then they decrease.

It is important to remember that it is no coincidence that orthopedic pillows are offered in a large assortment. The model should be chosen depending on the individual characteristics of the body structure: weight, height, complexion. It even matters in what position you are used to sleeping: on your side or on your back.

The shapes and degree of rigidity of the accessories are also varied. Finally, pay attention to your own feelings: comfortable or uncomfortable. An orthopedic pillow cannot be universal!

You can often hear that it is difficult to get used to an orthopedic pillow. Such a statement is far from the truth.

Remember the saying: good things are easy to get used to.And if the sleeping accessory is chosen correctly, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body and other aspects, then the very next day you will ask yourself: how did you still sleep on your grandmother's feather pillow, is it so uncomfortable ?!

Filler

Probably the most important thing to pay attention to when choosing an orthopedic pillow is its "insides". Actually, it is thanks to its content that the model acquires undeniable advantages.

1. Natural latex. The main disadvantage of latex-filled pillows is their high cost. Although, having become acquainted with the advantages of such models, it becomes obvious: there is something to pay for. Pillows of soft and medium hardness are made of latex. With proper care, accessories last up to 10 years, you must agree, the period is rather long.

   

   Latex is hypoallergenic, hygroscopic, elastic. This material will very quickly "reproduce" the contours of your body, and will also quickly return to its original shape after use. The pillows are highly breathable and do not accumulate dust. It is no coincidence that in the ranking of orthopedic pillows, this filler occupies a leading position.

2. Artificial latex (or polyurethane foam). This filler is the undisputed leader in sales, primarily due to its affordable price. Pillows with this artificial filler come in the most bizarre shapes.

   

   The accessories are breathable, non-tangle-free, and guarantee reliable support for your head and cervical spine. The service life of such accessories largely depends on the conscientiousness of the manufacturers. The products of proven companies will last up to 8 years, and the pillows of one-day firms will have to be thrown away in six months.

3. Memory, or memory foam pillows. In essence, the filler for such models is the same polyurethane foam, only with certain additives. Thanks to them, the pillow does not regenerate too quickly, as if "memorizing" the contours of your body.

   

   Such models perfectly "adapt" to the individual characteristics of a person and provide the most relaxed state during sleep. Memory is much softer than ordinary latex pillows, the head literally "falls through" in them, without encountering any resistance. That is why they are often used as anti-decubitus.

   The properties of "memory" are lost after about 4-5 years, when the pillow becomes denser.

4. Gel. More recently, orthopedic pillows with a cooling gel layer have appeared. Thanks to them, not only the load on the spine is evenly distributed, but also the absence of insomnia is guaranteed. Cool filler minimizes sweating.

   

   These pillows are especially popular with the fair sex. There are legends about miraculous anti-aging properties. True, it is worth noting that manufacturers do not report anything about this, however, they mention that the gel layer reduces the likelihood of morning edema.

5. Buckwheat husk. It is the only natural filler used in orthopedic pillows. Thanks to buckwheat husks, the pillows are quite rigid (which is expected from orthopedic and anatomical models), and they also allow air to pass through, and, due to the heterogeneous structure, provide an easy massage of the cervical spine.

   

   These pillows are very functional, as manufacturers usually "pack" the husk in a two-layer cover, and if desired, you can adjust the height of the pillow.The service life of a pillow filled with buckwheat husk is from 3 years.

All other types of fillers - and it should be noted that there are many of them - cannot guarantee an orthopedic effect. Down, feather, artificial swan's down, synthetic winterizer, holofiber and many others are used only for filling ordinary pillows. Therefore, if the seller actively convinces you otherwise, this is a reason to think about whether it is worth buying anything from such a seller at all.

Pillow shape

To choose the right orthopedic pillow is not enough to know everything about its filler, the shape also matters. Immediately, we note that there is no point in reinventing the wheel and looking for the most intricate model. Stop your choice on one of the classic options:

• Rectangular. This is what is called a classic of the genre. The orthopedic effect gives the degree of elasticity. The low models are ideal for those who like to sleep on their stomachs, while the rectangular taller pillows will appeal to those who prefer to sleep on their backs.
• Rectangular with a notch in the middle. This model is recommended for overweight people, as well as for those who like to sleep on their side. During sleep, the shoulder is conveniently placed in the recess, the arm does not become numb and the spine is in the correct position.
• Wave with two rollers. Pillows of this shape are the best sellers, and this is no coincidence. If you still can't decide on the height of the pillow you need, double wave is definitely your option.

  If today you fall asleep on your back and need a higher headboard, lie on the highest point of the pillow. Well, if suddenly the next day it seems to you that sleeping lying on your stomach is much more comfortable - there is a depression in the pillow at your service.

• The crescent pillow is indispensable for people suffering from osteochondrosis. The only condition: you need to sleep on it only while lying on your back. In this position, the pillow reliably fixes the neck area and prevents curvature. Don't confuse the orthopedic crescent pillow with a travel accessory.
• Roller. Such a pillow can be safely called a lifesaver. Auxiliary model. It is used to relieve tension in various areas: in the lower back, in the cervical region, in the legs. Well, if the goal is to find a suitable pillow for sleeping, you will have to look for an additional model.

Stiffness and size

When choosing an orthopedic pillow for an adult, be sure to pay attention to these two factors.

All pillows are divided into three categories: hard, medium and soft. The determining factor when choosing is the posture during sleep: soft pillows are perfect for those who sleep on their stomachs, and hard ones for those who like to relax on their side. If you prefer to sleep on your back, and even constantly roll over in your sleep, then the ideal option for you would be a pillow of medium hardness.

When choosing a size, remember that only the head and neck should be located on the pillow. In this respect, grandmother's down pillows were extremely wrong, because almost half of the body could be placed on them.

The optimal size for an adult is 50x70 cm.For fragile and petite women, 40x60 cm models are suitable. Specially for children, orthopedic pillows 20x30 and 30x40 cm are made.

An orthopedic pillow today is not a luxury, but rather a necessity. There is an opportunity to purchase models of different sizes and with different fillers.Carefully consider the choice, and buy a model based on your individual parameters.

Video: what to look for when choosing an orthopedic pillow?