Have you always slept on an ordinary down pillow, but thought about buying an orthopedic pillow because you have pain in your head and neck? Experienced people say that after sleeping on the right model, health really becomes stronger. This can be explained – during sleep in a physiologically correct position, blood circulation in the brain improves, and a person sleeps better.
What Is An Orthopedic Pillow
An orthopedic pillow is a model that supports the head and neck in the correct position. What does it give? Blood circulation normalizes, correct posture is maintained, and improves health in general. It is customary to consider orthopedic models of a special wave shape. In fact, square ones can also be orthopedic if they are made of memory, tempura, natural latex or soy foam.
An orthopedic model cannot be very soft (downy, for example), it should not fall under the weight of the head. But buckwheat husks also do not have the desired effect.
The filler of an orthopedic pillow is usually elastic, elastic, follows the contours of the head and neck, and also restores its shape after removing the load, so it provides even support in any position with an endless number of changes in the sleeping position during the night.
This is the main difference from the cervical pillow, classic pillow, in which the filler is crushed and felted, and after changing the position of the body, it must be shaken. It is unlikely that you will do this all night, which means there is a risk of spending time in the wrong position, which will lead to numbness and impaired blood supply.
Main Features
When choosing a model, pay attention to: shape, size, filler and price of the pillow. Be sure to take into account your sleeping position. Search the Internet for reviews of independent customers who have already bought the model you have chosen and honestly talk about its advantages and disadvantages.
But what you should not do is trust the advice of bloggers – companies pay them to promote products, so bloggers praise cervical pillow, other pillows, attributing to them properties that they have never had. This is not an objective assessment of the product. Look for reviews from real customers who did not receive money for advertising, but paid themselves by buying the product.
Form
Classic. The most common, traditional, trustworthy shape of the pillow. Despite the fact that many other options have appeared recently, the rectangular one does not lose its popularity. You can turn it as you like, you can change your sleeping position on it — and it will still be comfortable.
Two rollers of different heights. The most popular form of orthopedic pillow. The bolster supports the natural curves of the neck, relieves tension from the muscles. On such a cervical pillow or ortho pillow, the head is guaranteed to be in the correct position. Often the bolsters are not the same height, you can turn the model and sleep on the side where it is more comfortable.
With shoulder recess. The pillow is designed for those who sleep on their side. It is difficult for such people to find a comfortable sleeping position because their head is high above the level of the bed. An ordinary feather pillow has to be whipped and placed edgewise, which is not very convenient. With an orthopedic pillow with a recess for the shoulder, you do not need to do such complex manipulations, the manufacturer has already thought through everything and created a model of the desired height and shape.
Star. The unusual model helps to sleep comfortably on your stomach. On an ordinary pillow or without it at all, the sleeper strongly arches his neck and buries his nose in the mattress. The star shape helps you quickly find a comfortable position and breathe easily. The thermoactive material from which the model is made does not squeeze the delicate skin of the face, prevents the appearance of puffiness and wrinkles.
Size
In order to choose the right size orthopedic pillow, consider the following:
Measure your shoulder. The pillow should have about the same height, plus or minus two centimeters.
If you sleep on your stomach, take a lower model, on the side – a little higher.
The length and width of the product do not matter much. The orthopedic properties of the 50×70 cm model do not differ from the pillow of 65×35 cm.
Natural Latex
It is obtained on the basis of Hevea juice. One of the most durable materials, its service life is at least 10 years. Perforated over the entire surface, so it is well ventilated and does not accumulate dust inside. It has bactericidal properties, even after years of use, microorganisms do not settle inside.
Polyurethane Foam
It is inferior to other materials in elasticity, has a great buoyancy effect, and is more suitable for men. Products made of polyurethane foam are the most affordable.
Cooling Gel
It is not used on its own, but on top of other materials. Due to its structure, it removes the heat of the human body inside the product. Lying on a cool surface is pleasant and useful, a person turns over less in his sleep and sleeps more soundly.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Orthopedic Pillows
Is it good to sleep on an orthopedic pillow? Yes. It supports the cervical spine in the correct position. For a healthy person, this serves as a prevention of diseases, for those who have any diseases – it reduces the risk of complications and progression.
Pros
- Normal blood flow in the neck is restored.
- Attacks of osteochondrosis, headache and other diseases occur less often.
- On a comfortable cervical pillow, you can fall asleep faster.
- You can choose it for any sleeping position – on the side, back and abdomen.
- Breathable materials allow air to pass through and create a favorable microclimate of the bed.
- Memory models do not put pressure on soft tissues and preserve the youthfulness of the skin.
- Helps get rid of or reduce the frequency of snoring.
- They help to maintain a beautiful posture at any age.
There are not only adults, but also children’s models. The sooner the child begins to sleep on an orthopedic pillow, the stronger his health will be.
Cons
- High-tech fillers require gentle handling. So, memory foam should not be wet, because it will be difficult to dry. It is undesirable to operate in a room with high humidity.
- A wave-shaped pillow takes some getting used to. If you have previously slept only on soft down pillows, then you may feel unusual and uncomfortable on an orthopedic pillow. After three days, you will get used to it, and the old down pillow will seem uncomfortable to you.
