What are orthopedic pillows? Orthopedic pillows are specially designed to support the natural alignment of the spine and reduce pressure points that can cause pain and discomfort. They can also help improve the quality of sleep and promote better health and well-being. But how do orthopedic pillows work, and what are the benefits of using them? Let’s find out more from Your Back Pain Relief.
What Are Orthopedic Pillows?
Orthopedic pillows are pillows that have a specific shape, size, material, and firmness to suit the needs of different sleepers. They are often contoured to fit the curves of the head, neck, shoulders, back, hips, knees, and legs. They can also be adjustable, allowing the user to customize the height and loft of the pillow according to their preference and sleeping position.
Support pillows are usually made of memory foam, latex, or polyester fiber. These materials are long-lasting, supportive and easy-care. The mold to the shape of the body and provide even distribution of weight and pressure. They can also retain their shape and bounce back after use.
Orthopedic pillows come in various types, depending on the part of the body they are intended to support. This is a quick insight into the most common types.
Different Types of Orthopedic Support Pillows
Cervical or contour pillow: This pillow that has a curved design that adapts to the head, neck and shoulder region. It maintains the natural curve of the cervical spine and prevents neck pain, stiffness, headaches, snoring, and sleep apnea.
Wedge pillows: This is a triangular-shaped pillow that provides a slope for placing the body in a diagonal position. It is used to elevate the head, chest, or legs. A wedge pillow can relieve acid reflux, snoring, breathing problems, back pain, leg swelling, and varicose veins.
Lumbar support pillow: This is a half-moon-shaped pillow that supports the lower back and maintains proper posture. It can be used when sitting or lying down. It can help relieve lumbar pain, sciatica, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis.
Knee pillow: This pillow looks like an hourglass-shaped pillow and fits between the legs keeping them aligned. Its purpose is to reduce hip pain, lower back pain, sciatica, and knee pain. It can also improve blood circulation and prevent leg cramps.
Body pillow: If you have ever seen a body pillow, you know it is a long curved pillow that supports the whole body from head to toe. A body pillow helps to cradle the head, neck, shoulders, back, hips, knees, and ankles. If you are a side sleeper, you may find a body pillow an excellent choice.
How Do Orthopedic Pillows Work?
Orthopedic pillows work by providing optimal support and comfort for the body during sleep. They help align the spine and keep it in a neutral position. They also reduce pressure points that can cause pain and discomfort in various parts of the body.
What Are the Benefits of Orthopedic Support Pillows?
Improved sleep quality: Orthopedic pillows can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by reducing tossing and turning. They enhance your sleep quality by promoting deep and restful sleep stages.
Reduced pain and stiffness: Orthopedic pillows can help relieve pain and stiffness in the neck, back, shoulders, hips, knees, and other joints by providing adequate support and cushioning. Furthermore, they can help to prevent muscle tension and spasms that can result from poor posture or alignment.
Better breathing: Orthopedic pillows can help improve your breathing by opening up your airways and preventing snoring and sleep apnea. They are known to reduce congestion and inflammation in your nasal passages and sinuses by elevating your head.
Improved circulation: Orthopedic pillows help to improve your blood circulation by preventing compression of blood vessels and nerves. They can also help reduce swelling and inflammation in your legs by elevating them above your heart level.
How Do I Choose the Right Pillow For Me?
Choosing the best orthopedic pillow for back pain depends on several factors such as your sleeping position, body shape, personal preference, budget, and medical condition.
Follow these tips to find the right pillow for you:
- The first thing to do is to consider your sleeping position. Different sleeping positions require different types of pillows.
- If you sleep on your back, you need a cervical or contour pillow that supports your head and neck in a neutral position. Also, you may need a wedge or lumbar pillow to elevate your upper body or lower back.
- When you are a side sleeper, you need a cervical or contour pillow that fills the gap between your head and shoulder. You should also consider buying a body or knee pillow to keep your spine aligned.
- Stomach sleepers should aim for a thin or flat pillow that does not strain your neck or back. A wedge pillow may offer you further support.
Body Shape Matters
You should also take your body shape into account. If you have a large head, you may want a firmer pillow. A soft pillow can cause your head, and therefore your neck, to sink into the pillow.
A good general rule is to consider buying the best pillow to support your head and neck. A soft pillow is good when you don’t need too much neck support.
Many sleepers forget about their shoulders. Supporting your shoulders is important. Consider where you are going to place your shoulder. Needless to say, someone with broad shoulders needs a pillow with extra support.
Personal preference matters as well. If you get warm during the night, you need a pillow made from natural materials. A gel pillow may even help you to stay cooler.
Another top tip is to consider a buckwheat pillow. Many people who experience insomnia or find it hard to fall asleep, say that a pillow with the inner filled with buckwheat helps.
What About Your Budget?
The cost of orthopedic and support pillows varies a great deal. Large body pillows are more expensive, but smaller more specialist pillows are also costly.
Often, you can save money by shopping online. Just make sure you get the right pillow for your body’s needs.
Your Medical Condition
When you shop for your pillow, make sure you take any or all medication conditions into consideration. The solution may not be just one pillow. You may also need a pillow that supports your hips and knees.
Support pillows can help to improve health conditions such as back pain, neck pain, stiffness, allergies, asthma, sleep apnea and acid reflux. If you have a specific medical condition, it is a good idea to consult a health professional.
Conclusion
Orthopedic pillows are pillows that are designed to support the natural alignment of the spine and reduce pressure points that can cause pain and discomfort.
Don’t make a rushed buying decision. Take your time and find the right pillow for you.
