How to choose an orthopedic pillow for the most comfortable sleep
Miscellaneous / / April 03, 2023
Properly selected shape, size and filler will relieve the load from the spine and relax the muscles.
What shape are orthopedic pillows
There are five main types, each of which is not only convenient in its own way, but will also be useful for certain physiological characteristics.
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Orthopedic pillow of rectangular shape. Frame: Mattres Clarity / YouTube
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Orthopedic pillow in the shape of a horseshoe. Frame: Kindness / YouTube
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Orthopedic pillow of a wavy form with two rollers. Frame: Orlova / YouTube
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Orthopedic pillow with notches for shoulders. Frame: Mommy Che Dugan / YouTube
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Orthopedic pillow in the form of a star. Frame: Chin Chinarem YouTube
- classical rectangular pillow suitable for almost everyone. It is familiar and differs from the usual only by a special elastic filler. It is he who helps to support the cervical spine during sleep. However, rectangular pillows, even those that have an additional recess in the middle, only partially solve orthopedic problems. In order to maintain the spine in the most correct position during sleep, it is better to choose pillows of more complex shapes.
- Horseshoe pillow or crescent is most often used when traveling, as it allows you to sleep relatively comfortably in a sitting position. Sometimes it is used in everyday life. Most likely, it will be comfortable if you like to sleep on your back.
- Wave shape with two rollers It is considered the most common among orthopedic pillows. It will be comfortable for sleeping in any position, allows you to maintain the spine in the correct position and relieves tension from the muscles. The low roller is suitable for resting on the back, and the high roller is suitable for resting on the side.
- Pillow with a special notch for the shoulder best suited for those who like to sleep on their side. Also, it will be convenient for people of large build or overweight. An ordinary pillow has to be fluffed up or placed with an edge to find a comfortable position for the head and shoulders. A special notch solves this problem.
- Pillow in the form of a four-pointed star Suitable for those who are used to sleeping on their stomachs. It helps maintain the natural curve of the neck, unlike regular pillows. In addition, such models are made of special materials that do not injure the skin of the face, prevent the appearance of wrinkles, creases and edema.
What to buy
- Rectangular orthopedic pillow from "Just Pillows", 2,390 rubles →
- Orthopedic pillow with two rollers from sleepUp, 2 890 rubles →
- Orthopedic pillow with notches for the shoulder from Luomma, 3 780 rubles →
How to choose the size of an orthopedic pillow
Basically, the width of the pillows varies from 20 to 50 cm, and the length - from 30 to 80 cm. For people of large build and owners of broad shoulders, it is better to choose larger products - for example, 50 × 80 or 50 × 70 cm. Smaller sizes - 40 x 60 or 40 x 65 cm - are fine if you have a normal build. For children, you can choose models 20 × 30 or 40 × 50 cm. In any case, the length and width of the pillow is more of a matter of personal preference.
What to buy
- Orthopedic pillow measuring 50 × 70 cm from Belpol, 1,777 rubles →
- Orthopedic pillow measuring 60 × 43 cm with a hole for ventilation, 3,830 rubles →
- Orthopedic pillow size 40 × 60 cm from EcoSapiens, 2,559 rubles →
How to choose the height of an orthopedic pillow
During sleep, the head and spine should be approximately at the same level. This position is ensured by the correct height of the pillow.
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Properly selected pillow height allows you to maintain the spine in a level position. Image: Volha Valadzionak / Shutterstock
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Due to the incorrect height of the pillow, the spine curves unnaturally. Image: Volha Valadzionak / Shutterstock
Most manufacturers offer products with a thickness of 5 to 16 cm. If you sleep mainly on your back, choose models with a height of 6–11 cm. This pillow will ensure the correct position of the spine. For those who like to sleep on their side, the pillow should be thicker. Universal parameter - from 9 to 13 cm. So between the shoulder and the head the desired angle will be preserved, cervical region the spine will not sag, and the muscles will tense up to compensate for the inconvenience. At the same time, owners of wide shoulders should choose higher models - from 14 to 16 cm.
To make sleeping on your side as comfortable as possible, you can calculate the height of the pillow that is right for you. To do this, measure the width of the shoulder from the shoulder joint to the base of the neck. Try to make the measurement as accurate as possible with a possible error of no more than 1-2 cm. The resulting value will be a comfortable height for you.
If you toss and turn in your sleep every now and then, then take a closer look at the pillow with two rollers of different heights. Depending on the posture, you can turn the product over to a comfortable side.
But that is not all. When choosing, it is worth considering the complexion of a person: the greater his weight, the higher the pillow should be. You also need to pay attention to the firmness of the mattress. The softer it is, the more it will sag under the weight of the body and the higher the pillow should be.
Therefore, in order not to make a mistake with the choice, try to test the pillow before buying and listen to your feelings. If you want to put your hand under your head, then the pillow is not thick enough. This is fraught with pain in the neck and back, because the neck muscles will be in tension one way or another. If, lying on your back, your chin touches your chest or almost reaches it, then the pillow is too high. Because of this, the cervical spine is in the wrong position, which will also interfere with quality rest.
What to buy
- Orthopedic pillow 11.5 cm high from Ascona, 2,930 rubles →
- Orthopedic pillow 13 cm high from Oltex, 2,799 rubles →
- Orthopedic pillow 23 cm high from Trivers, 2,730 rubles →
How to choose the firmness of an orthopedic pillow
Think about the position you sleep in the most. For back rest, choose pillows of medium hardness. For sleeping on your side, products of high rigidity are suitable, which will provide the cervical region with the necessary support. Softer pillows will be useful for those who like to sleep on their stomach, as excessive hardness in this case will contribute to facial skin creases and swelling. There is also a universal solution: pillows with adjustable firmness. If necessary, in such models, you can get or add part of the filler.
What to buy
- Orthopedic pillow of medium hardness with a roller from Paracasa, 1,129 rubles →
- Orthopedic pillow of medium hardness with a notch for the shoulder from MemorySleep, 1,096 rubles →
Which filler do you prefer?
It is the “insides” of the pillow that endow it with orthopedic properties. Fillers differ from each other in elasticity, elasticity, moisture resistance, as well as the ability to adapt to the shape of the head and neck.
- natural latex It is considered the most durable among fillers and, with proper care, can last at least 10 years. This material does not accumulate moisture, odors and dust, which makes it unattractive to microorganisms. Therefore, it is considered hypoallergenic. Due to its high elasticity, latex follows the contours of the body and is most often used in the production of pillows. True, please note that the product may have a specific "factory" smell, which will completely disappear in 1-2 weeks.
- polyurethane foam often labeled with the name Memory foam and referred to as memory foam. When exposed to heat and pressure, the filler changes its structure, adjusting to human forms. And after contact, it returns to its original state. Polyurethane foam is softer and more pliable than latex, but loses to it in durability. The service life of such pillows is about 4–5 years, after which the material loses its orthopedic properties.
- Cushions with independent springs allow you to evenly distribute the load between the head, neck and body. The filler consists of many small springs, each of which individually reacts to compression, which makes it comfortable to sleep in any position. Internal elements are located so as to provide additional air circulation, remove excess moisture and heat.
- Pillows with Tempur marking consist made of thermosetting material, which is considered an advanced form of polyurethane foam. Such foam not only has a memory effect, repeating the anatomical features of the owner, but also evenly distributes body weight over the surface of the pillow, which makes sleep as comfortable as possible.
- Polyester fibers, which are rolled into balls and coated with silicone, are another filler option. Pillows made of such material are light, breathable and do not cause allergies. They are inferior to foam and latex in orthopedic properties, and the service life is only 2-3 years. But pillows made of polyurethane can be washed, unlike other materials, and they are cheaper.
- Cooling gel is not used as an independent filler, but is added to other material. It effectively removes the heat of the human body, so that the surface of the pillow always remains cool.
What to buy
- Orthopedic pillow filled with natural latex from Armos, 5 824 rubles →
- Orthopedic pillow with independent springs from Ascona, 2,180 rubles →
- Orthopedic pillow with cooling gel from Strong, 15 345 rubles →
What else is worth remembering when choosing an orthopedic pillow
- Manufacturers do not recommend the use of orthopedic pillows for children under the age of 3 years. Babies have not yet formed a spine with all the physiological curves, so such products can be harmful.
- If you have any physiological features and you doubt whether an orthopedic pillow is right for you, consult your doctor. He will evaluate the potential benefit or harm and help you make the right decision.
- Keep in mind that you will need to get used to the orthopedic pillow, especially if you used to sleep on soft down pillows. At first, it may seem hard and unfamiliar. Be patient for a few days until the adaptation to the new conditions takes place, this is normal.
- Give preference to models with a removable cover. Pillows filled with latex or foam are not worth it. wash, otherwise the materials may lose their properties, so the ability to remove and refresh the cover will be very useful. It can be bought separately from the pillow and replaced if necessary. When choosing a cover, give preference to natural perforated fabrics: they absorb sweat well and retain odors.
What to look for when choosing an orthopedic pillow
- The shape of the pillows can be different: rectangular, wavy, resemble a star or a horseshoe. And also there are special products with recesses for the shoulders.
- The size of the pillow depends on the build and personal preferences of the person. As with conventional models, a popular orthopedic option is 50 × 70 cm.
- The height of the pillow is selected taking into account the width of the shoulders, your favorite sleeping position and the firmness of the mattress. Models with two rollers of different heights are considered a universal option.
- If you prefer to sleep on your side, choose a hard pillow, if on your back - a model of medium hardness. Softer ones will be comfortable for resting on the stomach.
- The most versatile and durable fillings are latex, memory foam and spring block. Pillows made of these materials have maximum orthopedic properties. Models made of polyester cope with these tasks worse, but they are cheaper and easy to care for.
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- 8 orthopedic pillows for comfortable trips in the car
- No dry cleaning: how to care for pillows yourself
- Why orthopedic insoles are needed and how to choose them
- 8 reasons why the mattress deteriorates
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