How to choose an orthopedic pillow for sleep

Often people complain of constant pain in the neck, back, joints. One of the possible causes of such discomfort is the wrong pillow for sleeping. This accessory may be too soft, hard, high. Also, problems with the spine and causes a posture in which a person used to relax. To cope with this situation will help orthopedic pillow.

When is shown to use?

Orthopedic pillow is indicated for:

  • presence of cervical osteochondrosis;
  • frequent pains in the neck and headaches;
  • displacement of the vertebrae or injuries in the cervical region;
  • excessive neck muscle tension;
  • pain neurological etiology;
  • various sleep disorders.

In addition, orthopedic pillows are recommended for use in the treatment of spinal pathologies, especially the cervical, they are used in manual therapy.

Sleeping on such a pillow is completely harmless. Contraindications are acute inflammation or damage to the skin in the neck, allergic to the material from which this product is made.

The essence of the benefits is to support the upper spine during sleep. Due to this, the load on the spine is reduced, the muscle tone is reduced, the blood circulation is normalized.

Due to this, it is possible to eliminate pain, ensure healthy sleep, stop pathological processes that lead to osteochondrosis and other diseases. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right orthopedic pillow, because its basic parameters should be 100% consistent with the needs of a particular person.

The main advantages of orthopedic pillows

The advantages of such products include:

  1. Comfort. Due to the use of breathable materials, the pillows are well breathable. It does not stagnate in the fibers, so that the head does not sweat. After a long rest, the person awakes vigorous, feels a surge of strength.
  2. Hypoallergenic. Virtually all types of pillow fillers do not cause allergies. This is the main advantage for those who have individual intolerance. The only exception is fluff or feather, but these materials are rarely used as pillow fillers.
  3. Security. Such products are mainly made from materials that do not contribute to the development of the fungus. In addition, in such accessories there is no mold, ticks, other harmful microorganisms.
  4. Ergonomic. The main focus of such pillows - alignment of the spine. Thanks to a special filler, a person will sleep in the correct position all night. The pillow sags under the weight of the head and neck as much as the vertebrae requires. Due to this, pains in the neck, migraines are excluded.

Main characteristics

This product should be selected taking into account the individual characteristics of the person. Before you buy a pillow, you need to pay attention to the width of the shoulders, the rigidity of the mattress, your favorite position during sleep, the cost.

Once in the store, analyze all the available characteristics of the product: fillers, cover, stiffness, height, shape, size.

Dimensions and height

Leading manufacturers mainly supply rectangular orthopedic pillows to stores. The dimensions of the products are usually 40 * 60 cm, also on sale you can find products 60 * 80 cm.

This indicator should be proportional to the distance from shoulder to shoulder. Also on sale you can find accessories in the form of a roller, a circle, a square. The pillowcase, which is impregnated with essential oils, which have a calming effect, is most often supplied with an orthopedic pillow. But you can "put" a pillow in the usual pillowcase.

Summary table for orthopedic pillow height calculation:

Pillow heightPreferred posture in a dreamGrowth
8-11 cmOn the back or abdomenAbove 180 cm
10-14 cmOn the belly or back165-180 cm
13-16 cmOn the sideBelow 165 cm.

First you need to measure the distance from the base of the neck to the edge of the shoulder. For example, we have an average of 10 cm. We also need to add about 2 cm to compensate for pushing the mattress - as a result, we get a size of 11-12 cm. A difference of 1 cm is considered permissible.

An order of magnitude more difficult to those who have broad shoulders. In this case, you need to look for a pillow with a relatively high roller, which may simply not be on sale. But there is a simple solution to this problem - use the usual cushion of medium height, just putting a folded towel under it.

If the pillow is too low, then there will be a sufficiently large gap between the neck and the product, the chin will be located above the forehead. If it is too high, then the shoulder will be slightly raised, and the chin will be located below the forehead. Too low or too high a pillow can cause pain and circulatory problems in the neck.

Rigidity

If throughout the night you prefer to rest on your back, it is better to choose a low stiff pillow, as it will allow you to get rid of snoring and eliminate lower back pain. You also need to focus on the degree of compression of the mattress - the softer it is, the higher the product will be.

People who prefer to sleep on their stomach, it is better to choose a soft and relatively low product, this will reduce the tension in the muscles, you can prevent pinching of the cervical vertebrae. If you are accustomed to rest on your side, it is better to choose an object for sleep with a high degree of rigidity. Due to this, the neck will not bleed.

Cost of

The price of orthopedic pillows depends on the manufacturer and filler. Products, in the manufacture of which use latex and impurities, costs about 1500-2000 rubles. If we talk about natural fillers, then their value reaches 5,000 rubles.

Which filler to choose?

There is a mass of various fillers. This point also needs to be considered when choosing an orthopedic pillow.

Buckwheat husk

This type of filler is considered natural. It is 100% hypoallergenic, the only exception may be individual intolerance of the material. Accessories are completely harmless thanks to an environmentally friendly composition.

Buckwheat husk accelerates air circulation, relieves migraines, fights neck pain. Pillows perfectly keep their shape, are not deformed. Especially useful orthopedic pillows for people with lumbar or cervical osteochondrosis, scoliosis.

Foam rubber, synthetic winterizer, polyester

The listed materials are synthetic, but the list is incomplete. Often, pillows are stuffed with holofiber, rubber, polystyrene, heat-treated silicone. Benefits include hypoallergenic and low cost.

Among the minuses emit the impossibility of wet cleaning and washing. But the negative trait is quite often compensated by the convenience of airing - it’s enough to spend two or three procedures a year. In addition, artificial materials have been serving for over 10 years, being considered very wear-resistant.

Latex

This material is able to maintain and maintain shape. Due to its volcanic composition, the pillow has springy properties. Such products are recommended to choose those who prefer to rest on their backs.

Due to the positive features of latex pillows based on it will help get rid of neck pain. Also, accessories do not fall below the norm, quickly change the shape, if you want to roll over. Latex is made on the basis of vulcanized and foam Hevea composition. Thus, this filler contains more than 95% of natural fibers.

Independent springs

These products are made on the basis of foamed polyurethane or latex. They retain their shape, support throughout sleep. Mini-springs are located next to each other, which allows you to better support the head and neck during sleep. In addition, this filler responds to movement, it quickly changes shape, which does not cause discomfort when turning over in a dream.

Memory material

Pillows with this function are made of polyurethane or latex. The main feature is the reaction to the head mass and body temperature. When a person goes to bed, the pillow adapts to all the bulges, keeps its shape for a long time. And after the cessation of exposure to it, the product quickly takes on its original appearance.

The cost of such products is about 2500 rubles. The disadvantages include the impossibility of washing.

Cooling gel

Leading manufacturers of orthopedic pillows have developed a special 3D gel for their products. An innovative system changes the fluid that is inside, so that it adapts to the outlines of the body, providing a cooling effect.

Due to the distribution of the load, the material also has massage properties. However, when buying, you need to take into account that it will take some time to adapt to such a pillow.

Adjustable filler

Another novelty. The model has a hidden lightning, through which you can extract or report material as needed. Due to this, owners of pillows can adjust the degree of stiffness and height. Most manufacturers offer accessories in the form of a cover-pillowcase, which is saturated with soothing essential oils.

When can an orthopedic pillow not fit?

Not all such accessories are suitable for normal sleep. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the following criteria:

  1. If, after the morning awakening, a person experiences numbness in the shoulders, pain in the cervical vertebrae, this indicates excessive rigidity of the mattress and too low a pillow.
  2. If during sleep you put your hand under the pillow, it means that you lack its height. It is better to purchase a product of greater rigidity. Do not forget to measure the distance from the shoulder to the beginning of the neck to determine the appropriate height.
  3. If you are not getting enough sleep, tossing and turning, you cannot take a comfortable posture, then the pillow does not fit in size - it has a greater height than you need.

If you prefer to sleep on your side, use the following information: if upon waking you find that you are awake on your back, then the chosen pillow is too low for you. In the process of sleep, the head was not as high as she needed, so the man subconsciously changed his position.

TOP leading manufacturers of orthopedic products

Before purchasing an orthopedic pillow, be sure to check out the most well-known manufacturers of such products.

Trelaks

This is a Russian company that produces products no worse than foreign competitors. Products are designed for different categories of customers: children, elderly, pregnant women. However, the main focus of the company - the production of pillows for babies.

Thanks to a special constructor, it is possible to distribute the load throughout the body, which contributes to the proper strengthening of the child’s spine. All materials used for production are safe and environmentally friendly.

Trives

The range of orthopedic pillows of this manufacturer is wide, so that any buyer will find a suitable product for themselves. The basis of the filler is latex, which adapts to the curves of the body, remembering the position. Due to the massage property in the neck area, the muscles relax, which ensures a person a comfortable sleep. Also, do not worry if you have respiratory or allergic diseases, because latex is a safe material.

Consul

Products are made from synthetic and natural materials. Most models have a top layer in the form of a gel that cools the scalp, which also performs a light massage of the neck area. Due to this effect, it is possible to relieve intervertebral discs, relax muscles.

Ormatek

The manufacturer manufactures accessories based on breathable filler, for example, a cooling gel, buckwheat hulls and polyurethane. Products of this company adapt to the position of the human body, ensuring the most comfortable sleep. Due to air circulation, perspiration is regulated. Pillows with a cooling effect are suitable for people who have a high body temperature, other fillers will help reduce tension in the muscles, provide a massage of the neck area.

Due to the breathing material, the bacteria will not accumulate in the accessories, which is very useful for allergy sufferers.

Tempur

The manufacturer uses fillers that are sensitive to heat, quickly take the form of the head. The material of this type is sensitive to movement, so that a person will sleep comfortably on his back, stomach, side. During the rest, products of this company provide maximum support to the cervical vertebrae, relieve muscles.

Ascona

The manufacturer produces pillows and orthopedic mattresses. Today it is one of the most famous companies. The filler is a soft spring made of latex, support the neck of the head, retain the shape, accelerate air circulation. Ascona manufactures versatile products, thanks to which you can relax on your back, side or abdomen.

Fost

The range of products of this manufacturer is aimed at those who suffer from cervical osteochondrosis. In most cases, the filler is made from natural or artificial materials, adapts to the movements of the person. Due to the presence of massage functions, the pillow relieves the vertebral discs and relaxes the muscles. Throughout the night, the treatment-and-prophylactic effect on the problem areas is carried out, which allows to eliminate excess stress.

Bedding Industries

One of the most famous Italian companies. The basis is high-quality hypoallergenic materials. Due to the memory function, the pillow retains the shape of the human head, ensuring a comfortable sleep. Some models have a built-in player that allows people to fall asleep to their favorite music. However, the cost of such pillows exceeds 5,000 rubles.

What else to look for when buying?

It is also recommended to pay attention to some other points:

  1. The presence of perforation. To do this, look under the cover. If there is a hole in the base of the product, it means that a good air and moisture exchange is ensured. Due to this, the head will not sweat. However, remember that anatomical products with a memory effect are breathing anyway, so there are no perforations on them.
  2. Cover material. Covers made of one hundred percent cotton, also have hypoallergenic properties, so you do not need to worry about the safety of the skin.
  3. Removable cover. Considerably easier to care for the product, since it can always be removed and washed.
  4. Registration certificate of Roszdravnadzor. The presence of such a document is a guarantee of the therapeutic effectiveness of the product.

Watch the video: How To Choose The Right Pillow (May 2024).