Pillows offer a quick remedy to neck and back pain arising from wrong sleeping positions. You will encounter several types of pillows, including contour, cervical, curved, chiropractor, etc., so it is vital to find the most comfortable option for your needs. Most people sleep on their side, but a significant percentage also sleep on their back or stomach. When choosing a pillow, the goal is to find one that suits your natural sleeping position.
Ergonomic pillows, also known as cervical pillows, are quite popular among those seeking to prevent neck pain, and are designed to offer more comfort regardless of your sleeping position. They feature soft padding and unique design elements to promote the best sleeping position and reduce the chances of developing sore headaches and neck pain. Here’s a quick overview of how ergonomic pillows work, their benefits and how to find the ideal pillow for your needs.
As the name suggests, ergonomic pillows are designed to offer increased comfort. The pillows are mostly made of foam and feature curvature with thicker ends and a thinner middle section. The curvature supports your natural position, preventing you from putting too much pressure on your spine during sleep. Ergonomic pillows also cradle the head to a natural, comfortable position that prevents the likelihood of neck pain.
Chiropractor, contour-shaped ergonomic pillows are highly recommended for those sleeping on their back and side. To use these pillows effectively, you should lie in a neutral position, so your head isn’t pushing forward. Ergonomic pillows take the pressure of the spine and neck region, adjusting your posture for optimal blood flow and comfort. The type you choose will depend on your build, sleeping posture and the type of mattress you have.
Ergonomic pillows are primarily designed to provide comfort during sleep and prevent the chances of neck pain and injury. The merits are straightforward and include:
There are three main sleeping positions: back, side and stomach. Sleeping on the side is the most prevalent. However, many people that sleep on their back or stomach will find the side posture unbearable. Trying to change the way you naturally sleep can result in severe neck and back pain. The best solution is to find the right pillow for your position. Here are some tips for each case:
a) Back: Also known as the Supine position, sleeping on your back is popular and known to aggravate snoring and sleep apnea. If you sleep on your back, the goal is to provide support for the cervical spine, which implies supporting your head, neck and shoulders. A thinner ergonomic pillow generally works better. You can also use another pillow below your knees to relieve the pressure on your lower back and thighs.
b) Side: Sleeping on the side or lateral position is something everyone has tried, and most people prefer this position. You will most likely need a thicker ergonomic pillow to support your head and neck while keeping your spine straight. You should also get an extra pillow between your legs for added spine support.
c) Stomach: This is the toughest sleeping position and can result in severe neck and back pain, so you might want to find another position. However, if you feel better sleeping on your stomach, use a very thin pillow on your head and neck. You also need another pillow below your pelvis or abdomen to offset the pain on your back for proper spine alignment.
Your sleeping position will influence the type of pillow you need to maintain a comfortable posture through the night, and so does your mattress. It is essential to purchase a pillow that compliments your mattress to deliver the needed comfort. There are three main mattress categories to think about. These include:
Choosing a pillow should be an effortless task, as there are several options available in the market. However, like mattresses, nothing beats actual testing. The best way to determine if a pillow suits your needs is by lying on it and feeling its comfort. However, various hallmarking attributes distinguish reliable pillows from the rest. Some of the things to review include:
I. Comfort: This is the primary reason for buying the pillow, so it is important to ensure it is comfortable enough. There’s no telling whether a pillow will be comfortable unless you test it. You should get instant relief and comfort from the ergonomic pillow, so keep looking if it doesn’t provide that. It is also important to find the perfect fit for your size and build. Manufacturers use various materials to guarantee comfort. You should check the filling to ensure it is safe. Those with allergies can use hypoallergenic pillows. Other options include synthetic and polyester filling.
II. Cost – The cost of a pillow is influenced by filling, size, cover material, brand and other factors. For instance, down-filled pillows will cost more than synthetic options but tend to last longer. You can compare the merits and demerits of each option before making a decision. It is also advisable to shop around and determine the amount you are willing to spend on an ergonomic pillow. There’s a significant price variance, so you can spend less than $100 or upwards of $500 depending on the quality, size and brand.
III. Temperature Control – Some pillows have special features and designs meant to stay cool for the night. Others absorb excess heat from your body and improve airflow, which is ideal if you sweat heavily. Temperature control is essential to prevent soaking your pillow and heat discomforts.
You can also compare other features, such as ease of washing, durability, customer reviews and manufacturer reputation. The goal is to purchase comfortable, functional ergonomic pillows that can safely reduce neck pain and other sleep discomforts.
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