Our well-being the next morning depends on what we sleep on. Sleeping on the wrong pillow can result in terrible headaches, a broken state and fatigue instead of the desired rest. In such cases, it is worth paying attention to orthopedic pillows with memory effect.
Content
Replacing a "regular" pillow with an orthopedic one: reasons
The decision to replace a “regular” pillow with a “smart” orthopedic one is usually made for one of the following reasons::
- regular problems with sleep and falling asleep;
- aggravated spinal diseases;
- rehabilitation after injuries;
- frequent dizziness and neck pain;
- the need to develop correct posture (in a child).
An orthopedic pillow helps solve many of the problems from the list above.:
- relieves pain and tension;
- helps you fall asleep faster;
- normalizes blood circulation.
How does a memory foam pillow “work”?
The main feature of an orthopedic pillow is head and neck support in the correct position during sleep. She:
- takes a shape that is comfortable for the head and shoulders of the sleeping person;
- remembers the curves of the body.
As a result, the load on the spine is distributed pointwise and evenly on such a product. Thanks to the "memory effect", the muscles completely relax and the clamps go away.
Fillers
One of the secrets of orthopedic pillows is in their filler. This could be:
Pros and cons of orthopedic pillows
The advantages of such pillows:
- unlike regular pillows, they last much longer - they don’t wrinkle or clump;
- they are almost not felt under the head and do not spring;
- no matter what position a sleeping person takes, the pillow itself adjusts to the position of his body;
- it does not need to be shaken constantly to keep its shape;
- such pillows are hypoallergenic and provide excellent air exchange;
- the pillowcase of an orthopedic pillow does not accumulate dust;
- The product is quite easy to care for.
There are also disadvantages:
- they cannot be washed - after washing, the structure of the material from which the pillow is made is damaged, and its useful properties are lost;
- some models (primarily budget options) have poor thermal insulation and air permeability;
- selection is based on individual parameters, and the risk of making a mistake is quite high;
- At first, the pillow may have a chemical smell (this goes away after a few days).
Types
Memory foam pillows are developed with the participation of orthopedic doctors. They help create models that combine comfort and maximum benefit for the spine of the sleeping person.
The pillows are different by form. They are:
- rectangular (this is a “classic” that suits most buyers and provides a high-quality orthopedic effect);
- wavy (includes a pair of rollers of different sizes, between which there is a small depression in the central part);
- with shoulder notch (designed for overweight people);
- crescent-shaped (fixes the neck well and does not change its shape);
- in the form of a butterfly (suitable for preventing the appearance of wrinkles);
- star pillows (convenient to take on trips and travels).
Dimensions
The main criterion to focus on when choosing a pillow is size. The height of the product can be from 6 to 16 centimeters. For most buyers, smart pillows with a height of 10 centimeters are suitable.
To avoid making a mistake when choosing a pillow, you need to measure the width of your shoulders before going to the store. The wider it is, the wider the bolster should be. So, the highest pillows - from 13 to 16 centimeters - are suitable for broad-shouldered comrades.
Rigidity
Pillows vary greatly in their firmness. There are both super-soft pillows and those with increased elasticity. Soft ones, for example, are ideal for those who prefer to rest on their back and stomach.
Firmer pillows are suitable for people who often fall asleep on their sides.
How to choose
When choosing a pillow, you need to consider Features of the human spine. In addition, it is necessary to take into account:
- your favorite sleeping position;
- the most comfortable pillow firmness;
- the dimensions of your body.
For those who have no health problems, but want to sleep comfortably, rectangular models are suitable. For those who often "fall into the arms of Morpheus" on the side - with a notch for the shoulder, and for those who like to sleep on the back - in the form of a crescent.
How to choose an orthopedic pillow for a child
Orthopedic pillow - not bad option for a child, since the child's spine is still in the stage of active development. You can buy a pillow from the moment the baby turns 2 years.
The first pillow can be flat and monolithic, have the following characteristics:
- height from 2 to 6 centimeters;
- size 50 by 40 centimeters.
For children over seven years old, pillows measuring 60 by 40 centimeters are suitable.
How to care for your pillow
Washing "smart" pillows is not allowed. This applies not only to hand washing, but also to washing in a washing machine. It is not recommended to cover the products with heavy blankets, bedspreads and duvets (so as not to block air access and not lose freshness. For the same reason, the pillow should not be placed in plastic (or film) bags for a long time.
Conclusion
An orthopedic pillow is needed not only by those who suffer from problems with cervical discs, but also simply for prevention and better quality night's rest.
Popular questions
No. Of course, it eliminates unpleasant symptoms and relieves pain. But still, an orthopedic pillow provides prevention, not treatment.
The fundamental differences between these two pillows are in their design features. Anatomical ones relieve fatigue and help a person relax, while orthopedic ones have scientifically proven preventive effectiveness.
It is very easy to do: just press your hand on the product and see what happens next. An imprint in the shape of a palm should remain on the orthopedic pillow and not disappear for some time.
When a sleeping person frequently turns over in bed - from one side to the other - the pillow very delicately reacts to each of the movements - smoothly and delicately "enveloping" the body.
Yes, you need to pay attention to this too. If the mattress is hard enough, the orthopedic pillow should be high. Thanks to this, the resting person will be able to take a more comfortable position on the bed.
This is normal - when a person gets used to a new type of pillow, such sensations disappear.
In most cases, there are no contraindications. However, before purchasing a pillow, you should consult your doctor if you:
suffers from a serious neck condition;
recently suffered an injury.
