At the end of a busy day, almost every one of us dreams of getting home as soon as possible in order to fully relax. A pillow with orthopedic properties will help in this. It helps the body to take the correct position, while the entire load is maximally distributed with regard to the musculoskeletal system.
This effect is due to the anatomical shape and special fillers that allow the muscles to relax and provide a comfortable position. Rest will be healthy, and therefore you will feel a surge of strength and energy in the morning. Realizing the importance of acquiring such a sleeping attribute, we decided to raise the question of how to choose an orthopedic pillow. Our article will tell you all the nuances of a quality purchase.
Content
Features of orthopedic pillows
An orthopedic pillow should be understood as a product that allows you to comfortably position your body during sleep or simple rest. The pillow is distinguished by a special shape. It is presented in the form of a wave with 2 rollers, a horseshoe, and also a notch for the shoulder. There is also a classic rectangular shape with a notch in the center. There may be a seal in the neck area to firmly fix the correct body position.
Due to the presence of natural and synthetic fillers, the products take the shape of the head and neck. But keep in mind that familiar materials are not used here. For orthopedic products, it is customary to use latex, polystyrene, polyester and polyurethane foam. These materials do not contribute to the collection of dust, and therefore are suitable for people who are faced with the manifestation of allergic reactions. Moreover, fillers have properties of strength, durability and elasticity. Some models may include natural fillings. It can be down-feather or wool, buckwheat husk. Such pillows not only help to have a quality and pleasant rest, but also are useful for human use.
An orthopedic pillow is an irreplaceable option for rest, treatment of various ailments of the cervical spine and their prevention. It can be osteochondrosis, displacement of the vertebrae, trauma, pain, spondyloarthrosis and many others.
List of manufacturers: which companies should be preferred when choosing an orthopedic pillow
Before telling in detail how to choose the right pillow for sleeping, it is recommended to note that this attribute is often faked. In order not to run into such an offer, it is better to buy exclusively from trusted manufacturers.
After analyzing the situation on the market, having read the reviews of experts and user comments, we have compiled a list of those companies that you can trust. They all have an excellent reputation.
So, let's designate brands such as Sonex, Christian Fischbacher, Billerbeck and Breckle.Quite a lot of people refuse to purchase an orthopedic pillow, even with cervical osteochondrosis and doctor's recommendations. The thing is that the composition contains a synthetic filler. The above companies do not save on materials, and therefore the use of toxic materials that are cheap is excluded. There are no harmful components in such pillows that can negatively affect the environment and human health. Due to this, quality certificates are issued, as well as the safety of products is biologically confirmed.
Products differ in excellent air permeability properties due to the unique developments of the above companies. They are hypoallergenic and have a long usage time.
Benefits of orthopedic pillows
The main features of orthopedic pillows are considered to be:
- prevention of deformation of the cervical spine;
- ensuring the correct position of the head and neck;
- decrease in load level;
- the effectiveness of relaxation of the neck muscles;
- normalization of the blood circulation process.
Such options are famous for their ease of care. Many models can be washed in an automatic machine. In the instructions or on the label of the orthopedic pillow, you can find information about the features of care in view of the filler or fabric from which they are made.
Basic purchase criteria for an orthopedic pillow
Orthopedic pillows differ from each other in terms of design features and specificity of purpose. Before making a purchase, it is still worth deciding what are the purposes of using the pillow. You will be using it when traveling, for a night's rest, or if you need back support. In view of this, it is worth choosing a suitable type. But other parameters are also gaining special importance.
The form
Today there are 4 forms for orthopedic pillows. This is a rectangle, a horseshoe, a wave and 2 rollers, as well as a product with a notch under the shoulder.
Each option has its own characteristics. If this is a rectangular pillow, then it provides for filling from an elastic material, but it is better to use a horseshoe when traveling.
For overweight people, the option with a special shoulder recess is suitable, and it is also appropriate for those who wish to sleep on their side.
But the most popular model is the wave with 2 rollers. It is suitable for any posture during rest and good sleep.
Stiffness properties
Based on this parameter, you will buy the appropriate option for use. If you sleep on your side, a hard pillow is recommended, and for those who rest on your stomach - a soft one. The medium hardness option will be appropriate for those who sleep on their backs.
Height
As a rule, this parameter is chosen based on shoulder height. Most often, the product will consist of 2 rollers. One of them is higher, the second is lower. The height of the first one should correspond to the shoulder height of the pillow wearers.
If you set out to choose an orthopedic product for a child, then his age will be an important parameter. Children 6 months and 1 year old feel comfortable on pillows, the height of which is 3-5 centimeters, and after 1 year, you need to buy an option of 7-10 centimeters.
Sewing feature
Inspect the pillow to ensure all seams are tight. This will save the product from further transformation after washing.
Design solution
Today, the forms and colors of the covers are full of their diversity. If you are choosing a pillow for a child, then give preference to bright options, and for an adult in the bedroom, it is better to buy a plain option.
Types of orthopedic pillows
The types of orthopedic pillows will not be limited to the options for the head. There are models that are intended for travel, use under the legs or back, lumbar region. There are even options for babies, breastfeeding women or pregnant women.
We will talk about the most popular types of orthopedic pillows today in more detail.This will help you better understand exactly what qualities you expect from the option you like and make the right choice in favor of a good sleeping attribute.
Baby pillow
At the time of the development of the spine, it is very important that the baby has the correct posture. Products will be able to provide an optimal position for the head and neck during rest. There are models that vary in height and shape. The choice will depend on the child's age. Many options are suitable for preventing and treating neck crookedness. They will also be appropriate for improving the properties of the muscular system of muscles, with pathologies of the neck.
The advantages are that this type of pillow does not allow the bones of the skull to deform. It also prevents sweating, which is often inherent in children's skin. The baby's head and neck will be carefully supported during sleep. It will also be possible to normalize the blood circulation process, relieve the load from the cervical spine.
As for the disadvantages, there is a possibility that when the pillow is wet processed, the product may be damaged. For this reason, it is important to observe the temperature regime, which should not be higher than 40 degrees. You also need to use special anti-allergenic agents, which are usually used when washing.
Back and lumbar pillow
An equally popular option for an orthopedic pillow for those people who have been in a sitting position for a long time. Working at a PC, driving a car, and other activities can contribute to ailments.
Such pillows are usually placed between the back of the chair and the back. Some of the models have straps to the seat area. For this reason, they manage to relieve the back muscles.
The advantages include the possibility of effective back support, the elimination of lateral displacement of the vertebrae, as well as the formation of correct posture. There is also a decrease in tension in the back area. The pillow will provide preventive measures and therapy for radiculitis, scoliosis, intervertebral hernias and disc protrusion.
Speaking about the disadvantages of this option, it is worth noting that for the price this is not the cheapest orthopedic pillow. Moreover, keep in mind that caring for it is simple, but washing is allowed only on a delicate program in an automatic machine.
Travel pillow
As a rule, such pillows are presented in the shape of a horseshoe. They are easily put on the neck when a person takes a sitting position. In accordance with the orthopedic properties, such products have the required level of rigidity and neck retention. There are models that include metal and silicone springs. They hold the weight and prevent the material from wrinkling, even under the applied load.
The advantages are that the travel pillow will provide comfort and support during long trips, flights. It is able to reduce the flow of vibration action when driving in transport. Also, the pillow evenly contributes to the distribution of body pressure. Pains associated with muscle fatigue in the neck area will be prevented. It is also a suitable option for use in the case of rehabilitation, when injuries of the cervical spine were received.
On the downside, the price of travel pillows is usually very high.
Pillow under the head
The products are recommended for sleeping. Due to the anatomical effect and the use of filler, shape, the pillow will make it possible to ensure the correct position of the head and neck during a night's rest. Some of the models have a cooling effect.
Among the advantages is the fact that the pillow helps to reduce chronic pain in the muscles and neck. The tension and stiffness of the muscles in the back of the head are also eliminated. The head is comfortably positioned during sleep.
Even so, there is a minus. Please note that such an orthopedic pillow has increased rigidity properties. For the price, this option is quite expensive, and therefore be prepared to waste.
Foot pillow
This option allows you to put your legs in a relaxed position that is comfortable. There are models with additional inserts. They will allow you to adjust the height. It is customary to use such options for the prevention and treatment of leg edema, with observations of increased fatigue, muscle spasm, and varicose veins. A pillow is also suitable for joint problems.
The advantages are that the option is convenient and easy to use. It helps to improve the blood circulation in the legs, reduce swelling in the lower extremities.
Note that after wet processing, do not twist the pillow. It is necessary to properly dry it so that the sun's rays do not fall, as does the light from heating devices. Only if these measures are observed, you can ensure the preservation of the elastic properties of the orthopedic product. These are some kind of disadvantages that are inherent in this type of pillows.
Pillows for nursing and pregnant women
No one will argue that an increased load is placed on the body of a pregnant woman. In particular, this applies to the musculoskeletal system. During the active growth of the abdomen, the expectant mother must find a comfortable sleep to rest. This is very important, because she needs to fully rest, recharge herself with energy.
For these purposes, manufacturers have released a separate type of pillows with orthopedic properties, which are intended for pregnant women. They take into account all the features of a woman's condition at a given time. Presented in a curved shape that can be rolled up to take a comfortable position for you. Moreover, the pillow can be used even after the baby is born. Many breastfeeding mothers do not give up on them later.
The plus is that the pillow can provide comfort and good sleep for its owner. This reduces the child's pressure on the spine. The pillow allows you to relax the ligaments and muscles, and when breastfeeding helps to keep the baby at the desired height, which helps to eliminate tension in the muscles of the neck, arms and shoulders.
But remember that in this case, the pillow will need delicate care, and the price is very expensive.
Price question: how much does an orthopedic pillow cost
Prices will vary due to the shape and filling of the pillow. On average, a product for sleeping costs around 2700-7000 rubles, for travel - 400 - 6900 rubles, for the back - 400-11000 rubles, for legs - 2200-9000 rubles. A children's orthopedic pillow can be purchased for 700-4500 rubles.
