Orthopedic pillows can help individuals sleep better by supporting the head, neck, and spine to ensure the proper position. These pillows are often recommended by doctors, physical therapists, and chiropractors for patients with a health condition that causes pain and discomfort while lying in bed. These discomforts often cause disruption of sleep. Review these helpful tips to choose the right orthopedic pillows that will best suit your body support needs.
Orthopedic pillows can be found in several design styles, material choices, comfort levels, sizes, and colors. These specialty pillows are typically designed for specific sleep positions. It is important to determine your favorite sleeping position prior to purchasing orthopedic pillows. People typically prefer to sleep lying on their backs, sides, or stomachs. Each of these sleep positions puts pressure on different areas of the body. Orthopedic pillows are generally labeled for specific sleeping positions for added customer convenience.
Consider any health ailments that may cause difficulty when falling asleep or staying asleep due to discomfort that is related to improper body positioning. Common health conditions, like arthritis, osteoarthritis, diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart conditions, muscular dystrophy, and any difficulty with mobility, may negatively impact the quality of your sleep. However, many individuals find that their sleep quality and nighttime comfort levels improve when using top-quality orthopedic pillows for better body support while asleep.
Orthopedic pillows are not just for the head and neck only. Specific pillow models can be used between the knees, legs, shoulders, and arms. This is in addition to orthopedic pillows designed to better support the spinal column, neck, and head to keep these body areas straight and in the proper alignment.
Orthopedic pillows also come in several sizes, comfort levels, and firmness. A petite woman will not have the same preferences in an orthopedic pillow as a larger-framed man. Also, side sleepers and individuals that prefer to sleep in the prone position will usually benefit from orthopedic pillows that have indentations where the face and neck will be placed. These lower pillow indentations help to better support the face and airway when asleep. These details are usually stated in the product information packaging area.
Take time to review the various materials that orthopedic pillows are made from before shopping. Most brands are crafted from memory foam, and some have additional padding and materials like cooling gels designed to keep the user from becoming too hot when using the pillow. It is also important to check whether you have any allergies or sensitivities to any filling material to avoid adverse reactions.
Customers should always read the manufacturer care instructions usually found on pillow labels. Some orthopedic pillows are machine washable and/or dryable but others are not. Many orthopedic pillows and cushions come with removable pillowcases that are washable. Comparison shop to find the best prices. Check the quality of workmanship and whether the orthopedic pillows can be returned or exchanged after a trial period.