We have put together a comprehensive guide on what orthopedic pillows are and why you need one.
Are you looking to improve your sleep? Waking up from a night of uncomfortable sleep can ruin your whole day. A stiff neck, aching back or painful shoulders will all negatively affect how you perform during the day. You could consider switching your mattress for an eden memory foam mattress but not everyone has the budget to change their mattress. A cost-effective way to solve this problem is to replace your pillow with an orthopedic pillow.
What is an orthopedic pillow?
Orthopedic pillows take the benefits of normal pillows to a new level. While a normal pillow does provide your head, neck, and spine with some support, orthopedic pillows are designed specifically with this in mind. They provide sleepers with comfort and help to manage or reduce pain while you sleep. The design of orthopedic pillows follows orthopedic design and instruction.
Orthopedic pillows can be used to alleviate the pain associated with back pain, sciatica, whiplash, neck pain, and post-injury pain. They reduce the neck pain from your pillow which means you aren’t tossing and turning during the night and will get better quality sleep.
How to choose the right orthopedic pillow
When choosing a new orthopedic pillow it is important to find one that works for your needs. If it is not the right pillow, it will not be comfortable and you will not be able to sleep soundly.
Consider the pillow’s firmness and material as well as your medical history, sleeping habits, and shape. For example, if you are pregnant your shape will change and you might need a new pillow. The same applies if you are recovering from surgery, your sleeping habits and positions will change, so will your needs in terms of a pillow.
There are various types of orthopedic pillows that have been specifically designed to support different parts of your body. We have broken the different types of orthopedic pillows for you to make it easier to find the right one for you.
Body Pillow
Orthopedic body pillows are not just long pillows you can curl your body around. Rather, they are firm pillows that provide your body with the right amount of support. Body pillows are recommended for women who are pregnant and looking for comfort while they sleep. Side sleepers will also find comfort and support in body pillows as they will get support from their shoulders to their hips and knees.
Our recommendation is the Snuggle Pedic Body Pillow, it is rated the no 1 body pillow and promises pregnant woman a good night’s sleep. It is made from premier quality shredded foam and will not lose its shape or firmness. This pillow is one of the best memory foam contour pillow for side sleepers.
Lumbar Pillow
Lumbar pillows are specifically designed to elevate your legs or provide neck support. They are generally curved pillows that you place under your knees, on the back of your chair or under your neck.
The TruContour Lumbar Pillow has been designed to correct the alignment of your spine. By correctly aligning the spine, it reduces the amount of strain that is placed on your back muscles and ligaments. Back, side and stomach sleepers will find comfort and relief from lumbar pillows. A good orthopedic lumbar pillow will be adjustable, so you can adjust the height to suit your specific sleeping position and needs.
Leg Pillow
Leg pillows can also be referred to as knee pillows. These pillows are usually curved shaped, like an hourglass and are used between your knees. Side sleepers and pregnant ladies find the most comfort and relief from leg pillows. If you have recently undergone surgery then the knee pillow will be recommended to offer both support and relief as it stabilizes your pelvis.
The Contour Leg Pillow aligns the knees, hips, and spine and in doing so relieves the pain from sciatica and other similar pains.
Neck Pillow
These orthopedic neck pillows are the commonplace travel pillows in the shape of a horseshow. They sit snuggly around your neck and prevent your head from bobbing around while you travel.
The TravelMate Neck Pillow is a great orthopedic pillow if you are traveling a lot. The memory foam in this pillow means it provides your neck with the right amount of support while you are sitting on an airplane or train.
If you are looking for a neck pillow, you must find one that has credentials. If it is not a good neck pillow it will not provide you with the right support and you will end up in pain.
Cervical Pillow
Cervical pillows are also known as neck pillows but not to be confused with the travel neck pillow. Cervical pillows are sleeping pillows that provide therapeutic support while you sleep so that you wake up properly recharged.
If you’re looking for an orthopedic pillow for neck support, consider the Elite Rest Contour Sleeper. It ticks all the blocks when it comes to the requirements of a good orthopedic pillow, including a good price point. A good memory foam contour pillow does help neck pain.
Wedge Pillow
Wedge pillows are probably the most common orthopedic pillows. Wedge pillows are versatile and provide support for your back, neck, and legs while you are sitting and sleeping.
They can be placed under your knees to relieve pressure from your lower back. You can also sleep on the wedge pillow. In fact, many people find relief from reflux, snoring and other issues associated with poor circulation while sleeping.
Our favorite wedge pillow is the 4-in-1 X-tra Comfort Wedge Pillow. This pillow has four different positions for both sitting and lying down.
Orthopedic pillows provide more support and comfort than the average everyday pillow you find out there. They have been designed according to specific guidelines which means they will be more supportive of your back and neck issues. These pillows are also great if you are traveling or are recovering from an injury or surgery.
