Contrary to popular belief, a pillow is not only restricted to enhancing sleep quality but extends its use for support while sitting, driving, working, or simply for relaxation. Pillows are also used as props for aesthetics and can provide optimal lumbar support during the various activities we engage in daily. Smart brands like Wakefit emphasize the importance of pillow comfort, but also, the use of each type of pillow for spinal alignment, neck support, and other specific uses. This guide shares the importance of choosing the perfect pillow that suits your requirements- specifically to alleviate those body aches and pains that keep you up all night!
Why Do We Need Pillows?
At a core level, pillows are accessories that keep our spine in its natural, horizontal shape, allowing it to rest properly. It is designed to reduce stress which can occur in the neck and back when seated or lying down in the same position for prolonged periods.
Deciding the right size, shape, and firmness levels greatly influences the comfort factor of a pillow. These are the main types of pillows:
- Decorative Pillows: These are throw pillows used to bring in the vibe and style of a party. Typically seen in the shape of cushions, they add color and freshness with their texture and pattern.
- Orthopedic pillows: Using orthopedic pillows like cervical pillows, neck pillows, body pillows, and wedge pillows can help minimize the strain by supporting the neck, head, hips, and shoulders at a comfortable level. Orthopedic pillows are therapeutic as they offer relief from various conditions like sleep apnea, acid reflux, lower back pain, sciatica pain, whiplash, and many more.
- Bed pillows: Bed pillows are a form of bedding that provides immeasurable support to the neck and head when in deep sleep for long hours. These are often only used in bed and come with different fillings like memory foam, feathers, cotton, down, and more. Bed pillows also come with special orthopedic features that support the natural curve of the neck.
What Are The Consequences Of Picking The Wrong Pillow?
Many of us continue to experience an uncomfortable sleep position without being able to pinpoint what makes it uncomfortable. One of the first outcomes of purchasing a pillow that does not suit your sleep position is sleep disruption. You end up tossing and turning unable to slip into a deep slumber, thereby, affecting your sleep cycle.
Another example is when using a very tall pillow when seated for long hours, leading to a misalignment of the head and neck. This inevitably gives way to upper back pain because the lumbar region, middle, and cervical are not supported correctly. Not using specific pillows for the intended activity can lead to many postural conditions that we tend to overlook, like:
- Spondylosis
- Back and Neck stiffness
- Slipped Disc (Herniated disc)
- Neck sprains
Neck pains and stiffness are the most common conditions that people face when sitting for long hours in an awkward position. This can cause severe physical discomfort restricting us from doing even the most mundane activities. While minor pains and aches can be comforted with over-the-counter medication, rest, and relaxation, the conditions mentioned above need medical intervention as they could potentially cause long-term damage to the body. Using the wrong pillow could only worsen this situation or cause it to return prematurely, despite being on medication and treatment.
Switching from a normal bed pillow to a back support pillow could significantly alleviate such pains by keeping your neck and back aligned.
How To Select The Perfect Pillow?
Picking the perfect pillow depends on many factors like:
1. The Right Pillow
Do you need a pillow to support your back during long travels or work from home? Or do you need a bed pillow for lumbar support during those 8 hours of sleep? Evaluate your requirement for the right pillow and choose from the different types of pillows available. If it’s for long travels in a car or train journey where you have to sit upright for long hours, it’s worth looking to buy a back support pillow that is designed ergonomically to support your lower lumbar region, reducing discomfort. If it’s a pillow for your child, it’s important to keep their unique needs in mind. They offer proper support ensuring a restorative sleep environment for kids of all ages.
2. Your Sleep Position
Your preferred sleep position plays an important role in choosing the right pillow for optimal support at night.
- Back sleepers benefit from medium to firm pillows
- Side sleepers require firmer pillows with a higher and thicker surface to keep the head, neck, and spine aligned
- Stomach sleepers need flat pillows to prevent over-craning of the neck.
Buying a cervical pillow online could change the way you sleep with its contouring properties that cradle the neck and promote proper spinal alignment.
3. The Material
Memory foam is the winning material for pillows today. It’s innate ability to contour to the shape of your head and neck means, you get personalized support and pressure relief. Other options include latex, down, spun polyester fiber and feather pillows. Looking for something hypoallergenic? Opt for a memory foam filling, thank us later.
4. Maintenance:
Find yourself a pillow that can be washed regularly to maintain proper hygiene but doesn’t sag easily.
5. Reviews:
Check out reviews online to see what other consumers have to say about the pillow you are looking to potentially buy.
Referring to the factors above, you can choose the perfect pillow to pair with your mattress that offers optimal support to your lumbar region.
