How to choose the right orthopedic pillow: basic parameters and recommendations from experts

Have you ever wondered why we sleep on a pillow? Its use is necessary in order to maintain the body in the correct position during sleep. We can harm our health by not using a pillow at all, since in this case the spine will take a position that is unnatural for it.

Have you ever asked yourself: is your pillow really comfortable for you to sleep on? Is it 100% suitable for you? The first sign that the answers to both of these questions will most likely be negative is that you often toss and turn in your sleep.

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Most people have retained from childhood the habit of using square products filled with feathers and down as pillows. After all, most often they reason like this: the main thing is to have something to put under your head.

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But specialists such as somnologists and orthopedists completely disagree with this position. After all, not every type of pillow will be truly useful for an adult. The best pillow for sleeping, according to doctors, is an orthopedic pillow.

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We will discuss the issues of its selection and operation in more detail below.

Do you need an orthopedic pillow? If yes, then to whom?

How to choose an orthopedic pillow is, of course, an important question. But is it worth doing? The benefits of an orthopedic back pillow are undeniable, so we list the indications for purchasing this product:

pain due to myositis and neuralgic etiology;
cervical osteochondrosis;
frequent neck pain, recurrent headaches;
cervical spine injuries, vertebral displacement;
vertebrobasilar insufficiency;
various types of sleep disorders.

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Quite often, the use of orthopedic pillows is prescribed by doctors for those who undergo complex treatment of spinal problems using manual therapy, physiotherapy, etc. First of all, this applies to the cervical spine.

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The right orthopedic pillow guarantees completely harmless sleep not only for the spine, but also for the entire body.

There can be only one contraindication in this case - an allergy to the material from which the pillow is made, acute inflammation of the skin in the neck area.

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How is an orthopedic pillow useful? First of all, because it helps to support the upper spine in the correct position. Thanks to this, the load on the spine is reduced, the level of muscle tone decreases, and blood circulation returns to normal. Thus, painful sensations and pathological processes that lead to the development of diseases, including those that contribute to the development of osteochondrosis, disappear, sleep becomes deep and healthy.

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Advantages

Orthopedic pillows differ from ordinary ones in that:

have different shapes;
filled with elastic, elastic or crumbly material;
Only the head is placed on them;
hypoallergenic.

Anatomical pillows have been created for healthy sleep. With their help, the position of the body is adjusted so that the sleeper’s neck and back are on the same line. With a conventional product, deflection often occurs in the area of the cervical vertebrae. Hence the development of osteochondrosis, accompanied by pain and poor sleep.

The best orthopedic pillow for sleeping - what is it?

Among the qualities that the best orthopedic pillow has are the following:

support of the head and neck in a natural position;
inability to cause allergies;
tactilely pleasant product;
has a protective cover that is easy to wash;
can be either rectangular or square;
has a memory effect, thanks to which we perfectly follow every contour of the body;
has a quality certificate.

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What to do if sleeping worse with a new pillow?

Orthopedic pillows take some time to adapt to. Your body will need at least a week to get used to the new sensations. However, if after this time your sleep has not improved, then you should return the pillow and try a product of a different shape.

Tips for caring for orthopedic pillows:

Latex and polyurethane foam should not be washed or wiped with a damp cloth.
Products made from polyester can be machine washed.
Pillows made of synthetic materials should be ventilated from time to time.
Covers and pillowcases should be washed separately from pillows.
The pillowcase should be made of natural, breathable materials.
Polyurethane foam may change color to yellow - this is a reaction to air exchange.

Orthopedic pillow: which one is not worth your attention?

Be sure to consider replacing your old pillow with a new one as soon as possible if it:

became dirty;

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has been in operation for more than ten years;
began to emit an unpleasant odor;
no longer retains its original shape;
does not have a protective cover;
has become too soft or, conversely, hard;

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- so small that your head doesn’t fit.

Rules for healthy sleep

There are several recommendations that significantly improve the body's rest:

Go to bed at the same time. The body gets used to the established order and falls asleep easier.
It is best to go to bed before eleven in the evening. It is at this time that hormones responsible for the youth of the body are released.
You should not eat food several hours in advance. Heaviness in the stomach will not allow you to fall asleep, and the gastrointestinal tract, which works all night, will not rest as it should.
There is no need to drink alcohol or energy drinks such as coffee several hours in advance. A nervous system excited by caffeine will not allow you to fall asleep. It is best to opt for chamomile tea or warm milk.
Fresh air is very beneficial. A short walk will fill your lungs and brain with fresh air.
Before you lie down, you can take a warm shower or bath. Never use cold or too hot water. On the contrary, it will invigorate you.
Ventilate your bedroom. The cool evening air will help you fall asleep faster.
Do not leave light sources on; the room should be completely dark. Otherwise, rest will be superficial, restless and intermittent.
Choose the right position. It is recommended that the head be positioned to the north or east. When lying down, choose a comfortable body position. Scientists advise sleeping horizontally, on each side in turn.
Don't think about the day's problems, relax. You can think about this during the day, and in the evening it will be appropriate to listen to music or read literature.

And of course, we shouldn’t forget that what we sleep on—the mattress and pillow—are also of great importance.

How to choose an orthopedic pillow without confusing it with a regular one?

Modern stores provide a huge selection of accessories designed to make your sleep as comfortable as possible. These are not only mattresses, bed linen, but also, of course, pillows

. How not to get confused among all this variety, how to choose the right orthopedic pillow? Large, small, in the shape of rectangles or squares, convex and flat, hard and soft... it’s very easy to get lost among such variety! What should you pay attention to when choosing?

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First of all, on the material, as well as the shape.

The fillings of traditional pillows are usually synthetic padding polyester, down-feather, foam rubber, and holofiber. As you can see, the materials include both natural and synthetic. At the same time, the shape always remains classic - rectangle or square.

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Be careful! It happens that ordinary pillows are disguised as orthopedic ones by giving them a bizarre shape. This is what unscrupulous manufacturers do. After all, the main distinguishing feature of a real orthopedic pillow is the use of a unique material that has an anatomical effect.

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The cost of orthopedic products is usually higher than traditional ones. And it’s better to pay more once than to change the pillow and pay twice later.

Rating of the TOP 5 best anatomical pillows

Blue Sleep anatomical

5.0 Rating

Type: anatomical Size: 40 × 60 cm Filling: Memory Granular Foam Cover material: polyester 60%, lyocell 40%

Cover fabric: jersey Support level: medium Height: 11.5 cm

The anatomical memory foam pillow contains granules inside that reduce the influence of electromagnetic radiation. The pillow perfectly allows air flow and does not retain moisture. The structure of the model contains an insert made of cooling gel. Thanks to this, the temperature balance is maintained. The knitted cover can be washed if dirty.

Ambesonne anatomical

4.9 Rating

Type: anatomical Size: 40 × 60 cm Filling: polyurethane foam 100% + shape effect Cover material: knitwear, polyester 100%

Cover fabric: jacquard Support level: medium Height: 14 cm

Rules for choosing an orthopedic pillow

Remember that the best orthopedic pillows provide full support to the head and neck spine and provide maximum relaxation to the entire upper body.

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Be sure to consider the width of your shoulders, as well as what position you like to sleep in, how soft the mattress you choose is, and what materials the pillow is made of.

The width of your shoulders will tell you how to choose the height of the orthopedic pillow. After all, the wider the shoulder, the higher the product will be needed if you are used to sleeping on your side.

An orthopedic pillow for sleeping on the back, on the contrary, should be low.

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Was a mattress with a low level of hardness initially chosen? In this case, you should also choose a model that is lower than it would be if a harder surface was used.

In general, the primary factors in choosing an orthopedic pillow are the material and the filler. After all, it is their properties that provide the supporting ability of this product.

The shape of the pillow is also important, but it is not in the first place. Models with a classic shape are suitable for sleeping on your back, and those with a bolster are suitable for sleeping on your side.

Square-shaped pillows are a thing of the past, because doctors do not recommend that the pillow fall under the shoulders.

These are all general recommendations. Let's look at each parameter as deeply as possible.

Reviews

Everyone wonders what pillows to choose for sleeping. Those who use them can best advise. The reviews are different, but all contain practical advice on using orthopedic pillows.

From childhood, children are taught to use orthopedic pillow options

Specialists

Marina Aleksandrovna, neurologist, Moscow: Prevention of spinal pathologies begins with developing the correct body position during sleep. By teaching your child to sleep on orthopedic pillows from childhood, you can be sure that the health of his spinal column will be fine in the future.

Alexey Ivanovich, somnologist, Kazan: Sleep disorders are directly related to the correct selection of bedding. For nervous, emotional people, a pillow selected in accordance with the anatomy of the neck and head will relieve tension, and sleep will be complete.

Consumers

Marina, 28 years old: I didn’t sleep well for a long time. My head ached from lack of sleep and I had to work hard. I purchased a pillow filled with elastic foam. It perfectly follows the contours of the head. At first I got used to the new product. Now I sleep great. I'm glad I can sleep in any position.

Sergey, 35 years old: Due to a spinal injury, my arms began to go numb in the morning. The store picked out a pillow that was perfect for me in height and size. The rollers on it help relieve tension in the cervical region. After a month of getting used to it, I noticed that my hands stopped getting numb. I sleep well all night. Of course, it takes time. How much sleep you need to get used to is different for everyone. My friend could never sleep on such a pillow. I'm very comfortable.

Orthopedic pillows are given a lot of space in healthy sleep. Residents of big cities have long abandoned down and feather options. They harbor parasites and are hyperallergenic. And with anatomical bolsters and pillows, pathologies of the spine in the neck area go away.

Orthopedic pillow size

How to choose the size of an orthopedic pillow?

Among the most common sizes of orthopedic pillows are the following:

50x70 cm;
50x60 cm;
50x50 cm;
60x60 cm;
70x70 cm.

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In fact, there may be even more size options. Therefore, when choosing, first of all, it is necessary to start from an understanding of the purpose for which the pillow will be used.

For example, if you are looking for a decorative product to decorate a sofa, then products measuring 30x30 cm, as well as 40x40 cm, are quite suitable.

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If you are looking for an answer to the question - how to choose the right orthopedic pillow for an adult - then the preference is for pillow models measuring 50x70 cm.

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Choosing the wrong size (being too big or too small) can lead to neck pain.

Purpose

You need to choose an orthopedic specimen when necessary:

stretch out the vertebrae;
eliminate snoring;
reduce neck pain;
relax the muscles, the whole body;
normalize the blood circulation process;
reduce stress on the neck.

It is recommended to sleep on anatomical options for those who suffer from pinched vertebrae, who have been diagnosed with osteochondrosis, cervical hyperlordosis. But it is worth sleeping on orthopedic products in order to prevent inflammation and congestion in the spine.

Manufacturers rating

The best sleep products were developed by scientists taking into account the characteristics of the human body, its weight, and spinal diseases:

The PF 209 roller from Trelax has many advantages. These include environmental friendliness of materials and filler. The object is used to stretch the muscles of the spine and relieve tension. The roller can be used under different parts of the body.
The Brener Embrace pillow has a medium level of firmness and has a unique memory effect. 2 cushions and a depression in the middle will give you the opportunity to relax and rest in comfort.
New technologies were used for the Sonex product. You can choose a product of any configuration, with a different number of rollers.
Russian Ascona offers products in several sizes. They are distinguished by materials that can reduce body temperature and pressure.
When vertebrae are displaced, anatomically shaped products are recommended. Luomma products are suitable for sleepers of any age category.
Billebreck will delight you with natural horsehair filling, covered with a cotton cover on top. One of the best devices for healthy sleep is chosen by many.

The cost of quality products is high, ranging from 3,700 to 2,000 rubles. But they also sleep on pillows for an unlimited time.

Choosing the right shape of orthopedic pillow

What are the different shapes of orthopedic pillows?

1) Classic

- the traditional, most frequently used option, which has not lost its popularity over the years;

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2) With shoulder recess

- ideal for people who like to sleep on their sides.

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3) With two rollers of different heights

- the most popular form of orthopedic pillows. The cushion helps maintain the natural curves of the spine in the cervical region, thereby allowing the muscles to fully relax. This product ensures that the head will always be in the correct position.

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4) Star shaped

— the model is quite unusual and is intended for those who love to sleep on their stomachs. It helps you not to bury your nose in the mattress, but to breathe freely. Due to the fact that thermoactive material is used to create such pillows, the skin of the face does not suffer - this prevents the appearance of wrinkles and swelling.

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We talked about how to choose the height of an orthopedic pillow. What about rigidity? Let's look at this issue in more detail in the next paragraph.

Pillow care

You must be able to not only sleep correctly on an orthopedic pillow, but also how to care for it. The product must be washed when it becomes dirty. Cover can be applied once every 2 weeks. Some types require dry cleaning. Ventilate the device every week, taking it out into fresh air. The product cannot be stored in cellophane; it must be protected from direct sunlight.

You cannot knock out dust or jump on the pillows, otherwise they will lose their shape. A heavily soiled surface can be cleaned with a sponge soaked in detergent. Then they clean it with clean water and dry it for 12-15 hours in the shade. Pillowcases are placed on the pillow and changed weekly.

How hard should an orthopedic pillow be?

In the case of pillows as well as mattresses

, there are three main degrees of hardness: soft, medium hard, hard. Which option is suitable in your case will be determined by the doctor’s recommendations, if any, or simply by personal feelings - whether it’s convenient or not.

Cotton, down, holofiber, foam rubber are the basis of soft pillows.

Products with a medium level of rigidity often have memory foam or wool as a filler.

Pillows with high rigidity often contain latex or buckwheat husk.

Sleeping position is also a factor that determines the optimal degree of firmness of the future pillow.

For those who often sleep on their stomach, soft products are suitable.

Medium-firm pillows are suitable for those who like to sleep on their back.

Rigid models are for those who most often rest lying on their sides.

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What is an orthopedic pillow made of?

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Let's talk about materials. If we list the most commonly used fillers in orthopedic pillows, then these are:

anatomical foam with memory effect;
viscolatex;
latex;
pillows based on independent mini-springs;
models with a specially shaped roller insert;
having mini-springs made of latex;
filled with a unique gel with a cooling effect
etc.

In this case, the first filler option is used most often. If you apply light pressure to the pillow and see that it begins to gradually regain its shape, then this is what you need. Tactilely, this filler is somewhat similar to plasticine, because it is also capable of remembering the shape of the body.

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Our parting words

We are confident that now you are well savvy and can choose the perfect night companion for you.
But still, do not neglect the recommendations of specialists. And don’t be afraid that you will have to get used to the pillow at first: this is a normal phenomenon, because at first the body can perceive everything unusual and useful with hostility. But then your joy will know no bounds: you will wake up with ease and good mood, and fly out of bed and fly towards a new day! We wish you to find that very, your only, most correct anatomical pillow.
Sweet dreams and a cheerful awakening to you! Share:

Types of orthopedic pillows depending on the filler

Memory foam

Such foam is a modified polyurethane foam, gel or some other substance that reacts to pressure as well as body heat. Thanks to this ability, the pillow perfectly adapts to the shape of the neck and head.

Its advantages:

the presence of an orthopedic effect, due to which the neck and head remain in the correct position;
inability to cause allergies;
the presence of an antibacterial effect - bacteria will not multiply here and dust mites will never appear;
absence of noise - when you press on this material, it will not begin to rustle, and there will be no “whistle” effect;
long service life - such pillows can be used for more than five years.

Minuses:

the presence of a specific odor, which will disappear within a few days after purchasing the product;
the material is quite viscous - you will have to get used to this feeling;
In hot weather, some types of fillers can heat up, which will promote the formation of sweat.

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With latex mini springs

One of the options for latex pillows. They have a sufficient level of elasticity, so they retain their shape perfectly. They are perfectly breathable and cannot cause allergies, as they are made from hypoallergenic materials.

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Latex

Latex is an excellent alternative to materials with a “shape memory effect” (memoryfoam, memory foam, viscolatex). This material can be classified as natural if it is natural), since it is made from the juice of the Brazilian Hevea plant, which grows mostly in Southeast Asia. After processing the juice, monolithic pillows are produced.

Latex pillows are highly elastic and create a “springy” effect, although they do not have any springs in their composition. They will especially appeal to those who like to sleep on their backs or choose tall products.

Among the advantages of such products are the following:

it is comfortable to sleep on them, thanks to their high level of elasticity and firmness;
antibacterial - dust will not accumulate in such products. They do not create a favorable environment for the proliferation of microorganisms;
long service life - pillows can be used for a decade;
excellent breathability - the material “breathes”, moisture is removed.

The disadvantages of latex pillows include:

the smell of milk, but over time it disappears;
high price;
Allergies may occur in some people.

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With independent mini springs

These products also have an excellent orthopedic effect. Mini-springs can withstand the load perfectly, react to every movement, support the body and quickly restore shape. These pillows can be used for any preferred sleep position.

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Gel

This material can confidently be called innovative. It is truly unique, and its popularity is growing with every month of its presence in the modern market. The gel helps distribute the load as evenly as possible. It has a micro-massage effect, as well as slight cooling, due to the fact that it has a special 3D liquid deformation technology. Among these pillows you can find those designed for sleeping on your stomach, sleeping on your side, and sleeping on your back. However, not always and not everyone may immediately like a gel pillow. As a rule, they require getting used to - within several weeks.

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With adjustable fillers

This pillow has a protective pillowcase with eucalyptus fibers. And its main feature is that you can adjust the filler level at your own discretion. Such products are particularly elastic and able to “breathe”. A person lying on it feels as if he is floating in the air.

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With buckwheat husk

Buckwheat porridge is one of the favorite dishes for many, but few people know that the same cereal can also serve as a pillow filling. In this case, it is not the kernels themselves that are used, but pyramid-shaped scales that are dried and cleaned.

Among the advantages of pillows filled with buckwheat husks are:

maintain the most comfortable temperature;
absorb moisture;
give a massage effect;
Helps relax the muscles of the back and neck.

The disadvantages of such pillows include:

too high level of rigidity;
the noise that the husk makes during friction;
heavy weight - can reach 5 kg;
There is a risk that the buckwheat husk will crumble during the process of cleaning the pillow or at night.

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Polyurethane foam

Thanks to this type of filler, the pillow perfectly supports the neck and head, while the material does not roll down, and air exchange is always optimal.

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Polystyrene

These pillows contain many balls made of polystyrene. Inside the cover, they are distributed as evenly as possible, thanks to which the support that such a pillow provides to the neck and head is very effective.

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Polyester

Orthopedic pillows that are affordable. They are relatively easy to care for. In this case, you can adjust their height yourself, which will make your sleep healthier and more comfortable.

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Fillers, their pros and cons

What a sleeping pillow is filled with is important, because the fullness of your rest depends on it. You need to take into account how a person feels after rest, what prevents him from falling asleep quickly.

Filler	Advantages	Flaws
Buckwheat husk	The natural product has a pleasant smell, has an orthopedic, massage effect, relieving tension and improving blood circulation.	Disturbs sleep with its rustling noise. Not suitable for those who suffer from allergies. The pillow is difficult to care for. After 3 years it must be changed.
Natural latex	Eco-friendly material is hygienic. There are no parasites in it, it is well ventilated and breathes. Latex is moderately hard, takes the shape of the head, and recovers quickly. Service life – 5 years.	The product is expensive. At first, it emits an unpleasant odor, which disappears over time.
Memory foam	Ideal fit, adapting to the contours of the head and shoulders. The product accepts the initial configuration, so it looks good. The product is durable and safe.	Besides the high cost, not everyone likes having their face wrapped in a pillow. At high temperatures, the material emits an unpleasant odor.
Animal wool (sheep, camels)	Natural and elastic material promotes better blood circulation and calms the nervous system.	The product is difficult to care for and allergic reactions are possible.
Sintepon	Lightweight, hypoallergenic material. Products with it are cheap and easy to wash.	Doesn't last long. Does not have any special orthopedic capabilities.
Polystyrene balls	It has high orthopedic characteristics and takes the shape of the head. The product is easy to care for, does not cause allergies, and lasts a long time.	The product is expensive.

To choose an orthopedic pillow for sleeping, you need to be prepared to refuse down and feather options, which are so familiar and soft. They will not be able to support the cervical vertebrae, leading to deflections in this area and diseases.

It takes some getting used to the new product.

How to choose the right orthopedic pillow for sleeping