Tips For Finding The Best Pillow For Sleeping On Your Back
A supportive pillow designed specifically for back pain can make a world of difference in your day-to-day life. If you suffer from back pain, as many people do, finding a back pillow is often the difference between waking up refreshed and ready for your day, or waking up dreading getting out of bed, due to the fear of additional pain. Sleep is the body’s chance to rest up and heal itself from all of the stress and injury incurred throughout the day. If your neck posture is off while sleeping, it may manifest itself as back pain during the day. To avoid this, it’s imperative that your posture is correct while getting a good nights sleep and finding the right pillows for back pain is an effective way to do just that.
So, where do you begin? If you watch television commercials that advertise pillows for back pain, you’ll be hit with all sorts of confusing claims. Often, these claims contradict the information in other commercials, and quite possibly, the opinions of your doctors. No one type of pillow or single material is going to work the same for all body types and medical conditions. Do your research and talk to your doctor before you choose a back pillow. If you do, you’ll be amazed to find that you get a better nights sleep, and wake up rested and ready for your day.
Common Types of Pillows For Back Pain
Here are some common types of pillows for back pain. Many times, you can find these pillows specifically designed for the lower back. Oftentimes, you can achieve the same effect using a regular pillow to correct your sleeping position. You can also find special pillows for back pain designed for sitting in a chair, which helps with lower-back pain associated with driving or sitting at a computer.
Down/Feather Pillows – Buying super soft and fluffy pillows only works to heal back pain if you sleep on your side. When you sleep on your side, it creates a gap between your neck and the pillow. A fluffy pillow fills in that gap. If you sleep on your back, the fluffy pillow will often push your chin down, which can create pain, as well as breathing issues. If you do sleep on your side, consider getting an additional leg pillow to put between your legs to help maintain perfect alignment and posture.
Foam/Memory Foam Pillows – These pillows are more solid than down/feather pillows. These work best if you sleep on your back, as they tend to mold to your neck, maintaining a perfect alignment and providing support. Memory foam pillows work well in this regard, and different types of memory foam are becoming more and more affordable these days.
Grain/Buckwheat Husk Pillows – These pillows create a firm surface. And while that may not seem super-comfortable, these pillows can help with certain causes of back pain, such as spinal disc degeneration. Talk with your doctor to find out if harder pillows for back pain are right for you.
Many other factors may influence your selection of pillows for back pain. Some pillows perfectly contour to the shape of your neck, which works effectively to maintain your posture and alignment while you sleep. The key factor is achieving perfect posture and alignment while you sleep. Once you do, you’ll find that your morning back pain will gradually disappear. Imagine waking up feeling refreshed and ready for your day.
Finding a Pillow for Back Pain
How to Choose a Pillow
- Size is something we don’t often consider. Regular pillows come in a single size or may be designated Standard, Queen, and King. Therapeutic pillows, however, are available in various sizes, depending on your height, body structure, and other factors. You may also want to consider whether you need a pillow that’s small enough to transport easily.
- The filling should be high quality. Memory polyester Hollofil fiber is the gold standard for therapeutic pillows, as it’s durable, resilient, hypoallergenic, and retains fluffiness. It can also be machine washed and dried.
- Construction varies greatly, from machined foam or water bags to blown or stuffed foam pieces. High-quality therapeutic pillows are weighed and hand-rolled for precise, size-appropriate support. The cover should be made of cotton or another natural and easily machine-washed fabric.
- The shape is perhaps the most crucial element when you are facing sleep problems. Conventional pillows are rectangular or square. While these may be good for interior decorating, they don’t begin to address the issue of comfort or proper spinal alignment. Studies show that cylindrical pillows are best designed to provide support and alignment because they fit with the natural curve of the neck.
Each of these aspects can have an impact on health, so it’s important to contrast and compare when you are looking for the perfect pillow. If you are experiencing sleep issues, choosing a therapeutic cervical pillow is a great idea. Remember to take care into account, and opt for a pillow that can be machine washed and dried without losing support. Putting a pillow in the dryer helps to get rid of dust mites and other allergens, and ensures that the pillow will remain sanitary.
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