04/05/2020 Category: Pillows
- 1 Features
- 2 Models
- 3 Varieties
- 4 What filling is used for pillows
- 5 Tips for choosing
- 6 How to make it yourself
Manufacturers offer various variations of practical orthopedic bedding. Comfortable sleep is guaranteed if there is a comfortable neck pillow under your head that follows the contours of the body and does not create tension in the cervical spine. For long trips by car or plane, there are inflatable analogues of various shapes. Children prefer toy pillows that support their head in the correct position. How to choose the right orthopedic products is worth discussing separately.
Collar pillows with memory effect are made to fit, tightly wrap around the neck, fix it, and perfectly relax the muscles.
Peculiarities
Medical bedding models for sleeping and the simplest pillows for cars under the neck have much in common; they are created for comfort and relief of the spine during rest hours. During the day, the muscles are in constant tension; if the pillow is uncomfortable, the muscle tissue does not relax, spasms and inflammation occur, the position of the bones changes, and the cartilage tissue is deformed. The ergonomic shape of the pillows completely follows the curved shape of the neck, the springy filler relieves the muscles, and improves blood circulation in the cervical region. The beneficial effects of the horseshoe pillow have been proven in experiments; for osteochondrosis, migraine attacks, problems with the musculoskeletal system, joints, doctors recommend purchasing orthopedic bedding under the head for preventive and therapeutic purposes.
For reference. After sleeping on an ergonomic pillow, your mood improves, you feel more energetic, you feel a surge of strength, aches in your shoulders go away, and muscle tension is eliminated.
Is it possible to sleep on your stomach with cervical osteochondrosis?
Most people believe that sleeping on the stomach does not put any pressure on the spine. But experts note that in this position the joints of the 1st and 2nd cervical vertebrae are greatly overstrained, which can lead to pain in the neck and head, and disruption of brain function. The lumbar vertebrae also sag, which can cause pain in the cervical region.
You can simply lie on your stomach to rest to relieve lower back pain. Sleeping on your stomach can cause neck and lower back pain. Therefore, it is undesirable for even a healthy person to sleep in this position.
Models
Several types of head support pillows have been developed. These are classic ones with a special filling, in the form of a roller or a chicken bone with expanded edges, in the form of a collar. Companies, in pursuit of consumers, are constantly improving their products. The most popular neck pillows for the Comfort Master car, which follow the contour of a horseshoe, are the most popular. Thanks to polyurethane foam, a comfortable position of the spine is ensured. “Horseshoes” vary in size; there are car versions for children and adults with different neck sizes.
The original and universal “TravelRest” bolsters in the form of a seat belt ensure a sound sleep for the whole family while traveling; the unusual shape takes up little space and can be used while sitting and in a horizontal position of the body, for example, in a tent.
J Pillow models are also designed for cars or airplanes. They are somewhat similar to the previous ones, only in shape they repeat the letter “J”, and are comfortably held on the shoulder when turning the head and body in a dream. The upper part rests on the chair, the long part is located along the sleeper’s body.
Deluxe Neck Rest pillows will help you forget about a stiff neck, reduce pressure on your muscles, and relieve stress on your spine. It’s easy to take this model with you on the road; the pillow will help you out in a hotel, replacing a soft, standard one.
Note! A new development is surprising - a butterfly pillow with a massage function. Before bed, it’s so nice to relieve back pain and muscle spasms. You can choose a mode that will help you fall into deep sleep.
The crescent-shaped pillow collar with soft filling fits comfortably and does not move if the sleeper moves involuntarily.
Reviews from doctors and patients
Anatoly, neurologist, 45 years old
Is an orthopedic pillow needed for cervical osteochondrosis? As a doctor with extensive experience, I can safely say that incorrect posture is one of the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis.
You shouldn't skimp on your health. Moreover, this orthopedic product is purchased for at least 3 years. Sleeping on a quality product will prevent exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis, and is also an excellent prevention of spinal diseases. I have had many patients whose neck pain completely disappeared after changing their orthopedic product.
Once people get used to sleeping on orthopedic bolsters, they no longer return to ordinary products. The most important thing is to get used to the product, and this can take up to one week. If the discomfort lasts longer, it means that the product is definitely not suitable.
People are also confused by the fact that such products require special care - pillows do not need to be fluffed and washed. Sleeping on an orthopedic pillow is the best prevention of cervical osteochondrosis.
Maria, 32 years old
Neck pain began to haunt me since my student days, when I sat with my head bowed all the time. At times it became easier, and during those times I did not go to the doctors.
Just recently the pain became simply unbearable. I made an appointment with a neurologist. We talked for a long time. As a result, I learned for myself that an orthopedic roller is very useful for cervical osteochondrosis.
I started digging for information on the Internet and forums. As a result, I chose an orthopedic roller with a “memory effect” for myself. She noted that she began to sleep much better. And after a couple of weeks, the pain in my neck and head almost disappeared.
Photo of an orthopedic roller
Additionally, for periodic neck pain, I use a massage pillow that simulates a shiatsu massage.
Mikhail, 29 years old
I have a very stressful job, because of which I sleep poorly, and in the morning I get up exhausted and practically unrested. And six months later I began to be bothered by pain in my back and neck.
I went for a consultation with a specialist. It turned out that I had initial signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. But he did not prescribe me various medications and drugs, but told me to urgently change the mattress and pillow.
How to choose the right pillow for cervical osteochondrosis? It is important that the height and size of the pillow are selected correctly. I bought an orthopedic mattress of medium hardness.
Already on the first night I slept very well, and after 2 months I completely forgot what pain was.
Alexandra, 45 years old
Since childhood, I have periodically had headaches from intracranial pressure, and the reason for this is a pinched neck. To somehow alleviate the condition, I do therapeutic exercises and running. But almost every morning I felt stiffness in my neck and constantly did not get enough sleep. When my head began to hurt several times a month, I found out that these unpleasant symptoms were due to the wrong pillow.
I was wondering what pillow to sleep on if you have cervical osteochondrosis? The choice fell on a product with a memory effect from our manufacturer - this is the best option in terms of quality and price.
The cushion is very comfortable, it very accurately takes the shape of the body, whether lying on your back or on your side. I’ve been using the pillow for more than six months now and I can safely say that I’ve begun to fall asleep faster and wake up feeling rested and well-slept.
My head and neck stopped hurting altogether. I can also note that I have more free energy.
The only negative is the white color of the cover. I adapted to putting a regular pillowcase on the product to keep the product looking in normal condition.
Interestingly, the pillow size is more suitable for wide shoulders, but I still sleep very comfortably.
Swimming with osteochondrosis can also play a big role, but you only need to swim on your back.
Margarita, 38 years old
It was very difficult for me to choose a therapeutic pillow for my cervical osteochondrosis. In the end, I chose a model with buckwheat husk filling. The pillow is heavy and gives off a light aroma of buckwheat.
In the evening I went to bed and with my hand pressed a hole for the head in the middle of the roller. And I didn’t notice how I fell asleep. The sleep was sound and healthy. This morning I woke up to my alarm clock, full of energy. I was very surprised that my interesting acquisition had such an impact on me.
The pillow rustles a little if you move your head on it. But you quickly get used to it. After half a month of daily sleep, the neck pain almost disappeared, as did the fatigue after a hard day at work.
Lilia, 28 years old
I decided to give my mother a birthday present. And since she has cervical osteochondrosis, she decided to purchase a special pillow.
Which pillow is better to sleep on if you have cervical osteochondrosis? The main thing is that it is the right size and ideally takes the shape of the head and neck.
I decided to buy a product with a cooling gel. The model is very comfortable, there is a removable cover on top. The cooling effect is nothing special. It becomes smaller and smaller, which you don’t notice at all. Another disadvantage is the chemical smell, which goes away over time.
And it’s comfortable to sleep on it, either on your side or on your back. I don’t recommend overpaying for such a pillow because of the gel; it’s better to buy a regular one with a “memory effect.”
Anastasia, 26 years old
Not long ago I went for a consultation with my chiropractor complaining of chronic headaches. I did an MRI and it turned out to be cervical osteochondrosis.
The doctor said that it was better not to suppress the pain with pills, but to take up swimming and hanging on the horizontal bar. He told me to stop slouching. He also advised me to purchase an orthopedic roller. As a result, I didn’t go swimming, but I hung on the horizontal bar at home several times a day. I also wear a posture corrector 4 hours a day to help me slouch less.
What kind of pillow is needed for cervical osteochondrosis? I chose a Russian product with polyurethane (“memory effect”) in the shape of a roller with a recess under the head.
I spent a long time choosing a pillow together with the seller. He measured the length of my shoulders and chose the model just for them. I chose a softer pillow and not so high - 9 cm. If anything happens, I will put something under it.
If you sleep on your side, you need to take a large bolster. And if on the back, then you need less. I got used to the pillow the first 4 nights. I seemed to sleep well, but then my neck and shoulder hurt all day. The seller explained that it takes time for the body to adapt and that this happens to many people.
After another 4 days, I slept on the orthopedic cushion like a baby. After this, I can’t lie on regular products at all. After sleeping on them, everything hurts terribly. Another important fact is that if the mattress is soft, then sleeping on any pillow can only be harmful. And if the mattress is a little hard, then you sleep just fine, and the orthopedic product keeps your head and neck in the correct position. In general, I recommend it.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine cannot be completely cured. You can only relieve its main symptoms: pain in the neck and head.
Video: How to choose the “right” pillow
An orthopedic pillow can relieve pain symptoms, especially when combined with other types of treatment for osteochondrosis. When sleeping on this product, the neck muscles relax and the body takes the correct position. The main thing to remember is that only the position on your back or side is suitable for sleeping.
Reviews from people who have made a choice in favor of one or another orthopedic roller are mostly positive. The main disadvantage is that you have to get used to them.
It is useful for both people with musculoskeletal diseases and absolutely healthy people to sleep on an orthopedic cushion. It is important to carefully consider your choice so that the product brings only benefit and not harm.
Varieties
It is difficult to describe the entire range of neck sleeping accessories in a short review. On websites and in shopping centers you can see:
- a hiking option, lightweight, durable, and does not lose its shape in any weather conditions;
- A travel pillow for the neck can be soft, hard, inflatable, fastened, large or small, or in the form of a children's toy.
- models for beds that completely follow the contours of the cervical region or with a recess for the shoulder, providing the desired tilt of the head in a lateral position.
All possible modifications differ in design, type of fabric for the cover, and filling composition. You can find cervical headboards for car drivers and bus passengers, pregnant mothers and babies.
Important! Sometimes you have to change several pillows to choose a model that provides comfortable sleep and restful rest in any position.
The density and comfort of sleep accessories depends on the type of filler. When they sag too much, the head will feel uncomfortable.
What filling is used for pillows?
Traditional down has long gone by the wayside. Manufacturers use all kinds of synthetic and natural fillers for neck collar pillows.
First about synthetics. For stuffing, padding polyester, holofiber, and comforter are often used. Hypoallergenic fillers are recommended for babies; they dry quickly and retain volume for a long time.
Expanded polystyrene is present in therapeutic pillows and anti-stress products. Foamed polyurethane foam, due to its porous structure, ensures the correct position of the head in any position.
Natural fillers often have healing properties, these are:
- natural fiber (silk, cotton, bamboo);
- wool (most often used sheep, less often camel);
- horsehair;
- seaweed;
- coconut fibers;
- dry medicinal herb;
- seed husks or cereal husks.
Each of the fillers has unique characteristics and special physical properties. Everyone can choose products to suit their taste.
Note! Latex and foamed polymers have “memory” and gradually return to their original shape after being crushed. Cooling gel is recommended for people with high blood pressure and migraine attacks.
Inflatable collar-pillows are easy to use, take up little space even when inflated, and look aesthetically pleasing.
Tips for choosing
Preference should be given to reputable brands and high-quality materials. The well-being of the vacationer depends on the correct choice. If you have to choose an inflatable option, you should check how the travel pillow is inflated and whether there is a safety valve that prevents the pillow from deflating under load. It is better to avoid models that are easily inflated, like a balloon.
Some manufacturers provide pillows with small travel pumps with needles.
Samples with filler should be checked with your hands; if the product quickly takes its previous shape, a relaxing sleep is guaranteed. Only polyurethane retains a dent for some time. When choosing a sleeping accessory, the physiological characteristics of a person are taken into account:
- for people who prefer to sleep on the floor, measure the width of the shoulder to determine the maximum possible height of the orthopedic cushion;
- the distance from the shoulders to the head should slightly exceed the height of the collar pillow;
- for those who like to sleep on their side, it is better to choose a horseshoe pillow or one with a central recess for the back of the head;
- For those who like to toss and turn in their sleep, it is advisable to choose the classic form of latex pillows.
Important! The ideal shape of a neck pillow is considered to be a bolster, followed by a “bone” or a butterfly, with which you can choose a comfortable position.
A few important points:
- For back pain, soft orthopedic bolster pillows are recommended, which are comfortable to lean on when lying on your back or side.
- When your neck is tense or you suffer from migraines, it is advisable to choose medium-hard latex pillows or with organic dry fillings. It is better to abandon padding polyester completely.
- Pillows with husks and husks make rustling sounds when you move your head and have a specific smell. The first drawback is eliminated by a porous pad, the second - by the contents of the sachet pads; petals, pieces of bark, and fragrant blades of grass are evenly distributed inside the cushion.
- Some horseshoe pillows are equipped with additional pockets for a player, headphones, and regulating the volume of the cutout with laces or straps.
- If there is a lack of filler, the corners sag; if you lift the model up, voids are formed.
By the way, be sure to check the quality of the stitching, the location of the seams, they should not interfere during rest.
Craftswomen, when creating pillow masterpieces, take into account the anatomical features of the body, the shape of the back of the chair, and the taste preferences of the future owners of the accessory.
DIY pillow for cervical osteochondrosis
Many people are interested in the question of how to replace a therapeutic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis. If you don’t want to spend money on buying an orthopedic roller, then you can sew it yourself. First, you need to measure the distance from the edge of the shoulder to the beginning of the neck to determine the correct height of the product.
The best shape would be a bone, rectangle or roller. If it is uncomfortable to sleep on, you can always remove some of the filler.
Natural ingredients are used as filler: dry crushed grass (sedge, cattail, heather, straw) or buckwheat husk. The fabric should also be made from natural ingredients (cotton, linen, teak). This type of fabric will not allow the filler to come out. The cover should be tightly filled with filler.
A product that you sew yourself is in no way inferior to a purchased product. Moreover, the person put his soul into such a pillow.
