To create conditions for a quality night’s sleep, it is important to provide for every detail. The choice of bed and mattress is of great importance. You can ensure a comfortable position of the head and make it possible to relax the cervical spine with the help of the right pillow. Incorrect position of the head during sleep is the cause of regular headaches, the formation of clamps and exacerbation of osteochondrosis. It can be achieved both with the help of an orthopedic pillow and using the classic option.
Understand The Types Of Pillows
In the assortment of most manufacturers of sleep accessories, there are a large number of pillow names. Visually, they can be divided into two types:
- Classic: rectangular or square in shape. The height and stiffness of the product depends on the quantity and quality of the filler used;
- Irregularly shaped pillows: These can be decorative pillows, the so-called maternity pillows, as well as beauty pillows with a head recess.
In Turn, Pillows Can Be Divided Into:
- Anatomical pillows: It allows the spine to take a comfortable position by taking a shape that follows the lines of the body as much as possible;
- A therapeutic pillow is a good helper in the fight against osteochondrosis, scoliosis, kyphosis and other diseases of the cervical spine. It can be used only if there are appropriate doctor’s recommendations.
Identify The Appropriate Litter
The quality of the pillow and its service life is primarily determined by the filler used. A number of requirements are imposed on it:
- Creation of comfortable conditions for long-term use;
- Environmental safety;
- The ability to quickly restore shape;
- Support of the head and cervical spine in the correct position;
- Ease of care.
A high-quality pillow should not absorb odors. A good product quickly absorbs and evaporates moisture, which is especially important for use in hot weather or for people prone to excessive sweating.
Fillers Used In Stuffed Pillows
For stuffed pillows, loose components of vegetable, animal or artificial origin are used. Natural litters are more environmentally friendly, but are not suitable for persons prone to allergic reactions.
One of the popular filler options is down and feather. Such pillows perfectly hold their shape, do not pill, prevent air stagnation and fluid accumulation and provide high-quality heat exchange. However, they are quite whimsical in care. Do not wash the feather pillow. It is necessary to periodically dry it in the sun. It will be possible to get rid of serious dirt in dry cleaning. On average, the pillow will last for five years.
Wool Sleeping pillow Suitable for recreation both in cold winter and hot summer. The undercoat of the camel is heavy, but more elastic. Sheep or goat down is soft and less dense. The material perfectly removes excess moisture, preventing the accumulation of microorganisms and dust inside. However, the woolen pillow should be ventilated monthly in the open air. Wool pillows are not recommended for allergy sufferers. The service life of the product does not exceed 5 years. More durable wool pillows with the addition of horsehair, which helps to maintain the original shape.
Silk is a delicate and light filler that supports the head and creates comfortable conditions for sleep. Silk does not absorb foreign odors. Bacteria do not accumulate in the litter, and dust mites and dangerous microorganisms do not appear. Such a pillow adjusts to the air temperature in the room, maintaining an optimal microclimate for rest. The service life of the product is up to 15 years.
The bamboo fiber filler has antibacterial qualities. It is suitable for people suffering from respiratory diseases and prone to allergies. The ability to quickly absorb moisture makes the product comfortable for people suffering from excessive sweating. The pillow is convenient to wash in the machine and then dry in the sun for a short time. The product with natural filling lasts up to 3 years. Synthetic pillows with the addition of bamboo fiber are more durable.
Cotton or cotton wool is a budget material that will last up to two years. The filler does not cause allergies. However, harmful microorganisms or fungus can appear in it. The option is suitable for guest or short-term use.
Synthetic or artificial fillers are less expensive than natural fillers and often last several times longer.
Microfiber or artificial swan down is resistant to dust, odors, and the appearance of microorganisms inside. The material is suitable for allergy sufferers. Sleeping on neck pillow is comfortable at any time of the year. It is important to note that microfiber is quite whimsical in care. The filler is highly electrified and afraid of moisture.
Sintepon is a budget option, not whimsical in care. The pillow is machine washable. The filler prevents the accumulation of microorganisms and allergies. Rapid crumpling and loss of shape leads to the need for an annual pillow change.
Polyester fiber is a better substitute for polyester wadding. The material does not accumulate moisture and dust, prevents the development of insects. Suitable for allergy sufferers. The product will last up to 5 years if simple care rules are followed. Depending on the composition, polyester fiber models can be made of:
- Comtrout: Soft product, does not hold its shape well;
- Holophile: The surface is soft, does not deform during operation;
- Holofiber: A rigid product that provides sufficient support to the cervical spine.
Soft and resilient microfiber retains its shape and quickly takes on its original appearance. Sleeping on neck pillow is comfortable at any air temperature. The material quickly removes moisture, but is not very breathable. It is required to periodically ventilate the product or wash it at a low temperature. The microfiber pillow lasts up to 5 years.
Polystyrene foam is small balls that do not cause an allergic reaction. You should not choose such pillows for daily use, as too hard granules can have a strong effect on the scalp and the base of the skull.
The best option for daily use is a pillow that combines natural and artificial fillers. It will last a long time and retain the qualities of material of plant or animal origin.
Deal With The Ortho Pillow Filler
Orthopedic neck pillow It is several layers of filler placed in layers on top of each other. Loose filler is used very rarely.
Among The Natural Ingredients, You Can Pay Attention To:
- Buckwheat or cedar husks: Quite a hard surface that takes some getting used to. It has a visible orthopedic effect and is suitable for people experiencing problems in the cervical spine. It lasts only up to 3 years with regular ventilation. Do not wash the pillow;
- Natural latex is used to create medium-hard pillows: It perfectly adapts to the characteristics of the body and repeats the shape of the body. You can use a latex pillow from any age. You can wash the pillow in the machine. The service life is up to 20 years;
- Elastic soy foam that holds its shape perfectly: The filler is light and porous. Good air circulation prevents the accumulation of bacteria and microorganisms, suitable for allergy sufferers. The pillow is machine washable.
Synthetic Fillers For Orthopedic Pillows Can Be Presented In The Form Of:
- Polyurethane foam or memory foam: The material remembers the shape of the human body and adjusts to any position during rest. This provides optimal support and relaxation of the muscles during sleep. You can use the pillow for up to 5 years;
- Silicone: A rather soft material that is not recommended for people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The soft pillow quickly returns to its original shape. Lasts up to 5 years;
- Microgel or analogue of swan down: Lightweight, soft, elastic material that provides high-quality support for the head. Can be used for up to 7 years.
Optimal Degree Of Rigidity
When choosing this option, you should focus on personal preferences. Conventionally, pillows can be divided into three types:
- Hard: Suitable for sleeping on the side, and also recommended for back problems;
- Medium hardness: A versatile option for sleeping on your back at any age;
- Soft: It is recommended to choose if your favorite sleeping position is on your stomach.
Some orthopedic pillows have two degrees of hardness on different sides. By choosing such a product, it is easy to adjust the quality of the bed every night. What pillow to buy for sleeping for an adult.