An orthopedic pillow helps to take the correct position, which will provide a comfortable rest and evenly distribute the load on the musculoskeletal system. Such products are indispensable for injuries of the cervical spine and various diseases. But to understand the full variety of the assortment is not easy. The rating of orthopedic pillows and a description of the products of trusted manufacturers will help determine the choice.
The principle of operation of orthopedic pillows
Orthopedic pillow allows you to occupy a comfortable position during night sleep and daytime rest. The product has an unusual shape. It can be a horseshoe, a wave with two rollers and a notch under the shoulder, or a classic rectangular pillow with a notch in the middle. Under the neck, it usually has a seal for proper positioning and stiffer fixation.
Standard synthetic or natural fillers are not suitable for orthopedic pillows. In the manufacture of such products, special materials are used that retain their shape, for example, polystyrene, polyester, latex or polyurethane foam. These materials are suitable for use by people prone to allergic reactions, as they do not collect dust and have a memory effect. In addition, they are characterized by elasticity, strength and durability. In some models you can find natural fillers: wool, feather-down, buckwheat husk.
On an orthopedic pillow is not only comfortable and pleasant to relax, but also useful. Such products are suitable for people with certain diseases of the musculoskeletal system, suffering from insomnia or depression, undergoing surgical interventions, pregnant and lactating mothers. Orthopedic pillows are used for sleeping with osteochondrosis, injuries of the cervical spine, displacement of the vertebrae, pain, spondylarthrosis and other diseases.
The advantages of orthopedic pillows over traditional models are obvious. Such products provide the correct position during sleep, prevent cervical deformity, reduce stress, effectively relax neck muscles and normalize blood circulation. Most models can be washed without restrictions in an automatic washing machine, which greatly facilitates maintenance.
Functional orthopedic pillows
Orthopedic pillows for the neck for sleeping are not the only variety. Developed options for travel, lower back, back or legs, children, expectant mothers and nursing women. Pillows under the head are often used for night sleep. The special anatomical effect due to the special form and filler ensures the position of the head and neck. Additionally, chronic pain and muscle tension are reduced. Some products have a cooling effect. The only disadvantages of pillows, judging by the reviews, are the high cost and increased rigidity.
Orthopedic pillows for children (in the ranking of the best, presented below, there are also such products) are necessary so that posture is formed correctly during the period of active growth. Products provide an anatomical arrangement of the neck and head, normalize blood circulation, prevent and treat increased muscle tone (for example, with pathologies of the cervical spine), and prevent the occurrence of sweating. On sale you can find pillows of various shapes and heights, so there are options for any age of the child.
Orthopedic travel pillows are usually horseshoe-shaped. Conventional travel products have an insufficient level of stiffness and an insignificant degree of holding the neck in the correct position, so they can even hurt. Orthopedic models contain silicone springs that effectively support weight and prevent material from bending under load. Such products reduce the vibrational effect during traffic, prevent headaches associated with muscle fatigue, evenly distribute pressure, provide support and comfort during long trips and flights. Orthopedic travel cushions are suitable for use during recovery from injuries. The only drawback is the high cost of quality products.
The use of special pillows for the back is relevant if daily activities are associated with prolonged work at the computer or driving. The pillow is located between the back and back of the chair, some models have straps to fix to the seat. Due to the flat anatomical shape of the product, they provide effective back support, reduce stress, form correct posture and prevent lateral displacement of the vertebrae. In addition, it is an excellent prevention and treatment of intervertebral hernias, protrusion of the disc, scoliosis, radiculitis and pain in the lumbar region.
Orthopedic foot pillows allow you to sit in a comfortable position, and some models have additional inserts for adjusting the height. Such products are recommended for use in the treatment and prevention of increased fatigue, muscle spasms, edema, varicose veins, joint diseases. Pillows are easy to use, but quite problematic to care for. After wet processing, they cannot be twisted, and it is desirable to dry them away from heating appliances and sunlight, otherwise the product may lose elasticity.
Pillows for pregnant and lactating women are very comfortable. Expectant mothers experience a constant increased load on the musculoskeletal system, and during the period of active growth of the abdomen often can not find a comfortable posture for relaxation. Special orthopedic pillows for pregnant women are created taking into account all the features of a woman's condition. Usually they have a curved shape and can be used after childbirth while feeding the baby. Such products require delicate care and are of high cost.
Special pillow selection options
How to choose an orthopedic pillow for sleeping? As already clear, such products differ in design features and purpose. Before buying, you need to determine exactly what the pillow is for. Depending on this, you need to choose the appropriate view. Four main forms of orthopedic pillows for sleeping are distinguished in form: for osteochondrosis, injuries of the cervical spine and other health problems, they can use rectangular ones with a recess in the middle or with two rollers. The model with two rollers is the most common, as it is suitable for various poses during rest.
Horseshoe pillows are used by pregnant and lactating women, small models (around the neck) are convenient for traveling. Products with a recess under the shoulder are suitable for lovers to sleep on their sides and overweight people. There are special round or orthopedic butterfly pillows that are used to sit to reduce the load on the internal organs after surgery on the pelvis or childbirth, with hemorrhoids. Products intended for children can be of any shape, but smaller in size than usual.
You need to choose stiffness according to the usual position for sleep. For those who prefer to sleep on their sides, a stiff one is suitable, on the back - a medium-hard pillow, on the stomach - soft. To correct disorders of the musculoskeletal system, rigid or semi-rigid models are needed. The filler must provide good support, be durable and resistant to wet processing in order to maintain the hygienic cleanliness of the product. The following fillers meet the above requirements:
- Foamed latex. Often used in orthopedic pillows. Products made of foamed latex are characterized by elasticity, long service life and softness.
- Polyester. Elastic, has an acceptable cost, elastic, but has a short service life. This is a fiber material treated with silicone and rolled into balls.
- Polyurethane foam. The most common filler. It can take a certain shape by adding certain additives, when pressed, it decomposes more slowly than simple polyurethane.
- Polystyrene. Semi-rigid filler withstands temperature extremes and is not a favorable environment for various fungi and mold bacteria. It is a durable synthetic filler.
Products usually consist of two rollers, one of which is higher in height and the other lower. The maximum height should correspond to the height of the shoulder. When choosing an orthopedic pillow for children, you need to start from age. From six months to a year, it is optimal to use products with a height of 3-5 cm, after a year of 7-10 cm. Regarding the size of the orthopedic pillow, you should not buy large models, since this bedding is designed only for head and neck support. The most popular and common sizes are 50 x 70 cm for adults, from 20 x 30 cm to 40 x 50 cm for children.
The design of the covers and the shape of the products are diverse. For sleep, it is better to purchase a plain pillow that is not easily soiled; a bright product is suitable for a child. Before buying the selected model, you need to check the quality of tailoring. All seams should be smooth and strong so that the product does not deform during operation and after washing. Be sure to read the information on etiquette to know how to properly care for the acquisition.
How to get used to an orthopedic pillow
At first, an orthopedic pillow may seem uncomfortable. Over the years of sleep, addiction occurs on an ordinary pillow, so switching to another product almost always causes discomfort. Everything normalizes after about a few weeks of regular sleep on a new product, and it happens that a few days are enough for getting used to. However, it becomes comfortable to sleep. A person, having noticed positive changes in his state of health, is unlikely to want to return to the classic version.
Top Brands: Budget Rating
A wide variety of orthopedic pillows are available in the budget segment, and this is not only about domestic manufacturers or Chinese products. The minimum cost of a pillow is about 1 thousand rubles, the maximum reaches 3 thousand, and all that is higher can be attributed to the premium class. The products of the American company Fosta, as well as orthopedic pillows “Trelax” and “Trives” are in demand.
Pillows of the Russian company Trelax
The Russian brand “Trelax” works only on orthopedic goods. A huge assortment is offered to customers: the manufacturer produces models for both children and adults. All pillows provide a comfortable sleep and have a memory effect, but the reviews show savings on materials, because instead of traditional cotton, regular polyurethane foam is often present. The rest of the products of the domestic manufacturer do not fail.
Advantages and disadvantages of Trives products
The Trives company produces pillows for traveling and pregnant women, under the legs and head, there are also children's models. The main advantage of the brand is a really huge selection and a wide price range, which allows you to choose a product for every taste, need and budget. Pillows are made primarily of natural materials; bamboo and latex are used in their production. Buyers note that the package usually includes several pillowcases, but do not rely on a bright design. Where to buy the Trives orthopedic pillow? The product can be ordered through the official website or purchased in a specialized store.
Premium: Swiss brand Sissel
More expensive products are manufactured by Luomma (Finland), Sissel (Switzerland, but production facilities are located in Germany) and Tempur (Denmark). Sissel recruits leading orthopedists and engineers. Orthopedic pillows of the brand take into account the anatomical features and are made very high quality. The case has comfortable zippers, a removable pillowcase is included. Each product has a two year warranty. Among the shortcomings, buyers note a limited range of pillows of universal design and the lack of a Russian-language site with the ability to choose a product.
Pros and Cons of Luomma Pillows
The Luomma brand offers customers a little more than twenty models, but they are all comfortable and practical, have a memory effect. However, in the reviews, buyers claim that it is very difficult to choose pillowcases for such pillows. Dimensions are non-standard, but this does not affect sleep. The brand often offers discounts, uses advanced technologies, repeatedly tests the product before putting it on sale, involves famous designers in the development of pillows. But there are also disadvantages: it is difficult to buy a pillowcase, the chain of company stores is poorly developed, you can’t get acquainted with the assortment on the company's website, sometimes there are fakes.
Unique technology and material from Tempur
Tempur orthopedic pillows are produced using unique technologies and quality materials developed by our own engineers. The composition includes only the best components, and advanced technologies are used in the production. All products are described in the catalogs as detailed as possible, and the official website has a Russian-language version. Products are developed taking into account the recommendations of orthopedists, suitable for use in osteochondrosis. Disadvantages: a large range of prices, the need to make reservations, because the goods are quickly disassembled in stores.
Rating of orthopedic pillows
It is very difficult to choose the best option from the whole variety of models. It will help determine the rating of orthopedic pillows of the most famous manufacturers. The list includes both budget products of trusted manufacturers, as well as models of world famous brands collaborating with the best orthopedists. A detailed review of orthopedic pillows from different manufacturers is presented below, and as for the rating, it looks like this:
- IQ Sleep Grandt Comfort. The model is considered universal and is perfect for most buyers. As a filler, granules of polyurethane foam with a cooling gel are used, but at first the pillow emits a pungent odor. The form is traditional, so that you can enjoy a comfortable rest both on the back and on the side or stomach. Where to buy an orthopedic pillow? This model is sold in most Russian stores and on the Internet, so there should not be a problem with the purchase.
- HoMedics. The American product is made from quality materials that are easy to care for. The pillow is large enough, so it will allow you to sleep comfortably throughout the night, even for those who often toss and turn, has a memory effect, but has a non-standard size, making it difficult to choose a pillowcase.
- IQ Sleep Original Soft. The pillow is made of a hypoallergenic material that improves heat transfer, due to which the head and neck will not sweat much during sleep. It is comfortable to sleep both on the back and on the side, because the rollers have different heights. The model combines high European quality and budget value, but is more suitable for children because of its small size.
- Dargez Toyama. A leading domestic manufacturer of quality bedding and home textiles also produces orthopedic pillows. “Toyama” has an unusual shape, exceeds other models in the ranking in height, has a combined cover made of polyester and cotton, which ensures high air circulation. This material is durable and easy to maintain. Among the disadvantages, buyers call the fact that the most common foam rubber is used as a filler.
- La Vita Primavelle. In the ranking of orthopedic pillows, the last place in the top 5 is represented by the Russian manufacturer of textiles. The outer cushion cover is made of satin, in appearance it resembles expensive silk, and according to the characteristics it corresponds to natural cotton. Filler - natural buckwheat husk. The pillow allows you to relieve fatigue, helps to normalize blood circulation, avoids chronic pain in the head and neck, but has a large weight.
Separately, it is worth highlighting the orthopedic pillows Ostio.The brand was not included in the overall rating of products, but this is the best choice for those who suffer from cervical osteochondrosis. This is a unique device that reliably fixes the cervical vertebrae in the anatomical position, strengthens the muscles of the shoulders and back, improves blood circulation in the neck and brain, increases the intervertebral space by 1-2 mm, and relieves pain and migraines. An Ostio traction orthopedic pillow is best used as recommended by your doctor.