Sleep is an integral aspect of our well-being. A good night's sleep is essential for cognitive functioning and has a powerful impact on your mental, cardiovascular, and metabolic health. Research shows, inadequate or poor sleep quality increases the risk of obesity and other lifestyle diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. 

Bedding essentials (like your mattress and pillows) play a vital role in improving your sleep quality. If you wake up with frequent neck pain, then your pillow could be the real reason behind it. Sleeping on a pillow that is too firm or too soft may cause tension in the neck and result in neck stiffness, pain and discomfort.

Using an orthopedic pillow can help in addressing the frequent neck, back and shoulder pain issues. A good quality orthopedic pillow can improve your sleep quality significantly and help you achieve an optimal state of good physical and mental health. 

What is an orthopedic pillow? How can you select a good quality orthopedic pillow for yourself? Read the post to know more!

What is an orthopedic pillow? 

An orthopedic pillow is a specially designed pillow which helps in providing proper back and neck support. This pillow helps in maintaining a neutral spinal alignment and reduces the symptoms of neck, back, and shoulder pain. Different orthopedic pillows help in dealing with pain and discomfort in different parts of the body, like back, neck or shoulder pain. You can select anyone as per your individual disease and pain conditions. 

How to select a good quality orthopedic pillow?

 Here are some tips to select a good quality orthopedic pillow for getting maximum benefits. 

Select an orthopedic pillow as per your specific disease or pain symptoms

As mentioned earlier, different orthopedic pillows support different body parts. Some are best for back pain and support the lower part of the body, while some provide excellent neck support and help in dealing with neck stiffness and soreness. Many people tend to buy a general orthopedic pillow for relieving their pain condition. However, this is not recommended in the therapeutic sense. It is important to select an orthopedic pillow as per your specific disease and pain symptoms. If you feel unsure and not able to decide on your own, you can ask or consult your doctor for a specific orthopedic pillow as per your disease or pain condition. 

Sleeping position

As the next pointer, it is important to select an orthopedic pillow as per your sleeping position. If you are a side sleeper, then you can select a high loft and firmer feel orthopedic pillow, while if you are a back sleeper, then a medium loft pillow with a medium firmness level will work best for you. For stomach sleepers, a thin and low-loft orthopedic pillow is recommended. 

Loft or height 

The loft or height of the pillow is another important factor to consider before purchasing an orthopedic pillow. Make sure your pillow height or loft is comfortable for you and helps in maintaining a neutral spinal alignment. If you want, you can buy a customized orthopedic pillow and can adjust the height or loft of a pillow as per your preference, by removing or adding pillow foam inserts.

Firmness

Firmness is a completely subjective experience. Different people can have their specific preferences for the firmness level of orthopedic pillows. In general, a medium firm orthopedic pillow suits most kinds of sleepers. 

Material

Orthopedic pillows can be made with different materials like natural latex, memory foam etc. Each one has its unique features. Natural latex orthopedic pillow offers buoyant support and good breathability due to open cell structure, while memory foam orthopedic pillow contours the body parts gently and offers good pressure relief. 

Budget 

Of course, your budget is another important point to consider. A good quality orthopedic pillow might be a bit more expensive, but it can improve your sleeping posture and provide significant relief in chronic pain elements and other orthopedic health issues. 

Type of orthopedic pillows

Orthopedic pillows are available in several shapes and sizes. Each one offers unique functionality. For example: Cervical or C shape pillow is one of the most common types of orthopedic pillow which has a specific curved design. Cervical pillows contour to the back of the head, neck and shoulder perfectly and help in reducing neck, back and shoulder pain. Next, a knee pillow is another common type of orthopedic pillow that helps in maintaining a neutral alignment in the lower part of the body. You can place a knee pillow between your legs to get additional support while sleeping. 

Orthopedic pillow: is it worth the investment?

Yes, absolutely. If you are suffering from a chronic pain condition or other orthopedic health issues, then buying a good quality orthopedic pillow can be a good investment. Orthopedic pillows have multiple benefits and can support different parts of the body. These pillows promote healthy sleeping posture and reduce pressure and tension in your neck, back and shoulder. They keep your spine in a neutral position and offer significant relief from pain, stiffness and discomfort. 

Purchasing a good quality orthopedic pillow can be a game-changer in your life and can improve your overall quality of life. 

Remember, it might take some time (up to 1 month) to get adjusted to a new orthopedic pillow. You may even have to try a few options before selecting one that perfectly fits your sleeping needs and reduces the symptoms of pain and discomfort. If you are suffering from a serious chronic pain disease, then consult your doctor before making any purchase or making any significant changes in your sleep routine.