Neck Pillow

Comfortable pillows enhance a good sleeping experience; uncomfortable pillows can tarnish a good night's sleep. And, missing a good deserving sleep can be costly. If you aren't sleeping well, it really means depriving the body of a total recharge to tackle day to day routines. Too little sleep can lead to severe health implications in the long run, causing fatigue and depression.

Further, you are prone to develop neck and back problems as a result of using unsuitable pillows. Appropriate neck pillows can go a long way in keeping such ailments at bay.

The choice is yours - to wake up totally rested and rejuvenated or tired, aching and sore. It's time to evaluate and improve your sleep quality. Make your time in bed is comfortable with suitable pillows.

Experience a blissful sleep; snuggle in for an invigorating sleeping experience that you sincerely deserve. Take a tour of this page; learn the salient features of selecting the right pillow be it a neck contour pillow, travel pillow or pregnancy pillow.

Neck pillow

Neck support pillows come in a range of shapes, sizes and materials. Most ordinary pillows do not provide adequate support to the curve in the neck. Choose a neck contour pillow that fills the curve in the back of your neck comfortably. Ideally a good neck pillow must align the cervical spine to neutral position and support the head. Use of a neck pillow can reduce snoring and incidence of headache and neck pain. Neck contour pillows with memory foam can provide the support that your neck needs.

The correct position for pillow is under your head. The thickness of the pillow should be good enough to allow your head to be in a normal position while sleeping. Make sure that you do not use the pillow to rest your shoulders in the sleeping posture. Check various special pillows that are available today, like pillows with contours, pillows with down or wool or synthetic fibers.

Different types of pillows

Body pillow: This pillow serves as a support for the whole body, from head to toe. The length of body pillow is that of an adult body. Such pillows are most suitable for people who sleep on their sides, people who are recovering from surgery, those who suffer from joint pain and pregnant women. Body pillows enhance muscular relaxation and healthier circulation of blood. Body pillows provide comfortable position and ultimate relaxation while reading in bed or while watching TV.

Neck pillow: The standard pillow commonly in use, the neck pillow supports the neck in particular and is useful in avoiding neck and muscle pain. It minimizes the strain on the head and neck muscles. Health professionals recommend use of neck pillows by patients suffering from cervical spondylitis, cervical disc, any neck injury or arthritis. A neck pillow extends proper neck support and relieves nerve pressure, facilitates easier breathing and reduced snoring. Neck pillows are of great help while sitting, traveling in the car or lying down.

Travel pillow: A good companion for travellers, travel pillows make sleeping in a sitting position comfortable during travel in an airplane or in a car. It also supports the head in a seated position. Travel pillows come in U-shape and L-shape. Using U-shaped travel pillow, proper cervical spine alignment is assured. The L-shaped travel pillow provides support to the neck and side of the face. These pillows prevents the head from bending side to side especially while travelling.

Knee pillow: At the end of a hard day's work, knee pillows provide much comfort by taking pressure off from your back and legs. Knee pillows can be used either under the knees or between the knees depending on your comfort level. Knee pillows improve circulation and provide relief from varicose reins, swollen ankles, legs and phlebitis. Especially useful while sleeping on the back, a knee pillow aligns the pelvic area and relieves the physical strain and stress. Knee pillows are ideal for patients who suffer from arthritis, gout and lower back pain.

Donut pillow: These are pillows that are shaped like a donut with a space or a hole in the center of the pillow. A donut pillow is most suitable for those who have suffered a broken or hurt tailbone or hemorrhoids. The weight of the body is evenly distributed when seated on a donut pillow. It provides comfort to the person as very little pressure is applied on the coccy region.

Lumbar pillow: Most sought after while driving or sitting, Lumbar pillows have an orthopedic design and extend ultimate comfort to the spinal curvature. While driving or sitting in a chair, a gap or space is created between the lower back and the chair. Placing a lumbar pillow, there is support to the inward curve of the lower back. As a result, you can experience respite from fatigue while sitting or driving. Using a lumbar pillow on an office chair can reduce muscle tension and pain in the lower back and legs.

Pregnancy pillow: Designed specifically for pregnant women, it provides support to the growing belly as well as the lower back for pregnant women. Using pregnancy pillows, a pregnant woman can sleep in complete comfort on her side.

Breastfeeding pillow: Using a breastfeeding pillow is beneficial both to the baby and the mother. The baby is positioned comfortably and the mother gets proper back support while sitting on a couch or bed. Breastfeeding pillows help the mother to feel totally relaxed. Adjustable breastfeeding pillows help maintain proper position for the baby. This pillow can be used while bottle feeding the baby as well.

Guide to sleeping well

• Remember to keep pillows clean. Do wash when required.
  
  
• If pillows turn old, taken a grayish cast, do change them.
  
  
• Change pillow covers in tune with the weather.(cotton/flannel)
  
  
• Pillows need to be neither too heavy nor too thin.
  
  
• Back sleepers need flat pillows.
  
  
• Side sleepers need slightly firmer pillows.
  
  
• Flatter, softer pillow suits those who sleep on stomach or back.