Are you a side sleeper struggling to get a good night’s sleep? Choosing the right pillow can make a big difference. Neck pain and other sleep problems are commonly seen in all age groups of people which prevent you from sleeping peacefully or leading a healthy life. There are several reasons behind these problems like a long sitting hour, driving, uncomfortable sleeping position, wrong selection of sleeping components etc.
If you often wake up with neck or shoulder pain, an orthopedic pillow might be just what you need. In this blog, we’ll find out what to look for in the best orthopedic pillow for side sleepers.
What Is an Orthopedic Pillow?
An orthopedic pillow is designed to support your body in a way that helps prevent pain and discomfort. Unlike regular pillows, orthopedic pillows are specially shaped to support your head, neck, and shoulders properly. A good pillow for side sleepers will fill the gap between your head and the mattress, keeping your spine aligned. This helps to prevent pain and promotes better sleep.
This basically means that they are used to help your spine align and posture normally as you sleep. Your neck and back might develop abnormal bends and twists that can strain your muscles and put pressure on your discs and nerves. The ideal position for your spine is straight. Your body can get the rest it needs to fully heal and regenerate when you use an orthopedic pillow to relieve strain on your neck and spine.
What to Look for in an Orthopedic Pillow for Side Sleepers
Supportive Design
Traditional pillows fail to provide the support required to keep your head and neck aligned causing neck and back pain. The pillow should keep your head and neck aligned with your spine. Look for a pillow that is firm enough to provide support but soft enough to be comfortable.
Proper Thickness
Side sleepers need a pillow that is thicker than those for back or stomach sleepers. This thickness helps to keep your head in line with your spine. The pillow should provide appropriate height to place your head and neck straight and must stay firm throughout the night.
Adjustable Features
Some orthopedic pillows come with adjustable fillings so you can add or remove material to get the perfect height and firmness for your comfort. The size of the pillow and your head must properly match to create a personalized fit and surface to sleep on.
Material
Common materials for orthopedic pillows include memory foam, latex, and gel. Memory foam conforms to your head and neck, while latex is more supportive and breathable. Gel can help with cooling if you tend to get hot while sleeping.
The perfect and secure pillow to sleep on your side is the pillow that is antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and resistant from dust-mint. If you are suffering from asthma or allergies, you should select the memory foam pillow or synthetic fillings pillow.
Shape
Many orthopedic pillows are contoured with a special shape to provide extra support for side sleepers. Look for a pillow with a shape that fits your needs.
Top Recommendations
Here are some popular orthopedic pillows that are often recommended for side sleepers:
- Contoured infused gel Memory Foam Pillow: The contoured shape memory foam pillow allows better air circulation which creates a comfortable surface to sleep on. The design of the pillow is designed considering the neck curvature for better support and reduces pressure. The contour memory foam pillow provides a cooling effect that conforms to the neck, head, and shoulders structure and thus eradicates uncomfortable pressure points.
- Standard Memory Foam Pillow: This Pillow is the therapeutic solution to all kinds of sleep issues like neck pain, insomnia, asthma, migraines, snoring etc. Standard pillows are completely safe to sleep on since this pillow is hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant. The standard memory foam pillow is adjustable and just appropriate for all sleep types.
- Memory Foam infused gel Orthopedic Pillow: The Memory Foam Orthopedic infused gel pillow is best for those with a breathing problem. Memory Foam pillow has cooling gel technology that absorbs the body head and adjusts the temperature and shape according to the sleeping position.
- Contour Neck Pillow: The contour pillow is the combination of pressure relief point and high density of original memory foam that ensures total support to the neck and head. It upholds the proper neck and head alignment that helps you to gain sound sleep.
Tips for Choosing the Right Pillow for Side Sleeper
- If possible, try out the pillow instore or check if there’s a return policy so you can make sure it’s right for you.
- Make sure the pillow supports your head and neck properly while you’re on your side.
- If you have allergies, choose hypoallergenic materials to avoid any reactions.
- The size of the pillow and your head must properly match to create a personalized fit and surface to sleep on.
Conclusion
Finding the best orthopedic pillow for side sleepers can make a big difference in your sleep quality and overall comfort. Look for a pillow that offers good support, proper thickness, and is made from a material that suits your needs. With the right pillow, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and pain free.