This article was developed on the basis of many years of experience in the selection of orthopedic pillows for people with various diseases, and the study of the structure and diseases of the spine, nervous and vascular systems.

Here I will not tell you about the benefits of a particular material, I will not offer cushions, I will tell you secrets and techniques for the right selection of a pillow.

5 myths about how to pick up an orthopedic pillow

Myth №1

It is necessary to measure the width of the shoulder and to pick up the same height of the pillow. For example, the width of the shoulder is 12 cm and the cushion, respectively, must be 12 cm high.

In fact:

No one has ever come across a pillow so matched. Explain why:

1. A man does not lie on his side with his shoulders open:

• some part of the shoulder is immersed in the mattress (it depends on the hardness of the mattress. If the mattress is soft – the shoulder is immersed in it more deeply, and vice versa.);
• most people have to twist the shoulder. Either it «twists» forward, or backwards, including, deviated shoulder blade.

2. Not all people sleep on the side. Many like to sleep on the back or have to sleep on the stomach. In such cases, the method of selection of the pillow, specified in Myth №1, is out of the question.

Myth №2

Lie on the pillows, and pick the most convenient.

In fact:

The person can not choose a suitable pillow for the reason that the muscles «have memory». You will find a cushion that is the closest to your old height. Thus, when your neck is in the right natural position, you may feel discomfort because the muscles are already accustomed to a certain position if your old pillow is above or below the right one.   And that doesn’t mean you have to pick out uncomfortable pillows. Our task is to choose a pillow so that you say: «Yes, I am comfortable», and I see that your neck is in the right position. That would be the perfect pillow.

Myth №3

The pillow with two pads is orthopedic.

In fact:

Orthopedic makes the pillow not a shape, but a material. For example, if a cushion consists of polyurethane foam or latex, it is not orthopedic. In addition, as practice shows, many people, after a few days, could not get used to such pillows. In turn, Memory viscoelastic® cushions, regardless of their shape – classic rectangular cushions, two cushions, one cushion – are all orthopedic cushions, as they are made of orthopedic material.

Myth №4

A lower cushion is needed to sleep on the back or on the stomach, and a higher cushion is designed to sleep on the side.

In fact:

I even imagine the salesman who advises all this, at each change of position, turns his pillow 180. And so several times until he falls asleep, and then during sleep.

With the right approach select the most suitable side of the pillow – the one on which you lie equally well on the back and on the side. But sleep on the abdomen you better refuse in principle, especially on cushions with a cushion. Because the neck roll compresses the neck and can close the airways, especially in the case of cervical osteochondrosis.  Mollyflex® cushions are designed to keep your head in the same position on both the higher cushion and the lower cushion. The lower cushion provides gentle support, but if you want more spot support, you flip the cushion to the other side

Myth №5

It is useful to sleep on the neck roll (half roll) without a pillow. Especially if there are problems in the cervical spine.

In fact:

The cushion (half cushion) is designed to fill the space between the mattress and the neck. But it is useful only in the cushion. Because when you lie on it without a pillow, the head does not get support, and neck muscles strain. Muscles during sleep should relax. Better put your cushion under your feet, in particular under your knees (if you sleep on a hard mattress on your back).

What to do and what not to do when selecting a pillow:

• Do not buy cushions with salons where there is no cushion lying area;
• Give preference to salons with a large selection of pillows in shape, height, stiffness;
• Do not pick up the pillow standing shoulder to the wall, placing a pillow under the head. So you do not fall into the desired size;
• Choose a pillow on a mattress that has the same stiffness characteristics as the mattress you sleep on. Because in different mattresses shoulder can be immersed in different degrees, and, accordingly, on different mattresses, on the same pillow you will lie differently;
• Do not pick up the pillow only to the touch. Because the most important criterion is the selection of the pillow height;
• Lie on cushions, different in shape, height, stiffness;
• Do not pick up a pillow in only one position. The pillow should fit you in all positions in which you sleep more often;
• Lie on the pillow on your back first. Your chin should not aim to cling to the chest, while the head should not jump. Flip on the side – the neck should be a smooth extension of the spine, and neck muscles should be relaxed;
• Do not choose a small-length pillow. For example, the standard length of the Italian pillow is 72 cm. It is not accidental.
• Choose the length of the pillow so that when you roll over, the pillow is still under you, and it is not necessary to move it at each change of position;
• Do not buy a pillow, like a friend, or even like close relatives. Because the pillow should fit you;
• Take time to personally select a pillow in the salon with a good reputation;
• Do not buy cushions from poorly ventilated materials. After all, it is difficult to sleep when sweating the head;
• Note not only the composition of the pillow but also the case.

Problems you may encounter when choosing a pillow and its solutions:

1. You don’t see yourself.

The pillow seems comfortable, but it is necessary to choose a pillow not only for the feeling but also for height.

When lying on your back, feel your neck – muscles should be relaxed. If your pillow is low or high, you will feel the tension of the neck muscles.

2. The roller is crushing my neck.

Pick up an orthopedic cushion with reduced reverse pressure, possibly less dense.

3. Pillow «pushes out» head.

Refuse the choice of latex or polyurethane foam cushions. Not only are these cushions poorly ventilated, they don’t keep their shape, so it’s not about any neck support.

Why pick up a pillow by height?

The neck should be a smooth extension of the spine. It is in this position that muscles relax and nerves do not jam.

Author

Nadezhda Savosteenko.