All about anatomical pillows

Many people believe that any pillow will do for a good rest - you just need it to be soft. However, this is a misconception, an incorrectly selected pillow can cause the development of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine. That is why doctors advise to give preference to anatomical models, they not only prevent diseases of the musculoskeletal system, but also heal them.

The anatomical pillow is a bedding product created taking into account the physiological characteristics of a person. It adjusts to the curves of the resting body and exactly repeats the lines of the upper spine. This allows for safe and comfortable head support.

Anatomical cushions are recommended for people:

• with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;
• experiencing frequent dizziness and migraines;
• with pathologies of the nervous system, neuralgia or high muscle tone.

The pillow can be used for varicose veins - in this case, it is placed under the feet, ensuring the correct outflow of blood. For adults, the anatomical pillow has a predominantly prophylactic function; healing can be achieved only at the initial stage of the disease. But when used for newborns, significant success can be achieved even with serious pathologies. Usually, an anatomical pillow becomes one of the main components of complex therapy for babies with the following problems:

• consequences of birth injuries of the spine;
• diagnosis of torticollis;
• hypothalamus;
• malformed skull bones;
• signs of rickets.

Many people confuse anatomical and orthopedic rollers, believing that they are one and the same product. Both types of bedding are recommended for the prevention of neck and spine diseases. However, the action of the anatomical pillow is aimed at accurately repeating all the curves of the upper back and neck.

An orthopedic pillow is necessarily hard and resilient. Its design provides for one or two dense rollers of a specific shape, reminiscent of the bend of the cervical spine. And in fact, and in another case, the choice must be made taking into account the opinion of the attending doctor.

Among the main advantages of anatomical dummies are the following.

• Hypoallergenic. Only proven, environmentally friendly materials are used for the manufacture of bedding. Thanks to this, products can be bought even for newborn babies. These pillows do not irritate the skin and do not cause allergic diseases.
• Medicinal properties. The pillow solves a number of problems. It is indicated for problems with the spine. Using these pillows improves sleep quality and relieves fatigue.
• Versatility. Anatomical pillows have no contraindications. They are optimal for people of different ages, complexions and health conditions.
• Long term of use. After sleep, the product very quickly returns to its original shape, which significantly extends their service life. With proper care, this bedding can serve its owners for 5-10 years without losing its appearance and functional parameters.

As for the disadvantages, users note the excessive rigidity of such pillows. However, discomfort accompanies sleep only for the first 7-10 days, then the body adapts to new conditions, and sleep becomes pleasant. Alternatively, you can look for models with a reduced degree of rigidity. The disadvantages also include a narrow range of shades and designs. In addition, many unscrupulous manufacturers have appeared. They offer low-quality products that do not provide any noticeable healing effect.

Various types of anatomical pillows are presented on the modern market. They differ in their purpose, material of execution, in size and shape.

The anatomical pillow covers are sewn mainly from dense fabric, this allows you to keep the required shape. Depending on the version, the cover can be single or double. The inner layer is usually made of polycotton quilted with padding polyester. The outer one is made of microfiber with the addition of nylon fibers.

Single covers are usually sewn from velor, cotton or Belgian jersey. As a rule, these canvases provide for a cooling effect.

Depending on the type of filler, such options are distinguished.

• Rollers with memory effect. Based on the use of polyurethane filler, it is an affordable and safe material that has the highest performance parameters and a democratic price. This filler adjusts to the curves of the sleeping person's neck, and then returns to its original shape.

• With microspheres. Such a filler includes a large number of free-flowing powder components. Their contents are characterized by high fluidity, thanks to which the product easily adapts to the curves of the body. Usually anatomical pillows filled with microspheres consist of several sections; 6- and 8-module products are especially popular.

• With eco-gel. The helium substance is absolutely safe for humans. Rollers with a similar filler easily adapt to the shape of a sleeping person, and then return to their normal state. The pillows are recommended for users who need cervical support while sleeping. The gel has cooling properties, so the use of pillows is especially comfortable in hot weather. They promote complete relaxation, relieve muscle tension and reduce perspiration.

In stores you can find anatomical pillows of various modifications. For example:

• with cooling property;
• with memory effect;
• with foam or gel that maintains the temperature below room temperature;
• with magnetic inserts that improve cell respiration and blood circulation.

Octagonal pillows have become widespread - they help regulate the work of the brain.

When buying an anatomical pillow, you need to focus on the size of the bedding. It is important that your shoulders do not touch its surface during sleep. To assess how the dimensions of the product suit you, lie down on a pillow right in the store.

Usually, models with a height of 10-12 cm are suitable for people of medium build. It is better for obese ones to opt for rollers with a height of 13-15 cm.

Nowadays, there are many companies offering anatomical bedding of a wide variety of types, materials of manufacture and quality levels. The following brands received the most positive reviews from users.

• Askona. For several decades, this company has held the position of a leader in its segment. The brand's bedding products combine a wide range of products for healthy sleep. The cost of products starts from 3 thousand rubles.

• Ormatek. Anatomical pillows with physiological shapes, height adjustment and memory effect. These are expensive products, depending on the selected model, you can buy them for 5-7 thousand rubles.

• "Asonia". A good choice for people who value restorative sleep. Such pillows promote maximum relaxation, relieve spasms in the muscles of the back and neck, normalize nervous activity, and also improve memory. The products of this brand are especially in demand among people suffering from nervous diseases and pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. They are recommended for people of mature age. The average cost in stores is 6 thousand rubles.

• Mediflex. Unique pillows that can be matched to any position while relaxing. Presented in the widest range at a price of 3 thousand rubles. Therefore, each user can choose the optimal model in accordance with their needs and financial capabilities.

• Dormeo. Pillows of this brand are indicated for people suffering from chronic pain in the shoulders, back and neck. They are made from hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly raw materials. The surface of the cushion contributes to an even distribution of the body's load over the surface and makes it especially comfortable. The average price tag is 3 thousand rubles.

A wise choice of pillow becomes the key to a healthy sleep. Therefore, when buying, you need to pay attention to the following parameters.

• Dimensions (edit) - they should be selected taking into account the posture in which the person sleeps - so that the width of the roller corresponds to the width of the shoulders.The most common option for a user with an average build is 70x70 m pillows.
• Filler hardness - in this case, you can recommend listening to your own feelings and choosing the option that will seem most convenient to you after testing.
• Filler quality - it must be made of hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly materials that are safe for children and adults.
• Case quality - the cover must be breathable, natural and tactilely pleasant.
• Brand name - physicians advise to give preference to products purchased from firms with a reliable reputation. They offer their products at specialized retail outlets.

Particular attention should be paid to the form.

• Rectangular and square models Are classic pillows familiar to every user. The filler material is responsible for the anatomical characteristics in them. Such products can be used for both children and the elderly.

• Undulating - these pillows are recommended for adults, children and pregnant women. All models consist of one or a pair of rollers, in which a recess under the head is provided. Double-sided products become their separate type. They have two rollers - one high, it is suitable for sleeping on the side, and the other, slightly lower, for resting on the back.

• For those who like to lie on their side, we can also recommend wavy cushions with a small indentation under the shoulder... The head and neck on such bedding are in a comfortable physiological position.

• Bone-shaped pillows are considered a universal model. Due to the narrowing in the center of the roller, they can be used for sleeping in all positions - on the back, as well as on the stomach and on the side.

• For pregnant women, traditional models are suitable, as well as bone-shaped products. Children are usually selected square or rectangular pieces. The main thing is that they are environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic.

There are several rules to follow when using an anatomical roller.

• Don't place it under your shoulders. The roller should be evenly distributed between the bed and the neck. The shoulders should only slightly touch the edges of the garment.
• If you purchased a pillow with low bolsters, sleeping on it is best on your stomach or on your back.
• Inflated cushions are designed to rest on your side.

Please note that no pillows, including anatomical ones, can be used for babies who have not reached two weeks of age.

In order to prolong the life of the anatomical pillow, it must be carefully cared for.

• Ventilate the pillow at least twice a month.
• Shake the bedding gently after each use.
• It is important not to allow constant rest on one side.
• There is no need to cover the anatomical pillow with a bedspread and rug.
• The pillows are washed gently without spinning strictly according to the instructions.
• Drying is carried out naturally.

Users give the highest ratings to the anatomical pillows. People note that they are comfortable to lie on, they are pleasant to the touch and do not cause irritation. The quality of rest on such bedding is high, and in the morning a person wakes up vigorous and full of energy.

The pillow can be placed under the head in case of osteochondrosis or under the legs. For back pain, you can put it on the seat. The pillow relieves discomfort in the upper back and neck area.