Choosing a gel pillow

Among the many types of pillows on the market, gel-filled models are taking an increasingly prominent place. Such products are a guarantee of a comfortable stay for their owners, which explains their steadily growing popularity. When choosing a pillow with a gel filler, it is enough to consider a few important points.

Initially, gel pads were intended for only one category of people: patients with limited portability. This is due to the structure of such products, which reduces the likelihood of pressure ulcers, a dangerous pathology leading to the death of soft tissues and associated complications. The basis of these pillows is a medical technogel, which has a memory effect and a noticeable cooling effect.

Further research has shown that the products can be used successfully in many other situations. First of all, this applies to people suffering from chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, for example, osteochondrosis. Having placed his head on an orthopedic pillow, a person practically does not feel pressure, which has a positive effect on the quality of his sleep.

The surface of the described products resembles a honeycomb, it has noticeable bulges. Their shape can be different: round, square or hexagonal. Manufacturers also offer special models with additional perforation and other remarkable features. It is worth paying special attention to the following advantages of gel pillows:

• repetition of the bends of the human body, allowing you to adjust to any figure;
• ensuring a uniform load on the spine during rest;
• the presence of a memory effect, which is especially important for individual use;
• excellent thermal conductivity;
• unattractiveness for parasitic insects and pathogenic microflora;
• hypoallergenic and environmental safety (subject to the manufacturer's technology);
• minimum soiling;
• high resistance to wear (the minimum service life of a quality product is 5 years).

In addition, the gel-filled pillows have a first-class refreshing effect, gently massaging the face and neck, and relieving chronic headaches. The main disadvantages of the presented products are:

• mediocre ability to absorb and release moisture (in comparison with classic variations of pillows);
• "Fear" of sharp and cutting objects that can lead to leakage of the gel;
• the impossibility of comfortable use in rooms with too high air temperatures;
• relatively high price.

All pillows with a gel filler can be roughly divided into 2 main categories, determined by the peculiarities of their use. The first is for sleeping, while the second is used to ensure the most comfortable sitting.

The main task of such products is to maintain a comfortable position of the neck and head, without which full rest is not possible. In particular, the use of gel sleep pillows allows you to:

• avoid curvature of the vertebrae - one of the most common pathologies of the human musculoskeletal system;
• gently and effectively massage the skin of the face and neck, which helps to normalize blood circulation;
• provide quick and complete relaxation.

The latter point is possible due to the slight motion sickness that these products have.

Such products are remarkable in that they can be used not only for recreation. In particular, they are successfully used in vehicles and office chairs, significantly reducing the load on the spine. Besides, seating gel cushions are a good prophylactic remedy for prostatitis, hemorrhoids and many other common diseases.

Especially often such products are used by people suffering from chronic pain. The latter can be caused by various reasons, for example, disc pathology or unsuccessful surgery. Thanks to their structure, the gel seating cushions minimize discomfort that interferes with work and proper rest.

The use of a gel pad will be most effective if certain considerations are taken into account.

• It is advisable to purchase the product in a specialized store. This allows you to choose the most suitable pillow, both in quality and from a functional point of view.
• One of the main characteristics of a gel-filled product is its height. The recommended value for most people is from 10 to 12 cm, for those with a large physique - from 13 to 15 cm.
• The choice of a suitable pillow is directly related to the position of the body during sleep. If a person is resting on his back, a product with a small depression in the central part will suit him. Those who prefer to sleep on their side or stomach should buy a roller, the shape of which provides support for the cervical spine.
• The most popular gel pillow format is 60X40 cm. If these dimensions are not suitable, you should choose a product with other parameters (for example, 50X35 or 66X40 cm). The main condition is maximum comfort, without which the effect of using the pillow is significantly reduced.
• If the product is to be used in combination with an orthopedic mattress, their firmness should not differ significantly. Compliance with this condition guarantees the best support for the spinal column.
• Before purchasing a gel pillow, you need to hold it in your hands without haste.If the tactile sensations seem unpleasant, you should opt for a different model.

Currently, the market offers a lot of varieties of gel pillows that differ not only in price, but also in characteristics. Below are the most popular models.

• AirGel from Ormatek. Notable for the organic combination of 2 materials: Orma-Gel and Memorix. The former guarantees optimal cooling, while the latter precisely follows the curves of the wearer's body. Another plus is the presence of a through perforation, which ensures a constant supply of fresh air. The dimensions of the pillow are 40X60X12 cm, the price is 7560 rubles.

• Classic Blue / Classic Green by Askona. Models are characterized by the presence of EcoGel cooling gel and Memory Foam material. Both variations are suitable for sleeping on your side (green can also be used for sleeping on your back). Other features of the models are the pronounced relief of the facial surface and the high intensity of the massage effect. The dimensions of the product are 40X60X14 cm, the price is 5390 rubles.

• Contour Pink by Askona. A distinctive feature is the presence of a pair of rollers, allowing the product to be used for sleeping on the side or on the back. Like the previous model, Contour Pink has 2 different surfaces: the first is covered with a layer of cooling gel, and the second is made of a material with a memory effect. The intensity of the massage is medium. The dimensions of the pillow are 40X60X12 and 40X60X10 cm, the price is 5390 rubles.

• Aqua Soft by Ormatek. Like the AirGel model, the product is made of 2 materials: Orma-Gel and Memorix. A distinctive feature of Aqua Soft is its ergonomic shape, which is ideal for sitting on your side. The dimensions of the pillow are 41X61X13 cm, the price is 4210 rubles.

• TOP-141 from Trives. One of the best solutions for both short-term and long-term comfortable sitting. The design of the pillow assumes the presence of a polyurethane foam base and a top block with gel-filled cells. This combination effectively absorbs vibration and ensures a physiologically correct position of the body in the chair. The dimensions of the product are 44X42X4 cm, the price is 2700 rubles.

• KZ 0487 for seating from Bradex. A budget option, the shape of which follows the contours of the body. Despite the affordable price, the pillow boasts an excellent cooling effect and the proper quality of the materials used. The dimensions of the product are 35X45X7 cm, the price is 1,700 rubles.

There are many other models with comparable levels of functionality and quality. The choice of a specific solution depends on the specific requirements and taste preferences of the client.

In order for the purchased gel pillow to retain its presentable appearance, it is enough to follow a few basic rules:

• do not machine wash the product or twist it;
• use any damp cloth with a soft surface to wipe;
• refuse to use aggressive cleaning compounds;
• store the pillow in a place away from direct sunlight and humidifying appliances;
• ventilate the product regularly: 4 to 6 times a year.

A separate plus will be the operation of the gel pad in a removable cover. In general, such models are much less polluted than textile ones, which is their obvious advantage. The last thing worth mentioning is the need to store products away from children, who can damage the cells with the gel during their games.

The right gel pad will easily meet the expectations of its owner. It is not difficult to make sure of this - it is enough to acquire such a product and remember the listed recommendations.