Choosing a latex pillow

Many people complain of frequent headaches and insomnia. They believe that illness is the cause of their condition. However, an incorrectly selected pillow often becomes the source of the problem.

A latex orthopedic pillow is an accessory for good, restorative sleep. It is made from the juice of such an exotic plant as Hevea, but which has been previously cleaned and brought to a foamy consistency - latex is considered a foamed rubber of natural origin.

Let's list the main advantages of such pillows.

• Physiology. Latex rollers are anatomically correct. The material is flexible, thanks to this, the neck and head are maintained in the correct shape during rest, as a result, the load is redistributed evenly, the tension decreases.
• Antimicrobial properties. Natural latex has pronounced antibacterial properties. Some manufacturers claim that latex rollers are classified as natural antiseptics. In addition, it is a "breathable" material, so sleeping on such a pillow is comfortable, it absorbs sweat and removes it.
• Long service life. Latex is a very durable material. Natural foam rubber bedding can last 7-10 years, and with proper care, even longer.
• Versatility. The foam latex pillow can be used by people of different ages.In the assortment line of most manufacturers, there are safe children's models for young users.

Latex rollers also have their drawbacks.

• Risk of allergies. Specific proteins are included in the structure of latex; in some cases, they can provoke allergies. However, the probability of an unfavorable outcome is small - according to statistics, only 1% of the world's population has a predisposition to allergies to natural foamed rubber.
• Strong smell. The pillow you just bought may have a specific smell. In people with high olfactory sensitivity, it causes discomfort. However, after 2-3 weeks, all foreign aromas disappear.
• High price. Like most high quality orthopedic products, latex pillows are not cheap. But it should be noted that the cost of such products does not differ much from the prices of down pillows. And given the duration of their use, the costs are fully justified.
• The latex pillow does not accumulate or retain heat, so using it gives you a feeling of coolness. To consider this a disadvantage or advantage is a personal matter for each person. Although sleeping on a latex roller can be uncomfortable in cool bedrooms on winter days.
• Elasticity. A latex pillow is unlike a traditional feather pillow. At first, it may seem tough, but after a couple of weeks the body gets used to it, sleep becomes comfortable.

Among the main parameters of the effectiveness of the orthopedic pillow are the following:

• breathing during sleep becomes free and calm;
• thanks to the physiological zones, the body quickly recovers;
• blood circulation in the cervical spine and brain returns to normal;
• there is a complete relaxation of the muscles of the cervical and shoulder areas;
• the load on the intervertebral discs is evenly distributed, the pressure decreases.

The foam latex pillow is recommended for the following pathologies:

• osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;
• migraines, dizziness;
• high fatigue;
• soreness in the neck;
• asthma;
• vertebrobasilar syndrome.

Also, latex pillows are recommended for people in the recovery period after injuries of the neck and shoulder area.

For the production of orthopedic pillows, a completely natural or artificial latex is used. It can be cut or crushed, filler in the form of granules is widespread.

100% natural latex is rarely used because it is expensive to manufacture. It takes several trees to collect a small bucket of sap. In this regard, according to modern standards, natural latex is understood as natural rubber containing synthetic additives in the amount of up to 15%.

Artificial raw materials are characterized by a purely polymer composition. It is much cheaper in terms of cost. However, the quality of such specimens is much lower - you should not expect a healing effect from them. Mixed is a material that contains both natural and synthetic components. Such production allows you to reduce the cost of goods and at the same time preserve their orthopedic characteristics. Information that latex is a combined type should be indicated on the package.

Modern manufacturers offer a wide selection of pillows of different sizes and shapes. On sale you can find square and rectangular models, roll-shaped dummies, as well as contour products with a depression. The most popular pillows for the whole body and back, as well as models in the shape of a horseshoe.In this case, the same configuration can have different measurements of length, height and width, differing from each other by 3-5 centimeters.

The most in demand are rectangular latex products with parameters 20x40, 30x50 and 50x70 cm. The height varies from 10 to 17 cm. The rollers are produced in lengths of 60–100 cm, with a diameter of 10 cm and more. Their sizes correspond to 20x50, 30x100, 35x95 cm.

According to technological requirements, latex for production purposes must be used within 10-13 hours after the hevea juice has been obtained. Therefore, natural rollers are offered only by those countries where this culture grows: Vietnam, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, as well as the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia. All other countries use materials with a large amount of synthetic impurities.

In our market, the highest quality latex leisure accessories are offered by the following manufacturers: Xiaomi, Ascona, Arpico, Primavelle, Liena and Aura. Popular are mixed latex products made in Turkey, as well as Thai natural rollers.

When it comes to bedding, it is important that it is tactilely pleasant. Therefore, you need to touch the product with your hands and try it out. Try to test the roller in the store - at any convenient opportunity, put your head on it. This will allow you to assess how comfortable you will be using it in the future.

To choose the right pillow, you need to focus on several points.

• Color and smell. A natural product made of foamed latex should smell like rubber with hints of milk. This product has a light yellow tint. These pillows feel greasy but not sticky, and your fingers don't leave marks on them. If the pillow has a white color, smells good, is dry and a little rough - most likely, in front of you is a product made of synthetic material with perfumery fragrances. Such rollers do not differ in special quality, over time they become very fragile and begin to break.
• Label. The label must contain an indication of the composition of the product. When the product is made of natural latex, this must be indicated on the label. Its absence indicates a synthetic or mixed nature of latex, even if the name contains the term "natural". The country of manufacture must be indicated without fail, if this information is not available, then it is better to refuse the purchase.
• Certification. All products must be subject to mandatory certification and have all supporting documents. If the seller refuses to provide them, then you are being offered a fake.

For your latex pillow to last for years, you need to take proper care of it. Basic prohibitions:

• direct exposure to ultraviolet rays;
• the use of any cleaning agents;
• contact with sharp objects;
• exposure to exorbitant loads.

Most of the time, there is no need to wash latex pillows at home. However, if the roller turned yellow and the procedure was still required, then the wash should be carried out in a gentle mode at a temperature not higher than 30 degrees.

It is best to gently wipe the pillow with a soft sponge dipped in cool water and dry naturally. It is not allowed to dry the product near heating devices by exposure to an iron or hot air.The best cleaning method is to repeatedly wipe with a dry towel and then place the roller vertically in a ventilated room.

Doctors give the highest marks to the latex orthopedic roller. Moreover, they often include its use in the complex therapy of diseases of the neck and spine. However, before purchasing such a product, it is advisable to consult your doctor. The doctor will help you choose the right shape and type of roller, which will give the desired effect in each specific situation. Buying such a pillow is expensive, so you should definitely pick it up.

Products of proven brands are distinguished by exceptional usefulness. It manifests itself in the normalization of sleep, a decrease in pain and tension in the muscles, and the elimination of allergies. People who have tried a latex roller usually don't go back to traditional pillows anymore. But those who bought a fake of poor quality noticed that it did not bring them any benefit at all. Therefore, it is very important at the stage of choosing a product to be able to determine its quality and authenticity.

Some have compared latex pillows to polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is a derivative of petroleum products, in other words, foamed plastic. Its advantages include firmness, elasticity, hypoallergenicity and a democratic price. This is a good alternative to a latex pillow for users looking to save money. However, in comparison with natural latex, it has a number of disadvantages:

• serves 3 times less;
• has a weak orthopedic effect.