Which pillow is better for cervical osteochondrosis
Night rest is important for the recovery of the body, but during sleep the spine is endangered. We are not able to control the position of our body, so there are distortions and displacement of the disks. An orthopedic pillow fixes the cervical region, reducing discomfort for people suffering from osteochondrosis. Do not forget that the neck is an important part of the body, on which blood circulation in the brain and the functioning of the nervous system depend.
content
- Pillow sizes
- What form of pillows to choose with cervical osteochondrosis
- Pillow stiffness
- Quality of materials
- How to choose a pillow for cervical osteochondrosis
Pillow sizes
People are guided by their own preferences when choosing bedding. But with cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to take into account the recommendations of specialists. The dimensions of the pillow are selected taking into account the width of the shoulders - it should not be significantly wider.
When selecting a suitable model, measure the distance from the beginning of the neck to the end of the shoulder. The size of the optimal pillow corresponds to the parameters of the human body, otherwise there is inconvenience.
An important criterion is the height of the product. High pillows lead to curvature of the spine, and too low cause pain and headaches. People with cervical osteochondrosis should keep all spinal sections at the same level. Therapists draw the attention of patients to pushing the mattress, because of which there are differences in levels.
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the height of the pillow for sleeping on the side is not less than 10 cm;
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the height of the pillow for sleeping on the stomach and on the back is less than 9 cm.
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The width and length of the pillow are standard - 70x60 cm, but compact models are also on sale - 50x40 cm.
What form of pillows to choose with cervical osteochondrosis
In a dream, a person relaxes completely the muscles, getting rid of tension. With cervical osteochondrosis, it is important to relax the entire muscular corset, while maintaining the correct position of the head and spine. During wakefulness, the muscles support the spine, but during the nighttime support is minimized. Pillow solves the problem without discomfort and discomfort. Otherwise, due to residual stress, the person will not rest, but will wake up with a headache.
Bedding should solve the main tasks:
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maintain the natural curves of the spine in the cervical region;
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support the head at the level of the spine;
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give proper support to the vertebrae;
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promote muscle relaxation.
Doctors recommend to pay attention to the above conditions when choosing an orthopedic pillow.If you experience discomfort or feel pain in the back or neck after sleeping, then you may need to choose other accessories for the bed. Orthopedic pillows are used not only by patients with osteochondrosis, but also by healthy people for prevention.
Pillow models vary in size, shape and materials of manufacture. They are suitable for different cases and the degree of progression of cervical osteochondrosis. But remember that doctors distinguish only two "correct" types of orthopedic pillows:
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in the form of a crescent;
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rectangular cushions with slightly curved edges.
Products of this type fix the vertebrae in the correct position and maintain the optimum height. The head should be slightly raised to maintain normal blood circulation, but the spine at a distance between the back and neck should not bend. Man relaxes and gets pleasure from a good rest.
Crescent-shaped orthopedic pillows
Crescent-shaped cushions encircle the cervical region and provide soft support to the head in the correct position. Fixing in one position eliminates the curvature, even if a person spends a restless night. Due to the correct position and distribution of the load, the muscles rest, therefore, the person does not experience discomfort and pain.
The crescent at the expense of the shape fixes the cervical region and prevents the vertebrae from shifting. Such a pillow is suitable for prevention and for sleep with advanced stages of cervical osteochondrosis. Due to the wear-resistant and elastic materials, the products retain their appearance after prolonged use. But a man has to constantly sleep on his back, which not everyone will like.
Virtues
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reliable fixation in the correct position;
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effective aid in lung and advanced pathologies of the spinal column;
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uniform load distribution;
disadvantages
- only one posture for sleeping is available - on the back.
Orthopedic cushions with raised edges
Rectangular pads with convex edges closer to the classic look. Products do not limit the person in choosing a suitable posture for sleep - on the back, on the side. During the night, the body position changes, which eliminates muscle numbness and normalizes blood circulation. Despite this freedom, the spine remains straight, without bending and loading.
Before buying, it is important to find out which particular pillow is best suited. It is necessary to maintain the head at the correct height - slightly elevated above the line of the spine. When choosing pay attention to the materials of manufacture, strength and durability of materials. The orthopedic pillows recommended by doctors do not block and retain their original shape.
Rectangular cushions with convex edges - the best choice, if you correctly determine the height, pick up an elastic and durable product.
Virtues
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the usual shape of the pillow for the head;
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optimal neck and head support;
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freedom to choose a position for sleeping;
disadvantages
- difficulties in choosing the right size, especially height.
Pillow stiffness
The task of an orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis is correct and even support. But orthopedists are advised to select the rigidity according to their own preferences. For people sleeping mostly on their backs, pillows of medium hardness are suitable.
The toughest cushion will require people sleeping mostly on their sides. In this position it is more difficult to keep the spine in the correct position. People who spend the night mainly on the stomach, choose soft pillows, because otherwise there is an additional load on the cervical region.
Quality of materials
Cervical osteochondrosis pillows have important properties that depend on the specific material of manufacture and filler. The list of requirements includes:
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preservation of the form;
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hypoallergenic;
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wear resistance;
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easy cleaning
The first point is the most important, because otherwise the pillow simply will not cope with its tasks. There are a dozen materials to choose from, but only 3-4 of them are leading in popularity.
Bamboo fiber
Bamboo cellulose fiber is made from plant stems by mechanical or chemical processing. It is difficult to find models on the market with pure bamboo fiber, and often a sintepon or holofiber is added to the inside of the pillow. Fiber does not cause allergic reactions, but evenly supports the spine.
A cushion with bamboo fiber is suitable for prophylaxis, but if the cervical osteochondrosis is already formed, other options should be sought.
Virtues
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hypoallergenic;
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budget;
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ease of care;
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small weight;
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lightness, breathability;
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hygiene, environmental cleanliness;
disadvantages
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low hygroscopicity (does not absorb moisture, therefore it becomes wet);
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fragility (short service life);
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increased softness (minimized under heavy load);
Latex
Synthetic latex is used to fill the pillows. The material is created with characteristics specifically for orthopedic products. If the latex foam contains no more than 15% synthetic additives, the filler is labeled as natural “100% Latex Natural”. These pillows have the correct shape and always return to their original position.
Pillows with latex filler create the best support, do not heal and retain their shape. But you have to put up with a specific smell and high cost.
Virtues
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resilience and elasticity;
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ease of care;
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antibacterial;
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durability;
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noiselessness;
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stress relief in the cervical region;
disadvantages
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allergic reactions in 1% of people;
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high price;
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harsh smell;
Buckwheat husk
Pillows with buckwheat husks relieve pain during cervical osteochondrosis. Products are dense and elastic, so the head is maintained at the same level. The filler evenly distributes the load and ensures a comfortable sleep.
Buckwheat husk is gaining popularity among those who suffer from pains in the neck and spine. Pillows with such a filler in 20-30% really relieve discomfort, and in others help to achieve a restful sleep. But 5-10% of people note the stiffness of the pillow and the noise that prevents quietly fall asleep. The average product weighs 4-5 kg. It is important to remember that the husk wears out, so the service life of one pillow is 2-3 years.
Virtues
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resilience and even support;
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hypoallergenic;
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massage effect;
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air permeability;
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pain reduction;
disadvantages
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noise and rustle husk;
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fragility;
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heaviness;
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rigidity;
Cooling gel
Gel orthopedic pillows for cervical osteochondrosis are advised by doctors and therapists. Products attract accurate anatomical forms - they repeat the curves of the cervical region, providing perfect support during sleep. According to its properties, the filler is similar to latex, but the gel has a higher elasticity and a different density.
Gel-filled pillows are pleasant to the touch, the cooling gel refreshes the skin. The average thickness is 10-12 cm, but it is important to choose the right size. If you follow the recommendations, then the person will enjoy a relaxing holiday. Gel, unlike latex, has no odor and is usually more durable.
Virtues
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hygiene and environmental friendliness;
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durability;
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"Memory effect" of the material;
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exact repetition of the curves of the human body;
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no unpleasant odors;
disadvantages
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suitable for one particular body position;
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you need to accurately select the size and shape individually for each person.
How to choose a pillow for cervical osteochondrosis?
Proper pillow makes life easier. Sleeping accessories help with neck pain and are used for prevention. Models on the market have a set of characteristics and properties. The pillow keeps the head in a position in which the muscular corset relaxes and the spine straightens. If unnatural bends appear, the pillow should be replaced.
Doctors recommend to pay attention to the width of the shoulders - the width of the correct cushion is 1-2 cm more. Manufacturers make the height proportional, so you will not have to measure it. Form determines the position of the body during sleep. Anatomical products and crescent-shaped pillows restrict movement, but exclude displacement of the vertebrae.
From the filler depends on the elasticity of the pillow, life, the presence or absence of odors, noise, etc. For persistent pains, select pillows of anatomical shape and with a dense filling, and rectangular products with bamboo fiber or husk are suitable for prevention.
In the following articles, our experts tell as a pillow is better - bamboo or eucalyptus and secrets pillow choice for a comfortable sleep.
Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.