Body pillows can improve the quality of your sleep.
How Body Pillows Improve Sleep
The science behind body pillows proves that the way a pillow conforms to your body can help relieve pressure points often experienced when sleeping. Many doctors, physical therapists and chiropractors recommend the regular use of this kind of pillow. These pillows:
- Distribute weight and improve circulation
- Eliminate need for multiple pillows
- Improve alignment of spine, shoulders and hips
- Reduce muscle stress and joint pain
- Relieve effects of gravity that compresse body joints
- Relieve stress on lower back
Kind of Pillows
The first ting you'll need to decide before you begin shopping is what kind of pillow you want and more importantly, what kind you need. There are certain therapeutic ones designed to relieve pain from such diseases as fibromyalgia and arthritis.
Maternity Pillows
It's often very difficult to get comfortable when you're pregnant. You may be like many women and end up with a bed full of pillows that are various shapes and sizes. This kind of arrangement usually takes some maneuvering to get comfortable and after a while, you need to rearrange the mound of pillows. One of the best features of a maternity body pillow is how it conforms to your shape and gives support where you need it most.
You can use this kind of pillow, like many women do, during labor and for support when nursing your baby.
Post-Surgery Support
Many surgeons suggest patients use body pillows to help with recovery. The pillow helps support healing tissue and relieves any possible pressure that could reopen wounds.
Geriatric Assistance
Many nursing homes are realizing the value of body pillows for geriatric patients.
Pillows for Children, Too
Don't forget your child. Many companies make body pillows for children between the ages of two and twelve. The calming effect and comfort these pillows give to children is no surprise.
Shapes of Pillows
There are several pillow shapes from which you can choose the perfect pillow that will meet your needs.
Curved
This pillow shape is a cylindrical with each end slightly curved to support your head and knees by giving support for the fetal position most commonly used when sleeping.
L-Shaped
The L-shape presents a perfect nook for your head and body. Many people find this to be the ideal pillow shape for sleeping.
Cylindrical
A cylindrical shape will naturally contour to your body shape. You can sleep comfortable in a semi-fetal position for a good night's rest. This pillow shape will also help to keep your spine aligned while you sleep.
U-Shaped
If you choose a U-shaped pillow, which is a full-body design, you can lie in the middle of this pillow for maximum support.
Jean Kelly, RN, suffered from fibromyalgia and had a difficult time sleeping as a result of the painful illness. She created the Comfort-U body pillow that she patented and now sells to the public. You can also purchase a patented pillowcase that is infused with lavender for aromatherapy that is a known beneficial sleep aid.
Kinds of Fillings in Pillows
You can buy down, down and feather combinations, hypoallergenic polyester, or cotton filled pillows. If you want to go green, there are many organic cotton and bamboo pillow choices just for the eco-friendly minded sleeper.
Down and Feather Pillows
With modern technological advances, you can enjoy a down, feather and down combo pillow even if you're allergic. Patented allergy protectors can be purchased to encase your down pillow and prevent allergic reactions. You can purchase all down or a down and feather combination.
Hypoallergenic Polyester
If you suffer from allergies, then you'll be very interested in a hypoallergenic pillow. You won't need to worry about any possible allergic reactions to dyes, chemicals or materials.
Cotton and Bamboo
The value of cotton and bamboo is significant. You can even purchase organic cotton and bamboo if you suffer from chemical sensitivity. Organic cotton and bamboo are grown without any harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Bamboo has amazing natural properties that might surprise you. For example, bamboo is naturally resistant to mold and mildew. It has natural hypoallergenic, anti-microbial and anti-fungus properties. Bamboo is a natural repellent to insects, especially dust mites and bedbugs. Its natural wicking element makes a perfect choice of pillow filler to keep wick moisture away from your body and keep you dry, cool or warm depending on the room temperature.
Kapok Fiber
Kapok fiber is similar to cotton in appearance and is harvested from the seedpods of the kapok tree found in Asia and Indonesia. Other terms for the fiber are Java cotton and silk cotton. It makes a great choice because it's moisture resistant and dries very quickly. Because of these properties, it has many other uses such as filler for life preservers and various water equipment used for safety. Kapok fiber is used for stuffing and filler in chairs, sofas and even mattresses.
Many Choices
As you can see, you have many choices when it comes to the kind, shape and fillers for body pillows.
