When people think of ergonomics, they often think of the workplace. However, this is a topic that can also be applied to sleep and overall health. As such, ergonomic pillows fall under the category of specialized pillows that can improve your sleeping experience.
So by choosing this pillow, you’ll be able to get a better night’s rest without having to resort to uncomfortable measures like propping yourself up with extra pillows or putting your arms behind your head while sleeping on your back. And this post will explain what an ergonomic pillow does for you during sleep and how you can choose the perfect one for you!
What Are They?
An ergonomic pillow is a pillow that supports your head and neck and is made to match the shape of your head and neck. These pillows are meant to reduce pressure on your neck, which can help alleviate snoring. They also help with sleep apnea, a disorder where you stop breathing for brief periods during sleep, and migraines.
The general idea is that an ergonomic pillow mimics the curve of your spine, thus lessening pressure on delicate structures in the back of your head and neck. This can lead to better alignment while sleeping (and therefore improved circulation), resulting in less tossing and turning throughout the night.
Ways to Choose the Right Pillow
- Use a pillow that is the right size for you.
- Use a pillow that is the right thickness for you.
- Use a pillow that is the right type for you; memory foam, feather and down, latex, glider, buckwheat, or kapok are good options. A good place to start is with your sleeping position. Do you sleep on your side? Back or stomach? Are there any physical limitations that might make certain types of pillows more desirable (or not)? If so, ask yourself if it’s worth investing in one type of material over another based on how much money they cost and how long they’ll last before needing replacement, and how well they perform after being used regularly!
- Use a pillow that has been filled with material appropriate for what works best with your body type and any medical conditions you may have been diagnosed with (e.g., allergies). For example, down feathers are dust mite proof but can be problematic if someone has allergies. Meanwhile, memory foam is hypoallergenic but may cause headaches when pressure points are pinched between the head/neck area during sleep. On the other hand, gel-based materials provide excellent support without holding heat close, as many cotton/polyester blends do. And natural fibers such as linen offer breathability throughout all seasons but don’t have resistance against mildew growth like synthetics do.
Types of Ergonomic Pillows
There are many different types of ergonomic pillows, and these can be broken down into several general categories, although some may have features that overlap with other varieties.
Memory foam: This is the most common type of pillow for people with neck and back pain. It molds to your head and neck to reduce pressure points on the cervical spine (neck).
Latex: This is a firmer material than memory foam, but it also adapts to your body shape as you sleep. It can be great for those who like plush pillows but want something firm enough to keep their head in place while they sleep.
Water: These pillows use water beads inside them instead of traditional stuffing or filling materials such as cotton or down feathers. They’re generally firmer than memory foam but softer than latex, so they’re often recommended by doctors who specialize in treating chronic pain caused by poor sleeping positions.
Water pillows are also resistant to mold growth, a common problem with synthetic fillings like polyester microfiber because they absorb moisture when wet too often over time!
Now that you know much about ergonomic pillows let’s talk about choosing the right pillow for you.
So, you can start by asking yourself, what kind of sleeper are you? Do you sleep on your side or back? Do you prefer a firmer or softer pillow?
Now, the next step is to look at the different types of pillows that have been discussed above. From there, it’s really just a matter of personal preference!
