Each of us has a favorite sleeping position, and the side sleepers are one of the most popular and versatile, this position is suitable even for pregnant women. Orthopedists also consider this position to be among the most correct and beneficial for the health of the human musculoskeletal system. For an adult, unlike babies, it is quite harmful to sleep without a pillow, because the spine takes the wrong position, and it is simply unrealistic to fall asleep on the side without support under the head. But how to choose the best pillows for side sleeper, which will bring you comfort and protect you from cervical osteochondrosis and other unpleasant diagnoses?
It is important to know the general criteria for choosing pillows for side sleeping, because any orthopedic or anatomical pillow will show its useful properties 100% only if it is correctly selected. There is no one-size-fits-all solution - a pillow that is too soft or hard, or a pillow that is too high or too low will ruin the whole experience even from relaxing on the highest quality and most expensive mattress.
Optimal height and rigidity are the main conditions for healthy sleep
It seems that choosing a pillow for sleeping is much easier than choosing a mattress, but it is certainly no less responsible. Anyone who could not sleep or woke up in the morning with a heavy head and feeling tired after a night on an uncomfortable pillow will confirm this to you.
The first thing to look at is the height of the pillow. For a comfortable sleep on your side, it should be equal to or slightly more than half the width of your shoulders. With such a pillow, you will notice that you no longer need to constantly put your hand under your head (even if you considered it your habit) or endlessly tossing and turning in bed, but wake up with pain in the cervical spine. The head should be level with the body, no higher or lower, to keep the spine in its natural position and to allow the back muscles to relax.
As for the rigidity of the pillow itself, products with a level of rigidity above average are suitable for a comfortable sleep on the side. This is also required so that the head does not fall into the pillow during sleep, which automatically leads to a curvature of the spinal column. The ideal option is a hard pillow with anatomical filling.
There are also orthopedic pillows with independent mini springs, as well as products filled with a special cooling gel, which is pleasant to sleep on even on hot summer days. Naturally filled pillows for sleeping on side have many advantages:
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antibacterial properties;
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right spine position;
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excellent air circulation inside the product;
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excellent orthopedic properties;
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absence of dust and dust mites inside;
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versatility (suitable for almost any pose).
How can you make sleeping on your side even more comfortable?
When sleeping on our sides, we provide maximum comfort to our body, especially the spine. This is the most optimal sleeping position. The body is well supported, the spine acquires a natural curve. Arms and legs that are freely located along the body do not suffer, the circulatory system works more efficiently. Internal organs are not pinched. However, sleep apnea and snoring may bother us a little. Sleeping on your side aggravates these ailments.
The orthopedic pillow for sleeping on the side has a characteristic wave-like ergonomics. It has curves on both sides, on one side above, on the other below. Between them there is a curly recess for the head. While sleeping on such a pillow, we keep our head in one position and the cervical spine is well supported. However, while sleeping on our side, we must remember that the pillow cannot be too high because it will push the spine upward and will not work improperly.
Very often when buying a new pillow (especially if this is your first orthopedic pillow), people complain about the difficulty of getting used to it. This is a normal phenomenon: literally in a few days, you will notice that you began to fall asleep almost instantly, and wake up in the same position as you went to bed. A high-quality pillow will guarantee you a sound and healthy sleep, and every morning will definitely be kind!