Pillows

Pillows

Together with the mattress, the pillow (or cushion for the sleeping area) is one of the essential elements to ensure a comfortable rest during the night. On average we spend between 6 and 8 hours in a horizontal position, i. e. up to one third of the 24 hours that make up our day. Who would therefore doubt that a restful and regenerating sleep is one of the prerequisites for our health? In fact, frequently reiterated by orthopedists and specialized doctors, the importance of choosing a pillow that suits your needs, habits and positions usually adopted in sleep, should not be underestimated. Ideally, with the right pillow you can even overcome the problems arising from unhealthy habits. Therefore, there are different types and their characteristics, as well as the parameters that concern the needs of the end user, to be considered.

Comfort and health aspects: cervical pillow and cushions in memory foam

One of the most appreciated features of the pillow is certainly its ability to promote relaxation of the whole body, adapting to the shape of the head and neck. However, a distinction must be made between cushions that increase overall comfort and orthopaedic pillows, which have much more defined characteristics. The greatest advantage of memory foam pillows (polyurethane foam) is a natural and even distribution of the weight of the head. Thanks to the body heat, the memory foam pillow shows its ability to modify and shape itself perfectly in a few seconds. The shape of cervical pillows, on the other hand, has been specially designed because it will help to reduce the cervical pain or, at best, to make it disappear completely. Here, however, it is necessary to calculate an adaptation period that can last from a few days to two weeks. Although they have comparable characteristics, it may be useful to remember that while the memory foam pillow helps to prevent various diseases (or to mitigate their symptoms), the postural pillow usually responds to more specific postural problems and corrects the posture of the neck during sleep.

Rest and comfort: hypoallergenic and breathable pillows and pillows

With respect to the choice of pillow, another very important consideration must be made about hygiene. During the night, the human body loses a considerable amount of liquids and body particles (skin cells, hair, etc. ). Remaining on the pillow, the residues of this leak provide perfect conditions for the reproduction of mites, known to cause allergies such as asthma and colds. Breathable pillows have proven to be a very effective remedy, as they are able to more easily dissipate the moisture that accumulates during the night. A growing number of hypoallergenic pillows and mite-proof pillows are also available on the market.

How to choose the pillow?

Currently the market offers more than 300 different types of cushions and pillows, made of natural material (such as goose down) or synthetic, memory foam, latex or foam. To choose the right pillow for your needs, once you have considered the types and main properties mentioned above, it can be very useful to follow the general rules regarding the height and hardness of the pillow with respect to the position assumed during sleep by the end user. For those who sleep mostly on their back, we usually recommend a rather low, soft and wider rectangular pillow that may even extend under their shoulders. For those who sleep mainly on their side, it is advisable to choose a higher and fairly hard pillow that can support the weight of the head without sinking.

When to change the pillow

Fatigue and cervical pain after we got up in the morning? Not infrequently, suspicion immediately falls on the pillow, although in reality the tension in the neck - as well as the various pains caused by it - are often caused by many hours spent in an incorrect position at the desk or PC. Yet the right pillow could be a remedy! However, there are numerous signs that suggest a change of pillow: excessive heat, excessive hardness - which generates additional muscle tension, or allergic reactions. Regardless of the specific problems, doctors and experts recommend that you replace your pillow at least once every 4-5 years.