How to Choose the Right Pillow to Relieve Pain and Get a Good Night's Sleep

The pillow you chose may be more important than you think. For pain reducing sleep and overall health you should chose according to your preferred position and/or health issues. You might need to try several different types on a trial basis to find what works best for you. To test your pillow fold it in half and if it doesn't spring right back immediately to it's original shape, then it's time for a new one. You will need to consider what firmness you will want in a new pillow as well as the size and type of filling. Filling comes in a big variety , among them are feather, memory foam, synthetic fibers and buckwheat. In general, stomach sleepers will do well to use a low soft pillow, back sleepers, a medium firmness and side sleepers need the firmest and fluffiest in order to fill in gaps between the neck and pillow. Pillows aren't just for sleeping though. They may be needed for work or computer time as well. Some even say the right pillow can be crucial during meditation.

Knee pillows can be beneficial to a good, restful sleep, as well as help relieve lower back pain for a side sleeper. A pillow placed between the knees while on your side keeps the spine aligned and relieves pressure on the knees and spine. If you are a back sleeper, a firm pillow beneath the knees removes some of the weight from the lower back. Stay away from feather or down filled pillows, these provide very little support and hoard dust and other allergens. Instead stick with a firmer material.

For those with neck pain, try a cervical or orthopedic pillow. These provide more support to the neck and align it with the spine.

A body pillow can be especially helpful to side sleepers, as it can support the neck and head area as well as between the knees for the spine. Body pillows can also be good for pregnant women to support the growing belly.

When necessary to sleep on the road, a travel pillow can make it more comfortable and prevent stiff, sore neck. This is a U shaped pillow that fits around the neck to keep the neck from rolling too far to any side. The neck can rest and the weight is off the neck so those muscles can relax. These are especially nice to have on a plane, bus, or in a car.

It is not only in sleep that muscles and spines are punished. If one has to sit in one position many hours a day, a lumbar pillow can give some relief by fill in the gap between the lower back and the chair or seat. You might also try a pillow filled with grain or buckwheat for spinal conditions and chronic neck pain.

www.spine-health.com/wellness/sleep/different-types-pillows