Five months in and I haven't had a better sleep in my life. But what about two years? Can something so simple as the shape of your pillow alter the quality of your sleep? And can it have any reliable impact on your productivity and rest?
This is a sincere long term review of the orthopedic pillow, through the eyes of a physiotherapist.
So what is an orthopedic pillow? There are many models out there, all full of promises and features, but the main idea behind an orthopedic pillow is that it's supposed to maintain your head and spine in a natural position so as to aid circulation and muscle relaxation in the cervical area. Not all products achieve this.
Through my expertise as a physiotherapist I encourage you to look for a product that has a higher lower side than upper, a caved in area for your head and also, angled hollows for your arms on the side. The material is also important. Be inclined towards memory foam and harder materials, as they can soften over time and make sure the whole thing is washable and can breathe properly.
This is the kind of pillow I used for more than 2 years and can relate to my words and impression. So how is it like sleeping on it regularly?
Getting to know my pillow:
I must say it will be an acquired taste. The first rest on it makes you feel like your head will fall backwards, your eyes are up to the ceiling, you definitely feel it, quite present and hard on your neck, but then you allow that suspension for a few minutes. And it feels amazing. Your muscles start to relax as you are being held, the tension is gone, your breathing becomes smooth and as you raise your arms to the side, they fit perfectly in the hollows of your pillow, all in optimal rotation of your shoulders.
You turn to the side and the experience is even better. There is room for your arms, the sturdy material doesn't let your face sink in to obstruct your nose, and if you fancy going one arm under, the memory foam will curve around it.
The trickiest part for an orthopedic pillow is when you sleep on your belly. Not the healthiest position I might say, but if you fancy it, the pillow can do its job when turned at a slight angle towards the side your head is resting on. This allows the foam to tuck in your chin and the arm hollow to be slightly above the head, which is where your arm will be.
You wake up the next morning all fresh and ready.... Not really. The rest is definitely there but you might experience some muscle soreness around your neck, as some muscles have been educated towards different positions during sleep.
After two years
The accommodation period is quite short, around a week or so. Five months in, and I haven't had a better sleep in my life. The firmness of the foam weakens with time which makes the pillow significantly more comfortable after prolonged use. The tightness of the neck support disappears and the bending of the foam around you increases. What do you know, the pillow can hug me now!
Your neck feels stronger and softer, and can hold sustained hours of desk work much better. You no longer cough or blow your nose after you wake up and you can certainly tell the difference when you are on the road and have to switch to a traditional pillow again.
It's not all light and roses
Every good thing has its flaws right? As with any long-term relationship, the one with my pillow revealed a few cons which I will also expose.
It is inferno to sleep on this while having the flu. The elevated position of the sinuses does not help if they are loaded with mucus and it can become hard to breathe.
The healthy should also be advised. Depending on your daily activity, some nights can benefit from a flexed position of the neck which is impossible with this pillow. There will be nights in which the tension will wake you and require you to sleep with a traditional pillow or none at all.
Let's not forget about its weird shape, which will render some pillow sheets unusable around all the bumps and corners of the pillow. Opting for a larger sheet will also be far from a solution, as this can result in creases which can feel uncomfortable or leave morning marks on your face.
Moreover, you can say goodbye to cuddling, as this is one jealous pillow and won't have you leave its warm embrace for anyone. Quality sleep is a solo sport after all.
Do I recommend it?
Certainly! The pros far outweigh the cons on this one and the frustrating bits soon fade after weeks and months of improved sleep and rest. The impact of such pillow is truly significant and should not be overlooked, but definitly considered as an aid to people who emphasise quality for their resting hours. Make sure to reduce occasional tension by sleeping without it once in a while (also cuddle since you're off it) and avoiding those 12 hours slumbers.
If your mind is a little clearer and keen to give this a go, it is easily available for purchase on many online shops for around 40-60 euros. As long as you keep in mind the features for a reliable product, as described in this article.
Remember that sleeping is a very important aspect of human health, both physically and emotionally and one that, unfortunately, cannot be improved by simply having more of it. Is an orthopedic pillow a tangible boost to your zzs? I say it's certainly worth a go.
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