How to choose the right Pillow

The traditional pillow is the mattress top pillow, used to provide support for the head, neck and upper spine while the body is lying in bed in a resting position. When determining the number of pillows to use, bear in mind that too many tilt your head forwards and too few tilt your head backwards if you lie on your back. Similarly, if lying on your side, be sure the gap between your head and shoulders is filled by pillow. Find a position that enables you to maintain a midline position. For optimum support, it is best to select a pillow that has the following characteristics:

Designed to Keep the Spine in Natural Alignment -The human neck curves slightly forwards (to sustain the weight of the head when upright), and it’s important to maintain this curve when in a lying position. If the pillow is too high when sleeping on your side or on your back, the neck is bent abnormally forwards or to the side, causing muscle strain on the back of the neck and shoulders. This type of position may also cause narrowing of the air pipe, resulting in obstructed breathing, and sometimes snoring, which can hinder sleep. Conversely, if the height of the pillow is too low, the neck muscles can also be strained.

The amount and type of support you need from your pillow (whether it be one, one and a half or two pillows) depends on your sleep position as well as your weight and the density of your mattress, but always try to consider the depth of your shoulder in comparison to the distance from your head to the bed. You need to fill that large area with a pillow, thus providing an equal surface to position your head so that it is even with your spine. In short, the pillow should maintain an approximate height of 110-15cm (4-6 inches), to properly support the head and neck.

For correct sleeping posture, only your head and neck should be placed over your pillow. Do not place your shoulders on the pillow because this will elevate your upper body much higher than your lower body. You could try rolling up a hand towel and placing it in your pillow to fill the gap between your neck and shoulder. To maintain the balance of the entire body, the sleeper can place a pillow between bent knees to achieve the midline position when lying on their side.

For More Information Visit:- Pillows for side sleepers