While most people sleep on their backs or side, an estimated 7 percent of people sleep on their stomachs. Though this sleeping position is not common, it does have certain benefits. Some sleepers find they are less likely to snore when sleeping face down. Stomach sleeping may reduce the likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea, as it can help keep the airway clearer than back sleeping.
Since stomach sleeping is less prevalent, many pillows are constructed with side and back sleeping in mind. The firmness and loft of a pillow can determine the angle of the head and neck, and whether or not the spine is kept in alignment. One of the drawbacks to stomach sleeping is that it can lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain if the head and neck are not properly supported. As a result, it is especially important for stomach sleepers to find a pillow that keeps the head and neck at a comfortable angle. Other factors to consider when shopping for a pillow include breathability, pressure relief, and moldability. We’ll review our top picks for the best ergonomic cervical pillow for stomach sleepers, including details on their construction, performance, and why we recommend them. We’ll also take a closer look at the potential benefits of stomach sleeping and tips on how to improve sleep quality.
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Despite being labeled a bamboo pillow, there is very little bamboo in the filling or pad. The name for this pillow comes from the bamboo fibers woven into the pillow’s cover material, which may be a bamboo blend in some pillows. The interior is filled with foam, which is the source of the pillow’s comfort.
When it comes to sleep, personal preference plays a big part in pillow selection, with the ideal support, size, and loft of a pillow varying between individuals. In the search for the best bamboo pillow, look for one that provides proper support and alignment for the head, neck, and shoulders to give muscles some time to relax. Size The unique feature of bamboo pillows is they are not one size fits all. Bamboo pillows are a bit more specialized than standard options. However, most rectangular-shaped bamboo pillows still fit within the dimensions of standard pillowcases. The size of the bamboo pillow should match the proportions of the bed, making it easier to determine which size is needed. Bamboo pillows come in a range of measurements that do not adhere to an industry-standard, so they vary within a few inches of regular pillow sizes. Each manufacturer creates bamboo pillow sizes based on comfort instead of measurement parameters, so they may be wider than standard pillows. The unique feature of many bamboo pillows is that they are customizable to fit each individual’s body and preferred sleep position. The loft (or height) of a pillow can be adjusted in many bamboo pillows, making them thinner or thicker which may affect the overall size. The loft also depends on the type of fill used inside. The size of a bamboo pillow may depend on its purpose. Larger wedge-shaped bamboo pillows are oversize and don’t adhere to standard sizing. Cylinder-shaped bamboo pillows won’t fit standard rectangular pillowcases. Fill A pillow’s loft depends on the type of fill used. Air pockets within the filling give it extra height but compress easily when the weight hits the pillow for the right sleep support. Most bamboo pillows use memory foam- a dense, hefty fill designed to cradle the head and neck. Memory foam is strong and easy to shape because it’s malleable, giving sleepers individualized comfort and conformity. The biggest perk of memory foam is that it self-adjusts for each person’s unique shape and moves with them as they sleep. Bamboo pillows typically use shredded memory foam or shredded memory-foam blends. However, some pillows, such as wedge-shaped models, use solid memory-foam cushions. The shapeable filling gives comfort to all sleeping positions. Pairing memory-foam fill with a bamboo cover creates a cooler sleeping surface than when memory foam is on its own. As with all things ergo, an ergonomic pillow is going to be far more supportive.
The higher support is going to set ergonomic pillows apart from a normal pillow, which means it is better for your overall health in the long run. You will notice immediate relief and a better night’s sleep, and the better support each night will add up to long term correction, better sleep patterns, and improved health and performance throughout the day. The pillow is going to be extremely comfortable, but it is also going to cradle your neck and head in a more natural position that keeps you from straining while you are sleeping. You will feel that your neck is held more naturally in a curved position that elevates your head slightly. Normal pillows do not curve to the natural bend in your neck, but are either too flat or else too elevated and push your neck to bend unnaturally or lay flat against the surface. This is not just uncomfortable but horribly bad for your neck and causes extreme strain to your vertebrae and overall spinal health. You may notice this unhealthy strain every morning when you wake up, and you are probably noticing the effects of this long term as well. Perhaps you have a constant pain that you have accepted as normal, but you do not have to worry about that once you select an ergonomic pillow for you. What To Look For In An Ergonomic Pillow?Neck Support Neck support, neck support, neck support. This point cannot be stressed enough. If you are really wanting to invest in a pillow that works, the support to your cervical vertebrae is going to be paramount. The pillows on this list are going to be high in support due to the way they are designed and modeled. I’ve chosen pillows with specific designs and/or memory foam that will conform to the contour of our neck. This way you will be guaranteed to feel like your neck and head are supported and that the weight is taken off of your shoulders. Comfortable Casing Material As I am sure that you already know, the casing of your pillow is important for your night’s sleep. While you are probably going to put a regular pillowcase over the pillow itself anyway, the original casing is still important. You do not want a scratchy surfaced pillow, you want a soft pillow made out of natural material. The material should also be breathable, promoting airflow to keep you from being hot, sweaty, and sticky as well as durable to keep up with the many uses that your pillow will go through. There are many factors that affect sleep- caffeine intake, stress, sleep apnea, bedding, mattress, pillows, and room temperature all play a critical role in supporting longer and quality sleep. Here we take an in-depth look at pillow features designed for relieving pain and improving sleep quality, plus what to look for when buying the best pillow for your neck pain.
Keeping your neck in neutral alignment can help reduce pain and improve sleep quality. Sleep deprivation is responsible for an increased risk of mental and emotional health issues. It’s important to note that it can take up to two weeks to adjust to a new pillow. If you experience discomfort, it’s recommended to alternate sleep between your new and old pillows during the transition. When shopping for the best pillow for neck pain, you’ll want to evaluate your sleeping position and preferences regarding pillow shape, height, and temperature regulation- a pillow’s material, allergen specifications, and laundering options should also be considered. Cervical Support A pillow designed with cervical support should maintain a position that promotes natural spinal alignment. Choose a pillow that is firm enough to fill the space between your head and neck. The amount of cervical support that’s right for you depends largely on your size and weight, but your sleep position also plays a role. A 300-pound back-sleeper needs firmer cervical support than a 120-pound side-sleeper. The practice of properly supporting your cervical spine region during sleep can help reduce neck pain, along with headaches, muscle tension, and lower back pain. Spine Alignment Choosing a pillow that supports proper spine alignment during sleep is critical in reducing neck pain. Spine alignment also influences the quality of sleep you get each night. Alignment is important because when your spine rests in its neutral position while you sleep, all associated muscle and ligament groups rest as well, rejuvenating your entire body. Cooling Sleeping warm often causes restlessness and can be a major deterrent to deep, quality sleep. Cooling pillows offer relief if you struggle to sleep during the summer months or if you’re simply a hot-natured sleeper. There are a variety of pillow materials available to help keep you cool: feathers, organic wool, memory foam, and gel. Memory foam pillows cool by allowing air movement through ventilation holes and channels. Gel materials are great at repelling heat. Memory foams have become an ideal filling for all modern bedding accessories and are much prefered by customers today. It is primarily because memory foam is highly visco-elastic and cups the head without deforming permanently. It conforms perfectly with the body’s contour, providing ultimate support to the head and the neck. However, the way memory foams are used to form pillows shows highly distinct properties which need to be evaluated before buying them.
How are Traditional Memory Foam Pillows Made?Traditionally, memory foam pillows have been made with a single loaf of foam enclosed in soft fabrics. Despite the foam’s visco-elastic properties, using a whole slab of such foam makes it a bit harder to conform to pressure. As the slab of foam is highly dense and resistant to the passage of air, a process known as ‘breathing’. Due to this density, the foam often heats up under the head and neck. Moreover, memory foams are manufactured using volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like polyurethane and several other chemicals which make them smell much like paint or calk. This stench is often referred to as “off-gassing”, which makes them uncomfortable and often irritating to sleep with. These VOCs are also being considered to be harmful to the environment to some extent. How Are Shredded Memory Foam Pillows Better Than the Traditional Foam Pillows?To overcome the drawbacks of a single-slab memory foam pillow, the latest foam pillows are filled with ‘shredded memory foam material’. Shredding down the foam to smaller pieces has proved to be the best alternative for manufacturing foam pillows as it comes with the following crucial advantages: Formability: Traditional foam pillows, being a single unit, are more rigid and less elastic. Hence, it is almost impossible to fold or compress them for suiting different positions. Shredded memory foam pillows being an integration of tiny pieces, can be folded and twisted to form any desired shape for any desirable posture. Breathability: Unlike the traditional pillow which resists the breathing process, shredded foam allows substantial air passage. This design reduces the stench of ‘off-gassing’ significantly and also prevents the pillow from heating over time. Environment-Friendly: The traditional memory foam VOCs released are harmful gases which cause its stench along with some potential harm to the environment. The majority of individuals sleep inside posture and this tendency increases as we grow older along with greater periods of posture immobility lasting between 45 and 110 minutes. Having a proclivity towards greater immobility, the best selection of ergonomic cervical pillows is essential in order to prevent the adverse consequences of altered sleeping posture.
Even though escalating periods of immobility tend to be observed, adults tend to change postures eleven to thirteen times every night. It is therefore important to utilize pillows that use ergonomic principles to achieve the best reduction of anatomical stress to maximize pain reduction and restorative sleep. Functional pillows seek to achieve this goal. Inadequate head position throughout the night impacts pain susceptible structures connected with the cervical spine and may result in stiff muscles on waking, headaches, as well as shoulder and/or arm numbness, tingling, or pain. Cervicogenic headaches are usually associated with the top segments of the neck or upper cervical spine, whereas shoulder and arm pain may be referred through the lower segments; therefore ergonomic cervical pillows should offer support for all related spinal elements. Consequently, pillow posture might be associated with distinct regions as headaches may suggest rotational torsion coming from pillows that don’t give you the proper neutral position within rotational planes, whereas shoulder and/or arm discomfort might point to pillows that lacking support within sagittal or back/front planes. Similarly, pillows that are ergonomically designed must also supply support within the right and left flexion plane that may relate to shoulder as well as arm pain and/or pins and needles. Within the side posture using the left side upward, pillows that are situated too high might result in excessive stretching out from the right side of the shoulder and neck muscle groups, and compress nerves and/or blood vessels associated with the left side with the neck. Common human health problem consists of pain and tension in the head, neck, and shoulders. This problem may arise in an otherwise healthy person due to improper support of the head, neck, and shoulders during sleeping. Additionally, many injuries and conditions, such as whiplash, sprains, strains, and arthritis and disc syndromes may increase the need for optimal head and neck support during sleeping to promote healing or reduce flare-ups. The pain and tension may cause associated problems such as insomnia, restlessness, light sleep, and snoring. Ergonomically, the best position of the neck is called the neutral position. This position corresponds substantially to the most anatomically natural position of the cervical spine of a person who is standing upright with correct posture. In the neutral position, the lord tic curve of the neck is maintained such that the least stress is placed on the cervical vertebrae and surrounding connective tissues and the minimum amount of stress is maintained. Many people choose a king-size bed and mattress for a comfortable sleep, but not everyone thinks to upgrade the quality of their sleep with a king size pillow as well. These pillows may be exactly what is missing for your back and neck to get an incredibly good rest. From memory foam pillows to models with a polyester feeling, the best king size pillows on the market help you get a good night’s sleep all night long. But because there are so many models available, it may be difficult to choose the perfect one for your needs.
We took it upon us to research the best king size pillows on the market, by taking into account multiple factors such as the type of filling, pillow cover fabric, number of pillows in the set, ease of care, and much more. We spent days comparing the quality of the pillows and reading reviews from users who have tested them extensively in their homes. Our choice for the best all-around king size pillow available on the market is the Sleepsia – Shredded Memory Foam Pillow, which comes with a 100-night trial and uses a special gel infused shredded memory foam to create what we consider to be the perfect pillow. Most users raved about the soft and luxurious feeling this pillow provides, and many of them were amazed by how smooth and soft it feels. The fabric used for the cover is super breathable, which means that you won’t wake up in the middle of the night because of overheating. Moreover, the case is machine washable for easy care and hypoallergenic to suit everybody in the family. What makes this pillow special is the cooling gel memory foam and a microfiber fit that is removable for firmness adjustments. This means that you can take the foam filling out and shape it yourself for a truly customizable pillow. Users also loved that this pillow keeps them afloat all night, unlike other models that feel good at first but then feel too hard or decrease in their supporting properties. A myriad of studies has shown that insufficient and poor quality sleep leads to a wide range of medical issues, from obesity and diabetes to higher susceptibility to the common cold.
Numerous studies back up the efficacy of an ergonomic pillow are not only improving the quality of your sleep, but helping alleviate common pain points such as neck and back pain, heartburn, sinus drainage, snoring, and even sleep apnea. In this guide, we’ll go over the different types of ergonomic pillows and what factors to consider when choosing the one that best suits your needs. And to make your decision all the easier, we give you top recommendations for ergonomic pillows best suited for different sleeping styles. Do Ergonomic Pillows Actually Work?Whether ergonomic pillows offer any actual improvement over conventional feather pillows ultimately will depend on the individual. However, a range of scientific studies suggests that ergonomic pillows can improve a person’s sleep quality, especially for people suffering from chronic neck and back pain and other medical issues. The most popular use of ergonomic pillows is to curb chronic neck pain and headaches. A common cause of chronic neck pain is cervical spondylosis or the natural degeneration of the discs in the neck region of the spine due to age. One study showed that an ergonomic latex pillow can reduce discomfort and improve neck mobility in as little as four weeks. Likewise, another study corroborates these results and concludes that ergonomic pillows can reduce neck pain from cervical lordosis, which is the excessive inward curvature of the neck that indicates poor posture. A much larger study also showed that ergonomic pillows not only radically improve the sleep quality and time compared to memory foam and ordinary feather pillows but also relieve pain from chronic neck conditions such as the ones mentioned above. After 60 hours of research over a two-week period, carefully reviewing dozens of top-rated bamboo pillows, we have concluded that this is the best bamboo pillows for sleepers that are currently available on the market!
Our team investigated each pillow for several key factors including price, shape, comfort, durability, support level, customer satisfaction, a low returns rate, adjustable loft (height), and more. After checking out dozens of popular brands and close to one hundred choices, we came up with this definitive bamboo pillows. We’ve listed each one below and has listed the reasons buyers are flocking to them. If you’re curious about bamboo pillows and are looking for a supportive, easy-care, high-quality option, try any of these great choices. We discovered that some bamboo pillows have a very low percentage of organic materials and are primarily polyester. On the other hand, a better poly to bamboo blend can mean an amazing degree of sleep comfort. What’re inside matters, too? Shredded memory foam appears to be the direction most bamboo pillow manufacturers are going in Verified buyers agree with this option, stating that shredded foam is adjustable and super-comfortable. Sleepsia offers this comfy pillow at an amazing price. Verified reviewers say they like that the loft is adjustable via a side zipper. Remove or add the shredded bamboo filling per your preferences. Customers also like that the pillow conforms to Certi-PUR US safety standards. This makes it ideal for allergy sufferers, asthma sufferers, or anyone who wants to reduce toxins in the home. The pillow conforms gently to the head, neck and shoulders and maintains its shape well during the night, buyers note. This means it’s great for any sleep position. Also worthy of note is the customer service reviewers say they’ve received from Sleepsia. Response time is quick, and returns are said to be easy. The bad news is that you may be sleeping wrong. The good news is that there are ways to correct this, like an ergonomic pillow that properly aligns your neck and spine, minimizing that creaky-neck feeling in the morning. While they do take some getting used to at first, especially if you’re most accustomed to extremely fluffy down or cotton pillows, a good ergonomic pillow can encourage better and more comfortable sleep in the long run.
The best ergonomic pillows are nearly always made from memory foam rather than more traditional down or cotton, as memory foam holds its shape and is firmer, therefore providing more consistent support throughout the night. Research indicates they can help alleviate neck and back pain, headaches, and chronic issues like sleep apnea. The question becomes how to choose. What Makes a Good Ergonomic Pillow? The only way to get the most benefit from an ergonomic pillow is to choose the right shape for your style of sleeping, as well as your particular issue. While most pillows are designed to suit back or side sleepers, certain shapes may help address particular issues. Stomach Sleepers: Sleeping on your stomach can cause severe back or neck pain in some cases, so choose a pillow that is very thin, which will be more comfortable. Other good ergonomic pillows are contoured with armrests and cushions to cradle as you sleep, which can also help properly align your spine while you sleep. Back and Side Sleepers: While sleeping on your side is generally thought to be the healthiest, and most common sleep position, improper alignment in both positions can lead to pain. Luckily, most ergonomic pillows are also designed to accommodate this sleeping style as well, and is contoured or curved to support your neck and head’s most natural position, usually forming a sort of wave shape, or else creating a supportive cradle for the head. Sleep Apnea and Acid Reflux: Sleepers who have trouble breathing at night, heavy snorers, or anyone with acid reflux problems often benefit from keeping the upper half of the body elevated during the night. To solve this, some of the best ergonomic pillows come in a wedge shape. |