Features to consider while choosing an orthopedic pillow
Filling Material
If you go through our list, you will see that most orthopedic pillows have memory foam as their main component. Also, you will see one feature of this type of foam is the slow rebound rate where if you lift or move your head it may take some time for the pillow to get back to its original state. This is usually a three to five-second period. Another critical feature of memory foam is that it is generally firmer than other counterparts.
On the other hand, if you would like a softer option, fiber filling like the one in the Core Products D-Core Cervical Support Pillow is the way to go. Also, this option has a higher rebound rate reverting to its original state almost immediately you lift your head off the pillow. These are both sensible options, and a person needs to know his preferences before they can make a purchase. If not, they can opt for products with a trial period, so they don’t end up stuck with a product they don’t like.
Cover Material
The cover material should be comfortable and soft, so it doesn’t take away from the positive attributes of the filling. Also, you should look out for whether a pillow’s cover is removable. Some like the UTTU Sandwich Pillow will feature zippers that make it easier to take out the cover. Others will have a zipper to enable you to take out some of the microfiber filling.
Once you find out your pillow cover is removable, the next thing to check is whether it is machine washable. You want a cover that is easy to clean, and if you can’t find one in a pillow that you like, you can invest in a pillowcase beforehand.
Certification
If you are getting an orthopedic pillow, it is probably because of the health benefits it provides over other types of pillows. They offer better spine alignment giving you better sleep, and as a result, you eliminate aches and pains in your back as well as your neck. However, other health issues may come at you while you are sleeping. For one, you might activate allergies that make it almost impossible to sleep.
In another scenario, the air quality in your bedroom may cause respiratory problems. Certification bodies test out pillows in regards to any hazards related to them and tell you if it is safe to use them. Consequently, the more institutions that certify a brand or type of pillow the better. CertiPUR-US is one such body responsible for certification, and it mainly deals with foam products. Products like the UTTU Sandwich Pillow are certified by up to three bodies.
Shape
The shape also influences the effectiveness of an orthopedic pillow. If you look through the options we have provided above; you will note that even though they look different, the basic design is similar. They all have a contour shape consisting of two peaks on the ends and a depression in the middle. This depression also often has a cradle that straddles the users head.
Additional features you can find in the shape of the pillow is a cradle for your neck. The MARNUR Cervical Pillow even features armrests on the side due to its shape. As to whether you should purchase products with such features, it all depends on the importance you place on them. This is also likely to be influenced by your preferred sleeping position.
Firmness
As mentioned earlier, the filling material will likely influence the hardness or softness of the product you buy. Where medium-firm is your preferred pillow type, you can get one to fit the bill. You will also likely find firmer options with memory foam filling which can vary in density. You can also find firm pillows with microfiber filling. In the case of the Nature’s Guest Support Pillow you get a firm microfiber pillow that you can adjust to become softer by removing some of the filling.
Price
The prices of these pillows differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, you would be hard-pressed to find one that is priced at more than 100 dollars. As such, most pillows fall in the affordable range. Even so, you need to check whether you are getting value for money. You would be better suited by spending more as long as you end up with a quality product.