ORTHOPAEDIC MATTRESS

Pillows and orthopaedic pillows

Pillows support the head and control the "at rest" relationship between the neck and the back.

Having effective and supportive pillows is essential to ensuring a correctly aligned spine during sleep. In fact, many of the benefits and advantages of a good orthopaedic mattress will be lost if the head support is poor or inadequate - so pillows play a vital role in mattress orthopaedics.

Pillow types

Traditionally pillows have been filled with either feathers or a compressible foam, with the quality of the feathers (down) and the grade of the foam determining the firmness of the pillows. Until recently, the determination of what was good and bad in pillow terms has largely been overlooked, but with the arrival of memory foam much has changes.

Memory foam pillows

Memory foam pillows are made from the same weight sensitive and contouring material as memory foam mattresses and they shape themselves to the contours of the head and neck.

Memory foam pillows are available "neutrally shaped" like a standard pillow, or contoured specifically to cradle the head and support then neck. Memory foam pillows are firm but contouring and have become very popular in a short period of time. Like memory foam mattresses they return to their normal profile once the resting head and neck no longer exert any pressure on them.

Most experts believe that memory foam pillows offer better orthopaedic support than standard feather or foam pillows.

Latex foam pillows

Latex foam pillows are an alternative to memory foam pillows. They offer similar properties, but have a springier feel and are considered to be cooler in warm weather.

Latex pillows are often referred to as having a "spongier" feel than memory foam and they are perforated to encourage the ventilation and flow of air during use.

Summary

Memory foam and latex foam pillows are hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. Both offer good orthopaedic support and memory foam pillows are available in a profiled shape for increased comfort.

Only personal preference can determine the kind of pillow that suits each individual, however new technology foams appear to provide better head support than conventional old style pillows.< p>

If you continue to have uncomfortable nights and poor sleep having bought a new mattress, try replacing your pillows, or changing the core material from which they are made.