People who side sleep, pregnant persons, healing from surgery, arthritic, migraine, backache, sleep apnea, and a host of other conditions frequently use body pillows. No need to worry if you’re debating purchasing a body pillow or if you already own one but are unsure how to utilize it. I am here to assist.
Thankfully, using a body pillow while you sleep is not too difficult. However, it’s crucial to use the body pillow correctly if you’re utilizing it to reduce pain or preserve posture for a particular physical or medical cause. This article will discuss the many body pillow kinds and how they assist with various conditions, pathologies, and physical changes.
Using a Conventional Body Pillow to Sleep
A traditional body pillow is generally a bigger version of a standard cushion, commonly known as an I-shaped body pillow. These pillows are rectangular and can range from four to six feet. The pillow’s design allows you to hug this and wrap a leg over it if you choose to sleep on your side. To get back support, you can alternatively sleep on your side with your face away from the pillow.
Using a C-shaped body cushion when sleeping
There are very few additional body pillow variations. Another well-liked design is body pillows in the C shape. These pillows, which resemble a letter C and support your neck, legs, and back, are shaped like cushions. With a cushion in the shape of a C, you can choose to face the curved portion of the C or place it against your back. The latter could be more comfortable for women who are expecting because it will give room for their baby bump.
Using a body pillow in the shape of a U when sleeping
Although they have a few minor variances, U-shaped body cushions are comparable to C-shaped ones. The U-shaped body cushions allow you to hug either edge of the U-shape with having opened toward the feet, as opposed to having one arched side and one accessible side. You can place your neck in the curve and do this while hugging either side. Even more help for the body’s front and back will be given by this kind of pillow.
J shaped body pillow for sleep
The J-shaped body cushion is similar to the bottom half of a U-shaped cushion. Although it won’t offer the same level of back support as a U-shaped chair, this design nevertheless supports the head and legs. Place your head on the “hook” of the J-shaped pillow and embrace its length while sleeping, laying your leg on top of a cushion.
The Benefits of Body Pillows for Sleep
After discussing the various body pillow varieties and how to utilize them, let’s look more closely at how body cushions can improve your sleep.
Backache
It can be challenging to try to sleep when you’re in agony if chronic pain is a regular issue for you. Thankfully, a body cushion can ease some of the discomforts. A U-shaped or J-shaped body cushion can offer some cushioning assistance for the back as you rest on your side if you need a little extra back support.
Pregnancy
It should not be shocking that many pregnant women struggle to get a good night’s sleep due to the numerous physiologic changes that take place during pregnancy. Body pillows are now a common pregnancy product, with several of them being sold expressly for use during pregnancy.
Custom Body pillows can be useful. Wherever support and pressure alleviation are required, they can deliver. Due to the support, they offer around the front and rear of the body, U-shaped and C-shaped body cushions are among the most well-liked during pregnancy.
Along with being the safest and most pleasant position for sleeping when pregnant, side sleeping is also recommended. Body pillows can assist you in retraining yourself to nap on your side all through pregnancy if you’re not used to doing so. This is similar to teaching yourself actually to sleep on your tummy to prevent back pain.
Hip Ache
Another persistent issue that might interfere with sleep is hip discomfort. Any type of body cushion can provide that alleviation for those who experience hip discomfort, provided it is wide enough for your legs to rest comfortably on it.
Recovery after Surgery
Another situation where having trouble sleeping is after surgery. You’re probably already experiencing pain from the procedure, and you might also be wearing a cast, gauze, or other recovery equipment that makes it difficult to find a comfortable resting position.
Arthritis
The most prevalent kind of arthritis, osteoarthritis, can also make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Arthritis typically affects the hands, hips, and knees because it causes the protecting cartilage at the ends of your bones to decrease.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
The usage of a body cushion can also help with sleep apnea, a condition when breathing repeatedly stops and starts while the patient is asleep. As sleep apnea frequently results in airways collapsing, lying on the side can help maintain open airways. Those who have sleep apnea can “relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea such restricted breath, snoring, cough, and dry mouth” by utilizing a custom body pillow to train themselves to sleep on their side.
A body pillow can be used for a variety of purposes, such as pain relief, support, or just because it makes sleeping more comfortable. Whatever your motivation, it’s critical to choose a body cushion that will improve your quality of sleep.
When purchasing a body pillow available on the internet, be able to take full advantage of any nap trials that the manufacturers are willing to provide. This will allow you to test the cushions out at residence without taking any risks and then revert back if you decide it isn’t the perfect body pillow for you.
Also, consult with your physician or another medical expert for guidance on the best methods to manage any chronic pain you may be experiencing, as well as any illness or other physical problem that is keeping you from sleeping. Body pillows are a terrific choice, but you can probably also try other strategies.
