Using a pillow is second nature to us while sleeping, sitting, working, driving, travelling or simply relaxing on a day off. Most people find it difficult to sleep without a pillow, since they are used to using one since childhood. However, not many of us pay enough attention to the pillows that we use.
The general consensus is that the softer and fluffier the pillow, the more comfortable it is. While this may seem to be true in terms of the ‘feel’ that fluffy pillows offer temporarily, the long-term usage of such products can lead to serious problems.
This buying guide discusses the difference between good and bad pillows, postural and physical conditions that one may develop due to usage of the wrong type of pillows, different types of pillows available online, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Cervical and Spine Issues Amongst Pillow Users
We are no strangers to stiff muscles, neck pain and soreness in the cervical region. Every person suffers from minor neck problems occasionally – often due to wrong postures, long work hours, sitting in the same position for long periods of time and physical stress. However, one major reason for most cervical conditions (that we often tend to overlook) is the pillow that you use.
Here are some of the most common neck, back and spine problems that people face:
- Cervical spondylosis
- Neck sprains or strains
- Back stiffness
- Neck stiffness
- Degenerative disc
- Torticollis
- Herniated (slipped) disc
Neck pain can be really difficult to deal with and generally causes a lot of discomfort – to an extent where it becomes extremely tough to even do mundane activities and movements. While minor neck problems can be easily resolved with rest, sleep, relaxation and massaging, some of the aforementioned conditions can really damage your body in the longer run. Cervical issues are more common amongst the older generation, since the tissues and muscles in the neck region undergo natural wear and tear. Over-the-counter drugs, painkillers, massage therapy and pain balms can help deal with such problems to a certain extent, but they are bound to return and haunt you again if the pillow that you use is not right.
Avoiding or Treating Neck Issues by Switching to a Cervical Pillow
While there is no foolproof preventive measure to ensure that you will never face any neck issues, following a few things can help keep them at bay to a large extent.
1. Take only one pillow while sleeping
2. Use a low and firm pillow
3. Correct your posture
4. Do neck exercises
5. Avoid holding one position for long periods of time
6. Use the right office chair
There are various home remedies for treating temporary neck pain, including the following:
- Massage therapy
- OTC muscle relaxants
- Painkillers
- Icing / heat therapy
- Cervical pillow
Switching from your regular pillow to a cervical pillow that is designed to help you avoid (or deal better with) any cervical spasms, neck strains or other similar conditions can really help you keep your neck region in a hyperextended position while you sleep. Modern-day cervical pillows come in various shapes and sizes, including those that are made from high-quality memory foam that adjusts itself according to the contours of your neck and head. The daily use of such pillows can help reduce any tension in your neck muscles and also provide adequate comfort to the user.
Different types of back and neck support pillows
Here is a round-up of the different types of pillows that you will find in the market:
- Cervical support pillow – Designed to provide support to the natural curvature of your spine and relieve pain
- Round ring pillow – Made with a hole in the center to distribute body weight evenly and relieve any pressure off the back region
- Memory foam pillow – Designed to adjust to the contours of your body and pop back to its original shape after use
- Buckwheat pillow – Filled with buckwheat husks and designed to conform to the curves of your head
- Microbead pillow – Filled with microbeads to provide optimum support to the user while sleeping
- Inflatable pillow – Ideal for frequent travellers and officegoers, compact and easy to carry
You will also find a wide variety of back support cushions, U-shaped neck pillows and other variants to choose from.
5 Excellent Pillows for Senior Citizens
At Seniority, we have handpicked five amazing support products that can be used by people of all ages. These pillows or cushions are diverse in terms of design, features and applications, and can be used by people who suffer from certain neck or back problems.
1. Instant Pain Relief Massager Pillow
A compact pain relief pillow that is extremely dynamic in nature, this pain relief pillow doubles up as an effective massager. With four deep-kneading massaging nodes that rotate in opposite directions, the pillow delivers excellent therapeutic relief to the user. The electric pillow uses the Shiatsu massaging technique to provide effective pain relief via a deep, relaxing and curing massage. Its motors work silently and hence the pillow is ideal for usage in any kind of setting – whether you are at home, in office or in transit (in a car, bus, train or flight). The product comes with a flexible belt that you can strap on easily. The massaging helps alleviate neck and shoulder pain by relaxing your tight muscles and using infrared heating therapy to regulate the circulation of your blood.
Key features:
- Compact, lightweight and sturdy pillow
- Adjustable strap
- Provides therapeutic massage to the neck and shoulder
- 4 deep-kneading massage nodes
- Infrared heating therapy
- Electric motor does not create noise
2. Cooling Gel Lumbar Support Pillow – Big Impex
Avoid back issues and maintain a good posture wherever you go, with this lumbar support pillow by Big Impex. A handy pillow that helps deal with inflammation, soreness and stiffness; the product adjusts itself to the contours of your body. The pillow keeps your back and spine in a good position and helps distribute your body weight evenly. Made from high-quality memory foam and with a thick layer of gel on top (to provide a cooling effect), the pillow is ideal to be used especially during summers.
Key features:
- Offers excellent support to the lower back and spine
- Relieves fatigue, pain and inflammation
- Promotes a neutral spine posture
- Thick gel layer on top surface
- High-quality memory foam
- Dimensions: 34 x 10 x 32 cm Weight: 0.56 kg
3. Musical Neck Pillow – Star
Designed to deliver an all-round relaxing experience to the user, Star’s Musical Neck Pillow is your best friend after a long day’s work. A comfortable neck pillow that doubles up as your personal music player, the product is extremely lightweight and compact. With an MP3 connector and high-quality built-in speakers, the pillow helps you revitalize and de-stress with your favourite music. Its ergonomic design ensures that the pillow fits your neck and shoulder region snugly, while it also provides an effective vibration massage.
Key features:
- Stylish neck pillow with vibration massage mode
- Offers optimal support to the neck and shoulders
- Length of the wire: 60 cm
- Lightweight, compact and portable
- Ideal for frequent travellers
- Available in assorted colours
4. Back Support Pillow with Vibration – Star
A super-convenient and extremely lightweight cushion, this snug back pillow by Star is perfect for individuals who need extra support for their back and lumbar region. Its vibration mode helps provide instant relief from backaches. The gentle vibrators installed within the pillow comfort your muscles while allowing you to relax. You can use this back pillow in any chair or seat, even while you travel, irrespective of the mode of transport (unless you are on a bike!). The ergonomic make and universal design of this multipurpose pillow makes it the ideal companion at home, office or while travelling.
Key features:
- Multipurpose back massager pillow
- Plug-in connection (power adaptor and car plug included)
- Lightweight and compact
- Stretchable design, made from memory foam
- Relaxes tight muscles in the back area
- Available in assorted colours
- Dimensions: 32 x 33 x 10 cm
5. Cervical Pillow - Round Soft - Vissco
If you are on the lookout for a round-shaped cervical pillow, your search ends here. Vissco’s high-quality cervical pillow enables the user to maintain a normal lordotic posture and keeps the spine in good positions. If you often encounter a stiff neck, mild sprains or muscle pain in the neck region, the regular usage of this soft, round cervical pillow can help alleviate such conditions. Its Bolster shape helps cervical spondylitis patients and individuals suffering from cervical spondylosis or arthritis. The super-fine polyester fiber pillow assumes its original shape automatically after use. The pillow comes with a washable outer cover made from pure cotton.
Key features:
- Super-fine polyester fiber
- Soft and comfortable
- Round-shaped
- Helps relieve a variety of neck problems and aches
- Washable ,
- 100% cotton cover
Looking for superior-quality neck pillows, back cushions or neck support pillows and accessories for the elderly? Seniority.in offers a massive range of pillows online and even offers free shipping on products, like the ones mentioned above. You can order and buy different types of pillows online from anywhere in India and bid adieu to your chronic neck and back problems.
Browse through more pillow designs and options here!
