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Body Pillow Benefits
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Body pillows are a must-have for side sleepers and pregnant women, but they can also provide benefits for all types of sleepers. In this article, we’ll look at the different types of body pillows and their benefits, and we’ll also provide some tips on how to get the most out of your body pillow.
What Are The Benefits of Using A Body Pillow?
There are a number of benefits to using a body pillow, including:
Spinal Alignment
Spinal alignment refers to the way your spine is positioned when you sleep. When your spine is properly aligned, it’s in a straight line from the base of your neck to your tailbone.
When you sleep on your side, your legs naturally fall forward. This can cause your spine to twist and pressure your muscles and joints. Body pillows help keep your spine aligned by supporting your legs and preventing them from falling forward.
Pressure Relief
If you’re a side sleeper, you may find that your arm gets numb or that you have pain in your shoulder. This is because your arm is being pressed against the mattress.
A body pillow help relieve the pressure on your arm by providing a cushion between your arm and the mattress. Placing it between your legs, it’ll improve spine alignment and prevent your body from twisting, which will help to reduce pressure.
Better Sleep
Sleeping on your side can be beneficial because it helps reduce snoring and congestion. If you’re pregnant, sleeping on your side can also help improve blood flow to the baby.
However, sleeping on your side can also lead to back pain. Body pillows help by providing support for your neck and back, which will help you sleep more comfortably.
Reduced Pain
If you suffer from chronic pain, a body pillow can help by providing support for your joints and muscles. This can help to reduce the amount of pressure on your joints and improve blood flow to the area. These pillows can help reduce hip pain, knee pain, and lower back pain because they take the pressure off of your joints.
Improved Blood Circulation
Sleeping on your side can help improve circulation by keeping your heart above your hips. This can also help to reduce swelling in your feet and legs. A body pillow will help to keep your hips elevated, which can improve circulation even further.
Comfortable Sleep During Pregnancy
Pregnant women often find it more comfortable to sleep on their side. This is because pregnant women are advised to sleep on their left side in order to improve blood flow to the baby. Body pillows or pregnancy pillows help achieve this sleep position, provide support for their growing stomach and improve sleep quality.
Less Tossing and Turning
Tossing and turning at night can cause pain in your back, neck, and shoulders as well as restless sleep. A body pillow can help reduce tossing and turning by supporting your neck and shoulders and helping you to relax and find a comfortable sleeping position.
Improved Comfort and Relaxation
A body pillow can help improve your comfort and relaxation throughout the night by providing support for your neck and shoulders, replicating the feeling of a hug, and improving spinal alignment.
Sometimes, we all need something to hold onto. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, stress, or just feeling lonely, a body pillow can provide the comforting hug you need. Especially when you sleep on your own, a body pillow can be a great way to feel less alone and more connected.
Prevents Snoring
Snoring is often caused by an improper sleeping position. When you sleep on your back, your tongue falls back and blocks your airway, which causes you to snore.
Sleeping on your side can help to prevent snoring by keeping your tongue in its normal position. A body pillow can help you get accustomed to sleeping on your side and reduce snoring.
Reduced Stress
We now know that the benefits of hugging go way beyond just feeling good. When you hug something, it actually has a positive effect on your physiology. For example, hugging can:
- Reduce stress hormones like cortisol
- Lower blood pressure
- Slow heart rate
All these effects can lead to reduced stress and anxiety, which can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. In addition to the emotional benefits of hugging a body pillow, there are also some physical benefits. For example, when you hug a pillow, it supports your spine and can help improve your posture.
The Original Sleeping Bean Body Pillow
$79
Materials: Organic Kapok and Organic Cotton
Size: Adult: 5.5 ft long x 10 inch diameter, Teen: 4.5 ft long x 9 inch diameter
How Do I Use a Body Pillow?
There are a few different ways to use a body pillow, and the best way will depend on your individual needs. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your body pillow:
- If you’re pregnant, use a U-shaped body pillow to prop your stomach and back simultaneously. You can also use an I-shaped body pillow and place it between your knees to support your legs and under your belly to keep your spine aligned.
- If you’re a side sleeper, you can use a body pillow to support your knees and keep your spine in alignment. You can slightly bend your knees and place it between your legs to prevent them from rolling forward.
- If you’re a back sleeper, you can use a body pillow to relieve pressure from your lower back and keep your spine aligned. Place it under your knees for optimal support.
No matter how you use it, a body pillow can provide numerous benefits. Be sure to choose a pillow that is comfortable for you and that provides the level of support you need. With a little trial and error, you can find the perfect way to use your body pillow and enjoy its benefits.
What’s the Best Body Pillow Fill?
There are a few different types of body pillow stuffing, and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs. Here are a few of the most popular options:
Latex
Latex is a hypoallergenic material that is both durable and elastic. It can conform to your body’s contours and provides good support and at the same time, it retains its shape. Be sure to choose organic natural latex as it’s free from harmful chemicals and much more durable than its synthetic counterpart.
Kapok
Kapok is a natural fiber that is soft, resilient, and lightweight. Kapok pillows are a good choice for people who are allergic to latex or other synthetic materials. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a soft fill, but it’s not as moldable as shredded latex or buckwheat. what´s more, kapok can be ruined when it gets wet, so keeping your pillow clean may be difficult.
Buckwheat Hulls
Buckwheat hulls are small pellets that provide firm support. They are often used in organic body pillows as a natural support for neck pain. Buckwheat pillows are malleable and easily adjust your body’s contours. Unfortunately, just like kapok, buckwheat cannot be washed in the washing machine. It’s recommended to only wash the pillow case and remove the stuffing before washing.
Wool
Wool is a natural fiber that is soft, resilient, and lightweight. It is a good choice for people who are allergic to latex or other synthetic materials. Coupled with an organic cotton body pillow cover, it´s also a good choice for hot sleepers because it is a naturally breathable and moisture-wicking material.
Down
Down is a soft, lightweight material that is soft and moldable. However, down is not as durable as some other options and may need to be replaced more often.
Feather
Feather is a lightweight material that conforms to your body shape. Feather is also a relatively durable material, but as it may involve animal cruelty, it’s not for everyone.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic material that is affordable and provides good support. However, Polyester tends to become lumpy and compressed pretty fast and it may not be as comfortable for some people. On top of that, it´s a synthetic material so it may unnecessarily expose you to toxic chemicals.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a soft, supportive material that conforms to your body and provides good support. However, memory foam can be more expensive than some of the other options and may not be as durable. Be sure to choose a body pillow with Certi-Pur certified memory foam. This certificate ensures that the memory foam is free of harmful chemicals.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural material that is soft, breathable, and comfortable. However, cotton body pillows tend to be less supportive than some of the other options and as they tend to compress, they may need to be replaced more often.
No matter which type of material you choose, be sure to find a pillow that is comfortable for you and provides the level of support you need. With a little trial and error, you can find the perfect body pillow for your needs.
Body Pillow Shapes and How to Use Them
Body pillows come in different shapes and sizes, and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs. Here are a few of the most popular shapes:
U-Shaped Body Pillows
U-shaped pillows are long and curved and can be wrapped around your body. This shape is good during pregnancy or for people who need support on both sides of their bodies. Try placing the U-shaped pillow between your knees and arms and rest your head on the top curve for comfort.
C-shaped Body Pillow
C-shaped body pillows are long and curved, and they can be wrapped around your body to support your neck, back, and belly all at once. This shape is good during pregnancy or for people who sleep on their sides.
To make the most of this pillow, lay down on your side with the bottom of the pillow positioned between your legs and the top of the pillow supporting your head, neck, and shoulders. You can also hug the pillow with your arms for extra comfort.
J-Shaped Body Pillows
J-shaped body pillows are long, with a hook on one side, and they can be wrapped around your body to prop your neck and back. This shape is good for pregnant women or upside sleepers. To use it, place your head on the hook and wrap your arms and legs around the rest of the pillow.
Rectangular or I-shaped Body Pillow
Rectangular body pillows are long and straight, and they can be used to support your back, neck, or belly. This shape is good for people who sleep on their sides, but it can also be used by back sleepers. These versatile body pillows can be used horizontally or vertically and they’re recommended for all sleep positions.
Cylindrical Body Pillows
The rounded shape of these pillows makes them perfect for people who like to sleep on their backs. Place the cylindrical pillow under your knees for extra support. They can also be used by side sleepers for whole-body support.
No matter which type of body pillow you choose, read the reviews before purchasing to ensure you are getting a good quality product for a good night’s sleep.
03/07/2024 05:36 pm GMT
Knee Pillows
Knee pillows are a great alternative for people who want to avoid using bulky body pillows. They are smaller and more versatile, making them ideal for use in a variety of settings. Knee pillows can be used to support the legs or lower back, making them perfect for both side and back sleepers.
They are also available in a variety of materials, so you can easily find organic knee pillows or those made of CertiPur-certified non-toxic memory foam. When selecting a knee pillow, be sure to choose one that provides the desired level of support and is comfortable for you. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect knee pillow for your needs.
Conclusion
Body pillows can help improve your sleep in a lot of ways. Body pillows can help you avoid pain and discomfort during the night whatever your sleep position by supporting your body and keeping your spine aligned.
Additionally, they can help keep you cool and comfortable, leading to a good night’s sleep. These pillows are a great way to get the most out of your sleep. If you’re looking for a way to improve your sleep, consider using a body pillow with a natural fill, such as wool.
Organic materials are always a better choice for you and the planet. Thanks for reading!
Read More: Easy Tips for Washing Body Pillows
About the Author Kamila Flieger
My name is Kamila, and I'm passionate about researching non-toxic, organic products for the home. I believe it's so important to create a safe and healthy environment for our families, and I enjoy helping others do the same.
