Contour Pillows And Therapeutic Pillows

They are not called therapeutic pillows for no reason. If you have consistently been complaining about not having complete nightly rest, then better ask your doctor for a prescription that doesn't come in a medication and he'll probably recommend contour pillows and therapeutic pillows.

Types Of Contour Pillows

The terms contour pillows and therapeutic pillows are often used interchangeably, yet, both hold different meanings. In reality, therapeutic pillows may not necessarily be contour pillows but the latter is a type of the former. Contour pillows are shaped according to various body contours such as the neck, knees, and lower back.

You've probably seen U-shaped pillows in department stores or on the Web and we call these "contour neck pillows". The contour neck pillow aids in preserving the natural alignment of the neck and the spine to eliminate the strain brought about by bad posture or slouching. This type of contour pillow helps relieve stressed muscles when asleep.

"Lumbar contour pillows" have a shape that conforms to the contours of the lumbar (lower back). If you have the type of mattress that will not give in to your back's natural curve, two best options for you is to either change your mattress or purchase a pillow that intends to conform or fill to the slight arch of the lower back. Otherwise, you are encouraging future neck and back problems. A "lumbar contour pillow" typically has built-in appendages to keep the back in place.

In addition to the line of contour pillows and therapeutic pillows are "knee support pillows" that take the shape of a wedge, hence, the name "contour wedge pillows". This type of contour pillow is able to support the knee to keep it in a slightly raised position when lying on the back, while maintaining the natural 90-degree angle of knees and pelvic area when placed between the knees on a side position.

Without putting support in between the knees, one knee is pulled downwards to where the pelvis rotates, misaligning the spine and creating a tension on the lower back. Placing a knee support greatly diminishes this pressure on the hips and knees.

Memory Foam Contour Pillows

Contour pillows and therapeutic pillows use different types of materials but what is of vital consideration is to have a pillow that is comfortably soft but sufficiently dense to provide a firm support. Most contour and therapeutic pillows are made of foam, such as memory foam contour pillows – a revolutionary discovery in therapeutic orthopedic pillows. According to manufacturers, memory foam contour pillows have the properties to adjust to a person's body weight, shape, and even temperature!

With so many memory foam contour pillows brands and types to select from, not to mention that each type can yield different levels of support, how do you know which ones can give the most therapeutic benefits? Just like any wise buyer, reading the labels first before taking it to the cashier can avoid disappointments later on.

The density of therapeutic pillows defines those with the benefits and those that are "merely" pillows. Memory foam pillows of high quality have density (which is measured in pounds) between 3lb and 5lb. Anywhere below that might be the cheapest in the market but cannot exhibit the therapeutic properties that memory foams are known for.

Four-pound memory foams are considered the ideal because of their cushioning properties, and they are neither too soft nor too expensive. Obviously, the most expensive type of contour foam pillows is the 5-pound memory foam.

Another consideration in choosing contour pillows and therapeutic pillows is the thickness. For therapeutic pillows to provide ample support and cushioning, a thickness of two inches is ideal because it is neither too high nor too flat.

So if you are indeed tired of waking up literally on the wrong side of the bed because it was hard to sleep on a comfortable position, it's high time to look for contour pillows and therapeutic pillows before it's too late.