Adjustable Pillow

An Adjustable Pillow Offers Many Beneficial Options For A Personal Level Of Support

Many people have tried numerous types of pillows without success. The unfortunate part of this is that they give up, not believing there is a solution to their problem. Although pillows designed for neck pain are usually helpful, there are some people who just can’t seem to find one that is just right for them. An adjustable pillow provides solutions to help solve this problem.

With the ability to adjust the entire pillow, you can find the right height, firmness and even shape that will suit your needs, all in one pillow. If your needs happen to change as your condition progresses, you do not need to get another pillow, simply adjust the pillow for more firmness or any variables you might require.

Adjustable Pillow Types

There are a few types of pillows that you should consider. Keep in mind that some pillows offer a small amount of adjustability, however, we are talking about pillows with complete adjusting for height, firmness and, as you will see, even shape!

The first type is a water based pillow. A water pillow sounds somewhat odd, however, they are very durable and do not leak. Made from a durable inner bladder, and surrounded by comforting fiber fill and even available with down filling. The advantage is that you can fill the pillow with levels of water that will provide just enough height for your head and shoulders, keeping the neck in a natural, healthy position all night long.

The second type is an air based pillow. The inflatable pillow uses a built in neck roll air cell which can be filled to your personal preference. This allows separate chambers, so you can actually adjust the shape of the pillow, providing more or less neck support as needed.

A third type is a functional pillow that allows adjusting and also provides the ability to adjust the side height specifically. This can be beneficial to those who have scoliosis or pain from a pinched nerve where having additional height on one side can reduce sleeping pain by maintaining a position that alleviated stress on one side or reducing a pinched nerve pressure. An antalgic posture is one that is produced by having the head tilt to one side or the other to relieve pain. These pillows can maintain this while sleeping. Available as a memory foam orthopedic pillow or a fiber based functional pillow.

Adjustable Pillow Benefits

adjustable pillow water fillBy using air or water as the mechanism of support, you get a pillow that reacts to changing positions as you sleep without having to adjust the pillow. What does this mean? Both types of pillows react similarly; as you are lying on your back, the pillow surrounds your head and neck with support as the water or air moves around lighter parts of your body, allowing the pillow to conform directly and gently to you specific contours.

As you move to the side sleeping position, the water or air will move to surround and fill the gap between the head and shoulders, providing more support to keep your head and neck level, as extra height is needed to accommodate this position due to the extra shoulder length. No need to puff up the pillow or place your arm under it to get added height. So, the main advantage is that a fully adjustable pillow will accommodate changes in position on its own. This is like a functional pillow without having to change positions on the pillow itself.

Pillow Comparison

Again, the pillows react similarly to changing positions. The basic water pillow is perhaps the most economical way. There are options such as a water pillow with extra neck support. However, you will need to fill it with water. A funnel is provided along with markings for soft, firm and extra firm support. There is some minor noise from the water, however, this is minimal. The main difference is in the weight. Water pillows are heavy pillows. This can be difficult to handle, or you may like a pillow that does not move around while you sleep – it will stay in one place no matter how much you move around at night.

The inflatable pillow is lightweight and also provides a high degree of comfort. It uses a small air pump in the pillow to fill up the pillow with air. The individual air cell provide great support and movement just like a water pillow which effortlessly reacts to changing positions. The cover is very soothing. It gives separate areas to adjust for your head and neck, therefore, you can control the level providing an extra measure of support for the neck and proper ergonomics.

inflatable pillow

Additional Details

Because these pillows are adjustable, there is some initial set-up time in order to experiment with getting the right level of fill. You can begin with an average level and adjust it to your needs. Every few months it may be necessary to add a little more air in the inflatable pillow, and this can be done with just a few pumps. The water pillow will not lose water, however, it should be changed every six to eight months or so.

The Adjustable Pillow And Your Health

An reactive pillow will automatically conform to changing positions, conforming to you particular anatomy as you move. This keeps your spine in alignment in any position, effortlessly. By retaining the natural alignment, pressure on sensitive nerves is minimized and a more natural muscle tone is maintained, alleviating soreness from stiff muscles. An easier progression in changing positions means less sleep interruptions. Longer periods of uninterrupted deep sleep lead to all kinds of health benefits, including raised levels of alertness, a stronger immune system, lowered stress, weight loss, and many more!

A Clinical Trial in Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation showed a water based pillow offered decreased morning pain intensity, better pain relief, and improved the quality of sleep.

Author Bio

Stephen Ornstein, D.C. has treated thousands of neck, shoulder and back conditions since graduating Sherman Chiropractic College in 1987 and during his involvement in Martial Arts. He holds certifications as a Peer Review Consultant from New York Chiropractic College, Physiological Therapeutics from National Chiropractic College, Modic Antibiotic Spinal Therapy from Dr. Hanne Albert, PT., MPH., Ph.D., Myofascial Release Techniques from Logan Chiropractic College, and learned Active Release Technique from the founder, P. Michael Leahy, DC, ART, CCSP.