Latex Orthopedic Pillow For Optimal Comfort & Relief

This is a functional pillow with an orthopedic design which specifically adapts to postural requirements according to anatomical needs for back and side sleeping. It is a latex orthopedic pillow, combining the beneficial qualities of both quality latex materials and therapeutic based ergonomics.

Combining elements of comfort, support, and adaptability, the design has shoulder cutouts and arm pressure relief channels, two options for neck support, and correct positioning for neutral posture for specific back and side sleeping positions, helps provide neck pain relief and postural restoration while sleeping.

A spine specialist found about 4 of 5 patients with neck pain awoke with pain or developed the pain at some time during the night. In finding solutions, he researched pillows to help his patients, but poor designs and quality that contributed and sometimes caused conditions like headaches, neck and back pain, as well as shoulder pain and muscle stiffness.

This led him to invent a better option for sleep relief. The latex orthopedic pillow can bring comfort and relief for neck pain and did so in many of his patients. In fact, Through an independent sleep study conducted by St. John’s Sleep Disorders indicated the pillow has been shown to help people fall asleep faster (17.9%) and increase REM sleep (21.3%). The pillow has proven effective for many common issues related to pain relief, poor sleep and health.

Unique Latex Orthopedic Pillow Properties

It is made from the softest Talalay latex available, yet firm enough to provide the proper support. With proper sizing, when you sleep on your side, your head and neck are supported with the optimal height to accommodate the increased need due to shoulder length. The plush comfort and gentle support offers exceptional comfort and keeps your head and neck in perfect alignment, reducing compression stress to your spine.

For back sleepers, the variable density neck support options (Medium and Large) permits customization for your neck. The rounded cylindrical neck support uses a firmer Talalay to help restore the optimal cervical curve and added trigger point relief of the muscles. If a gentle support is preferred, by rotating the pillow 180 degrees, there is a softer, plush comfort while still maintaining the cervical curve design.

What Do Scientific Studies Show?

• A study in the Journal of Pain Research found for neck stiffness, headaches and shoulder/arm pain when waking from sleep, a latex pillow provided better relief than feather, both regular and contour foam, and polyester fiber filled pillows.

• A previous study in Manual Therapy Journal, provided evidence that latex pillows specifically should be recommended to manage waking, improving sleep quality, as well as perceived pillow comfort.

• A study in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found an ergonomic latex pillow that provides support both in the back and side sleeping positions had significant effects on neck extensor muscle endurance and forward head posture for patients with cervical spondylosis. This is a condition from progressive intervertebral disc degeneration.

• A recent controlled trial in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation sowed that an ergonomic latex pillow can significantly decrease neck pain disability symptoms related cervical spondylosis after four weeks. The authors stated, “According to results of this study some symptoms of cervical spondylosis may decrease by using ergonomic latex pillow, thus it is recommended that these patients use an ergonomic latex pillow while receiving physical therapy to improve their neck disability symptoms.”

The evidence in scientific literature is that latex is the preferred material for best relief and comfort. There are two types of latex: Dunlop & Talalay. Dunlop is most typically like rubber and is bouncier than Talalay. To avoid this property in pillows, many Dunlop pillows are quite firm. Those with sensitive necks will not do well with a softer, bouncier pillow. Talalay is a much higher grade of latex and will provide a more comfortable pillow that has better properties for both comfort and pain relief.

The latex orthopedic pillow has a soft and resilient response that is great for more sensitive neck pain conditions and provides a ventilated, airy design to help prevent overheating found in many memory foam pillows. Therefore, the use of latex is cooler, more breathable and reactive than traditional memory foam pillows. This makes for a more comfortable experience that is better for neck pain.

So, while more expensive than memory foam, Talalay Latex creates is naturally hypoallergenic, fungus, bacterial, mold, mildew, and dust mite resistant sleeping environment, ideal for allergy sufferers or those who like a cleaner, healthier sleeping environment. The latex does not have any harmful chemicals or pesticides and is a very pure material. Talalay latex has thousands of tubules that naturally flow air, creating a natural coolness that dust mites and many microbes find uninhabitable.

The seven step Talalay manufacturing process cleanses any water soluble proteins that usually cause allergies are neutralized and rendered inert. It is 20 times more durable, 33 percent more pressure relieving, and 7 times more breathable than typical memory foam!

Using The Pillow

It is recommended that most users of the latex orthopedic pillow begin using the softer neck support for the first 3-4 weeks, then gradually begin using the firm side as the neck becomes accustomed to the new support. This is generally a personal preference as both are quite effective and comfortable for most individuals.

Both neck supports offer great comfort and control, just a slightly variable in resiliency and support through the night. Basically, the firmer side will maintain your cervical curve better and is better for curve restoration and the softer support is easier for accommodation and may help better with sensitive neck pain episodes. You can experiment to see which one works best for you.

Sizing:

If you are between 110 to 200 pounds – order the MEDIUM, under 110 pounds should order a small, over 200 pounds order the large. Weight is generally consistent with shoulder size which is the most important factor in determining the size while side sleeping. So, if you have broad shoulders, you may want to order a size up.

Elderly individuals sometimes need to go up a size if they like to have their heads elevated a bit more. Children under 10 are almost always smalls. The pillow is not recommend pillow for children under 5.

Some individuals like a flatter pillow and they may go down a size. Some like more height and they should go up a size.

If you have a very soft bed, you may go down a size and for a very firm bed, you may go up a size. Because the shoulders will sink deeper into a soft bed more than a hard bed, while the pillow remains the same.

Medium size is by far the most common size ordered (about 80% of users). But the recommended way to consider what size you should order is by your weight. Small, 4″ Side Panel | Medium, 4.75″ Side Panel | Large, 5.5″ Side Panel

Because the pillow is soft and accommodating, it will sink some, so keep this in mind as well.

Pillow Care

It is recommended to use an outer pillow case. It comes with a fitted zippered protective cover but no outer slip pillow case. You can use a king size outer pillow case which will work for both the standard and the large sizes. Do not use a standard size case for the medium and large sizes as they will be too tight and decrease the effectiveness of the pillow.

For the small size pillow, you can use a standard size case cover. An outer slip case cover is recommended to simply remove the outer case for washing and not have to disturb the delicate nature of the foam by unzipping the custom fit cover. If necessary to wash the cover, machine wash on cold and tumble dry with low heat setting. Do not iron the custom fitted cover.

If you need to wash the pillow itself, it should only be done by professional dry cleaners. They may use a steam cleaning system. However, if steam is used or if there is any use of dry cleaning chemicals in the process, it will not be covered under the manufacturers warranty. Do not try to wash it in a regular washing machine because there is a high chance this will damage the pillow.

A Premium Latex Orthopedic Pillow

The latex orthopedic pillow is made to last for years with materials that are far superior to ordinary pillows. Proven to allow one to fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply, and entered restorative REM sleep sooner and longer than individuals using standard pillows. The innovative design addresses issues of snoring, while also possessing the ability to reduce undue spinal stress and optimize postural alignment.

Precisely engineered contours, shoulder cut-outs, and beveled side panels help individuals sleep more soundly and wake healthier, with less discomfort. Hand-crafted in America! Pairs great with a latex mattress (medium – my preference)

How Does This Compare With The Therapeutic Pillow?

They are both functional pillows in design and function. The Therapeutic Pillow is made of a more firmer standard type of foam, which may be too firm for some. They do advertise a “Lite” version of the therapeutic, however, it is not noticeable and the weight difference is only 1 ounce. Although the therapeutic has a ridge at the edges for easing jaw pressure, the latex pillow will be easier for those who experience TMJ problems with reduced jaw pressure. They both require some time to adjust, and may be used in a combination pillow strategy, however, the latex pillow will be easier in this process and will last longer.

Latex Orthopedic Pillow Insert

The pillow comes with an insert for the middle portion used for back sleeping. This is optional and raises the head higher than standard neutral. Why?

It can help during the break in period and you can use this for a few weeks to help and can also be used to decrease jaw retraction, which may help some with snoring. It can be more comfortable for some conditions like facet syndrome. This is something you can experiment with. If you find it useful beyond the break in period, you can unzip the pillow case and insert it permanently.

Case Study

I have been using this pillow for weeks and find it an exceptional functional pillow. I use the insert and there has been virtually no break in period. Previously, I have used the two pillow strategy and I find this combines two different types of pillows into one. The latex is very comfortable and responsive. Over time I have removed the insert and no longer use it. I vary between this and the Therapeutic. If jaw pain due to tmj is worse, I use this one and, if my shoulder pain is worse, I use the Therapeutic. The Therapeutic is much firmer and more precise in shoulder alignment, however, the Latex is more comfortable and softer.

Due to the accommodating nature, my next trial is to go from a medium to large since the bed is firm and I suffer both TMJ problems from an old bike injury as well as chronic shoulder pain after 2 surgeries. I am attempting to see if this will solve the issue with my shoulders in side sleeping, while keeping a soft surface for the jaw and keeping better neck alignment, thus eliminating the need for the therapeutic pillow, which is firm.

They also make the pillow with a gel infused memory foam.