Sleep apnea pillows: If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, you need the sleep apnea version of your pillow to accommodate the CPAP machine’s tubes and cords.
These pillows have polyester fiber foam or fill and are high loft so you don’t sleep with your head flat as sleeping flat obstructs your airways and further aggravates sleep apnea symptoms.
Neck pillows: Neck pillows have the ability to support your neck and head most comfortably, which keeps your spine positioned correctly while you’re sleeping. These are the highest-rated pillows as far as spine support is concerned.
Body pillows: A standard body pillow is at least 54 inches long, but they come in multiple shapes including U, L, J, and C-shaped, for various types of support and comfort. Circular body pillows such as the U or C shape provide both back and front support and hold you in place, a useful characteristic if you shift in bed frequently. Body pillows are a great option for those who like to snuggle in bed. Even pregnant women benefit from these kinds of pillows.
Lumbar pillows: Lumbar means lower back, right, so if you are looking for a pillow to naturally relax your lower back, this is the pillow for you.
Wedge pillows: Wedge pillows are orthopedic pillows for back sleepers and either have a polyester fiberfill or foam construction. Although they’re available in many size variations, they all have the same angled, triangle shape. Sleeping at an incline with a wedge pillow supports your back, improves blood flow, and reduces pressure on your lumbar spine. It elevates your feet, legs, and upper body to eliminate discomfort associated with acid reflux, varicose veins, and even pregnancy.
Cervical pillows: Also known as rounded pillows, cervical pillows are specifically designed to support your neck in proper alignment at night and specifically shaped to guide your head and neck into the right angles during sleep. Cervical pillows have a divot around the neck area and hold your neck and head in place while you sleep to prevent your head from turning over. By holding your head still, cervical pillows minimize stiffness or strained neck and shoulder muscles.
Contour pillows: Contour shaped pillows have a curved design, which means they have a slight dip around the middle, which mirrors the curve of your upper spine and neck. Chiropractors recommend contour pillows for back and side sleepers since contour pillows provide excellent neck support, promote a neutral spine, and reduce neck and shoulder stiffness.
Bolster pillows: Bolster, or rolled, pillows are occasionally used for decoration, but also offer excellent neck and leg support depending on where they are placed. They can be used between or under your knees or under your neck, but both aid in healthy spinal alignment and relieve pain and pressure from your neck and lumbar spine. Bolster pillows provide soft but firm support for the lower back, lumbar region, spine, hips, legs, and knees.
Horseshoe pillows: Horseshoe-shaped pillows are the name of neck pillows used when traveling by car, plane, or train. They’re small and wrap around your neck to prevent your head from curving to the side when you’re sleeping upright.
