Sleep Health
Published February 17, 2022
9 minWhat Is a Body Pillow & How to Use It?
Body pillows have been in trend lately. You see them on Instagram, in magazines, and even on television! But these pillows are unlike the regular ones. They are designed to provide pressure point reli
Table of contents
What Is A Body Pillow?What Is a Body Pillow Used for?Types of Body PillowsHow to Use a Body Pillow?What Is The Size Of A Body Pillow?How To Choose The Right Body Pillow?ConclusionFrequently Asked Questions
Body pillows have been in trend lately. You see them on Instagram, in magazines, and even on television! But these pillows are unlike the regular ones. They are designed to provide pressure point relief, aid spinal alignment and even offer a warm hug when you feel like it!. Initially, some might find body pillows slightly peculiar-looking. But they offer extreme comfort. Today, we bring you everything you need to know about these pillows. From what is a body pillow to popular types available in the market, just read ahead to learn more.
What Is A Body Pillow?
Body pillows are long and narrow pillows that are tucked in-between your legs. Using them can help you sleep on the side easily. The primary use of a body pillow is to provide pressure relief. It will help you wake up without any aches or pain and improve your spinal alignment. They come in different sizes, materials, and shapes, such as C, I, or U. Body pillows help you rest more comfortably and can be used post-surgery, if you are pregnant, or simply looking for some extra support.Body pillows are also beneficial for good posture as they provide superior spinal support. But, always make sure you buy a body pillow that syncs with height so that the pillow supports your shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles.What Is a Body Pillow Used for?
Simply put, the purpose of a body pillow is to offer additional comfort and support when you sleep on your side. One can use these pillows;- If you suffer from aches or pains when you wake up
- If you suffer from medical conditions, such as sleep apnea that require you to sleep on your side
- If you are a side sleeper
- If you are pregnant
- If you are looking for additional support
Types of Body Pillows
Body pillows are available in different shapes, sizes, and fillings. Each shape comes with its own set of advantages. Therefore, choose the one that fulfills your sleep requirements. Shapes The U Shape: The most extended body pillow is the U-shaped one. Due to the curvature, it offers both back and frontal support simultaneously. Hence, it provides maximum support and aids spinal alignment. It is an excellent option for someone who switches sides as they sleep. The C Shape: This shape supports the legs to the neck. While it is smaller than the U-shaped pillow, this too offers stress and pain relief from the shoulders. The shape of the pillow also helps maintain the natural line of the shoulders. The J Shape: The J-shaped pillow is more petite than C and U. It is supposed to be tucked in between the knees and goes until the shoulders. According to your convenience, it can be used either for back support or frontal. The I Shape: If you need little support and don’t want the pillow to take up a lot of space, the I-shaped pillow is for you. Fill Materials Kapok One of the most popular fill materials is kapok. This is because;- They are organic and are a plant-based replacement of down.
- They are incredibly soft and offer great comfort.
- Kapok is resistant to moisture.
- They are eco-friendly.
- It is durable.
- Lightweight.
- Easy to carry.
- It is hypoallergenic.
- It is excellent for someone who doesn’t want to buy animal-based products.
- It is easy to maintain.
- Not as expensive as down.
- It is eco-friendly.
- Its open cell structure makes the mattress breathable
- Seamless air flow keeps you cool at night
- Provides firm support.
How to Use a Body Pillow?
The right way to use this pillow is to hug the topmost part while cradling the bottom section between your knees. This position improves your spinal and pelvis alignment and keeps you cozy in your slumber. Take a look below at How to sleep with a body pillow.- First, lay the pillow next to you, along the length of your body.
- If you are sleeping towards the right side, wrap your left leg around the pillow.
- Now, you can either hug the pillow or simply lay your hands on it.
What Is The Size Of A Body Pillow?
| Shape | Size |
|---|---|
| U shape | 25 X 60 |
| J shape | 27 x 64 x 43 |
| C shape | 24 x 60 |
| L shape | 28 x 54 |
| I shape | 20 X 54 |
