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
However, they are big. Some full-sized body pillows can even be about 6 feet tall. Therefore, if you share your bed with someone, it is essential to keep this factor in mind.
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.
Down And Feather Fill
One of the significant advantages of down or feather fill material is that they keep you warm. So, if you reside in a city where the temperature usually drops down, this is an ideal choice. Other benefits include;
- It is durable.
- Lightweight.
- Easy to carry.
However, maintaining it can be slightly taxing, and it doesn’t handle moisture well. It can also get clumpy when wet, and it tends to lose its shape.
Down Alternative
While down consists of the undercoat and feathers of a bird, the down alternative is its synthetic replacement that offers a similar feel. Benefits of down alternative are;
- 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.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is comfortable and fluffy. It is designed to provide maximum comfort and doesn’t clump together. However, memory foam can retain heat, and make you feel slightly hot.
Latex
Latex is natural and is made from a rubber tree sap. While it can be somewhat expensive, latex comes with its own set of benefits.
- It is eco-friendly.
- Its open cell structure makes the mattress breathable
- Seamless air flow keeps you cool at night
- Provides firm support.
Polyfil
Polyfil stuffing is prevalent because it is extremely affordable and durable. When it comes to these fills, proper maintenance is required. Otherwise, they clump together.
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.
Benefits of Using A Body Pillow
Purchasing a body pillow is a wise investment because it offers many benefits. So, who needs a body pillow? What are the benefits of sleeping with a body pillow? Take a look.
Comfortable Sleep
Body pillows offer spinal alignment and provide pressure point relief that enables you to wake up pain-free and have a productive day ahead. And, if you are someone who tosses and turns excessively during the night, a body pillow will stay in the same place, unlike a neck pillow. This is because of their size and shape.
Pregnancy
Body pillows are great for pregnant women. After the first trimester, it becomes challenging to sleep on the back. And, to sleep on the side, additional support is required. And that’s where the body pillow comes in. It supports your belly, legs, and shoulders as you sleep, without the help of any additional pillows. They are great for pregnant women and new moms. It can also be used for support when nursing.
Back Pain
Using a body pillow can be good for back pain because of the support it provides. When you use a regular neck pillow, there are chances that you toss and turn, which can deteriorate your aches and even cause neck sprains. However, when you use a body pillow, you experience stable support from shoulder to ankle, which reduces back pain.
Recovering From A Surgery
Body pillows can be helpful when recovering from certain surgeries like knee or hip replacement because of the optimal support it provides. Therefore, ask your doctor if it suits and supports your condition.
Side Sleeper
Certain medical conditions require you to sleep on your side. For example, if you suffer from sleep apnea, sleeping on the side is optimal. Using a body pillow can help you stay on your side, especially if you favor any other sleep position.
Aids Digestion
Sleeping on your side can aid digestion by restricting the stomach acid from traveling back through the esophagus. So, if you are someone who suffers from acid reflux or indigestion, a sleep pillow is a great option.
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 |
How To Choose The Right Body Pillow?
When it comes to choosing the perfect body pillow, keep the below factors in mind.
Body Pillow Size: Body pillows come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Therefore, choose the right one according to your height and comfort.
Shape: While C-shape offers you comfortable support and cradling, an I-shaped pillow offers one-side support. So, choose the right shape, according to your requirement.
Fill: The material plays an important role. If you want something firm and natural, you have latex, while if you want something fluffy, memory foam is your option. Also, some fills can make you feel warm as you sleep. So, check out all the options before making a decision.
Weight: You can find both lighter and heavier options. While a lightweight option is easier to move around, a heavier one offers more stability.
Price: Depending on the type of fill and the brand, the costs may vary. Therefore, have a budget in mind before you start body pillow shopping.
Conclusion
There are several benefits of a body pillow. But, overall, body pillows are great and can change the way you sleep, enhancing the quality! These pillows are suitable for the back and offer warmth and coziness.
