Because of the popularity of specialty body pillows such as pregnancy pillows and nursing pillows, many people erroneously believe that body pillows are intended for use by women only. This misconception is partly fueled by the fact that very few manufacturers designate any of their body pillow products "for men." But the truth of the matter is that any type of body pillow that is good for a woman will also have many benefits for men as well, with a few modifications, such as larger size and firmer construction.
Who Can Benefit from a Body Pillow?
In fact, almost anyone can benefit from using a body pillow. Propped against your back, it helps to maintain a proper alignment of the spine, and when hugged between the knees it can reduce leg discomfort. Both of these uses result in less tossing and turning which translates to a better quality of sleep. Benefits are experienced experienced by the following groups:
Snorers - People who snore tend to do their worst snoring when they sleep on their back. Side sleeping reduces the likelihood of snoring resulting better sleep for both the snorer and the snorer’s sleeping partner. Large U-shaped or C-shaped body pillows that not only support the head but also curve around and support the body prevent you from rolling onto your back during sleep. The reduction in snoring can be significant causing many first-time body pillows to claim that they have never slept better!
People with physical disabilities - People with back problems have been known to derive significant benefits from body pillows, both before and after surgery. Those who have curved and/or shortened spines, are often able to position body pillows in such a way as to enjoy sleeping comfort that they had never experienced previously. Many with other types of disabilities can also benefit from using a body pillow. For example, the feeling of being slightly squeezed and comfortably surrounded has been known to provide sleeping benefits for some of those who are afflicted with autism.
Types of Body Pillows
A body pillow is an oversized pillow intended to support and help the full figure throughout rest. While regular pillows could be utilized to perform this same capacity, they have a tendency to movement and pack and in this manner can't give the essential back for the best rest experience. Body pillows usually fall into the following major categories:
Rectangular Body Pillows - The basic body pillow is rectangular in shape and approximately equal to the length of the body. One can use this type of pillow by lying comfortably against it and "hugging" it with an arm and/or a leg draped across the top of the pillow. This pillow can also be placed between the knees or propped against the back.
Curved Body Pillows - "C" or "U" shaped full body pillows generally wrap around the body to provide support in six key areas: the head, neck, back, shoulders, arms and knees. These pillows, preferred by side sleepers, support the body from the front as well as the back, holding it in place for less tossing and turning. It helps prevent the user from rolling onto the back into a snoring position.
What's the Best Body Pillows - Soft or Firm
While soft body pillows are comfortable and cozy to the touch, they may not offer adequate support. If you experience back pain during the night because of poor spine alignment, and you want a pillow between your legs to align the spine and avoid torsion, a soft pillow might collapse and not provide adequate support. In this situation a firm pillow is needed for the support you require. On the other hand, if your pain is muscular and in your upper back, you might feel comfortable using a softer pillow under your upper back (shoulders area) and head.
The firmer your pillow, the less flexible it will be. If you like to fold your pillow and frequently change its shape during the night a soft pillow may be better. Also, if you like to hug your pillow at night and you are small framed person, a firm body pillow may be too large and bulky for you. In this case a soft or medium firm pillow might be a better choice.
Recommended Body Pillow Options
The following selection of body pillows is available from Deluxe Comfort
C Full Body Pillow- Designed exclusively for side sleepers, the uniquely shaped C Full Body Pillow makes it easy for you to improve the entire sleep experience. This body pillow conforms to the curves of your body and diminishes pressure points at the elbows and knees. Its ergonomic construction incorporates a long curved cylindrical shape to support the head, shoulders and back while maintaining proper spine alignment.
Comfort Body Pillow-The Comfort Body Pillow is a medically designed pillow to bring gentle support for side sleepers, eliminating the need for multiple separate pillows. During sleep, the shoulders tend to compress, the body rolls forward and the knees rub against each other which may cause pain. In any case, when dozing with the Comfort Body Pillow, the form stays in a fitting spinal arrangement position, with the shoulders upright and knees underpinned. The Comfort Body Pillow also promotes healthier circulation which provides pain relief for arthritis sufferers.
Boyfriend Body Pillow, Girlfriend Body Pillow- These fun pillows are great for people who like the feel of some cuddling in bed without actually having to be with a live person. It is a soft body pillow that looks like the torso of a body with an arm to hold you at night. They make a great for a friend or relative who craves company in bed that doesn't snore, complain, smell or say a word.
