For patients who suffer from sleep apnea and use CPAP machines to help them, CPAP therapy results and relief can occur immediately. With successful CPAP treatment, patients can start getting back to their daily hobbies and routines, as they will feel better and more refreshed after a night’s sleep. However, getting used to CPAP therapy can be challenging for some. For those struggling to adjust to CPAP therapy or those who are looking to add more comfort to their therapy, it might be time to consider other options like the type of pillow you use for sleep. The right pillow aligns your head properly to help prevent apneas. Take time to choose a pillow that works best for you.
What To Look for While Choosing an Ideal Pillow?
Sleeping Position
Your preferred sleeping position helps determine which type of pillow works best for better sleep. If you sleep on your back, the pillow should feel secure and supportive around your head, neck, and shoulders.
A pillow for your head should be flat. Or, you should sleep without a pillow if you sleep on your stomach.
If you sleep on your side, make sure your spine remains straight if you use a pillow. Another option to provide support it to place a rolled towel or pillow underneath your waist for additional support.
Material Used
Getting a pillow with the right high-quality material is very beneficial for supporting a person’s back. Most pillows are designed to include memory foam material, which is super comfortable and supportive. Memory foam may be a better option to used compared to a traditional feather pillow as it can support the neck better while a person is sleeping.
Additionally, some pillows are even made from memory foam that is first shredded and then molded to provide the right support to the sleeper. This moldability of a pillow is very unique to memory foam, helping users to find their preferred comfort and preference.
Size of The Pillow
The size of the pillow should be determined based on how much sleeping surface you need. Smaller pillows provide more concentrated support while larger pillows offer balanced support. The size of your pillow should also match your bed size. Body pillows are also an option for some sleepers.
- Queen-sized bed: pillow size should be 20 to 30 inches.
- King-sized bed: pillow size should be 20 to 36 inches.
- Beds smaller than king or queen: pillow size should be 20 to 26 inches.
Pillows That Improve Your Quality of Sleep
CPAP Pillows
A CPAP pillow is a bed pillow designed for those who use a CPAP machine at night to relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea. These pillows are a specialized type, and includes many shapes, sizes, and textures for patients to get a comfortable and customized experience. This type of pillow even includes cutouts to accommodate a CPAP mask’s tubing and hose. Select a CPAP pillow size based on your personal needs.
Wedge Pillows
A wedge pillow is used to lift up the upper or lower body. This assists in improving circulation, reducing the chance of a person snoring, and it also relieves the pressure on sensitive areas. This type of pillow is made with polyfoam or memory foam for added comfort. It is made into a triangular “wedge” shape to help stay in place in any place a person puts it.
For best results, a person could place the wedge pillow where is most comfortable to them. Certain height placement on the body can relieve unique pain or pressure depending on where the person wants the extra support from the pillow.
Wedge pillow are also particurly popular for pregnant women, and can also be used to help people sit up in bed while they read a book or watch TV.
Cervical Pillows
A cervical pillow that properly fits helps users who sleep on their back maintain a normal cervical curve. Use of this pillow results in more relaxed ligaments and muscles during the night. Not only does this add comfort and relaxation, a cervical pillow can also help those who sleep on their side maintain a more natural neck posture, avoiding an unnatural bend. This type of pillow is great to add support and comfort where a traditional pillow may not, as it improves posture while a person sleeps.
Key Takeaways
While sleep apnea offers particular challenges for healthy sleep, you can manage your sleep apnea in many different ways. Along with proper use of your CPAP machine, a high-quality pillow can contribute to a more peaceful and more comfortable sleep. Never buy cheap when it comes to your bed pillows. Poor quality pillows can make sleep apnea symptoms worse and ruin an otherwise good night’s sleep.
Take your time when selecting the best pillows for you. Don’t settle for anything that leaves you with pain in the morning or makes you toss and turn at night. Your sleep matters and the best pillow is part of that choice for healthy sleep.
The first step to a sleep apnea diagnosis is taking a sleep test. This will help determine your sleeping and breathing patterns, and will help you get the right treatment if necessary. Take a sleep apnea test in the comfort of your own home using Sleep Care Online’s innovative and hassle-free service. For more information, call us at 866-465-4478.
