Can Inflatable Pillows Provide Orthopedic Relief?

One pillow type that is now becoming popular on the market is the inflatable pillow. A lot of people think that inflatable pillows are very comfortable and convenient to use. Since such a pillow is literally made of air, it is appropriate for those who have asthma or allergy to feather, fiber, cotton or foam, which are all usual materials for pillows. Inflatable pillows are also ‘deflatable’. Because of this, users may deflate their pillow, making it portable and a good travel companion.

But the more pressing concern of many consumers is the relief that inflatable cushions can provide to their users. Indeed, can inflatable pillows provide orthopedic relief?

Today, a lot of pillow manufacturers also produce inflatable orthopedic pillows to cater the growing demand of their customers. Aside from this, these manufacturers can save resources because they no longer have to buy expensive materials for orthopedic stuffing.

Inflatable orthopedic pillows take a certain shape and form once they are inflated. These pillows are designed in such a way to provide support to the different parts of the body where the pillow will be used. Modern models of orthopedic pillows are composed of different cells to allow an inflatable level of firmness and body support. These cells readily adapt to the size and position of the head. They are also clinically tested to maintain the blood flow in the body part that rests on them.

There are different kinds of inflatable orthopedic pillows available nowadays: neck pillows, seat cushions, wedge pillows, lumbar pillows and knee pillows.

Inflatable Neck Pillow

People who are in the market for orthopedic neck pillows will perhaps be delighted to know that stores are now thriving with different types and models of inflatable neck pillows. As a matter of fact, most inflatable pillows sold nowadays are intended for neck use. Inflatable pillows for neck are either used for sleeping in bed or for traveling.

Since they are used in different scenarios, they also have different forms and shapes. The shape of an inflatable neck pillow reminds us of the number 8. As the user rests his head on the pillow, the neck is supported by one of the convex portions of the cushion; thus, keeping the head in proper posture while supporting the neck and the spine. This pillow does not only keep the neck in proper place; it also prevents snoring.

On the other hand, an inflatable neck pillow for traveling is shaped like a horseshoe. This is to allow the user to relax the neck as it offers proper support for his head along with his neck and shoulders. Aside from keeping the neck in proper posture, this pillow also prevents instances of drooling, which humiliatingly happens during travel.

Inflatable Seat Cushion

Most people find their chair uncomfortable even if it is cushioned or upholstered. This is because a lot of chairs, most especially in classrooms, offices or clinics, are not ergonomically and orthopedically designed to comfort and support the pelvic bones. But by using inflated seat cushions, they can feel more comfortable when they seat on whatever chair. Such a pillow offers many health benefits. For one, by using an inflated orthopedic cushion, back pain may be reduced. It also relieves the stress on the spinal column and actually improves a person’s sitting position.

Also, when we sit upright, we usually put pressure on our coccyx. The coccyx is the hard bone located at the end of the spinal column. It is like a short tail, a reason why it is referred by some as the tailbone.  When we put too much pressure on our coccyx, it results to lower back pain. To prevent this, a special type of inflatable seat pillow was developed: the inflatable coccyx cushion. This is usually a donut-shaped pillow that puts the pressure on the muscles around the tailbone, instead of the coccyx. This, therefore, reduces instances of back pain and offers relief to tailbone pains. Aside from these, the coccyx cushion is also recommendable for people who are suffering from hemorrhoids.

Inflatable Wedge Pillow

If you have been to the hospital, you perhaps have already noticed that most beds for patients are inclined. This is because keeping a recuperating person in an inclined position can make him feel more comfortable, allowing a faster recovery. This position is useful as well when the patient is being fed. Aside from these benefits, this posture relieves the symptoms of acid reflux or GERD.

But not only patients can utilize this position; it is appropriate even for healthy people who seek back comfort. For this reason, an inflatable wedge pillow may be very practical. Why? Because the instances when a person seeks comfort do not only transpire at home or at the office; the need for comfort may happen any time. And by bringing an inflatable wedge pillow, one can correct his posture wherever he may be.

Inflatable wedge pillows are also ideal for people who like to read while lying down. But if the triangular slope is a little discomforting, one may instead use an inflatable backrest pillow, which also raises a person in a restful declining position.

Inflatable Lumbar Support Pillow

People in the office who experience back pain due to their incorrect sitting position usually use this type of pillow. It is placed at the back of the lumbar region of the spinal column (typically at the concave part of the back). More often than not, models have a strap in front to secure the pillow in position. By using this pillow, the proper curvature of the spine is maintained, reducing pain and stiffness as one sits down.

Aside from office workers, this pillow could be a good travel companion for drivers and passengers alike who will be confined to their sitting position for a very long period of time.

Inflatable Knee Pillow

Last on the list is the inflatable knee pillow. This pillow is shaped like an hourglass. It is placed between the legs, at knee level usually, while the person lies down. There are two general functions of a knee pillow: to align the pelvis and to prevent friction between legs during sleep. There are claims that using a knee pillow can relieve back pain and leg numbness.

Through an inflatable knee pillow, people who are having discomfort in their legs, most especially the elders who easily get tired of standing up or walking, can rest their feet anywhere they want.

Now ask yourself: can inflatable pillows really provide orthopedic relief? With all the points stated, I know you already know the answer to this question.