What is a Gel Pillow? Does it Have Orthopedic Functions?
Everyone wants to have a good night and a comfortable sleep. After a long day at school or work, or even at home, every individual in this world longs nothing but a soft bed in a dark cozy room and a good long slumber. But how could that be, if your pillow hinders you from doing so?
Pillows have to provide the best comfort that the sleeper deserves in order to achieve a long, serene slumber. This comfort should not be subjective, and neither should it be based on the predilection of the person alone. Rather, it should be based on scientific basis. A comfortable sleep, as people from the medical world would define it, is the one that promotes proper sleeping posture and enough sleeping hours. Now, can you say that you still have a comfortable sleep? If you use an inappropriate pillow – most probably not.
Gel Pillow for a Better Sleep
One type of pillow that is now being widely used is the gel pillow. Contrary to myths, this pillow is not made of any liquid-like substances. Rather, it contains polyester gel fibers that are said to provide one of the best comforts to users. Gel pillows do not need shaking and fluffing, because any position will seem comfortable enough for the user. However, these pillows are moldable. They can be compressed to any shape that is needed by the sleeper. After use, they return to their original form. At the same time, these pillows are easy to maintain. They are washable, lightweight and hypoallergenic.
During the last decade, a new gel pillow technology was developed: the Technogel. The technogel pillow molds itself to a person’s physical structure. In this way, pressure is evenly distributed over the different contact areas, promoting better blood circulation. This pillow also has an advanced thermal conductivity, which makes it entirely different from ordinary gel pillows. Technogel pillow encourages reduction in perspiration and, therefore, a better and more comfortable sleep. Other distinct features of a Technogel pillow are 3D deformation technology, slow memory return and advanced ventilation.
Either of these pillows have claims of orthopedic functions. As a matter of fact, a lot of therapists recommend this type of pillow to their patients, especially to those who are finding it hard to sleep and those who experience terrible body pain in the morning when they wake up. Because of their flexible characteristics, gel and Tecnogel pillows are able to conform to the contours of the user’s body in a precise manner (although of course, gel is not as precise as Memory foam). And because of the ventilation and thermal features, gel fibers are also now used to make different kinds of orthopedic pillows.
Various Kinds of Gel Pillows
One orthopedic pillow that is made from gel is the gel neck pillow. This pillow may be used while sitting or lying down. It is very suitable for people who experience pain in the neck, shoulders and nape as a result of remaining seated for a very long time. According to users and manufacturers alike, gel neck pillows can relieve soreness, stiffness and numbness of the head and neck. Since gel is expensive, most gel neck pillows cost from about $25 to $55.
The gel travel pillow is an orthopedic cushion that has almost similar shape and features like a neck pillow. However, unlike neck pillows, which may be used at the office and even at home, these cushions are specially made for very long travels. Common variations of these pillows include pillows for car use and pillows for airplane rides. Gel insert travel pillows usually cost about $15 while full gel travel cushions are sold at prices between $20 and $40.
People who are seated for a very long time can now also find relief in their lower back, pelvis and tailbone through gel seat cushions. These orthopedic pillows come in two general types: the donut pillow and the chair pad. Both of these pillows are proven effective to prevent and control the symptoms of coccyx pain and hemorrhoids. Best brands of gel seat cushions are normally sold between the amounts of $25 and $40.
There is also a gel pillow for babies. It is designed to keep the baby comfortable in his sleep without irritating his skin. It is sold at the price of $30 or higher.
People who seek head therapy (say from an injury or repetitive migraine) may want to consider using a gel therapy pillow. This pillow is shaped in such a way that it will provide support to the occipital region of the head. It is also equipped with a thermal technology that relieves migraine and muscular contraction headaches once applied to the head. Since this pillow is a little more advanced than others, it is more expensive. It usually costs $35 and above.
For superior comfort, one can use a gel pillow combined with memory foam. This pillow is best for people who want to have a cool night’s sleep. The gel absorbs the shock and vibration (which are present while the person is traveling), while the memory foam disperses the pressure to provide the user a relaxed, pressure-free resting position for the neck and head.
