The Microbead Pillow and Its Main Therapeutic Applications

If you enjoy the comfortable squishy feel of bean bags, you might enjoy even more using microbead pillows. Such pillows are made of the same materials as bean bags, the polystyrene beads. The only difference is that the beads used in microbead pillows are much smaller (about 0.8 mm in diameter).  This being so, the pillow molds itself in such a shape that can properly cradle the head or other body part, thus giving users full comfort and good body support while sleeping.

The Microbead Pillow in Details

A microbead pillow is a soft, flabby cushion filled with very small (micro) polystyrene beads. Also called “snow beads”, these pillows are usually made of soft, flexible fabrics like nylon lycra or spandex. Stretchy fabrics are used to allow the microbeads shift to conform to the contours and shape of the user’s body. And because these pillows easily mold to the shape of a person’s body, they are often regarded as orthopedic pillows that alleviate and relieve neck and back pain. As a matter of fact, some doctors usually advice their patients to use a microbead pillow after their surgery to promote better blood circulation and to reduce different pains and strains in the body.

Microbead Pillow Features and Therapeutic Benefits

Microbead pillows are often compared to other therapeutic pillows (like the memory foam and gel pillows) since they also adapt to the shape of the person’s head and to their sleeping position. However, unlike the other pillows, microbead pillows can continuously morph and change shape along with the user in order to conform to his each and every sleeping position. Truth be told, people don’t remain in one position when they sleep. And neither should pillows.

Also, microbead pillows are softer than other pillows. That is why, when a person uses this pillow, his neck is properly aligned to his spine all throughout the night whether he changes his sleeping position – from side sleeping to back sleeping to stomach sleeping – anytime during the night. In fact, there have been reports that people who have neck and back problems experienced significant improvement in their condition when they began using microbead pillows.

Another therapeutic feature of microbead pillows is its amazing pressure management. Because of the millions of tiny polystyrene beads, the pressure is evenly distributed – if not absorbed by the pillow – thus leaving the user with no stiffness or soreness when he wakes up in the morning.  Also, the microbeads have a massaging effect on the head and the neck of the user. That is why, these pillows are perfect for those who suffer from migraine and neck discomforts.

Unlike other pillows, microbead pillows are properly ventilated. This means that they don’t absorb heat from the sleeper; instead, they offer clean airflow for a much cooler and comfortable sleeping experience. And because they don’t absorb moist, these pillows do not allow the growth of dust mites and other allergens.

How to Wash Microbead Pillows

Because it is made of a special and delicate material, washing a microbead pillow needs extra care. It should be washed in a washing machine, in the gentlest cycle, and using cold water. It is also suggested that the microbead pillow is placed inside another pillowcase with both ends tied. By doing so, the polystyrene beads are protected and it is the pillowcase that receives the beating. Users must also remember that such pillows cannot be dried using a dryer. However, a dryer may be used to tumble the pillow as long as no heat is used.

In the Market for Microbead Pillows

The most usual type of microbead pillow found on the market is the cervical pillow. However, there are still other available types – like the neck roll pillow, lumbar support pillow and even an ordinary-shaped rectangular pillow. There are even customized pillows for children and adults. Microbead pillows are usually sold at cheap prices which range between $14 and $80, and can be bought in any specialty store and on online shopping websites.