How to Use a Body Pillow?
A body pillow is a unique pillow that provides you with the needed body comfort for a restful good night sleep. It is usually mattress sized and comes in different shapes and lengths that can give you relief where you need it the most. It can support your head, back, shoulders and upper legs.
A body pillow is the best pillow for relieving pain in different pressure points of your body like the knees, elbows, and thighs. Besides, it provides total back support and can help eliminate constant tosses and turns, by cradling you inside it. Likewise, it can improve your body alignment. Moreover, you can always customize it as needed for extra comfort.
Here is how to make use of it, depending on your different sleeping positions.
1. Sleeping on Your Back With a Body Pillow
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Back sleeping is one of the best sleeping positions, as it can prevent heart problems, acid reflux and keep your body well aligned. However, not everyone enjoys this sleeping position and that is where a body pillow comes in.
If back sleeping causes a lot of strain in your body, use a body pillow. You will have to hug the body pillow like a teddy bear with the top pillow part resting on your shoulders. Your arms should rest freely on it, curling around it as if you are cradling your better half.
In relation, a U-shaped body pillow is also helpful with back issues, as you can cradle the nape of your neck with it, to relieve back tension. This keeps your spine in a natural position and prevents you from waking up every now and then in search of a comfortable sleeping position.
2. Sleeping on Your Side With a Body Pillow
If you enjoy sleeping on your side, then you can just slip the top part of the body pillow, under your head, for proper neck support. You can hold the rest of the body pillow close-by for a sense of comfort and support. Besides, it is very usual to rest one of your legs on top of the body pillow.
You can put the lower part of the body pillow between your knees, pulling your knees a bit towards your chest. This supports your hips and lower back, preventing any discomfort or tightness in the morning.
Moreover, if you are pregnant, sleeping on your side with a body pillow can enhance blood circulation to the uterus and help with any swollen ankles. In addition, the body pillow will give you the ultimate comfort by supporting your back, neck, and belly all at once.
3. Sleeping on Your Stomach With a Body Pillow
This is the worst sleeping position because it puts a lot of strain on your lower back. However, if you have to, just put a body pillow under your pelvis to lift yourself up. This straightens your spine too.
You should never put a pillow under your head if you are a stomach sleeper. Nonetheless, if you have to, just opt for one that does not put a strain or stress on your back area.
Types of Body Pillows
There are loads of different types of body pillows on the market today. You can find some in C-shaped, loopy style, straight body pillows, U-shaped, I-shaped, J-shaped and much more that you can choose from, depending on your sleeping needs.
In addition, some of these body pillows have extra essential features like massage mechanism, heating coils and aromatic herbs that make it easier for you to fall asleep.
In relation, you will have to test your pillow of choice before buying, as the price is never a determinant of comfort. Likewise, you can weigh your choice, according to the main construction materials, taste and preference.
You should also remember to get a cover for it if it does not come with any. Learn to take care of it from washing to general cleaning, and make the replacement when required.
Conclusion
There you have it, some tips on how to use a body pillow depending on your sleeping position as well as the types that exist. You can do more research on the specific types before buying. It is all about trial and error when it comes to finding a comfortable body pillow.
The point is you can find any comfortable body pillow as long as you know what you are looking for. It does not matter, if you are a stomach, back, side or combination sleeper, there is variety in style, comfort, and affordability.
