Five effects of the body pillow
The following are five benefits that can be realized by using a body pillow.
Stress relief
Human contact and body touch releases a hormone called oxytocin. This hormone is also known as the “happy hormone” and gives you a sense of peace of mind.
For example, body or holding hands secretes oxytocin. Therefore, body a pillow will give you a sense of security. It is also said that the body posture instinctively calms the mind because it reminds us of the time when we were in the womb. Body pillows have the effect of reducing stress and relieving stress.
Reduces strain on the lower back and shoulders
The degree of strain on the lower back varies depending on the posture during sleep. There are various sleeping postures, such as lying on the back, side, and prone, but the most stressful is prone sleeping. However, the most stressful sleeping posture is hitting your back, because the lumbar vertebrae are in a warped position, which places a greater burden on the lower back.
On the other hand, using a body pillow allows you to sleep on your side, which reduces the burden on your shoulders and back and stabilizes your sleeping posture.
Improvement of snoring
A body pillow is also recommended for people who are concerned about snoring. Snoring is said to occur when sleeping on the back. This is because when you sleep on your back, your tongue and throat muscles drop and your airway is compressed.
If you use a pillow, you can sleep on your side. Since the tongue and throat muscles do not drop and breathing becomes easier, snoring can be expected to improve.
Reduction and prevention of swelling
Cuddle pillows can also help with swollen feet.
Blood circulates from the heart to the arteries, throughout the body, and back to the heart through the veins. In this process, blood returning from the legs to the heart must defy gravity. The calf plays the role of a pump to return the blood. However, if the pumping role is not sufficiently fulfilled, blood flow stagnates and swelling occurs.
Using a body pillow elevates the position of the legs. This will improve the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid and reduce swelling.
Recommended for pregnant women
Pregnant women may have trouble falling asleep or wake up in the middle of their sleep as their bellies get bigger.
Sleeping on your side with a pillow in your arms puts you in a position that wraps around your belly, making it easier to feel the weight of the belly. This also helps to reduce the burden on the lower back.
How to choose a body pillow (shape)
There are many different types of body pillows. Therefore, some people may be at a loss as to what criteria should be used in selecting a body pillow. The following is an introduction to the different shapes of body pillows and the materials used in them.
Oval type (long type)
This type is a vertically elongated version of the common pillow. It can be used as a pillow for two or folded up like a cushion. Another advantage is that they are inexpensive and easy to find.
Inexpensive and easy-to-find oval (long) type body pillows
Cylinder type
The cylinder type is attractive for its volume. The firm body comfort will give you a sense of security and relaxation. It is also easy to turn over and distributes the burden on the body.
The volume of the pillow can be used as a cushion or set under the feet to reduce swelling.
Cylinder-type body pillow with a sense of volume
Streamline type (S-shape type)
The streamlined type allows you to enjoy the sensation of a perfect fit to your body. Its smooth form matches any sleeping posture, and it is also very stable.
Although many of them are relatively expensive due to their complicated shape, they are recommended for those who place importance on functionality.
Streamline type (S-shaped type) body pillows recommended for those who place importance on functionality
Banana type (crescent shape)
This body pillow has a crescent shape like a banana. The shape that follows the lines of the body is also recommended for pregnant women. The “Sims position,” which is said to be a comfortable posture for pregnant women, is to lie on the side with one knee bent. With a banana-shaped pillow, you will naturally assume the Sims position and sleep soundly. It can also be used as a nursing cushion after delivery and as a sitting support item for babies who have settled into their hips.
Banana-type (crescent-shaped) body pillows recommended for pregnant women are also useful as a nursing cushion and as a sitting support for babies who have settled on their backs.
L-shaped type
This L-shaped pillow allows you to place your head on the curved part of the pillow while holding on to it. Since it has the functions of both a body pillow and a pillow, it provides firm support and stability for the head and neck.
Character/animal type
This is a body pillow in the shape of a character or animal. They are sometimes called “stuffed animals” because they look like large stuffed animals.
The relaxing effect of cuteness and a sense of security is outstanding. It can also be used as a room interior.
Cute and relaxing character/animal-type body pillows (body stuffed animals)
How to choose a body pillow (type of filling material)
When choosing a body pillow, not only the shape but also the filling material is important. Choose a body pillow that is comfortable to the touch and easy to care for.
Polyester
Polyester is often used for pillows and cushions because of its elasticity. It is lightweight and breathable despite its volume. It is water-resistant and can be washed in its entirety. However, when washed, it can become lumpy and lose its fluffy feel.
Polyester cuddle pillows that can be washed whole are voluminous, lightweight, and breathable.
Feathers
A natural material made mainly from waterfowl feathers. Feathers are characterized by their fluffy feel and are recommended for those who prefer a gentle sleeping comfort.
However, the disadvantage is that it is a material that cannot be used in washing machines, dryers, or coin-operated laundromats, so it is time-consuming to care for.
Feather pillows with a fluffy feel are recommended for those who prefer a gentle sleeping comfort.
Low resilience polyurethane
This material is often used in mattresses. You can enjoy the sensation of your body slowly sinking into it. It is not only comfortable to sleep on because it conforms to the body of each individual, but it also has excellent pressure dispersion properties and reduces the burden on the body.
On the other hand, it also has the disadvantages of being easily heated and stuffy, and not being washable. In summer, a washable cool cover can be used for comfort.
Urethane body pillows, which are often used in mattresses, fit each person’s body.
Ultra-small beads
This is made of Styrofoam that has been reduced to tiny, sand-like pieces. The unique touch is also popular as a material for cushions.
Because they change shape depending on the weight and the force of body, they easily fit the body and reduce the burden on the shoulders and back.
However, since it changes shape, it is not stable and has the disadvantage that it tends to retain heat. In summer, it is recommended to use a cool cover.
Beaded cushion with a unique touch that easily fits the body as it changes shape depending on the weight and body force.
Let’s also pay attention to the material of the cover!
- Most body pillows are not washable. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the material of the cover.
- Cotton, which is gentle to the skin, is recommended.
- The cover of a body pillow is a part that directly touches the skin. If you suffer from skin problems or if children also come into contact with it, cotton is recommended as it is less likely to irritate their skin. Cotton is easily washable and dries quickly, so it can be kept clean at any time.
- If you have skin problems or if children come in contact with the pillowcase, we recommend using a non-irritating cotton pillowcase.
- Use different types depending on the season and your constitution.
- Use a cool type in summer and a warm material such as fleece or velour in winter.
- If you are a sweaty person, we recommend using a cotton material that feels dry and comfortable. Its high moisture absorbency reduces stickiness caused by night sweats.
- In summer, a cool type of pillowcase is recommended.