Memory Foam Pillows

In a dream, a person spends 30% of his entire life. The choice of quality bedding provides not only a comfortable stay, but also health. Modern factories for sleeping products offer a variety of pillow fillings. Nowadays, pillows with innovative memory foam filling, which provide an orthopedic effect, are gaining popularity.

The memory effect or memorix is ​​the property of the filler to take the shape of the human body, and in the absence of pressure, return to its original shape. The development of a material with such properties began in the space industry in the 70s of the last century in order to reduce the pressure on the muscles and skeleton of a person. Innovative technologies have come into the mass production of orthopedic products for sleep and relaxation, first for medical supplies, and subsequently for general consumption.

Manufacturers offer all new wrap-around fillers protruding parts of the human body, the so-called plasticine effect for orthopedic pillows, which serve to relieve the cervical spine. The innovative materials of the pillows maintain their shape, supporting all the muscles of the cervical spine, and in the absence of pressure, restore their original shape in 4-10 seconds.

The properties of pillows with synthetic or natural fillers with a memory effect allow you to maintain a deep sleep phase for a long time, reduce the number of turns from side to side, and ensure good blood circulation.

Memory pillows are of undoubted benefit:

• improve the quality of sleep;
• allow the body to recover and rest in a shorter period of time;
• reduce the number of headaches by ensuring proper blood circulation;
• relieve the muscles of the neck and back;
• help to reduce pain from osteochondrosis.

Despite the beneficial properties of memory foam pillows, negative nuances from their use are also possible. The harm from using such pillows lies in the allergic nature of the filler material. Synthetic materials, environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic, high quality products have a European certificate confirming the safety of the filler composition (CertiPUR). But to reduce the cost of the filler material, some manufacturers can use additional components:

• formaldehyde;
• chlorofluorocarbons;
• mitlenechloride.

These substances are carcinogenic.

Memory foam pillows have no medical prescription for use. But factories producing such products are actively cooperating with medical and orthopedic centers.

They give advice on how to use this product for sleeping in such cases:

• problems with the spine (scoliosis, osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernias, lordosis, etc.);
• injuries of the cervical and upper spine;
• muscle spasticity and increased muscle tone;
• violation of the blood supply to the brain;
• recovery after operations and injuries, as well as if it is necessary to keep to bed for a long time (after a stroke, a serious operation, with a concussion);
• the period of rehabilitation after any types of injuries and medical manipulations;
• migraines, headaches, dizziness;
• hypodynamia (limited movement or sedentary work most of the day).

The indications for the use of memory foam pillows are very extensive.

However, there are also contraindications in the use of this product:

• allergic reaction to filler components;
• high room air temperature, since the presence of a greenhouse effect is possible;
• uncomfortable sensations from the enveloping effect of the memory foam filler.

There is no generally accepted classification of pillows. Each manufacturer lists its own assortment of pillows, differentiating them by shape, purpose, decorative properties.

The following types of pillows can be distinguished by purpose:

• Classic - with the usual fillers from feather, bird fluff, foam rubber, holofiber, synthetic winterizer;
• Orthopedic - products with a special innovative filler, which contributes to the prevention and treatment of back diseases, as well as concomitant diseases associated with insufficient blood supply to the vessels of the brain;
• Anatomical (ergonomic) - products that give and fix the anatomically correct position of the cervicobrachial region and the collar zone;
• Rollers - devices for a short rest during the day on the sofa, sofa, in a hammock;
• Therapeutic - the filling of such pillows consists of natural herbs that provide aromatherapy treatment. To enhance the aromatherapy of herbs and increase the service life of the product, the filler is impregnated with essential oils. Healing pillows are used in the homeopathic treatment of insomnia, migraine headaches, immunity maintenance, etc.
• Decorative - an element of decor in the design of the room.

Orthopedic pillows for sleeping with memory foam are classified as:

• flat;
• with a roller;
• with rollers of different heights of different or the same rigidity.

Fillers in memory pillows can be:

• memory foam (memorix);
• ormafoam;
• latex.

Memory foam and ormafoam are artificially obtained materials that differ in the way they are produced. Memorix is ​​a foamed polyurethane foam with carbon additives. Due to its porous-cellular structure, harmful microorganisms and parasites do not start in it. Under the influence of gravity, the product takes on the shape of the head, and then restores its original appearance.

There are two types of Memory Foam:

• thermoplastic;
• viscoelastic.

The thermoplastic type is cheaper to manufacture, and the viscoelastic type of memory foam does not lose its characteristics at any temperature regime, it is used in high-quality products.

Ormafoam is a modified polyurethane foam. Latex is a natural filler derived from the sap of the Hevea tree, which is native to Brazil and Asia. The resulting material is distinguished by its natural origin, increased elasticity due to the structure resembling a honeycomb. The material is self-ventilating, it is hypoallergenic, durable to use.

All fillers are similar in their properties.

Orthopedic pillows with memory effect are quite expensive (from 1,700 rubles), so the choice of such a product should be approached thoroughly, guided by the following criteria:

• Decide on the type of filler. All types of fillers do not cause allergies, but nevertheless, a new product may have a certain odor. If additional additives and fragrances were used in the production, then they can cause an allergic reaction, especially in people with allergies.
• Choose a suitable pillow shape and hardnessbased on the habit of sleeping on your side, back or stomach.If you are in the habit of sleeping on your side, you should choose a hard pillow with unevenly high rollers, a soft rectangular pillow is suitable for sleeping on your stomach, sleeping on your back will be provided by a pillow with one or two rollers of medium hardness or hard.

• Decide on the size of the product - the width of the pillow varies from 30 to 50 cm. The wide pillow is suitable for people with restless sleep and those who like to change their position frequently during sleep. In any case, the width of the orthopedic product should not be wider than the shoulders. The height of the orthopedic pillow (from 10 to 15 cm) should be selected in a practical way: try to lie down in the store and choose a comfortable option.
• Removable cover or pillowcase - the shape of the orthopedic pillow is peculiar and therefore standard pillowcases from bedding sets may not fit. The removable cushion cover will make it very easy to care for.

Pillows with memory for the shape of the body are presented in the assortment of the leading manufacturers of sleep products, including orthopedic products. Leading manufacturers of such products:

• Tempur-Pedic Is a Swedish manufacturer of orthopedic products, a pioneer in the development of a material with a memory effect (tempur). In terms of quality, tempur has no analogues in other manufacturing companies.

• "Ascona" - a Russian manufacturer of orthopedic products for sleep, the quality of the products of this company has been repeatedly marked with signs of excellent quality and certificates. Ascona is a manufacturer with a high reputation and level of customer confidence. Natural latex is more commonly used as a filler for memory pillows.
• Luomma Is a Russian-Swedish manufacturer that works in close contact with medical institutions in the development and improvement of their products. Mainly synthetic materials are used as fillers.

• "Trelax" - a manufacturer of medical orthopedic products. The products are developed by leading physicians, undergo medical certification and are recommended for use in everyday life.
• Memory pillow Is a Chinese manufacturer of anatomical sleep products (pillows, mattresses). The product is actively imported to Russia and is in demand by domestic buyers.
• "Ormatek" Is a Russian manufacturer of bedroom products, on the market since 2002.

A pillow with memory effect is quite an expensive purchase. Both synthetic and natural fillers have self-ventilating properties, do not accumulate dust, excess moisture, and are not susceptible to the growth of harmful microorganisms. The filler of these products does not need special frequent cleaning.

Washing and storage conditions, special recommendations for the care of accessories with memory effect should be indicated on the label and tag. By following the manufacturer's recommendations, the durability of the pillow is ensured.

Usually the manufacturer recommends:

• wash a removable cover, if necessary, on a delicate wash cycle;
• air the product 2 times a year;
• store in a vacuum or special bag.

You will learn more about memory foam pillows in the following video.