Memory foam pillow is developed under NASA contract for crash protection and to improve seat cushioning. But it is now widely used in making mattresses and pillows becoming a common material in many households and vehicles. Memory foam pillows mold to the shape of your neck and head, providing the shape that changes with your sleep position.
In this article, we will explain the pros and cons associated with using a Memory form pillow.
In addition, we will find out is it really harmful to your neck or not?
What is a Memory Foam Pillow?
It is made up of polyurethane foam that blends with some chemicals to give an elastic nature.
Its shape will change with the pressure applied to it. When the applied pressure is released it regains its previous condition again. Which makes it comfier for sleep. Cleveland anxiety therapist also recommend to use this pillow for better experience.
Pros and Cons of Memory Foam Pillow:
The advantages of memory foam pillows vary from person to person. Some found it convenient to use and felt their sleep improved a lot while others feel it’s ineffective due to multiple issues. Below are some pros and cons associated with Memory foam pillows:
Pros of Using:
Memory Foam Pillow lessens Neck, shoulder, and back pain. People who are sitting for long hours in their offices. May form neck and shoulder pain. By using memory foam pillows you can sleep in the best position. Sleeping in the best position without any unusual pressure will save you from chronic pain in the neck, shoulder, and back. It also helps in aligning your spine while sleeping.
Traditional pillow tilts your head slightly upward which impacts your air passage which results in snoring. With the use of a memory foam pillow, you can sleep in your desired posture and your air passage remains functional properly. Which prevents you from snoring.
One of the advantages of a memory foam pillow is that it conforms to your neck and head.
Make your sleep more comfortable especially for the people who avoid hard surfaces to sleep.
Cons of Using it
Memory foam pillows are supposed to trap heat while using. It makes your head warmer, you will feel sweaty. So it’s not always recommended for heat-sensitive individuals.
Some suggest that memory foam pillows comprise volatile organic compounds that are risky from a health point of view.
Is the Memory Foam Pillow harmful to the neck?
Many people wake up having pain in their neck. While it is very common and most of the time it happens due to a bad sleeping position. In some cases, this pain leads to chronic form.
As said before your sleeping position and your pillow played a huge role in your neck pain.
Pillows that are too rigid or too strained make your neck in a single position throughout the night which results in pain. Multiple research suggests that a supporting pillow is effective in relieving neck pain. In addition to a good sleeping position, a memory foam pillow provides additional supports which makes it convenient to use to avoid neck pain. So a memory foam pillow is not harmful to your neck but it helps in reducing neck pain. Psychiatrists cleveland clinic suggest to use this pillow.
What you can further do to reduce your neck pain:
If you are still suffering from neck pain, despite changing your pillow then you need to take measures like:
- Changing posture while sitting and standing. Maintaining a good posture can give you instant results.
- While working, driving, or watching TV, stretch your neck for a few minutes.
- Avoid using shoulder bags, It will eventually put a strain on your shoulder and neck. Use a rolling suitcase while traveling.
- Talk to your doctor, if you are not getting results from a change in your pillow and posture. Neck pain usually leads to severe health complications like an injury.
Conclusion:
A pillow that disrupts your neural alignment leads to neck pain. So in that case we can say that pillows are also responsible for neck pain. If you want to avoid this discomfort, you really need to change your pillow. Memory foam pillows conform to the contour of your neck and head.
While for neck pain you don’t only need to look at switching the pillow, Instead of changing the sleeping position, posture, and trying some stretching can give you a great result. Make sure you visit your doctor if you feel that all these tactics are not working. Because if not treated on time it may lead to a chronic form.
