With all the various pillows available, it can be challenging to choose the right one to sleep on. From memory foam to lumbar to neck pillows, there is one for just about any need. One of the most versatile types of pillows, though, is the wedge pillow, which, just as it sounds, is shaped like a large wedge and is usually made from foam and polyester fiber fill, though some specialty wedge pillows also have a cooling layer for added comfort. If you’re looking for a wedge pillow in Canada that isn’t designed for just one single purpose, consider these benefits of a wedge pillow.
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They Help Reduce Snoring and Sleep Apnea
When you’re sleeping flat on a mattress, or only slightly elevated with a standard pillow, gravity works against your respiratory system to collapse your airway. This leads to a condition called sleep apnea and if you have sleep apnea, you’re usually snorer as well. This is because when you can’t breathe properly, the air vibrates against your throat, making the snoring sound. A wedge pillow gently lifts your body up to an appropriate angle that allows the air to flow properly.
While a wedge pillow can reduce snoring and the presence of sleep apnea, it’s still important to follow the advice of your physician, particularly if you have been prescribed a CPAP machine to improve the airflow through your trachea. Always consult with your doctor before discontinuing use of your machine to ensure you’re medically well enough to do so.
They Reduce Some Types of Back Pain
Depending on the type of back pain you have, a wedge pillow can help you sleep more comfortably and wake without significant pain. Typically, wedge pillows provide the correct spinal alignment and support for people who suffer from upper back pain. However, you may find relief from neck pain as well. A wedge pillow keeps the hips and spine in line to ensure the body stays supported and aligned throughout the night. You’ll sleep better, deeper, and without frequent waking, making your mornings much more pleasant.
They Alleviate Congestion
It’s incredibly hard to sleep with a stuffed up nose and when you lay flat, your nasal passages become even more inflamed because the blood rushes to your upper body. There is a reason why it’s often easier to sleep sitting up when you have a cold. It’s because your blood doesn’t cause your nasal passages to flow. However, sleeping while sitting up isn’t the most comfortable position and waking up frequently during the night is a common problem.
A wedge pillow keeps your head elevated enough to ensure your nasal passages stay as clear as possible. Yet, the angle of the pillow allows you to sleep soundly in a comfortable position all night long. You don’t have to worry about finding the right chair to support your body as you sleep because the pillow will do it for you.
Conclusion
It’s almost impossible to find another type of pillow that can do everything a wedge pillow can do. Whether you’re a back sleeper, side sleeper, or someone who needs their head or back to be slightly elevated when they sleep, a wedge pillow can work wonders!