Great Satin Sheets

When you think of a contour pillow, do you first picture a head pillow with an indentation between two levels to provide neck support? Contour pillows are technically any pillows, which conform to specific parts of the body. The head and neck, and legs, are the two areas most commonly targeted for support with contour pillows, and a variety of designs are available. Contour pillows are firmer than standard pillows.

Choosing a memory foam contour pillow, you will find that it responds to body temperature and pressure. Memory foam was originally created for NASA. The extreme g-forces, or gravitational pull, during take-off and the length of time in space in restricted positions, prompted the invention. Memory foam, also known as visco-elastic polyurethane foam, was then adopted for use in hospitals in cases involving bed-ridden patients and in burn units. IDF, or Indentation Deflection Force, is a term created to describe the relative firmness or softness of the product. Memory foam is available in a variety of thicknesses, and claims abound that it relieves discomfort from pressure points. The density in general varies from two pounds to five pounds, with six to eight pound densities available. The higher density foam molds to body heat within a few minutes, and the lower density foam responds to pressure more quickly. The two-pound density gives less of the memory experience and is much more akin to generic polyurethane foam pillows. Chemicals are added to give the true memory experience, which many describe as a floating sensation. The memory foam will follow the sleeper’s position, rather than retaining an indentation. Because it responds to body temperature, it generates heat, which in turn has sparked development of a cooler version.

A contour memory foam pillow for head and neck is adaptable for side sleeping, back sleeping, and stomach sleeping. The head and neck pillow supports the neck and provides a valley for the head. A back sleeper will most enjoy this configuration, and it can help prevent pain in the neck and upper back by forcing proper alignment of the neck and spine while sleeping. Side sleepers will probably prefer a leg pillow, as it supports the knees where they meet while again ensuring proper spine alignment and thus lower body support.
A contour memory pillow may be of some benefit to those suffering from a moderate degree of sleep apnea and there are designs especially for patients using assistive breathing devices while sleeping. Bedding and linen stores, medical supplies, and online shops sell a variety of contour pillows.

When shopping for a contour pillow, the customer will be presented with a variety of options to increase comfort and to ensure cleanliness. To reiterate, the purpose of a head and neck contour memory pillow is to give cervical neck support, and correctly align the spine and head. Some contour pillows have a cutout shaped like a crescent to provide a place for the shoulder and thus better comfort and support for the neck and head. There are covers in cotton, velour, and mesh, washable and permanent. A contour memory pillow for the legs should align the lower body, alleviating discomfort and pressure areas in the lower body, including lower back, hips, and knees. A molded curve keeps the contour pillow in place throughout the night.

To ensure a fair trial of a new contour pillow, unwrap it and let it sit for a few days to let the chemical smells disappear. It will also expand to its full size. It may take a few nights before you can decide if your new contour pillow is right for you.