Which leg pillow to choose | benefits and prices
Against back pain or inflammation of the sciatic nerve , choosing a leg pillow could be the most suitable solution to relieve pain and improve nighttime comfort. To clarify, let's see what the benefits are and how to choose the best one at the right price.
Benefits for the lower back and sciatica:
- Reduces Pressure on the Sciatic Nerve: Placing a pillow under your knees when lying down lifts your lower back and aligns your spine. This helps reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, relieving pain and numbness.
- Improve blood circulation: How to use a leg pillow to improve blood circulation? Place the pillow under your legs, thus promoting the return of blood to the heart, improving circulation in the lower part of the body. This can help reduce swelling and feeling of heaviness in the legs.
- Align your spine: Sleeping with a pillow between your knees, using the side position, helps keep your spine in a neutral posture, preventing back and joint pain. In this position and with the pillow well positioned, forward rotation of the pelvis is also avoided, thus avoiding a continuous twisting of the entire back.
- Reduce Muscle Stress: The leg pillow can help relax your back and leg muscles, relieving tension and stress. The upper leg, in the position on the side, will not weigh its weight on the lower one, thus causing the muscles of the legs and hips to relax.
Which leg pillow to choose:
There are different types of leg cushions, in memory foam, gel, polyester fiber or latex. The choice of material depends on personal preferences and specific needs.
- Memory foam: It adapts perfectly to the shape of the body and offers good support.
- Gel: Refreshes and provides soft support.
- Polyester Fiber: It is hypoallergenic and breathable.
- Latex: It is a natural material.
99%, if not all, of leg cushions are made of memory foam, a material invented and still used by NASA . In addition to the material, it is important to consider the shape and size of the pillow. On the market you can find wedge-shaped, crescent- or saddle-shaped and heart-shaped cushions. The size of the cushion varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, it must be proportionate to your height and the length of your legs.
As regards the shape we can highlight only two different uses, the wedge-shaped one is specific for those who sleep on their stomach and have circulation problems or sciatic inflammation, the half-moon or heart-shaped one for those who sleep on their side and need to improve back and hip health.
Pillow price:
The price of a leg pillow varies depending on the material, shape, size and brand. In general, prices range from 15 euros to 35 euros.
As with any object, be careful of a cost that is too low because it is certainly made of materials that are not up to its function. Just think of a quantity less memory, therefore less material density and consequently less support. Final result money wasted because the improvement does not arrive. Not to mention coverings made with non-certified materials of dubious origin, non-hypoallergenic and purely synthetic.
We categorically advise against making your own leg pillow. There is a risk of worsening the situation, as the shape and consistency is not suitable for the problem.
Let's summarize with some advice for use:
- Place the pillow under your knees when lying on your back or between your legs when sleeping on your side.
- Anchor the pillow to the leg, if possible, to prevent it from falling out of bed during the night, invalidating its function.
- Use the cushion even when sitting for long periods of time.
- Always consult your doctor before using a leg pillow.
A leg pillow can be a valid ally in relieving back and sciatica pain by promoting the improvement of your well-being. By choosing the pillow best suited to your needs and using it correctly, you will finally be able to rest peacefully and enjoy greater mobility.