There are
several types of contoured pillows, each with its
unique characteristics, including a range of advantages and disadvantages. As a rule, contoured pillows should have an
anatomical shape to perfectly adapt to the
curves of the human body, especially the head, neck, and shoulders.
Their
ergonomic shape should allow for a physiologically
correct alignment of the spine during sleep, which can provide relief for people with discomfort such as
muscle or back pain. Contoured pillows with an
anatomical shape are suitable for different people
sleeping on their side or back, provided they are designed for such use.
It is important to ensure that the pillow is not
cut with a wire from a large foam block, but rather
molded from forms that provide an anatomical shape. Contoured pillows
molded from forms are made by controlled pouring of foam into specially prepared molds, allowing for a
precise shaping of the appropriate form. As a result, they can provide an
ideal fit to the body's curves and offer
optimal support for the spine. These types of contoured pillows are particularly recommended for individuals with
spinal problems as they help maintain the
natural curvature of the spine during sleep.
The most popular contoured pillows are made from
memory foam, also widely known as
viscoelastic foam, due to its ability to
conform to the body in response to heat and pressure. However, this sinking effect can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. It may provide less support and ventilation in some cases.
It is worth noting that
memory foam pillows can be produced in two ways. The first method is the
chemical process, which is cheaper but results in less durable and dynamic foam compared to the second method. The second method,
viscoelastic foam, is produced using a
pneumatic process, allowing for significantly better durability and dynamic properties of the pillow. These pillows are more
flexible and breathable, and they retain their original shape for a
longer time.
The optimal solution for contoured pillows is those molded from anatomical forms using
highly elastic foam, which not only provides a proper fit but also makes them considerably more flexible than standard pillows. They also ensure
air circulation inside, adapting to the shape of the head and neck, providing
optimal support for the spine. Pillows made from
high-resilience foam (HR foam) are recommended for people who value
flexibility in their pillows and require healthy and physiological support for the spine.