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What do you need to know about sleeping on a pillow?

10 lutego 2025
how to sleep on an orthopedic pillow, best orthopedic pillow, memory pillows

The majority of the human population changes their sleeping position between 10 and 40 times each night. This is a completely natural process that prevents excessive pressure on muscles and joints while also supporting proper circulation. As a result, it helps prevent limb numbness, although this also depends on various other factors. In general, the frequency of position changes depends on age, health condition, and the quality of the mattress and pillow, all of which are key aspects of sleep hygiene. That’s why choosing the right head and neck support is essential for ensuring healthy sleep.

Studies published by the Japanese Society of Sleep Research often emphasize the importance of proper body positioning. They prove that sleeping position affects spinal health and recovery quality. On the other hand, incorrect support during sleep can lead to long-term health issues, such as muscle tension, cervical spine pain, and shoulder discomfort, as well as restricted airflow in the respiratory tract. Therefore, people struggling with sleep apnea, snoring, or morning headaches should pay special attention to choosing the right pillow.

There is a strong correlation between sleeping position and cervical spine support. For example, back sleepers need a pillow of moderate height that gently lifts the head and supports the natural neck curve (lordosis). Meanwhile, most people, namely side sleepers, should opt for higher pillows to prevent the head from sinking, ensuring that the spine remains in a neutral position. Sleeping on the stomach is the least beneficial for health, as it forces the neck into an unnatural twist.

It is best to choose universal pillows for side and back sleeping, which allow for position changes during sleep without compromising comfort. These should be anatomically shaped pillows that conform to the body’s natural contours. Ideally, they should not contain memory foam, as they will be much more stable. Unlike memory foam pillows, which often sink under body heat, HR foam pillows help maintain proper head positioning.

orthopedic pillows, sleeping on an orthopedic pillow, fitting an orthopedic pillow

Changing sleeping position

The majority of the human population changes their sleeping position between 10 and 40 times each night. This is a completely natural process that prevents excessive pressure on muscles and joints while also supporting proper circulation. As a result, it helps prevent limb numbness, although this also depends on various other factors. In general, the frequency of position changes depends on age, health condition, and the quality of the mattress and pillow, all of which are key aspects of sleep hygiene. That’s why choosing the right head and neck support is essential for ensuring healthy sleep.

Studies published by the Japanese Society of Sleep Research often emphasize the importance of proper body positioning. They prove that sleeping position affects spinal health and recovery quality. On the other hand, incorrect support during sleep can lead to long-term health issues, such as muscle tension, cervical spine pain, and shoulder discomfort, as well as restricted airflow in the respiratory tract. Therefore, people struggling with sleep apnea, snoring, or morning headaches should pay special attention to choosing the right pillow.

There is a strong correlation between sleeping position and cervical spine support. For example, back sleepers need a pillow of moderate height that gently lifts the head and supports the natural neck curve (lordosis). Meanwhile, most people, namely side sleepers, should opt for higher pillows to prevent the head from sinking, ensuring that the spine remains in a neutral position. Sleeping on the stomach is the least beneficial for health, as it forces the neck into an unnatural twist.

It is best to choose universal pillows for side and back sleeping, which allow for position changes during sleep without compromising comfort. These should be anatomically shaped pillows that conform to the body’s natural contours. Ideally, they should not contain memory foam, as they will be much more stable. Unlike memory foam pillows, which often sink under body heat, HR foam pillows help maintain proper head positioning.

changing sleeping positions, sleeping positions, tossing and turning at night

How to sleep on your side?

It is rightly believed that side sleeping is the healthiest sleeping position. That is why it is one of the most commonly chosen positions among the entire human population. It is considered beneficial for spinal and respiratory health, provided there are no contraindications. In this position, the risk of snoring is naturally reduced, while pressure on the lower back is minimized. Sleeping on the left side is particularly recommended, as it facilitates heart function, aids digestion, and may reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Regardless of the preferred side for sleeping, proper body positioning is essential.

The foundation is proper head support, which should be provided by a well-chosen ergonomic sleeping pillow. The head should be positioned at a height of approximately 10-12 cm above the mattress to maintain the spine’s natural alignment. This also helps eliminate neck and shoulder tension, preventing unnatural bends.

In some cases, a slight forward movement of the shoulder (protraction) with gentle rotation is recommended, as it effectively relieves joint and muscle structures, providing a relaxing effect. This is particularly important for people suffering from shoulder pain or limited shoulder joint mobility. Additionally, it reduces the risk of nerve and blood vessel compression, which may help prevent hand numbness during sleep.

Besides ensuring healthy head and shoulder support, attention should also be paid to the positioning of the rest of the body. The knees and hips should be slightly bent, and placing an additional pillow between the knees is recommended. This helps maintain optimal pelvic alignment while also reducing spinal tension.
sleeping on the side, sleeping on the left side, using a sleeping pillow

How to sleep on your back?

The second healthy sleeping position is sleeping on the back, which allows for an even distribution of body weight. This position minimizes pressure on the body, especially on deeper tissues. Proper alignment while sleeping on the back is not only comfortable but also beneficial for the spine.

When sleeping on the back, the head should generally be elevated about 3-4 centimeters above the mattress. This position reflects the natural body posture when standing, where the head is aligned with the spine. As a result, it helps maintain the spine’s natural curves. It also ensures that the airways remain open, contributing to the prevention of snoring by avoiding the head tilting toward the chest.

The central part of an orthopedic pillow, where the occipital bone rests, should have a thickness of about 3-4 centimeters to support the cervical spine without excessively raising the head. This also helps keep the head and neck in a physiologically beneficial position. That is why ONSEN® orthopedic pillows are designed to meet these requirements, varying in size and firmness depending on the user’s body structure and cervical lordosis condition.

Some individuals should place pillows under their knees to provide additional support for the lower back. This helps maintain the natural curve of the lumbar spine while also reducing pressure on its structures. This is especially important for people suffering from lower back pain, as it helps alleviate discomfort.
sleeping on the back, position for snoring, spine during sleep

How to sleep on your stomach?

Sleeping on your stomach is one of the least beneficial positions for spinal health and comfort. It forces an unnatural curvature of the lumbar spine, which can lead to chronic back pain. Additionally, the necessity to keep the head rotated to the side all night causes asymmetrical muscle strain in the neck, which can result in severe overload, but also limited mobility and radiating pain.

The stomach position significantly increases pressure in the abdominal cavity, negatively impacting the digestive and respiratory systems. Pressure on internal organs leads to digestive issues, and limited space for the diaphragm makes breathing difficult. This in turn causes oxygen deprivation in the body, reducing sleep quality. It’s also important to remember that excessive strain on the lower part of the spine, which occurs in this position, generally leads to permanent changes in its structure, favoring the development of discopathy.

However, if someone cannot fall asleep in any other position, they should at least consider giving up the pillow. Supporting the head in this position exacerbates the unfavorable neck alignment, increasing its retraction. A better solution might be to place a thin pillow or a roll under the hips to slightly relieve the lumbar section. If possible, it’s worthwhile to gradually change habits to get accustomed to sleeping on the back or side.
sleeping on the stomach, changing sleep habits, morning back pain

How to sleep on the orthopedic pillow Asana?

Sleeping on your back with the Asana orthopedic pillow significantly improves sleep quality and spinal health. This model is a universal pillow, ideal for individuals of average weight and height. It is made from HR foams that provide proper support.

Asana is an extremely popular anatomical pillow designed to ensure the correct positioning of the head and neck for back sleepers with a height between 165 cm and 185 cm and a weight between 55 kg and 90 kg. It guarantees the maintenance of a physiological spinal position, preventing the head from tilting towards the chest.

When used as a pillow for back sleeping, the head should be placed in its central part. The protruding anatomical contour, shaped like a tongue, mechanically supports the natural curves of the cervical and thoracic spine, while also opening the airways.
orthopedic pillow for side sleeping, orthopedic pillows, sleep physiology, Asana
orthopedic pillow for back sleeping, anatomical pillows, sleep ergonomics, Asana
Sleeping on your side with the Asana orthopedic pillow effectively improves sleep quality and supports spinal health. This model is an ergonomic pillow, perfectly suited for individuals with a standard body build, providing optimal firmness and support necessary for maintaining proper posture.

Asana is a popular anatomical pillow designed to ensure the correct positioning of the head and neck while sleeping on the side for individuals with a height between 165 cm and 185 cm and a weight between 55 kg and 90 kg. It ensures keeping the spine in a natural position, which is essential for maintaining spinal health.

When using it as a side sleeping pillow, the head should be placed on its side section, and the shoulders should rest in a special shoulder contour so that the nose slightly extends beyond its outline. This configuration allows for proper cervical spine support, preventing distortions. As a result, the Asana pillow aids in treating reduced lordosis while also serving a preventive function.
how to sleep on an orthopedic pillow, sleeping with an orthopedic pillow, neck pain, Asana

How to sleep on the orthopedic pillow Enso?

Sleeping on your back with the Enso orthopedic pillow significantly improves sleep quality and spinal health. This model is an ergonomic pillow, ideal for individuals of various body types, made from medium-firm materials that provide comprehensive support.

Enso is a double-sided anatomical pillow designed to ensure proper head and neck alignment for back sleepers with a height between 150 cm and 180 cm and a weight between 45 kg and 75 kg. It guarantees keeping the spine in a natural position, which positively impacts spinal health.

When using the Enso pillow for back sleeping, you should select the appropriate side of the pillow based on health or preventive needs, allowing for a customized fit. The higher end of the sleeping pillow should be positioned under the occipital bone, while the lower end should support the neck, ensuring the optimal cervical spine position throughout the night.
orthopedic pillow for side sleeping, orthopedic pillows, sleep physiology, Enso
orthopedic pillow for back sleeping, anatomical pillows, sleep ergonomics, Enso
Sleeping on your side with the Enso orthopedic pillow effectively improves sleep quality and supports spinal health. Enso is an ergonomic pillow designed for individuals with diverse body structures, providing optimal firmness and cervical spine support to maintain proper posture.

Enso is a versatile anatomical pillow created to ensure correct head and neck positioning while sleeping on the side. It is intended for a wide range of users with a height between 150 cm and 180 cm and a weight between 45 kg and 75 kg. With two different contours—one larger for treating reduced lordosis and one smaller for prevention—this pillow allows for customized support based on individual needs.

When using the Enso pillow for side sleeping, the user should select the side that best fits their current needs. The head should be positioned on the higher side of the pillow. This is crucial for preventing misalignments and supporting spinal health. Such positioning also helps alleviate headaches, shoulder pain, and neck discomfort by improving posture.
how to sleep on an orthopedic pillow, sleeping with an orthopedic pillow, neck pain, Enso

How to sleep on the orthopedic pillow Hiro?

Sleeping on your back with the Hiro orthopedic pillow significantly improves sleep quality as well as spinal health. This sleeping pillow model is ideal for individuals with a larger build, made from high-resilience (HR) foams with high firmness, ensuring solid support.

Hiro is the largest anatomical pillow designed to provide proper head and neck positioning for back sleepers who are over 175 cm tall and weigh between 90 kg and 130 kg. It also guarantees keeping the spine in a natural position, which is crucial for individuals with higher body weight.

When using the Hiro pillow for back sleeping, the head should be placed in the central part of the pillow. The higher section of the ergonomic pillow should be positioned under the occipital bone, while the lower section should support the neck. This helps maintain a proper body posture and prevents discomfort in the cervical spine.

orthopedic pillow for side sleeping, orthopedic pillows, sleep physiology, Hiro
orthopedic pillow for back sleeping, anatomical pillows, sleep ergonomics, Hiro
Sleeping on your side with the Hiro orthopedic pillow effectively improves sleep quality and supports spinal health. Hiro is a relatively large pillow designed specifically for individuals with a robust physique, such as bodybuilders or people who are overweight or obese, though not exclusively. Its purpose is to provide not only the right firmness but also solid support to maintain proper posture while sleeping.

Hiro is an effective anatomical pillow created to offer comfort and support by ensuring the correct positioning of the head and neck while sleeping on the side. It is ideal for individuals taller than 175 cm and weighing between 90 and 130 kg. Thanks to its large size and high firmness, Hiro provides optimal spinal support in a natural position, helping to maintain spinal health and reduce pain-related discomfort.

When using Hiro as a side sleeping pillow, the head should be placed on the side section of the pillow, where support is greatest. The higher end of the pillow should be positioned under the neck to ensure maximum cervical spine support. This pillow is particularly beneficial for supporting the treatment and rehabilitation of reduced cervical lordosis in plus-size individuals.
how to sleep on an orthopedic pillow, sleeping with an orthopedic pillow, neck pain, Hiro

How does an orthopedic pillow affect sleep?

All orthopedic pillows produced by us are designed to provide ergonomic support for the head, neck, and spine for many nights, which directly contributes to sleep quality. Unlike traditional pillows, truly anatomical models maintain the natural curves of the body. In this way, they reduce muscle tension and improve spinal alignment, which is generally not achieved with popular wave-shaped pillows. As a result, they help to minimize the risk of neck and back pain, which often arises from improper sleeping positions. Proper support from a sleeping pillow also promotes better blood circulation.

ONSEN® pillows also contribute to better breathing and reduced snoring, thanks to the use of modern technology. By supporting the correct position of the head and neck, the airways remain open. This is particularly important for individuals suffering from sleep apnea, as a well-selected pillow supports free airflow. Consequently, it reduces episodes of breathing interruptions, increasing oxygenation of the body. Additionally, an optimal body position promotes deeper restorative sleep, leading to improved well-being.

ONSEN® has considered the needs of people who frequently change positions during sleep. Models made of high-resilience HR foam do not collapse under body temperature, ensuring consistent support regardless of movement during sleep. Unlike memory foam pillows, which may cause sinking, our orthopedic pillows provide stable support throughout the night. This significantly reduces the risk of waking up frequently due to discomfort, contributing to better body regeneration.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.
orthopedic pillow, pillows for neck pain, types of pillows

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