For people suffering from varicose veins or swelling of the lower extremities, experts recommend using an orthopedic pillow for the legs. It can also be used by professional athletes or those who engage in heavy physical labor, as it perfectly relieves fatigue. The pillow can be used to prevent disease. There are several types of anti-varicose pillows, depending on the purpose, as well as different fillers. Consider the features of each type and features of choice.
Scope of application
Before choosing the right orthopedic pillow for the legs, it is worthwhile to figure out why it is and where it is used.
What ailments can I use the product for?
- Phlebeurysm.
- Swelling of the legs.
- Drawing pains in legs.
- Rheumatic disorders.
- Muscle pain.
When choosing, the weight of a person is also important. If a person has a lot of weight, then it is worth choosing anti-varicose pillows large in size, as well as made of durable and elastic materials.
Advantages and disadvantages
Experts note that there are practically no disadvantages in orthopedic products. The right choice is important here, it is necessary to take into account not only the recommendations of a specialist, but also personal preferences and anatomical features of the body.
It is especially important for people with a tendency to allergic manifestations to choose a filler material. In addition to popular fillers, there are also unusual options, such as buckwheat husk or wool. They have their own advantages and are considered the most environmentally friendly material, but are in a high price category.
Regardless of the chosen model or pillow filler, as well as the advantages or disadvantages of a particular product, all manufacturers give a guarantee on their products for up to ten years.
Kinds
View | Features |
Roller | It has the shape of a pillow, consisting of three rollers of different diameters. The place with the smallest roller is placed under the patella, and the feet lie on the largest part of the product. |
Cube | The cube pillow has several support legs that have hollows for the ankle. It is used both lying and sitting. |
Transformer | The product is attached just below the patella and is usually used during sleep. Fixing the pillow increases the comfort of sleep, even lying on its side and at the same time normalizes blood flow, thereby achieving a therapeutic effect. |
Universal | The largest in size, since you can sit on it in full growth. |
Contouring pillow | Very similar in appearance and nature of the impact with the cube. It also has several supports and hollows for the legs. |
Varieties of filler
There are a lot of companies making orthopedic foot pillows, as well as varieties of products. But all of them can be divided into several subgroups, which will help the final consumer with the final choice.
The main types of filler:
- Latex. The most popular type of filler, which has positive characteristics. Such a pillow bends well, does not lose its original appearance for a long time, that is, it has a rather long service life. Natural latex pillows are highly durable. Due to this, normal blood circulation of the legs is restored, and the light surface protects the skin from pressure sores in case of indications for bed rest after surgery in the treatment of varicose veins.
- Polyurethane foam. It has a fairly high quality, and besides, products made of polyurethane foam are in the middle price category. The filler consists of small balls that have previously undergone anti-allergenic treatment. A pillow made of such a material is elastic, durable and not subject to deformation. Excess fluid absorbs well without leaving any residue. But in order to avoid an unpleasant odor from sweat, you should ventilate the product at least once every few months.
- Thermoplastic foam. This is a new innovative type of filler for foot pillows. The material is made of polyurethane foam, and it, in turn, has been widely used in industry for more than four decades. A distinctive feature and significant advantage is the ability to remember this product. The man, putting his feet on the pillow for the first time, starts this process. The pillow remembers all the features of human bends and retains this shape. Also, the product has increased strength and elasticity. The disadvantages include the high cost, as well as the ability to use the pillow by only one person.
You may notice that the price, as well as the properties of the product, directly depend on the pillow fillers. There are also inflatable models. Phlebologists, specialists in the study of human vein diseases, note the low effectiveness in the use of inflatable pillow variants.
In addition to the main and most popular fillers, there are also options for buckwheat husk pillows (the most environmentally friendly material), bamboo fiber, cooling gel, mini-springs, algae, wool (camel or sheep), natural fluff, synthetic winterizer, selikon or holofiber.
Contraindications
There are no contraindications to the use of orthopedic pillows for legs. Of course, if a person has an individual intolerance to the components of which the filler is made, then you should refrain from using it. In this case, it is better to choose a filler from hypoallergenic materials, for example, from natural latex, which practically does not cause reactions or allergic manifestations in anyone.
It is also not recommended to use a pillow if there are open sores on the legs. This is especially true of the place of contact of the skin with a pillow. First of all, it is not hygienic. In addition, dust or dirt, which is on the pillow, can get into open wounds, which can lead to infection or the course of the disease over a longer period of time.
Features of choice
In the treatment of varicose veins, the additional treatment is precisely the orthopedic pillow for the legs, reviews about this product are very positive. In addition, this item can be used as a prophylaxis or with increased swelling of the lower extremities.
In a variety of models, forms and fillers can be confused. But there is universal advice on choosing a truly anti-varicose "assistant" of high quality.
How to choose the right orthopedic pillow?
- Choose the size of the pillow depending on the weight (the more the person’s weight, the larger the product should be in size).
- If the foot pillow will be used by several family members, then it is worth choosing products with adjustable height.
- Give preference to buying at specialized retail outlets and choose only certified products to avoid fakes (high-quality products and fillers for it do not cause allergic manifestations on the skin, in contrast to unknown counterparts).
- The filler must be made of natural materials.
- Pay attention to rigidity - it should be medium so as not to deform, and also be able to adapt to the shape of the legs.
- For advice before choosing - only to a specialist who will help you choose the best option for the existing problem with the lower extremities.
Care Tips
Orthopedic foot pillow does not require special and continuous care when used in case of appointment. Of course, like any product with a filler, if you jump or jump on it, it loses its shape and noticeably decreases in size. Also, do not whip or shake the pillow, so it only deforms.
The shelf life of a pillow directly depends on how it is used. If you take care of the product, then it will last more than one year and can significantly reduce pain in the legs.
If the pillow is not used for some time, then it is better to place it in a special cover and leave it in a well-ventilated room. Like any thing, it is afraid of high humidity.
As you use it, the external material or the upholstery of the pillow itself may become dirty. It is better to wash by hand at a temperature of no higher than 50 degrees. After washing, the pillow should dry under natural conditions, preferably on the balcony, and not on the battery.