Search on this blog

prescribing pillow

How to Prescribe the Right Pillow.

The type of pillow that you require will depend primarily on what position you sleep in.

Generally, there are only two positions in which health professionals recommend sleeping. Learn how to recommend the Best Pillow to your patient.

The first and most recommended Sleep Position is side sleeping.

The way to measure the right height pillow is to have the person lie on their side and to make sure the spine is in perfect alignment. The pillow must not cause the neck to tilt too much upwards or downwards and should be The main two factors to look at are:

1) The broadness of the shoulders i.e. frame size of the person.

2) The softness of the bed. If the bed is very soft, then shoulders will sink in, and a lower profile pillow will be required. If the bed is very firm, then the shoulders will not press into the bed so much and a higher pillow may be required to support the neck.

Sleeping Positions

The second accepted position for sleeping is on the back.

If purely a back sleeper, then a lower pillow is the right way to go. You will just need something that supports the curvature of your neck in order to perfectly support the neck's progressive curve. The softness of the mattress will play a slight part in deciding on a back sleeping pillow but not as much as for side sleepers.

If the person is a back and side sleeper, then we recommend finding a pillow that fits for side sleeping but is of a softer density so that when they roll onto their back the pillow the pillow will not cause undue pressure to the neck.

Many people do sleep on their tummy but the consensus is that this should be avoided as it will place unnecessary pressure on the lower back during rest. There will also be an undue strain on the neck which may cause damage over the medium to longer term.

Other important factors to consider are if there are any other conditions either preexisting or preventative that need to be factored in. Also, the length of time the user is in bed should be factored in when choosing a pillow as other supports may be required.

Basically, have these 4 factors when prescribing a therapeutic pillow to your customers:

  1. Sleep position: A side sleeper may need a firmer, thicker pillow while a stomach sleeper may need a thinner pillow.
  2. Neck and spine alignment: Ensure the pillow provides proper support and keeps the neck and spine in a neutral position to prevent neck and shoulder pain.
  3. Personal preference: take into account the individual's comfort and what type of pillow they prefer (memory foam, feather, etc.)
  4. Health conditions: such as snoring, sleep apnea, neck pain, or allergies may dictate specific pillow requirements.

It is recommended to have the individual try out different pillows and see what feels most comfortable and provides the best support.

Most importantly whichever pillow you choose must hold its shape during the night so as to give you the support that you are after for the whole night.

Finally, remember your patients to replace their pillows from time to time. A good sleep, a healthy sleep night depend on their pillow condition without dust and mites.

Read more about Sleeping Positions to get better advice on the right pillow for every customer's needs.

Do you want to learn more? Read our Frequently Asked Questions for...


Contour pillows, also known as contoured pillows, are designed to provide better support and alignment for your head, neck, and shoulders while you sleep. These pillows are shaped with curves and contours that follow the natural curves of your body, allowing for a more comfortable and personalized sleeping experience.

The unique design of contour pillows offers several benefits. Firstly, they help to alleviate neck and shoulder pain by promoting proper spinal alignment. The contoured shape cradles your head and neck, reducing pressure points and ensuring that your spine remains in a neutral position throughout the night. Secondly, contour pillows can improve your overall sleep quality. By providing optimal support, they help to reduce tossing and turning, allowing you to enjoy a more restful and uninterrupted sleep.

Contour pillows, or contoured pillows, are indeed better for those seeking improved comfort and support during sleep. Their unique shape and design promote proper spinal alignment, alleviate neck and shoulder pain, and enhance overall sleep quality. If you are looking for a pillow that can provide personalized support and help you wake up feeling refreshed, a contour pillow may be the ideal choice for you.

Did you find this FAQ helpful?
Thumbs Up Icon 0
Thumbs Down Icon 1

Contour pillows are designed to provide better support and alignment for your head, neck, and shoulders while you sleep. Unlike traditional pillows, contour pillows have a unique shape that follows the natural curves of your body. This helps to reduce pressure points and promote proper spinal alignment, resulting in a more comfortable and restful sleep. The contoured design of these pillows can also help alleviate neck and shoulder pain, as well as reduce snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. Overall, contour pillows offer a more personalized and supportive sleep experience, making them a popular choice for those seeking improved comfort and sleep quality.

Did you find this FAQ helpful?
Thumbs Up Icon 0
Thumbs Down Icon 0

Contour pillows can be beneficial for individuals experiencing neck pain. These pillows are specifically designed to provide support and alignment to the neck and head, which can help alleviate discomfort. The unique shape of contour pillows helps to cradle the neck and promote proper spinal alignment, reducing strain on the neck muscles. By providing adequate support, contour pillows can help relieve tension and pressure, allowing the neck muscles to relax and recover during sleep. Many people find that using a contour pillow can improve their sleep quality and reduce neck pain, making it a suitable option for those seeking relief.

Contour pillows are designed to support the neck and promote proper spinal alignment, making them a good choice for individuals experiencing neck pain. These pillows can help alleviate discomfort by cradling the neck and reducing strain on the neck muscles. By providing adequate support, contour pillows can improve sleep quality and allow the neck muscles to relax and recover. If you suffer from neck pain, using a contour pillow may be worth considering to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall sleep experience.

Did you find this FAQ helpful?
Thumbs Up Icon 0
Thumbs Down Icon 0

Yes, contour pillows can be beneficial for side sleepers. These pillows are specifically designed to provide support and alignment to the head, neck, and shoulders, which is crucial for maintaining a proper sleeping posture. The unique shape of contour pillows, with a dip in the middle and raised edges, helps cradle the head and neck, promoting spinal alignment and reducing pressure points. This can alleviate discomfort and prevent the development of aches or stiffness that side sleepers may experience. By offering personalized support, contour pillows can enhance the quality of sleep for side sleepers, allowing them to wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Did you find this FAQ helpful?
Thumbs Up Icon 1
Thumbs Down Icon 0

Yes, firm pillows can be beneficial for neck pain. When you sleep on a firm pillow, it provides better support to your neck and helps maintain proper alignment with your spine. This can alleviate strain on your neck muscles and reduce discomfort. Firm pillows are especially recommended for individuals who sleep on their back or side, as they help keep the head and neck in a neutral position throughout the night. However, it's important to note that the ideal pillow firmness may vary from person to person, so it's essential to find the right balance of support and comfort that works best for you.

Did you find this FAQ helpful?
Thumbs Up Icon 0
Thumbs Down Icon 0

Previous

Next

About Us
therapeutic pillow family

The Therapeutic Pillows Family

We are a 50-year-old family-owned business & are Australia's leading manufacturer of quality pillows, supports and comfort products. We have proudly produced our range exclusively for Health Professionals for over 40 years.

Featured Post
Harnessing the Solar Energy: Parnham Group's Solar Initiative Demonstrates Tangible...
Recent Post

Browse by Category

Follow Us
Are you a Health Practitioner?
Our range of health care products will add value to your practice and benefit your patients. To register for wholesale pricing and a complimentary information pack fill in the details below.

Are you a registered NDIS participant?

If you have registered and are eligible for NDIS funding then Therapeutic Pillow can assist you with a large range of consumable products fully funded through the NDIS.

Our team of specialists can assist you with which postural supports and comfort items may be suitable for your requirements.

Browse by Category