Post-surgery pillows are an excellent way to help patients with a faster recovery. They can help them relax in awkward positions and remove pressure from sensitive areas.
Depending on the type of surgery, you may need a soft pillow or a firm one. For example, suppose you had surgery on your neck or under the chin area. In that case, it is best to use a soft cushion to not add additional pressure.
On the other hand, for surgeries such as hip replacement and knee surgery where there was damage in bones and muscles of legs, patients need something more supportive.
In this post, I will go over some tips on selecting the best pillow for post-surgery recovery!
What are Post-Surgery Pillows?
Pillows for post-surgery recovery are a great option to help patients have an easier time recovering from the procedure. They can relax in awkward positions and remove pressure from sensitive areas, which gives them a better chance of healing faster.
There is no one size fits all solution when it comes to pillows that work best after surgeries. This is why you should take the time to research and find out what type of pillow would suit your needs.
Post-surgery pillows are designed in various styles, materials, shapes, sizes, and densities to offer relief from different parts of the body that have been affected by surgeries.
The most common types include:
- Hip Replacement Pillows
- Knee Surgery Pillows
- Spine Surgery Pillows
- Shoulder Surgery Pillows
- Neck Roll Pillow
- Abdominal Surgery Pillows
Benefits of Using Post-Surgery Pillows
There are several benefits to using post-surgery pillows. The most common reason for using them is to reduce pain and discomfort after a surgical procedure.
Faster Recovery: They can help you recover faster from your operation because they take the pressure off of injured areas of the body, so those regions can better heal without being aggravated.
Support Your Body: Post-surgery pillows also help you rest and sleep more comfortably. They provide stability for your neck, back, hips or joints so that they can heal without being moved around too much while you are sleeping. Since the body is relaxed when it sleeps, post-op pillows offer support to vulnerable parts of your body that need a little extra TLC.
Less Bruising: Some pillows can prevent bruising and swelling by applying pressure to the injury site. Helping blood vessels constrict, reducing the amount of bleeding or fluid buildup under your skin. In many cases, this will help reduce post-surgical pain because you are not dealing with excess fluid in the tissue.
How to Select the Right Pillow Shape for Post-Surgery Recovery
To be sure you’re getting the proper pillow for your needs, you will need to consider its shape and form.
Body Pillows- You can find body pillows in several shapes and sizes. Some have a horseshoe-like shape to provide extra support around your head and shoulders. These are great for keeping you from rolling in bed after surgery. There are also plain straight body pillows that are slenderer so they can fit between your legs or lay on either side of your body.
Leg Pillows- Leg pillows have a horseshoe shape, but the ends come up to support and wrap around each leg. They provide even better stabilization than a traditional body pillow because it gives you something to lean into for added comfort.
Shoulder Pillow- This is a long pillow that goes across your shoulder to provide support. These are ideal for people who need something sturdy and firm for sleeping upright after surgery. The ends of an orthopedic shoulder pillow won’t bend or fold down, so you can lean on it without fear of hurting yourself further.
Wedge Pillows- Wedge Pillows are designed with an incline to help you stay propped up in bed. These are ideal for people recovering from hip or knee surgery. Because it allows them to sleep comfortably without putting too much pressure on the injury site.
Neck Pillow- Neck Roll Pillows are shaped like a horseshoe, but they are not as big and do not have any arms, making them easy to use after neck surgery. They can be placed under your head or behind your back for support and comfort when you need them the most.
Knee Pillow- Knee Pillows are designed with a space for your knee. There is less pressure on the sensitive area while resting, which helps reduce post-surgery pain and discomfort.
Hip Pillow- Hip Pillows are shaped like a horseshoe. Your knees can easily fit in between while resting or sleeping and relieve pressure from your hips. This makes them perfect for people recovering from hip surgery.
How to Select the Right Firmness for a Post-op Pillow
Depending on the type of surgery you have had, you will need a different level of support from your pillow. In most cases, your after-surgery pillow should be firm. Still, there are some situations you’ll need a softer pillow instead.
Soft: If you have had neck surgery, it’s recommended that you get a soft pillow to provide gentle support without pressing too hard into the neck area. You should consider getting one with an ergonomic design that cradles your neck while still offering stability. So you can avoid the chance of waking up in pain or discomfort during sleep. Some pillows are also adjustable, and you can customize their loft for the perfect height.
Medium-Firm: If you have had a major surgery that required reconstruction, then it is recommended that you get a pillow with medium-firm support. This type of pillow will keep the spine and neck in proper alignment, so there’s no chance for re-injury during recovery. The memory foam material contours to your body shape over time to provide the best comfort possible.
Firm: If you have had hip, knee, or shoulder surgery, then it is recommended that you get a pillow with medium-firm support for better stability and balance during sleep. These pillows are also ideal for people who suffer from arthritis because it helps reduce pressure points.
If you need additional support, then it is recommended that you use a body pillow to keep your spine and neck properly aligned for maximum comfort. Using two pillows together will also provide even better stability without putting too much pressure on the injury site during sleep.
Final Thoughts
Post-surgery pillows are designed to make life easier for patients recovering from major surgeries.
Whether you’ve had hip, knee, or shoulder surgery, it’s important you purchase the correct type of pillow based on your specific needs. In many cases, post-op pillows should be firm, but there are some instances where soft support is necessary.
Be sure to consult with your physician before selecting an after-surgery pillow. And remember that they can provide benefits beyond just comfort by keeping your spine and neck aligned during sleep. So, there’s no chance of waking up in pain or discomfort because of improper positioning.
