White pillows on bed

Sweet Dreams: The Best Pillows For Hypermobility

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Pillows for hypermobility come in all shapes and sizes. Do you toss and turn all night due to your hypermobility and feel like you’re not getting enough sleep? Or, are tired of waking up with aches and pains in your joints and muscles? If so, it’s time to upgrade your pillows.

Or, you may just want to treat yourself to new pillows after finding the perfect mattress for your hypermobility needs.

Whichever it is, read on to discover more about pillows for hypermobility, how they can improve your sleep, and what to look out for when buying new ones.

How Do You Sleep with Hypermobility?

Sleeping with hypermobility can be a challenge. One of the most important things to do is optimize your sleep environment. This means getting the light, temperature, and comfort in the bedroom spot on.

The right pillow can make a big difference too. The key is to find a pillow that provides both support and comfort. 

Here’s how to do that:

  1. Look for pillows with adjustable fill. This will allow you to add or remove filling to achieve the perfect level of support.
  1. Consider pillows with memory foam. Memory foam conforms to the shape of your head and neck, providing customized support and cushioning.
  1. Choose a pillow with a contoured shape. A contoured pillow can help keep your head and neck in alignment, reducing the risk of pain and discomfort.
  1. Try a body pillow. A body pillow can provide support for your hips and knees, helping to alleviate pressure and reduce pain.
  1. Consider a pillow with cooling technology. If you tend to overheat at night, a pillow with cooling technology can help regulate your body temperature for more comfortable sleep.

Does Compression Help with Hypermobility?

Hypermobile people have joints and tissues that are more flexible than normal. This often leads to discomfort and pain. Compression can provide extra support to the joints and tissues, helping to reduce pain and promote a more comfortable sleep. 

But not everyone with hypermobility will need or benefit from compression.

If you find that compression helps you sleep better, there are pillows available that offer firmer, more supportive materials. 

Memory foam pillows are a popular choice for those with hypermobility, as they provide both support and cushioning. There are also pillows available with adjustable firmness, allowing you to customize the level of support and compression to your individual needs.

You must also consider the size and shape of the pillow. For example, a contoured pillow that supports the neck and spine can help reduce strain on these areas. A body pillow can also be helpful for those with hypermobility, as it can give extra support and help keep the spine aligned.

Can Pillows for Hypermobility Improve Sleep?

Absolutely! 

Have you ever woken up feeling like you got hit by a truck? That’s how many people with hypermobility feel every morning, thanks to the added strain on their joints while they sleep. 

Pillows designed specifically for hypermobility can be a lifesaver. They’re made to alleviate pressure on your joints, provide support where you need it most, and help you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.

Plus, many of them come with adjustable loft and firmness levels, so you can customize your sleeping experience to your unique needs.

Nature's Sleep

Is a Body Pillow Good for Ehlers Danlos?

A body pillow is a long, cylindrical pillow that can help people with hypermobility, especially those with Ehlers Danlos syndrome. These pillows provide support for your entire body, including your spine, hips, knees, and ankles, helping to maintain proper alignment while you sleep. The additional support can help reduce pain and pressure on your joints, while also preventing you from twisting or turning in your sleep.

One of the benefits of using a body pillow is that it allows you to customize your sleeping position. You can place the pillow between your legs to align your hips, hug it to support your arms and shoulders, or even prop it up against your back for added support. 

This flexibility is especially helpful for people with hypermobility who may need to change positions frequently throughout the night to stay comfortable.

When choosing a body pillow for hypermobility, look for one that is made of supportive material, such as memory foam or latex, and is hypoallergenic and easy to clean. 

Consider the size and shape of the pillow as well – some body pillows are straight and narrow, while others are more curved or contoured. 

What Shaped Pillow Helps You Sleep with Hypermobility?

When it comes to finding the best pillow shape for hypermobility, it’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences. Cervical pillows are designed to support the neck and head, making them a popular choice for those with hypermobility in the neck or shoulders. These pillows are typically contoured to fit the natural curve of the neck and provide support where it’s needed most.

Alternatively, a wedge pillow may be a good option for those with hypermobility in the lower back or hips. These pillows let you elevate your legs so there’s less pressure on the lower back and hips. 

A wedge pillow, on the other hand, can be used to prop up the upper body, which can help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux or snoring.

How Many Pillows Do I Need?

Again, it depends on your individual needs. Some people find 1 pillow is enough, while others like to have 4 pillows on the bed. 

I personally think the more the better. I like using two big pillows and two Squishmallows to help me sleep.

What’s the best pillow for a hypermobile neck?

A hypermobile neck needs plenty of support while you sleep. Otherwise, your neck may sublux while you sleep, leaving you with lots of pain.

A cervical pillow, also known as an orthopedic pillow, is often recommended as it has a contour shape that helps support the natural curvature of the neck. Where possible, look for a cervical pillow made from memory foam and latex. 

What other pillows for hypermobility should I consider?

Aside from cervical and wedge pillows, other pillow shapes that can provide support and comfort for those with hypermobility are:

  • M shaped pillow – This pillow is designed to support both the neck and shoulders, which can be especially beneficial for those with hypermobility in these areas. The M shape provides a cradling effect, helping to keep the neck and head in a comfortable position.
  • J shaped pillows – Similar to the M shaped pillow, J shaped pillows are designed to support the neck and shoulders. The J shape allows for a more customizable fit, as you can position the pillow to support your specific needs.
  • Z shaped pillow – This pillow is designed to support the entire body, from the neck down to the knees. The Z shape is good for the shoulder and allows for a variety of sleeping positions, making it a versatile option for those with hypermobility. Plus, it can help alleviate pressure on joints and promote better alignment throughout the body.

Are squishmallows good pillows for hypermobility?

Squishmallows are a dream to sleep on and I think they’re great pillows for hypermobility

Squishmallows are soft, cozy, and comforting, and come in lots of shapes and sizes. The benefit of this is that they can be used to support various parts of your hypermobile body. 

Hypermobile Reddit users who use Squishmallows say that they:

  • Give stability
  • Larger ones are more comfortable
  • Smaller ones are good for arm and shoulder pain
  • Make good head pillows
  • Good for cuddling

As a user of Squishmallows, I couldn’t agree more with these statements.

So, there you have it – the best pillows for hypermobility. Don’t let your hypermobility keep you up at night any longer. Invest in a pillow (or two, or three) that will provide the support and comfort you need for a restful night’s sleep.

Author

  • Amy

    Amy lives with hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD). She spent years not knowing what was wrong with her body, before eventually being diagnosed in her 30s. She has two young children - both of whom are hypermobile.

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