Positioning Pillows for the Elderly

Growing old is something that not one of us can escape, and with age comes many challenges.

One of these challenges is finding a comfortable sleeping and even sitting position when in bed.

Fortunately, the best positioning pillows for the elderly are designed to provide not just comfort, but also relief from aches and pains. These pillows can be a source of solace, whether it’s for a good night’s rest or simply for sitting in bed to enjoy a book or watch television.

Why Seniors Need Positioning Pillows

Why do seniors need a good positioning pillow?

Seniors may suffer from many body aches and pains that can easily be relieved using a comfortable pillow.

A knee pillow between the legs can provide relief from knees that press against each other or improper hip alignment. A comfortable neck pillow, on the other hand, can reduce tension in the neck and shoulders while properly aligning the spine.

Then again, a full body pillow can provide relief in many positions and also something that feels safe and secure to hold on to, especially when an elderly person has lost their spouse.

Types of Positioning Pillows for Seniors

There are a few types of positioning pillows to be considered that all provide relief for different areas of the body;

• Knee Pillows – The Knee Pillow is a small wedge-design pillow between your legs to reduce knee pressure and properly align your hips. The knee pillow is ideal for side sleeping on the side.
• Wedge Pillows – A Wedge Pillow is placed behind your back and can be used for seated or sleeping. The wedge pillow slightly elevates your head, neck, and shoulders and is ideal for reducing acid reflux and relieving head, neck, and shoulder pain in some cases. However, some users may find the elevation uncomfortable or may not experience the desired relief from their symptoms. It’s also important to note that using a wedge pillow may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any positioning pillow.
• Full Body Pillows – A full body pillow or pregnancy pillow could also be ideal for a senior person. It comes in two designs: the full U-shape or a straight length. This pillow provides comfort in multiple ways and can be used for multiple seated or sleeping positions.
• Lumbar Support Pillows – Lumbar support pillows such as the half-moon bolster are placed in the lower back area when seated or lying down to help prevent back pain and provide better spinal alignment.
• Neck Rolls and Bolster Pillows – A Neck Roll or full Bolster pillow is used for neck and shoulder support and is also ideal for elevating your head.
• Cervical Pillows – this sleeping pillow provides optimal head, neck, and shoulder support and proper spinal alignment.

Features of a Good Positioning Pillow for the Elderly

The Only Buyer’s Guide You Need: How to pick your positioning pillow?
We have you covered in this guide if you need to know what type of pillow you need and how to pick the best one. You can just read on to learn more about how to pick the best product.

• Fill – For the fill of the positioning pillow, memory foam or latex foam are most likely your best choices for firmer support that will contour to the shape of your body. Other fills, such as microfiber, polyester, or polystyrene beads, may be softer and more pliable.
• Maintenance – Easy maintenance of the positioning pillow is essential. Look for a pillow with a removable pillowcase that you can wash when needed.
• Comfort – If you sleep on or with the pillow, ensure it is comfortable and not too firm or soft to cause pain and pressure.
• Cooling Technology – many positioning pillows come with cooling technology, such as gel infused into the fill. Memory foam tends to accumulate body heat and overheat, so getting a pillow with cooling gel or at least a cooling cover such as bamboo is a good idea.
• Waterproofing – A waterproof pillow cover protects your pillow from spills and soiling.
• Breathability – A pillow or pillowcase must be breathable and ventilated, especially for sleeping. The fill and pillowcase also need to offer some ventilation.
• Materials – Materials for the fill can include memory foam, latex, gel, and polystyrene polyester. Cotton and bamboo are ideal for the cover, and some polyester technology covers.
• Feel – You need to consider the pillow’s feel, whether it needs to be plush and soft or have firmer support. Memory foam and latex pillows are firmer, whereas polyester and feather fills are soft and plush.
• Loft – The pillow’s height is important, whether a sleeping or knee pillow. A higher pillow is recommended for side and back sleeping, whereas a lower and slimmer pillow is recommended for stomach sleeping.

Reviews: The Best Positioning Pillows for the Elderly

These are our top favorite positioning pillows that are perfect for seniors and elderly persons;
We hope you love the products we recommend! Here are some testimonials from real users who have found relief and comfort with these positioning pillows.
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.

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• The Cushy Form Wedge Pillow is designed for sleeping, reading, and sitting in bed.
• It is an ideal design to prevent acid reflux and improve health.
• The fill is memory foam in a high density that contours to your head, neck and shoulders,
• There is a breathable and washable cover.
• The pillow offers firmer support and will not collapse under the body.

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• The InteVision positioning pillow is an Ortho Bed Wedge and leg rest design.
• You place the pillow underneath your legs to elevate them.
• It is ideal post-surgery or injury and relieves the symptoms of certain ailments.
• They fill us with firmer memory foam and a 400-thread count Egyptian cotton cover.

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• From ComfiLife, we have an orthopedic knee pillow to place between your legs.
• The knee pillow design is ideal for side sleeping. It takes the pressure off your knees and properly aligns your hips and spine.
• The wedge has a full memory foam fill and offers firmer support.
• The cover is breathable and has a zip closure for easy removal when it needs to be washed.

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• The PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow is also ideal as a full-body support and comfort pillow for an elderly person.
• The pillow has a U shape that provides the support you need for sleeping, sitting up, and maneuvering.
• It has a foam fill and a jersey-knit cotton cover.
• Furthermore, there are quite a few color options available on the cover.

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• The Healthex Cervical Neck Roll pillow supports your neck but can also be used under the knees for light lifting.
• The pillow has an ergonomic support design and can likewise be used as a reclining pillow for watching television or reading.
• It has a memory foam fill and a durable bamboo cover that is removable for washing.

Index Table: Top Rated Positioning Pillows for the Elderly

No.	Product	Image	Features	Brand	Score
1	Bedsore Rescue Jewell - Positioning Contoured Wedge Pillow for Seniors		Contoured Wedge Non-Slip	Bedsore Rescue	98
2	Cushy Form Sleeping - Wedge Positioning Pillow for the Elderly		Memory Foam Wedge Design Washable Cover	Cushy Form	97.8
3	InteVision Ortho - Leg rest Positioning Pillow		Leg Elevation Pillow Bamboo Cover Base Foam	InteVision	97
4	ComfiLife Orthopedic - Knee Positioning Pillow for the Elderly		Knee Pillow Memory Foam Fill Breathable	ComfiLife	97.7
5	PharMeDoc Full Body - Positioning Pillow for Seniors		Full Body Support Color Options U Shape	PharMeDoc	97.5
6	Healthex Cervical Neck Bolster - Positioning Pillow for the Elderly		Neck Support Under Knee Support Memory Foam	Healthex	96.9