Question

How should I use a pillow?

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Master's Degree, Nursing, University of Tennessee Knoxville Master's Degree, Nursing, University of Tennessee Knoxville Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS Master's Degree, Nursing, University of Tennessee Knoxville Expert Answer

Pillows should support the natural curves of your spine and depending on the position you sleep in, they can assist in proper and supportive spinal alignment. For example, if you sleep on your back, then use a pillow to support your neck. Pick the pillow that is not too high and not too low but fits and keeps your cervical spine (the area of your spine in your neck) neutral. It should not be flexed forward or extended back. Also, if you sleep on your back you may use a pillow under your knees to keep the lower curve of your spine neutral. This is especially useful if you have low back pain. But even if you don’t have back pain, having a pillow under your knees will feel good and relieve the pressure on your lower back. If you sleep on your side, use a full body pillow and place it between your arms and legs in addition to the head pillow that keeps your neck leveled with the shoulders. These methods are aimed at keeping your spine neutral and supporting its natural curves.