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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
A Guide To Selecting A Pillow
ILC Reference NO 21:21:999
Item sourced from ILC WA database
Short Description
A range of pillows are available to suit a variety of individual needs. The range includes standard pillows, back pillows and neck pillows. A guide for features to consider when selecting a pillow is provided.
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing
More Details
PILLOW CONSTRUCTION
Pillows are generally made from one or a combination of the following:
foam, feather, wool, synthetic (kapok, polyester) and latex. They are generally available in a variety of shapes: square, rectangular, wedge, boomerang, triangular, round or one side higher than the other. The surface may be contoured, have a grid like finish, or convoluted (may also be called 'egg carton'). The comfort or suitability of a pillow may be influenced by the cover (cotton, dust mite exclusion cover, mesh, plastic (PVC), vinyl, 2 or 3 way stretch, breathable (vapour permeable). An additional removable cover may be provided with the pillow along with the permanent cover. For individuals who are at risk of pressure areas developing on the body part resting on the pillow (eg. ears, back of head, spine), it is important a suitable pillow material and cover (cover has two or three way stretch and is breathable) is chosen. For individuals with allergies, a dust mite exclusion cover may be required.
POSTURE CONSIDERATIONS
When choosing a pillow to support the neck and head the following guidelines may provide a starting point to choosing a pillow that is comfortable. In all circumstances, it is important to keep the natural curves of the spine:
- For a person who sleeps on their back, consider a low to medium height pillow with some support under the neck area. It is aimed not to push too far forward;
- For a person who sleeps on their side, support under the neck is important. It is aimed that (when viewing the person from the side), that their spine is straight.
- For a person who sleeps on their stomach, a low pillow will prevent the neck being pushed back (over extended).
GENERAL POINTS TO CONSIDER
People with allergies need to consider the suitability of the pillow inner and cover. Some individuals are allergic to latex or the dust mites found more prolifically in some materials.
Consider suitability of the cover where an individual is at risk of developing pressure areas. Both an appropriate inner and cover should be considered;
Where an individual is incontinent, absorbent and plastic covers are available.
Consider density of the foam inner (where applicable);
Consider ability to wash or clean the pillow inner and cover;
Consider the need for other features of the pillow / cover - water resistance, fire retardant etc;
Consider the shape and structure of the pillow (and ability to adjust shape / amount of filling) and it's suitability for the individual in supporting the head and neck;
Consider portability, particularly if the pillow is to be taken when travelling.
Additional Information
For further information the following organisations can be contacted:
- Continence Foundation
- Asthma Foundation
- Physiotherapy Association
Australian And Other Standards
For some types of equipment, specific Australian Standards are applicable to the materials used in, and the manufacturing processes applied to products. Purchasers are advised to check with the supplier or manufacturer of this item as to its compliance with the relevant Australian Standards. Stated compliance with a Standard does not guarantee that the product has been tested against that Standard.
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Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
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