A lumbar pillow are a support tools that you place against your lower back to support the natural curve of your spine. The natural curve of the spine is an inward sway at the lumbar region, and this lumbar curve require counterpressure to maintain proper posture. A lumbar pillow provides this counterpressure, but you must select a lumbar pillow that is the correct size and shape for your specific seating arrangement.
If a lumbar pillow is too small, the lumbar pillow will not provide enough support, but if a lumbar pillow is too large, the lumbar pillow will be uncomfortably and bulky. You must consider the dimensions of your seat when you are choosing a lumbar pillow. A narrow seat, such as a car seat or a small office chair, require a narrow lumbar pillow because a narrow lumbar pillow will fit into tight space without interfering with the armrests.
How to Choose a Lumbar Pillow
A broad seat, such as a sofa, can accommodate a longer lumbar pillow because a longer lumbar pillow can span the back cushion of a sofa. You should match the width of the lumbar pillow to approximately one-third of the width of the seat back, and you should match the height of the lumbar pillow to the depth of your lumbar curve. The lumbar curve is typically located at waist level when a person are seated.
The shape of a lumbar pillow also determine how the lumbar pillow supports the body. A flat, rectangular lumbar pillow is suitable for everyday use on a sofa because a flat lumbar pillow can hug the curve of the back evenly. A cylindrical roll lumbar pillow is useful if you want to apply pressure to a specific point on the spine, and a wedge shaped lumbar pillow is useful if you want to tilt your pelvis forward to improve spinal alignment.
A curved arc lumbar pillow is designed to mold to the full contour of the spine. You should experiment with different shapes because different shapes provides different types of support. The material inside the lumbar pillow, which is called the fill, determine the firmness of the lumbar pillow.
Firm fills, such as memory foam or buckwheat, is useful for people who require constant support because firm fills hold its shape under pressure. Soft fills, such as down or polyester, are useful for decorative purpose because soft fills yield easily when you press against them. If a person experiences frequent back pain, a person should of choose a firm lumbar pillow, but if a person is sitting for relaxation, a person may prefer a soft lumbar pillow.
The fabric of a lumbar pillow affect how the lumbar pillow feels and how easy the lumbar pillow is to clean. Breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen, are useful in hot climate because breathable fabrics help to manage heat. Durable fabrics, such as performance weaves or faux leather, is useful in homes with children or pets because durable fabrics resists stains and are easy to wipe clean.
You should also consider if the lumbar pillow has a removable cover because a removable cover allow you to wash the cover more easy. You must place the lumbar pillow correctly to recieve the benefits of the lumbar pillow. You should place the lumbar pillow in the gap between your spine and the backrest of your chair.
You should not place the lumbar pillow high on the shoulders, and the lumbar pillow should not be placed low at the seat. The lumbar pillow should sit directly against the inward bow of your lumbar curve. If the lumbar pillow is not at the correct height, you may need to adjust the lumbar pillow or use a rolled towel to supplement the support.
You should tailor the choice of a lumbar pillow to the specific type of furnitures you are using. Slimmer lumbar pillows is appropriate for gaming chairs or dining chairs, but broader lumbar pillows are appropriate for armchairs. If you are using a sofa, you should choose a lumbar pillow that match the scale of the sofa.
You should monitor how your body feel after using a lumbar pillow for one week. If the aches in your back decreases, the lumbar pillow is the correct size, but if the aches continue, you may need to change the size or the shape of the lumbar pillow.
