24 June 2010- With all lifestyle related problems, most of the people these days suffer from pain of one or the other kind. Support pillows have really granted the much wanted relief to these people suffering from back, neck and other body pains. A foam bed pillow is one of many types of support pillows.

What is a Foam Bed Pillow?

A foam bed pillow is made with special technique that makes it mold according to one's body contours and adjust as the person moves. This eases pain and stress on body's critical pressure points. Most of the foam bed pillows also resist flattening out and as such have proper head and neck alignment.

Memory Foam Bed Pillow

Memory foam bed pillows have an outer layer of a high quality visco elastic memory foam material that conforms to the body's shape over a sturdy polyurethane foam core. The specialty of such foam contour pillows is that it responds to the body's temperature through the transfer of body heat. As a result, the surface of pillow takes shape of the body of the person using it giving extra comfort that cannot be given by a regular pillow.

Foam Bed Wedge Pillows

Wedge pillows are the advanced form of foam bed pillows. Bed wedge pillows come with a special incline design that helps in elevating the head and body of the person for breathing comfort and relief from pressure. These foam wedge pillows are especially meant for bed ridden people (either temporarily bed ridden for recovering from some illness or for prolonged periods like in case of paralysis.) Memory foam wedge pillows are not only used for medical purposes but also as a cosmetic aid. Some people use bed wedge pillow to avoid sleeping and putting pressure on the face that often contributes in developing facial wrinkles in the long-run. Most of the foam bed pillows including bed wedge come with pillow covers having a zipper closure for easy removing and washing. However, one must take care while washing foam bed pillows.

How to Wash Foam Bed Pillows

There is no need to dry clean foam bed pillows and they can be very well washed at home. Here are some tips to wash foam bed pillows at home.

• Do not wash foam bed pillows (including memory foam pillows) in the washer. This can lead the foam to crumble.
• Always handwash foam pillows in a large sink or bathtub.
• To wash these pillows, make use of some mild detergent in small amount and lukewarm water.
• Take enough water to cover the pillow. Gently squeeze to move the detergent and water through the pillow.
• Rinse the foam pillow several times until the water is seen running clear.
• Gently squeeze the foam to let water drain out from it. Never wring the foam bed pillows harshly.
• Never use dryer for foam bed pillows as the heat therein can damage the foam and can also make it crumble.
• After washing foam bed pillow, let it air dry on a flat surface. If possible, try to wash foam bed pillows on a sunny day so that they can be finally dried in the sun.

Foam bed pillows are specially designed to give relief from back ache, shoulder ace and neck pain. There are many other types of support pillows that are made for giving support in various other medical conditions. Know about these pillow types and their benefits