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Related Concept Videos

Anatomical Positions01:11

Anatomical Positions

In anatomy, several standard anatomical positions are used as references for describing the position and orientation of different body parts. These positions help provide a common frame of reference when discussing anatomical structures. The anatomical position is the standard reference point for describing the body's position and orientation. In this position:
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Prone Lateral Minimally Invasive Retropleural Corpectomy Using a Rotatable Radiolucent Jackson Table
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A randomized, comparative trial: does pillow type alter cervico-thoracic spinal posture when side lying?

Susan J Gordon1, Karen A Grimmer-Somers, Patricia H Trott

  • 1School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Science, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD.

Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare
|October 4, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Choosing the right pillow matters for spinal alignment. Feather pillows significantly alter cervico-thoracic spine alignment compared to foam, latex, or polyester pillows when side-lying.

Keywords:
cervical spineslopespinal segments

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Spinal Health
  • Ergonomics

Background:

  • Patient inquiries regarding pillow selection are common.
  • Pillow choice may influence spinal positioning during sleep.
  • Understanding pillow effects on cervico-thoracic spine is crucial for patient advice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how different pillow types and shapes affect cervico-thoracic spine alignment.
  • To analyze the impact of pillow material (polyester, foam, feather, latex) and shape (regular vs. contour) on spinal slope.
  • To provide evidence-based recommendations for pillow selection in the side-lying position.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized blinded comparative trial was conducted in a simulated bedroom environment.
  • Participants (side sleepers >18 years) rested on five different pillows: polyester, foam, feather, latex, and contour foam.
  • Digital imaging and marker-based motion analysis quantified cervico-thoracic spinal segment slopes (EOP-C2, C2-C4, C4-C7) at 0 and 10 minutes.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in cervico-thoracic spinal segment slopes were observed across all pillow types.
  • Feather pillows showed significant slope variations compared to foam, latex, and polyester pillows.
  • Regular and contour foam pillows resulted in comparable spinal segment slopes.

Conclusions:

  • Pillow material significantly impacts cervico-thoracic spinal alignment in the side-lying position, particularly when switching to or from feather pillows.
  • Pillow shape (contour vs. regular foam) does not significantly alter spinal segment slope.
  • Evidence supports that pillow content, not just shape, is a key factor in maintaining optimal spinal alignment during sleep.