Side sleeper - advice, pillow recommendations

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Mrsmcg
Mrsmcg Member Posts: 67
edited May 2018 in Breast Reconstruction

I will be having breast reduction and lift. I am a side sleeper, so I am wondering if anyone can share any advice on how to sleep post surgery? How long did it take for you to be able to sleep on your side? Could you sleep in a regular bed?i feel like I am going to need to sleep upright on our couch (at least the couch reclines). Is there a special pillow that you used to help make sleeping (or sleeping on your side) more comfortable?

Thanks!

Mrsmcg


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  • TWills
    TWills Member Posts: 679
    edited February 2018

    I just ordered an L shaped pillow for my upcoming surgery. I used one for my last surgery and it was a life saver. I still use it actually. It gave me support under my arm and also helped me prop over just a bit so I wasn’t so flat on my back. As I recovered I was able to slowly situate it more under my back so I was farther and farther on my side as healing allowed. Like a wedge. I used a long pillow for that for a while but having the L shape made it stay in place better because the top part of the L was under my regular pillow which as also helpful because that gave me a little extra lift and support to keep the pressure of of incisions especially if you had drains. I’ve also saw someone recommend a maternity U shape pillow but that seems more bulky so I’m not sureabout that. Anyway I ordered mine from a Walmart for $13. Hope this helps:)

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  • Mrsmcg
    Mrsmcg Member Posts: 67
    edited February 2018

    I was looking at the maternity pillows. I was thinking that they might be too bulky. My hubby gets overheated in bed, so that would likely make things worse for him. I will have to look into the L shaped pillow. It doesn't sound like it would provide enough support if both breasts are done.

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  • TWills
    TWills Member Posts: 679
    edited February 2018

    I only used one after BMX I used it more like an upside down V to support under both arms right after surgery but as I healed I used it to prop me up on my side.I’d just flip it over when I wanted to switch sides. I’m ordering another one because I might need more support with this next surgery since it will be more intense than BMX.

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  • Mrsmcg
    Mrsmcg Member Posts: 67
    edited February 2018

    What is a V shaped pillow? I have never heard of that. I do have a couple of pillows that you put between your knees, but I don't know if those will work.

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  • TWills
    TWills Member Posts: 679
    edited February 2018

    I was still talking about the L pillow but if you turn it right it’s like an upside down V.

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  • Mrsmcg
    Mrsmcg Member Posts: 67
    edited February 2018

    I guess I don't follow how someone would use the L shaped pillow to help with side sleeping.

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  • TWills
    TWills Member Posts: 679
    edited February 2018

    image

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  • TWills
    TWills Member Posts: 679
    edited February 2018

    image

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  • TWills
    TWills Member Posts: 679
    edited February 2018


    image

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  • Mrsmcg
    Mrsmcg Member Posts: 67
    edited February 2018

    Twills - thanks for the photos. It looks like the person is essentially sleeping on their side.

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  • TWills
    TWills Member Posts: 679
    edited February 2018

    Yes, that would be the end goal. But until you’re healed enough it worked as a wedge of sorts to keep you proped up as you work your way over time into the full side sleeping position. Now I use it in addition to my normal pillow which relieves pressure on myribs which stayed kinda sore. Anyway, $13 seems like a decent enough price to try it out. Good luck!

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited February 2018

    I didn't use anything very special after surgery. Initially I was sleeping on my back, propped up with 2-3 pillows behind my back and head as well as a couple of tiny pillows along my sides under my arms. Eventually (2-3 weeks?) I was able to kind of tilt towards one side - using a tiny pillow along the side of that breast for support.


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  • TWills
    TWills Member Posts: 679
    edited February 2018

    Yep, same here with my first surgery and then I found this pillow. When I was on my back I used it in addition to a larger wedge pillow but more under my neck/shoulders and it gave me arm support. It just stays put better than when I tried using a body pillow or regular pillows. I found that you just need some options and figure out what works for you. Everyone is different and every surgery and stage of healing is different. Oh the joys!

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  • WestCoastGal
    WestCoastGal Member Posts: 16
    edited February 2018

    I have a long body pillow I hug, a gel pillow that molds to me I use to get my head in the right position so incisions don’t hurt, and a regular pillow I wedge under my other side to keep me from falling backward if I find just the right position where nothing hurts. What works to sleep changes quickly as I heal, so having different options and trying them all out in different ways worked best for me!

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  • Jenpeters111
    Jenpeters111 Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2018

    i use an airplane pillow and I love it!

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