What’s a Napping Pillow and Why You Need One for the Perfect Nap

Catching a short midday snooze isn't just a chance to kick back and relax. Why we nap and how it affects our bodies is backed by science. When we do, our bodies go through the lighter sleep stages, each with benefits.

When you nap you typically enter stages 1 and 2 of sleep, according to Sleep Foundation⁽¹⁾. Snoozers often don’t reach stage 3 or REM sleep. Otherwise, waking up can be difficult, leaving you feeling groggy.      

Stage 1 is when you’re falling asleep. Your heartbeat and breathing begin to slow. And your muscles start to relax. This stage lasts just a couple of minutes.

When you enter stage 2, your breathing and heartbeat slow down even more. And you experience less eye movement. This stage has a duration of about 25 minutes, according to Healthline⁽²⁾.

Some benefits of napping include:

• An immune system boost

• Improved mood

• Sharpens your focus and memory

• Boosts creative thinking

• Lowers stress

It's essential to reach these 2 sleep stages to reap nap benefits. And that can be hard if you’re napping on your office desk or in an airport lounge. And that’s where the right napping pillow comes in handy.

It’s time to move on to the answer to your question: “What’s a napping pillow?”

First, here’s what it isn’t: the average pillow on your bed, sofa or floor.

A napping pillow is comfy, portable, and lightweight, and has a unique shape. It has a unique pillow design where it works as a cushion that supports your head and neck. And it’s perfect for when you need to nap, like at the office or when you travel.

And while it may be new to some, using a napping pillow has become common. This is unsurprising considering the rise of hustle culture and its adverse effects on overall health and well-being. Thankfully, many have embraced naps as a way to stay healthy. (And if you haven’t yet, so should you!)

A napping pillow can do wonders for your snooze quality. It gives you the necessary support and comfort. You’ll wake up feeling refreshed

minus the aches and pains.

The fact that it’s portable means you can take it anywhere with you. Think of it as your personal nap sanctuary. It's designed for power naps anytime the mood strikes you.

A napping pillow can help you catch efficient and comfy zzzs. That way, you reap all the benefits of a solid nap.

Different Types of Napping Pillows

Now let’s move on to the kinds of napping pillows. Each is designed to suit different needs and preferences.

• An office napping pillow for use on desks — This pillow cradles your head and neck, giving an almost weightless feeling. One example is Manta Nap Arc, a curved pillow with an adjustable height that gives zero arm pressure.  

• A napping pillow for travelers — This kind of pillow gives your neck adequate support, so you can snooze sitting up. For instance, Manta Travel Pillow configures into 4 different positions, all of which provide good head and neck support.

• One that envelops your neck and head — There are cocoon-like pillows designed to block out noise and light while you nap in comfort.

Spotlight on Manta Nap Arc Napping Pillow

Manta Nap Arc is a game-changer in the world of napping in the office. Its distinctive and adjustable arc design gives your neck and head adequate support. Plus, you can forget pins and needles from napping on your arms.

So, if you're looking for an office napping pillow that combines comfort, support, and convenience, try Manta Nap Arc.

Highlighting Manta Travel Pillow

All it takes is 2 breaths to inflate Manta Travel Pillow. Use it in 4 ways: The Lock, The Hug, The Nod and The Cradle.

How to Choose Your Napping Pillow

Consider your individual needs and preferences when choosing a napping pillow. Think about what pillow shape and size best supports your neck and head. This also comes into play regarding how portable you need it to be.  

The fabric should also be a top consideration. It should be soft and comfy. It's essential to take note of the materials to prevent allergies. And of course, it should be easy to clean. Look for a napping pillow that’s machine-washable.

Finally, think about where you’re going to be using it most. If you nap in an area with bright lights, a cocoon-like pillow blacks out light and noise. A travel pillow is your best bet if you’re always on the go. And if you nap at your desk, consider a napping pillow designed specifically for this.

Not everybody is used to sleeping with their head and neck entirely enveloped by a cocoon-like pillow. If you’re worried about bright lights and loud noises, you can also use an excellent sleep mask, earplugs, and travel or arc-shaped napping pillows.

Tips for Efficient and Effective Napping

Want the perfect nap? Here are a couple of tips on making the most out of your snooze:

• Keep your naps short. A power nap of 20-30 minutes boosts alertness and energy levels. Long naps can lead to grogginess when you wake up.

• Create a restful environment. Apart from your napping pillow, use a sleep mask or earplugs to block out light and noise. Sleep in a cool environment, too.

• Nap at the same time every day. This regulates your body's sleep cycle. Napping too close to bedtime can mess with your nighttime sleep.

We hope this article answered your question: “What’s a napping pillow?” As you now know, it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re serious about napping to improve your productivity and overall health.  

Let us know which napping pillow works for you by commenting below.

Sources:  

(1) “Napping: Benefits and Tips” Sleep Foundation, www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/napping. Accessed 11 August 2023.

(2) “Everything to Know About the Stages of Sleep” Healthline, www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/stages-of-sleep. Accessed 14 August 2023.