What's a Napping Pillow and Why You Need One

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 its own 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, it can be difficult to wake up and leave 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 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 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

To reap these benefits, it's important to reach these two sleep stages. 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 with a unique shape. It’s designed to work as a cushion that supports your head and neck. And it’s perfect for when you need to nap on the go like at the office or when you travel.

And while it may be new to some, using a napping pillow has become common. And this is unsurprising considering the rise of hustle culture and its negative 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.

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 type of 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 - For example, the cocoon-like Ostrich Pillow is 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 four different 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 will best support your neck and head. This also comes into play when it comes to how portable you need it to be.

The fabric should also be a top consideration. It should be soft and comfy. It's important 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, consider a cocoon-like napping pillow. If you’re always on the go, a travel pillow is your best bet. And if you nap at your desk, then consider a napping pillow designed specifically for this.

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

Tips for Efficient and Effective Napping

To make the most of your naps, here are a couple of tips:

• 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 as a way to improve your productivity and overall health.

Let us know which napping pillow works for you by dropping a comment 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.