Why does a pillow with an anti-stress effect relieve tension?

Modern man constantly suffers from nervous overload. This is due to the fact that the areas of his activity are very diverse, and there is a catastrophic lack of time. Shocks can lie in wait for him anywhere, even at home, bringing negativity from TV screens and computer monitors. Therefore, an anti-stress pillow with balls inside can greatly help in stabilizing his general condition. Such products are gaining popularity and people are increasingly buying them in the hope of improving their sleep and well-being. It gives you the opportunity to relieve nervous tension, have a great rest and get into a positive mood.

What is a ball filler?

The pillow, as already mentioned, is filled with special balls that create a pronounced anti-stress effect.

They are most often made from lightweight and hygroscopic polystyrene foam . It is made from pentane, which is exposed to heat, resulting in the release of gas. The particles swell and turn into small balls, which become pillow filling.

The material is highly hygienic, reliable and protects against infection by dust mites. It does not cause negative reactions in the body, so it is recommended to buy it for children, as well as for people suffering from allergic reactions.

In addition, the filler is resistant to time, does not collapse and allows the pillow to maintain its original appearance for many years. According to customer reviews, sleep on it is particularly sound, calm and evokes a feeling of complete relaxation.

The advantages of the filler are:

1. Hypoallergenic.
2. Safety.
3. The ability to repel unwanted odors.
4. Heat resistance.
5. Environmentally friendly.
6. Long service life.

Another type of material for anti-stress pillows are silicone balls . They keep products looking great for many years and are highly hygienic.

The main advantages of the filler are softness and comfort. The products are easy to clean and wash. But often this is not necessary, since the material resists pathogenic microflora and does not allow dust mites to accumulate.

Anti-stress leisure accessories filled with foam balls . Their main advantage is the pronounced accompanying massage effect. Plus, the pillows retain body heat and are comfortable.

But they also have a drawback: they make some rustling noise. However, some people believe that it enhances the calming effect.

What fabric is it made from?

Covers that are pleasant to the touch are created from high quality materials. Most often, polyester, cotton fabric, and knitwear with increased elasticity are used in the manufacture of anti-stress pillows. It is better if the material contains carbon threads. They prevent the formation of static electricity.

A high-quality case is the most important criterion when purchasing anti-stress accessories.

What is he like:

• wrinkle-free;
• wear-resistant, does not wear out, does not deteriorate from washing powder;
• does not change size;
• quick drying.

How to use an anti-stress pillow

The main purpose of the product is that it promotes rapid relaxation, relieves nervous tension, helps relax arm muscles, speeds up falling asleep and ensures proper rest.

The product should be used in such a way that it allows you to move away from the worries of the day and reduce muscle turgor.

To obtain an anti-stress effect you need:

• hug an accessory to relieve nervous tension;
• squeeze it in your hands to provide a light massage effect;
• lie on your back, sitting comfortably on a pillow to achieve complete muscle relaxation;
• place it under your neck to create a convenient and comfortable position, etc.

These actions, especially done consistently, allow you to completely relieve stress, improve your mood and detach yourself from negativity.

If you use an anti-stress pillow with balls inside correctly, you can quickly stabilize your mood, reduce the symptoms of chronic diseases, and improve your general condition.

Daily sleep on such a product allows you to increase performance, relax and reduce muscle pain.

If you place the accessory under the neck or other parts of the body, the tension received during the day is relieved, blood circulation and the functioning of the nervous system are improved.

Those who press a pillow to themselves every day can create a relief effect, reduce negative influences and increase stress resistance.

The result will be more pronounced if you go through a series of stages:

1. Hold the product in your hands, feeling how calmness gradually sets in.
2. Rub it between your fingers, feeling how they stop clenching into fists.
3. Try to crush the accessory with force, trying to release negative emotions.
4. Suppress it, waiting for the bad mood to disappear.
5. Lie down on the pillow, allowing unpleasant thoughts to completely evaporate.
6. Move it under your neck or back, allowing the muscles to release accumulated tension.

With daily use of this product, a rapid anti-stress effect occurs, stabilization of the nervous system and improvement of the functioning of internal organs.

Such products are especially indicated for people suffering from psychosomatic diseases. Most often they affect those whose work is associated with nervous overload, unstable relationships, and low self-esteem. Using this accessory can improve your health and reduce blood pressure. A person’s ability to work gradually improves, sleep normalizes and immunity strengthens.

Form and filling

As a rule, such products are produced in bright, saturated colors.

This not only attracts attention, but also improves your mood. There are “mnushki” of various shapes

Large anti-stress pillows are best suited for back massage and stimulation of the muscles of the whole body. They are made in the form of geometric shapes: rectangles, squares, cylinders, circles. The crescent-shaped product is very convenient. It can be placed under your neck while relaxing or working at the computer.

Small decorative moths are also available for sale. Often these are a variety of soft toys: animals, cartoon characters, hearts, fruits. Some manufacturers offer a wide range of products specifically for women and men. They differ in shape and decor.

Anti-stress pillows are filled with synthetic material polystyrene. It is foamed to produce small, lightweight balls with a diameter of 1–5 mm.

Polystyrene has many advantages.

• It's very light. Thanks to this, even the largest anti-stress pillow with balls inside can be moved by a small child.
• The material is resistant to moisture. Therefore, there is no risk of developing fungus or mold.
• Polystyrene does not crumble even after prolonged use.
• When in contact with an uneven surface, for example, a human body, the pillow takes the appropriate shape. The balls in it are distributed evenly.
• Such items are absolutely safe for children and people with allergies.

To make the cover, high-quality environmental materials are used: cotton, polyester, supplex elastic knitwear. Thanks to this, the mnushka retains its shape and color. The fabric does not wrinkle or stretch after washing.

How to choose

It is worth choosing the option that provides the most immediate effect.

• The first thing you need to do is check the integrity of the pillow, go through each seam and evaluate the quality of the cover. You also need to make sure that there are no holes or cracks in it.
• You should make sure that the material with which the product is filled is of good quality and does not come out.
• It is necessary to ensure that additional accessories in the form of ribbons, terry trim, chains, cords and applied prints do not interfere with rest and falling asleep.
• Much attention should be paid to the shape of the pillow. Its children's versions are often produced in the form of characters from folk tales or films. The more aesthetically pleasing and cheerful the products, the better the child’s good mood will remain.
• Parents are advised to opt for a product made like a horseshoe. It will serve both at night and during the day while reading or relaxing in front of the TV. It is advisable to give preference to a tall or medium-sized option.
• Other offers from companies include round, rectangular, diamond-shaped types. They will not only relieve stress, but will also serve as an excellent decor for the room, especially since, as a rule, they are distinguished by bright colors.

How to wash a pillow with balls inside

In order for the product to last longer, it must be properly cared for.

Therefore, it must be cleaned in compliance with all requirements. You should not wash the accessory more often than once every six months.

1. It is better to prefer the manual option. You need to take not too hot water and add washing powder to it. After the pillow has been cleaned, it should be rinsed thoroughly several times under running water. Then you should squeeze out all the water from it and dry it naturally. It’s better to just put it in a warm place, waiting for the moisture to completely evaporate. It is recommended to place the product on a clean cloth to absorb liquid faster. After the process is completed, it must be carefully inspected to ensure its integrity and safety.

If this is not the first time you have washed it and the accessory lasts quite a long time, then you should first place it in an additional thick pillowcase.

1. With the automatic option, the anti-stress pillow must be treated like a delicate product, selecting the appropriate operating mode of the unit. You don't need to add too much powder. It is recommended to take fifty percent of the usual portion. The spin should be turned off to avoid damaging the accessory. You need to wring it out and dry it in the same way as when washing it by hand, placing it under a cloth.

Rating of anti-stress toys

Shops and hypermarkets are filled with a variety of anti-stress toys. Choosing a quality product that will not harm your health is not easy.

In order not to make a mistake with a purchase and not throw money away, marketers recommend paying attention to leading brands that produce worthy anti-stress toys, which include:

1. Rubber toffees from Hasbro
   - Superman, Octopus, Batman, Monster, Joker, Scooby-Doo, which can be stretched 5 or more times, tied in knots, after which they will quickly return to their original form. These toys are included in the list of the most famous all over the world.
2. The Canadian manufacturer ORB
   produces high-quality squishies that have gained popularity all over the world. Realistic and fragrant-smelling toys are safe for health, since only the highest quality materials are used for their production.
3. Bubblez
   are world-famous slimes made from a health-safe polymer material. They look like a lot of balls, which when pressed burst under your fingers, gurgling and clicking. These slimes are loved by the whole world.

Other care tips

Caring for an anti-stress pillow with balls inside is usually quite simple and does not require special attention. The only thing to consider is that it gets dirty when squeezed and when placed under different parts of the body. Its filler is synthetic material, so it does not get too dirty. But, still, you need to watch her.

If the case is not too fresh, then you should wipe it with a sponge and detergent. It is better to change your pillowcase twice a week.

If dust or sweat penetrates deeply, the balls are removed and washed separately. Open the zipper or rip the side of the product. The filler is taken out and examined, cleaned with a detergent and disinfected.

You can simply cut out some laundry soap and hold it in the solution for several minutes. Then you need to change the water and put the balls in there again. The procedure is repeated several times.

Afterwards, the filler must be rinsed thoroughly. Hanging or placing the pillow is not recommended to avoid damage to the internal material. After the balls have dried, they should be sprayed with essential oil.

Anti-stress products for sleep and relaxation are an excellent remedy against daily nervous tension and internal overload. It is beautiful, comfortable and easy to use. Therefore, it is recommended to buy it in several copies at once for adults and children.

What is an anti-stress pillow

Anti-stress pillows, colloquially called “mnushki”, differ from ordinary and orthopedic pillows primarily in their filling - small, about a millimeter in diameter, balls of foamed polystyrene. This filler is very light, safe, environmentally friendly, does not absorb foreign odors, is resistant to moisture and does not cause allergies, since it is not a breeding ground for dust mites, fungi and mold.

The photo shows design options for anti-stress pillows with balls inside.

The covers of anti-stress pillows are made from supplex fabric - a knitted, highly elastic fabric containing up to 80% lycra. Biflex easily stretches in any direction and also easily returns to its original shape. The quality, environmental friendliness and safety of this material is evidenced by the fact that it is often used to make sports suits and dancewear, including for children.

The optimistic, cheerful design of anti-stress pillows amazes with the variety of shapes and colors that determine their scope of application. Anti-stress pillows are available in the form:

• A small square or rectangle. The standard shape allows them to be used for sleeping, as an alternative to a regular pillow.
• Semicircle. They are convenient to place under your neck when watching TV, in a car, or while traveling.
• Extended roller. It is convenient to place a bolster pillow both under the head and under the lower back to relieve tension from the spine.
• Soft toys in the form of crescents, hearts, stars, vegetables, fruits and funny animals. Children really like these pillows.

Since supplex is a fabric that is resistant to fading and does not fade when washed, the colors for such pillows are usually chosen to be bright and cheerful. As a result, the appearance of gnats inevitably brings a smile and lifts your spirits.

Filler

Most of them use a synthetic material called polystyrene as a filler. The pads are filled with a special foamed version of this material, which forms small granules.

The main advantages of foam filler include the following:

• Moisture is not absorbed into foam granules, so they can be used even in rooms with high humidity.
• This is a very light material - thanks to this feature, even large anti-stress pillows can be easily lifted by a child.
• It does not cause allergic reactions, so these anti-stress pillows can be used by allergy sufferers for sleep and relaxation.
• Quite durable granules do not crumble, and, as a result, the filler does not come out through the seams.
• Such textile attributes, which are stuffed with polystyrene, do not harbor dust mites.

The main advantages of anti-stress pillows with silicone balls inside include:

• Softness – it’s pleasant to rest on this product during the day and you can get a good night’s sleep.
• Over time, they do not lose their shape and retain their original appearance.
• Such textile products can be safely washed not only by hand, but also in a washing machine, and also cleaned.
• They have an antibacterial coating that protects against harmful bacteria.
• Does not accumulate dust.

The main disadvantages of natural fillers include the rather high cost, as well as special care. Without careful, delicate care, anti-stress pillows with natural filling will quickly become deformed and lose their beneficial properties.

Despite this, such textile products, which are stuffed with wool, have a beneficial and healing effect on the human body. They will be an excellent find for people suffering from the following diseases:

• rheumatism;
• arthrosis;
• arthritis;
• nasopharyngeal diseases.

All of the above fillers can be used regardless of the shape in which the anti-stress pillow is made, be it a standard rectangular or square textile product, or in the form of cats, flowers or hearts.

How to use

Anti-stress pillows with balls inside are multifunctional and suitable for both children and adults:

1. 1 If necessary, they can replace regular pillows. It is unlikely that you will use a pillow pillow all the time, but it is very pleasant to sleep on. Loose ball filler adapts to the contours of the head, supports the curves of the neck, easily massages the skin and gradually lulls you to sleep with a quiet rustling sound.
2. 2 Serve as a kind of simulators for the development of fine motor skills. At the tips of our fingers, directly under the skin, there are tactile receptors - nerve endings that are sensitive to the slightest touch. Their stimulation is positively beneficial at any age. In middle-aged and elderly people, active fine motor skills reduce nervous tension, strengthen memory, and slow down the aging process of the brain. It helps children develop faster and master oral and written language, helping them become more confident.
3. 3 Used for games. Bright, funny, pliable and at the same time maintaining volume and shape, no matter how much they are crushed, anti-stress pillows are sometimes difficult to distinguish from soft toys. This is why children love them and enjoy playing with them.
4. 4 They are original decorative elements. It is advisable to use such pillows as a training device for at least 15 minutes daily, so you should not hide them far away. Moreover, thanks to their fun, cute and varied designs, they can decorate and enliven the interior of any room.
5. 5 Can be a great gift. Choosing a gift is always difficult, but such a universal accessory will never be superfluous. You can safely give it to any person, the main thing is not to make a mistake with the choice of design. Pillows in the shape of a fish, a hare, or a cat are suitable for kids; for a girl - in the shape of a smiley face or heart; for a man - a rectangular massage pillow in the shape of a dollar. And if none of the ready-made options suits you, you can order an anti-stress pillow from a special workshop and ask for a photo print on it.

Benefit

The positive effect of the anti-stress pillow is observed immediately as soon as a person takes it in his hands, he seems to change before his eyes. Nervous tension decreases, the adult or child becomes liberated and relaxes.

The beneficial effects on the human body have the following manifestations:

• Improved well-being - most diseases are psychosomatic in nature and are caused by constant exposure to stressful situations. Thanks to the anti-stress effect, a person feels much better.
• Increased performance - the use of this attribute allows you to get a good night's sleep and rest, which means you have new strength for the working day.
• Relaxation - by squeezing a soft pad in your hands, a person gradually relaxes, calms down, and nervous tension goes away.
• The ability to disconnect from problems - a slight effect on the nerve endings creates a calming effect, the adult switches and tunes into a positive mood, forgetting about his problems.
• In addition to the calming effect, such an anti-stress pillow can cheer up thanks to the cheerful design of the cover. Such textile decor allows you to create an atmosphere of happiness and joy, bringing warmth and comfort to the room.

The anti-stress pillow has a number of advantages and disadvantages, which is why it is very popular:

• Bright colors can improve the mood of both adults and children.
• Fun design – most anti-stress pillows are made in the form of funny toys that will diversify the design of the room and will become your baby’s favorite toy.
• Fits perfectly into the style of the room, adding zest and originality.
• Develops fine motor skills - this is especially important for young children who are just learning to talk. In addition, the development of fine motor skills allows you to stimulate the thought process, which is important for both older people and children.
• It has a positive effect on mental health, as it helps to relax and calm down, remove irritation and an aggressive attitude.
• It is hypoallergenic - the materials used to create such an anti-stress product do not cause allergic reactions or manifestations.
• Can replace a regular soft pillow, as it can be used for sleeping during the day and at night.

How to wash

Since anti-stress pillows with balls inside are used very intensively in most cases: they are wrinkled, tugged at, slept on, played with, caring for them comes down mainly to regular washing. It can be done either manually or in an automatic machine.

Washing is carried out in two ways: completely and the cover separately from the filler. In the second method, the cover is ripped open along the side seam and the filler is poured out. Manufacturers sew side zippers onto many pillows, which is very convenient, since in order to empty and fill the pillow you just need to unzip the zipper.

Neither method causes any particular difficulties, but due to the fact that the material and filler in the anti-stress pillow are not quite ordinary, you will have to take into account several nuances:

• You need to prepare the pillow for washing: sew up the holes on the cover and between the seams (if any) and wash out the stains.
• The water temperature should not exceed 40 °C. For an automatic machine, this temperature corresponds to the delicate washing and spinning mode; for hand washing, spinning is not recommended at all.
• In both cases, use powder or gel for delicate fabrics or any baby detergent. When hand washing, it is diluted in water in advance. The use of any bleaching products is prohibited.
• It is important to remember that without a cover, polystyrene balls can only be washed by hand. It is simply dipped into a soapy solution, left for 5-10 minutes, shaken several times and rinsed thoroughly.
• Before the main wash, remove all visible dirt from the cover. To do this, apply a small amount of detergent to a dishwashing sponge, rub it on the dirtiest places, leave for 10 minutes, rinse and then wash the entire pillow or cover.
• With the machine method, there is a possibility that the filling will begin to spill out of the cover, so in this case the pillow must be placed in a special washing bag or pillowcase.

Do not wring out a clean pillow (only light pressure is allowed) and dry it naturally in a well-ventilated area: hang it on clothespins by the ears or lay it out on a clean terry towel. Since all components are 100% synthetic, it dries very quickly.

If, despite the fact that washing an anti-stress pillow is quite simple, you do not want to bother with it, use dry cleaning services. True, in this case, no one can guarantee that the cleaning agent used there will not cause you an allergy.

Selection, application

There are different anti-stress pillows and choose them depending on their purpose:

• They choose for the child based on their interests. There is no need to buy a girl a pink one with glitter, or a boy one in the shape of a car. If your interests are unknown, it is better to buy something neutral - a toy pillow in the shape of a cat, puppy or famous cartoon character. Children can use them in everyday games or sleep like soft toys.
• If the purchase will further decorate the room, it should match the color and design. This item is bought with a silk, bamboo or synthetic cover.

Anti-stress sleeping pillows are chosen based on their hardness and comfort. The head should not sag too much. There should be a pleasant feeling. The quality of sleep will improve, neck and back pain will decrease. These are standard square, rectangular products or rollers.

The development of fine motor skills is important at any age. Children begin to think, think, read, speak and write faster

In adults, memory improves, brain aging slows down, and the nervous system relaxes.

If pillowcase pillows are used for sleeping, pillowcases are necessary in any case. Even if the shape is non-standard. You'll have to work hard and sew it yourself or go to a workshop.

Inexpensive synthetic products do not require special care. Wash them by hand or in a machine. If there is a zipper, the balls are taken out and the cover is washed separately without any problems. The granules are washed separately, only by hand:

make a soap solution, liquid or laundry soap or shampoo will do; place the balls in it so that the water completely covers it; leave for 5-10 minutes; stir the soapy liquid with your hands; carefully drain the water so as not to lose the balls; Rinse thoroughly, no foam should remain.

Hand wash one piece:

• pour warm water into a basin up to 40 degrees;
• add detergent for delicate fabrics, stir;
• place the relaxation pillow in the basin and wash it as usual;
• rinse in running water;
• squeeze a little and put to dry in a ventilated room on a horizontal surface.

Other drying options: hang by the ears on clothespins, wrap in a terry towel.

If the water is very dirty during the washing process, replace it with clean water, add detergent and wash it a second time.

Machine washable anti-stress pillow:

• put it in a pillowcase and sew it up (or zip it up, if you have one);
• select the manual (gentle) program;
• use a product for delicate fabrics;
• turn off spin or leave 400 rpm;
• after washing, squeeze lightly and send to dry, as in the first method.

In this case, instead of a bag, a pillowcase is used so that if the product with granules ruptures, they will not clog inside the machine and spoil it.

The use of bleaching and aggressive detergents is not allowed for washing. Decorative items are washed twice a year. The pillow they sleep on is the same - after all, they put a pillowcase on it. The toy should be washed once every month or two, especially if it belongs to a child.

A fresh stain is wiped with a sponge with liquid or laundry soap or dish soap. If it is heavily soiled, leave it for 10 minutes. Rinse the soft item completely under the tap or wash the cleaned part. Be sure to remove stains before washing.

Some general tips:

• the stray filler for anti-stress pillows is taken out of the case and combed with a large comb;
• drip a little of your favorite essential oil onto the washed, dried item in a corner, the smell will remain until the next wash;
• If the cover is good, but the filling has deteriorated and cannot be restored, buy a new one - it is inexpensive.

Once you buy a pillow, you will never want to part with it. The product will become a faithful companion at home, at work, and on a trip. Some people buy several different ones so that there is a soft mush everywhere.

Care Tips

In conclusion, I would like to add a few useful tips that will help keep the anti-stress pillow with balls inside in good condition for a long time:

• After washing, add 3-4 drops of aroma oil onto the dried pillow, the smell of which evokes pleasant emotions in you: mint, rose, sage, lily of the valley, lavender. It will last until the next wash.
• The cover gets dirty faster than the filling, which is why it is washed more often. It is usually enough to wash the filling 1-2 times a year, but children's pillows in any case need to be washed at least once every two months.
• If the polystyrene balls clump together, they can be broken up using a carpet cracker or a regular rolling pin. If this doesn't help, remove the litter from the case and try combing it out with a large wooden comb.
• If it was not possible to restore the filler, you can replace it with a new one. Moreover, it is inexpensive and is sold in most specialized bedding stores.

The Japanese were the first to notice the therapeutic effect of using anti-stress pillows. A little later they fell in love with the inhabitants of Europe. Today they are produced by many Russian manufacturers. Of course, a pillow will not help you get out of deep depression, but it will definitely lift your spirits. And for our life, full of stress and anxiety, this is already a lot.