What are Mastectomy Pillows?

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Mastectomy pillows are used to relieve pressure and provide correct posture. These pillows are placed under the breast and armpit or used as a prop for the neck & arm. A comfort pillow is used to protect incisions and reduce strain from the surgical area.  

What is a Mastectomy?  

A mastectomy is a way of treating breast cancer by removing the entire breast through surgery. 

It can be either partial mastectomy or full mastectomy, depending upon the patient's condition. In a partial mastectomy l, doctors only remove the cancerous tissue.  

How does a mastectomy pillow help?  

There are some items  you may need after a mastectomy to increase comforts such as a front closure bra, a wedge pillow, or a mastectomy pillow which will:  

  • Protects incisions from stretching  
  • Relieves pressure from the chest area 
  • Support back & shoulders 
  • Provide overall comfort and support  

Types of Mastectomy Pillows  

Damozelle has a variety of mastectomy pillows available.-  

  1. Seat Belt Mastectomy Pillow – A seat belt mastectomy pillow would probably be the first pillow you will use on the drive home from the hospital. after surgery. It is attached to the car seat belt, or you can place it between your chest and seat belt to prevent rubbing and friction.  
  2. Breast Support Mastectomy Pillow – Breast surgery changes the size and weight of the chest, and your body needs time to adjust to the changes. During mastectomy recovery, this breast pillow supports you and eases discomfort from underarm incisions.   
  3. Wedge Mastectomy Pillow – The best sleeping position after surgery is sleeping on your back, which can be a little uncomfortable for some.   Wedge pillows can be placed in different positions, they can be placed under your head to prevent turning to the incision side, and they can be placed under your legs and knees to give your spine a comfortable position to sleep.  
  4. Donut Mastectomy Pillow – A donut pillow is shaped like a donut and used for sitting to relieve the pain from the tailbone or coccyx caused by sitting for a long time. A donut pillow reduces the pressure on the bottom of the spine. It is also used for hip pain or to aid with bowel movement difficulty. 
  5. Neck Mastectomy Pillow – Neck pillows are used for sitting and sleeping comfortably. They help in lining up the posture of the neck, head, and shoulders. If you are undergoing chemotherapy treatment, you will be required to sit for a long time, and a neck pillow may help you sit comfortably.  
  6. Knee Mastectomy Pillow – Sleeping with a pillow between your knees eases back pain and provides comfort. When your back is comfortable, you will toss and turn less, and it helps in sleeping faster.  
  7. Back Mastectomy Pillow – Comfortable back and correct back posture help in recovering from any health issue. Breast surgery recovery also requires comfortable back support that reduces stress on the back and spine and improves posture. This comfort pillow provides three-way support, allowing you to adjust your position without moving the cushion itself.  

What are the things to remember during mastectomy recovery?  

Breast surgery recovery is a crucial part of every patient. . After the surgery, the patient is required to do certain things to have a speedy recovery. Here are some to consider during mastectomy recovery:-  

  1. Relax yourself and expect some fatigue – Surgery is a draining procedure and can be exhausting.  But the patient needs to relax and calm themselves. Mastectomy recovery will take time, keep yourself engaged at this time and try to relax and get as much rest as possible. 
  2. Exercise carefully – After every surgery, doctors suggest some exercises to move your body and increase blood flow. After breast cancer surgery, exercising works efficiently, but do it cautiously. Never force yourself to do anything that is uncomfortable – ease into it!  
  3. Sleeping position after breast surgery – Getting adequate and restorative sleep is extremely essential for any patient. It eases the recovery process. As stated before, sleeping on your back is best. Taking steps to make this easier will help you adapt and feel comfortable.  
  4. Mastectomy tattoos – Breast surgery leaves scars on your body. Some people opt for tattoos to help camouflage those scars. Wait an adequate time before considering a tattoo and only proceed if your body can handle it. . Always consult your doctor before getting any breast tattoos.  

Recovering from breast cancer can be physically and emotionally debilitating. . Mastectomy pillow comes in all shapes and sizes and gives you the support and proper posture you need to comfortably recover.    

As respectcaregivers.org says, "A mastectomy pillow is an essential accessory required by women post-surgery." Damozelle provides a variety of mastectomy pillows for recovery. 

 

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