Quick Guide To Use Mastectomy Pillow: Let’s Begin

Have you recently undergone mastectomy or breast cancer surgery? If so, you may need a mastectomy pillow for recovering with comfort after surgery. It is highly recommended to mastectomy patients, as this pillow helps them during the healing process. But what does this pillow exactly does? In this article, we will share with you all the details related to this pillow for post-breast cancer surgery.

What is a Mastectomy Pillow?

It is different from a regular pillow, as it’s created particularly to offer maximum comfort to patients who have undergone breast surgery. While it is readily found online and in various retail stores, mastectomy pillow varies in size, design, and shape. Its shape, size, and design vary as per the brand you purchase. However, all of them serve a similar purpose which is to help patients recover after breast surgery, mastectomy, or breast reconstruction.

The major purposes of these pillows are to:

• Offer post-surgery comfort while one is sitting upright in a chair or when laying down on a bed after surgery.
• Offer space between the ribcage/breasts and the underarms.
• Keep pressure off the soft surgical incisions while avoiding the arms from resting against the person’s chest after surgery.
• Offer comfort from seatbelts when traveling in a car.
• Ensure surgical incisions don’t get pulled or strained.
• Protect delicate breast tissue while hugging friends and family members during recovery.

Types of Mastectomy Pillow

Here are the different types of pillows required for mastectomy:

Heart Pillows

These are good to keep under each arm throughout the day. One can even use them in a car when going to see a doctor for follow-up.

Seat Belt Pad

This seat belt pad is the best option to keep a distance between the seatbelt and the surgical site during travel.

Neck Pillow

A neck pillow is not just for resting the neck but it is also great as a bolster to keep under the knees. These pillows also come with removable covers for easy washing if they get dirty.

Reading Pillow

If you often sit and read for hours, you need a reading pillow during the recovery phase. You can even use it when watching TV.

Also read: How to choose the right type of mastectomy, double (DMX) or single mastectomy (SMX)?

How to Use a Mastectomy Pillow

The capabilities and design of these pillows change depending on every brand. For instance, some are simple rectangular designs to slip between the underarm and side body for offering comfort while sitting. Others are useful when moving around. These pillows even include straps for securing them safely around a patient’s body.

Some pillows for mastectomy also come with two adjustable shoulder straps. They also come with a waist strap for securing the pillow just behind the back for extra support and comfort. Some premium quality pillows offer a soft hug to the body. It even boasts an inner pocket that holds a gel pack for heat or cold therapy. Plus, a front pocket is present for holding the TV remote or phone while you sit back and relax.

How To Wear Pink Ribbon Inc Mastectomy Pillow

Before you use this pillow after breast cancer surgery, it is best to ask your family member or caregiver to help to adjust the waist and shoulder straps. It ensures that the pillow fits your body well for perfect support. When the pillow is adjusted well against the body, it comfortably rests on the chest.

When you want to wear the pillow, tie its back strap around the waist on the front of the body. It will help you to avoid stretching or raising your arms after surgery. You also have to remember not to move your arms too much.

Slip the arms through the pillow’s shoulder straps and slowly raise it to ensure the center pillow rests comfortably on the chest.

Make sure the side pillows remain under each arm for offering protective cushioning between the underarm and ribcage.

The gel pack within the pillow is in the right place to offer heat or cold therapy to the patient. It is quite helpful during the healing process. Plus, this pack is easy to remove for placing in the microwave or freezer. Furthermore, the pillow comes with a removable cover for easy washing while offering extra comfort while one is resting or simply laying down on the side.

Conclusion

A mastectomy pillow is the best option to prevent surgical incisions while offering accurate space between the underarms and chest. Hence, it ensures to offer the perfect support and comfort for patients during the healing process. For finding the best pillow to help you recover after mastectomy, it is best to purchase it from a reputed firm. It will ensure that you invest in the right product.

You can also read: Taking Care of Surgical Drains After Breast Surgery