If you’re recovering from vitrectomy surgery or retinal detachment surgery, your doctor may ask you to stay in a face down position for several days or even weeks. This can be hard on your body.

Why a Face Down Bed Isn’t Always Enough

A face down bed gives you a soft, flat surface to lie on. It’s larger and more stable than most tables, which helps. But:

It doesn’t adjust to your body.
Unlike a face down chair with 8 gear adjustments, the bed stays in one position.
You may feel pressure on your chest, stomach, hips, or legs after a while.

This can make it harder to sleep, relax, or heal.

How Pillows Make a Big Difference

Pillows can help reduce pain, improve blood flow, and support your body in the right places.

Use pillows to:

Raise your legs and improve blood circulation.
Support your hips or lower back.
Take pressure off your chest or ribs.
Rest your arms and shoulders in a more relaxed position.

Even one or two well-placed pillows can make lying face down more comfortable.

Tips for Using Pillows with a Face Down Bed

Here are a few ways to use pillows to feel better:

Try soft but firm pillows, like body pillows or memory foam.
We recommend using a roll pillow. If you don’t have one, a rolled-up bath towel works too.

Use several pillows and test different setups.
Change pillow positions during the day to avoid stiffness.
Place pillows under key pressure points, especially your shins and chest.

What We Recommend

We always tell our clients: have lots of pillows when using our face down recovery equipment. Everyone’s body is different, and pillows help you adjust the setup to your needs.

If you’re going through retinal detachment recovery or just had vitrectomy surgery, don’t skip this simple comfort tip.

Need help or have questions about your setup? CALL US TODAY

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Why are pillows important for face down recovery after vitrectomy surgery?

A face down bed keeps you stable but it does not adjust to your body. Pillows fill that gap — they take pressure off your chest, hips, and legs so you can actually stay comfortable long enough to heal properly.

Where should I place pillows during face down recovery?

The most helpful spots are under your shins, hips, and chest. Everyone is different so try a few setups and move them around throughout the day until you find what works for your body.

What type of pillow is best for face down recovery?

Soft but firm pillows work best — memory foam is a popular choice. A roll pillow under your shins is especially helpful. No roll pillow? A rolled bath towel does the same job.

How do I prevent stiffness during face down recovery?

Move around. Switch between your chair and bed regularly and adjust your pillow placement every hour or two. Staying in one position too long is what makes you stiff — variety is the fix.

Can pillows replace face down recovery equipment?

No. Pillows make equipment more comfortable — they do not replace it. Trying to recover with just pillows and a regular bed makes it nearly impossible to stay in the right position consistently, which is the whole point of recovery.

Pillows are your best friend during face down recovery.