Thinking about how to restart life after a mastectomy can be intimidating, even daunting. Thereโs a lot of new things to know and understand, and youโll want to get all the best information on your breast reconstruction or double mastectomy from your surgeons, therapists, and oncologists. Part of this information will most likely include tips on how to sleep after your surgery.
Sleep is a massive factor in your healing process. It allows your body to focus energy on your injuries by providing extra oxygen and nutrients to your surgical site. While itโs essential to get adequate sleep after any surgery, it’s incredibly important to learn how to sleep when youโve got implants or incisions healing.
How to Sleep After a Mastectomy
It may be comfortable for you to sleep on your side, but youโll want to train yourself to sleep on your back after breast cancer surgery. Most plastic surgeons prefer that their patients sleep only on their back until the incisions and tissue have entirely healed.
When you sleep on your back, it prevents gravity from affecting your surgical site or negatively impacting your chest muscles. Expect your doctor to recommend that you sleep with your upper body in an elevated position. You can do this by adding some extra pillows to prop yourself up to a 45ยฐ angle. Propping yourself into a more upright position can help reduce any swelling you experience along with improving circulation so your bruising may not be quite as bad as it could be.
Sleeping on your back can also help you get in and out of bed more comfortably. Sleeping on your back is usually recommended for at least the first 4 to 6 weeks after your operation, and youโll get even more support by wearing a compression bra from A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe.
Finding the Best Sleeping Bra
Your best post-mastectomy bras are going to be specifically designed to accommodate sensitive skin. Theyโll be wire-free with pockets to support your breast forms, should you choose to wear them. They come in a variety of styles, including front closure, sports bra, and racerback.
Find a bra that will suit your post-surgery bra needs by calling A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe at (954) 978-8287 to schedule your in-person or virtual appointment soon. Our certified fitters will discuss the available bra options to help you find the perfect post-surgical bra for your recovery stage.
Sports Bra Style
Potentially the most popular bra styles to wear after breast surgery are sports bras, and none is more popular than the Dawn Post Surgical Bra by Wear Ease. When you wear a bra, you want it to be supportive.
This bra features no front or back closures, so itโs considered a โstep inโ bra, meaning you can step into it and pull it up over your body or slip it on over your head. There are no underwires to contend with, making it a perfect option to sleep in.
It has been specially designed and manufactured to be as supportive as it is comfortable, so it features a gentle elastic band that provides extra support where you need it. Itโs made from a fine, no-pill combed cotton and spandex blend.
It features no inside seams, with no latex included, so anyone with sensitivities or allergies can enjoy wearing this bra. You can feel comfortable throwing the Dawn into your washer and dryer but use a lingerie bag for the best results. Hang it up to dry.
The Perfect Everyday Bra
Choose the ANITA Nastasja Mastectomy Bra as a comfortable day-to-day bra that you can also sleep in. Itโs made with a jacquard microfiber that provides an appearance rich in luxury and flattery. Itโs available in three colors: black, white, and skin, with sizing available from 32A to 42D.
The beautiful detailing on the Nastasja bra will leave you feeling wrapped in your femininity, no matter if youโre out to lunch with friends or sleeping easily in your bedroom.
The opaque breast form pockets are discreet but still supportive enough to hold your breast prosthetics on both sides. The cups feature shaping construction for an extra boost with the straps having a transparent center so youโll feel supported while maintaining a lightweight look.
Comfy Front Closure
If youโre looking for a comfortable front closure bra that you can easily sleep in, youโve found it in the ANITA Salvia Front Fastener Mastectomy Bra. The Salvia features front hook and eye closures, making it easy to put on and take off while youโre still healing or experiencing soreness. There are breast form pockets available on both sides that make it easy to slip in forms if you choose to use them.
This is a special bra with seamless pre-shaped cups. Itโs supportive enough for everyday use while still being comfortable enough to sleep in. If you have to go through radiation therapy, this is a great bra to wear to your appointment because it helps to prevent lymph congestion in the underbust area. The supportive band and gentle straps are made of a soft toweling material that feels great on your skin.
Wrap Up
You want to make sure your mastectomy bra is supportive but also comfortable. When youโre learning to sleep with implants or following breast surgery, you need to remember that your comfort is essential. Help yourself get the peaceful nightโs sleep you deserve by getting professionally fitted and choosing a post-mastectomy bra from A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe.