In prone, which pillow placement is described as Small pillow under head (head turned to side) or face cushion?

• A. Under pelvis: prevents excessive lumbar lordosis
• B. Under chest: reduces lumbar extension stress
• C. Small pillow under head (head turned to side) or face cushion
• D. Under shins/ankles: prevent toes from digging into mattress and reduces plantarflexion contracture risk

Answer: (C)

In prone positioning, the priority is to support the head so the airway stays open and facial pressure is minimized. A small pillow under the head with the head turned to the side, or a face cushion, accomplishes this by keeping the neck in a comfortable, neutral position and distributing pressure away from the cheeks, eyes, and nose. This arrangement helps prevent facial pressure injuries and allows easier breathing while the body is face-down.

Other pillow placements address different areas to influence spinal alignment or contracture risk—under the pelvis to limit excessive lumbar lordosis, under the chest to reduce lumbar extension stress, or under the shins/ankles to prevent toes from digging in and to lessen plantarflexion contracture risk—so they don’t specifically describe head support for airway and facial protection in the prone position.