Valari Gaming Pillow
The Valari Gaming Pillow is an accessory designed for gamers which offers ergonomic support, alleviating pain and fatigue in the arms and elbows.
Doctors and posture experts are always saying we should sit less and move more, while our desk chairs should offer proper back support. But gaming, as gamers everywhere will know, does offer support of a kind. It helps us unwind, take our mind off things, allowing us to get intothe flow. That flow state can be very absorbing and enjoyable, and gaming can be an emotional balm in difficult times. But when we are gaming it’s also nice to have moresupport, and that’s where the Valari Gaming Pillow comes in.
The Valari Gaming Pillow is designed to aid in relieving discomfort and tension by removing pressure from the forearms, shoulders, and neck while you’re holding a controller or phone. When I saw the pictures of the Valari I thought it looked a bit ridiculous, but when I actually used it for gaming and beyond, I grew rather fond of it.
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The pillow is like a doughnut, except there’s a gap so you may put it around your waist. You then lean your arms on the pillow, helping to reduce the weight of your arms as you game. It was comfortable and the shape of the pillow, with its arched sides, is more supportive than a common pillow or cushion. I did feel more supported, while the contours of the pillow seemed to encourage a more neutral position rather than something more hunched.
I found other uses for it, too, like stuffing it behind my back on my desk chair for extra support. I sit on a beanbag chair (with a back) during my gaming sessions and I’ve found the Valari Gaming Pillow to be a nice addition to my set up. I can’t tell you if it’s essential, but having extra support can always be a nice thing.
Those wanting their own can order one off the Valari site, where the pillow will be available to UK consumers in “early summer”. It’s made from a suede-like fabric to maintain the ideal temperature for long gaming sessions, while the filling aims to absorb the weight of the forearms.
As for the design, there are different colour options, with solid colour blocks in the Rare Edition. Then there’s the Legendary Editions, which can feature embroidered designs showing the likes of Master Chief, Fenrir, and an Oni Mask, among others. The Legendary Edition seems much nicer than the Rare Edition, but you pay for that embroidered privilege. Prices in the range vary from $49 to $79.
I found wearing the pillow around my midriff comforting and warming in the colder months, while my forearms did get that support resting on its well considered curves. With its pleasing, suede-like texture, the Valari is one of those nice-to-haves you didn’t realise you wanted until you tried it. However, I did notice the pillow put pressure on the top of my legs, since that’s where the weight will be spread, so that can cause discomfort after a while. This specially shaped pillow won’t revolutionise your gaming time, but it would make a decent gift for the gamer in your life, even if you’re just looking to treat yourself.
The reviewer received a Valari Gaming Pillow courtesy of Valari.
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