How To Pick The Best Pillow Type For Neck Pain
Do not underestimate the importance of choosing a pillow based on your personal sleeping needs. Whether you sleep warm or struggle with neck pain, understanding a pillows construction and features is vital in choosing the right new pillow for an improved sleeping experience.
Memory Foam/Polyfoam
Memory foam or polyfoam pillows reliably conform to your neck and shoulders, delivering relief and support. Foam pillows are particularly beneficial for sleepers with chronic neck pain and are a favorite of chiropractic practitioners, as they help maintain healthy cervical alignment. In addition, they tend to have a more firm feel than other pillows, such as down.
Feather
Feather-based pillows use the feathers of a duck or goose to deliver a fluffy pillow feel. While incredibly soft, they are sturdier in holding their shape than all-down pillows. In addition, feather pillows may run warm for hot sleepers, as they tend to trap heat, making them preferable for winter use.
Latex
Latex pillows offer similar support and responsiveness as memory foam pillows, yet they tend to be more breathable and made from more naturally sourced materials.
Down
Down is a pillow filler that is made with the inner feathers of a duck or goose. Down offers a more silky or soft feeling for your neck and head than memory foam. However, it may not provide the same level of cervical alignment.
Down Alternative
Return Policy And Warranty
Whether youre buying online or in-store, its hard to judge the comfort of a pillow just by feeling and looking at it. To get a better idea of whether or not a pillow will work for you, you have to give it a test run. The best pillows come with a sleep trial or return policy.
Sleep trials are essentially the same as return policies they let you buy the product and return it risk-free if it doesnt work out for you. These are invaluable during your search for a new pillow because they grant you the opportunity to try different options before making a final decision.
We also recommend choosing a pillow with a warranty. Most feather pillows are expected to last at least two or three years, and warranty coverage protects your investment. Look for a pillow with a warranty of at least three years to get your moneys worth.
Adjustable Pillows Perfect For Combo Sleepers
If you are a combo sleeper, which means you like to change your sleeping position from time to time, or if you are still uncertain what thickness would be the best for you, adjustable pillows are meant for you.
In the case of a feather pillow, adjustability is different than in the case of other pillows. It would be messy to work with feathers and down, so you cant add or remove the filling material itself. Manufacturers invented something smarter to make possible adjustability without that mess factor. They made a cover that can be opened up by a zipper containing a few inner pillows. You can add or remove any of these layers to get a thicker or thinner pillow.
Another excellent opportunity to apply is to roll up one of these inner pillows and put it back rolled up. That will be a perfect neck pillow with extra comfort.
Let me introduce to you two of these adjustable feather pillows. If you feel that this solution was meant for you, dont be afraid to buy one and reach better sleep quality.
The first and the cheaper one is Three Geese adjustable solution and is available just in queen size. The cotton-covered pillow is containing 3 soft inner pillows. All of the layers are filled with 95% goose feather and 5% goose down and are hypoallergenic. Luckily it is machine washable so that cleaning will be much easier. If you need an ultra-thin pillow, e.g., for your kid, that could be an exceptional alternative if you use just one pad to get the thinner profile.
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Down & Feather Co Original Feather Pillow
As their name suggests, Down & Feather Co. specializes in making down and feather bedding accessories such as pillows, comforters, and more. Though they make a number of high-quality feather pillows, we are fans of their Original Feather Pillow because its their best seller and top-rated.
Down & Feather Co. uses top-notch Hungarian goose feathers inside their pillow, while the shell is 100% airy cotton. The cover of their original feather pillow has blue and white stripes, giving it a classic appearance.
You can buy their Original Feather Pillow in Standard, Queen, or King sizes. To make it even more customizable, Down & Feather Co. carries their Original Feather Pillow in Soft, Medium, Firm, Extra Firm, and Extra Extra Firm firmness options. Because their pillow is available in different lofts and firmness levels, theres an option for every sleep style.
Were fans of the Down & Feather Co. brand because they offer a 30-night sleep trial and a 10-year limited warranty with each of their pillows. They also provide a Perfect Pillow Policy for the first year this includes free pillow adjustments should yours become misshapen or lumpy.
Tips On Using And Caring For Your Pillows
As mentioned earlier, if you want your feather pillows to last longer you need to care for them properly. Below are a few pointers:
- Make it a point to fluff up your pillows every morning. This allows the down to breathe throughout the day to maintain that light and feathery feel.
- You must place them in the dryer at least once a month. This is to further fluff them out. Just make sure theyre protected by zippered covers to avoid feathers coming out.
- While on the subject of drying, if you can, add a fabric softener dryer sheet together with the pillow. Not only will it keep them fluffy but smelling fresh.
- When drying be sure to set in on the air-dryer only function so you dont end up with unpleasant smells.
- Take advantage of a clear and sunny day to air them every few months. The heat will dry up any moisture leaving you with clean & fresh smelling pillows.
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Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Price: $$
Customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If you hate the sinking feeling of memory foam, opt for a pillow made of latex foam instead. Supportive natural latex helps cradle the head and neck while you rest easy on your side. The organic cotton cover is said to be breathable, easy to clean, and soft to the touch.
The pillow is also hypoallergenic and available in a low or high loft. High is likely the best choice for side sleepers.
Side sleepers like that the pillow provides plenty of neck support without being too firm. A handful of customers also appreciate that it doesnt sleep hot like memory foam.
The brand offers free shipping, a 30-night trial, and a 3-year warranty.
Benefits Of Having Feather Pillows
Owning feather pillows comes with the following benefits:
- Throughout the reviews we referred to how exceptionally soft they are compared to other types.
- They are relatively cheaper
- Though cheaper they last longif you care for them well
- Easy to fluff back into shape
- Provide good back, neck and shoulder support
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Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow
Price: $
Customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Many people are mostly side sleepers who also sleep on their backs or stomachs at varying points during the night. If thats you, you might appreciate that this pillow lets you choose the amount of fill youre most comfortable with, allowing you to individualize firmness and height.
It comes stuffed with the amount of fill recommended for side sleepers. It also comes with an extra 1/2-pound bag of hypoallergenic memory foam fill, so you can tailor the pillows loft to whats comfortable for you. You can easily adjust this pillow to accommodate a combination of sleeping positions. This makes it a good choice for stomach sleepers as well.
Its CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it contains no toxins or harmful chemicals. Its also vegan and cruelty-free.
It has a removable outer cover thats easy to machine wash. Plus, it comes with a 5-year warranty.
What Is The Ideal Size Of Pillows For Side Sleepers
You must avoid falling in trap of underestimating importance of choosing a proper pillow and its size as your head and neck should have enough space. Of course it is necessary to check the loft, firmness level, fill material and more, but if you do not choose the right size, all these other features will be less important for your neck support pillows. Even if you get the best memory foam pillows. Standard, queen and king are the most common sizes, but manufacturers are increasingly offering some non-standard sizes so that everyone can find exactly what they need. These, generally, come in 5 different sizes.
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Do I Need To Wash My Pillows
As well as bed sheets, you should also be washing your pillows but there are different washing rules depending on the filling and material.
While its generally recommended that you wash your pillowcases at least every week or two, along with your sheets, you can get away with leaving your actual pillow for longer. You should aim to wash it at least every six months, if not more often .
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Down Pillow
Ultimately, it comes down to your preference. While some people prefer the soft, plushy feeling of a down pillow, others may prefer something with more support. Aside from individual preferences, “the biggest difference is whether or not you have allergies,” according to Hobart. “Down can sometimes irritate those with seasonal allergies, so a down alternative pillow is better if you’re sensitive to dust and other allergens.” Additionally, there are concerns about animal welfare, especially when it comes to the plucking and sourcing of down feathers. If that’s an issue for you, a down alternative pillow would be the best solution, or you could look into pillows that have been certified by the RDS or IDS.
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How To Clean And Take Care Of Feather Pillows
Feather pillows are more low maintenance than down pillows. Since they re mostly machine and tumble-dry friendly, its easier to keep it clean. But that doesn t mean you d just toss them in the washing machine and allow it to do its work.
You still need to do some TLC to maintain its quality. Here are some steps to prolong the comfort that you get from your feather pillows.
- Washing of the pillows
It s best advised to follow the proper washing instructions. But if it s not available, here are simple steps on how to wash your feather pillows:
- Use cold water for washing your feather pillows. And press the gentle cycle.
- Use a low sudsing detergent. Toss in around 2 tsp of low sud detergent. Suds can destroy the integrity of your feather pillows
- Rinse in cold water
- Then opt for an extra rinse cycle
- Dont use fabric conditioner
- Pop in the dryer under medium heat. You can also fluff the pillow before drying
- Wash your feather pillows on a sunny day. Refrain from washing if there s high humidity
- Dont go to bed with wet and greasy hair. These can destroy the integrity of your feather pillows.
- Use pillow covers
Your hair and face still produce oil. So you may want to get a pillow shell to protect your feather pillows. This also ensures that feathers won t escape or poke your skin. A good one would be pillow shells with high thread counts.
L Lovsoul White Goose Down And Feather Bed Pillows
Weighing around 2 lbs, L LOVSOUL is a full stuffed goose down and feather pillow. It can fluff up to quite a large volume, so this pillow has a nice firmness to it. It can comfortably cradle your spine and neck in almost any sleeping position.
L LOVSOUL boasts of a unique three-chamber system. The inner and outer chambers make this pillow ultra-comfortable with the right amount of firmness for a good night s sleep. The first chamber comprises 100% goose down, and the two inner chambers contain 90 % goose feather and 10 % goose down.
This luxurious pillows outer shell has a 1000 thread count, perhaps one of the highest in the market. Thats why this down pillow gives you that firm yet soft cuddly, and cool feeling. It s what sweet dreams are made of.
Features
- Made of 100 % Egyptian cotton
- Comes with an elegant and quilted cotton cover
- Has a unique three-chamber technology that makes the pillow comfortable and luxurious
- Wrapped in a thick pillow cover that prevents feathers from escaping or poking your skin.
- The blend of feathers offer maximum support for your neck and head
- Stitched with elegant gray piping around the edges
- Double-stitched for more durability
- Boasts of 1000 thread count
- Cool and breathable material to help regulate body temperature
- May function even better than a memory foam
- It offers a 30-day guarantee
- Some may find it too firm
- The pillow shell may be too thick for some people
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Best Pillows For Side Sleepers Video
Watch our video below to learn more about our labs top picks for pillows for side sleepers.
We provide an overview about each of our picks, covering features that set each pillow apart from the competition. Further down, well take a closer look at how pillows affect side sleeping and offer a few tips for choosing a pillow based on thickness, material composition, price, and other factors.
Labor Day Sales Are Still Going On!
Labor Day is now behind us, but many companies are still offering major holiday discounts. Check our product reviews below for discount information. You can also head to our list of Labor Day deals and discounts.
What Are The Best Pillow Sizes
Make sure you choose a pillow size that fits your body and bed just right!
Standard Size
Standard pillows are the most common type of pillow out there. Standard pillows fit on a twin bed, or two of them can adequately fit on a full or queen-size bed.
Super Standard
Super standard pillows are slightly larger than standard pillows. This slight increase in size can help you to better maximize your surface use of a twin bed, for example.
Queen
A queen-size pillow is more compatible with a full or queen-size mattress. Furthermore, as with all pillows, the larger they are, the more sleeping surface you create for your neck and head on your bed.
King
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How Thick Should A Pillow Be For Side Sleepers
Generally, side sleepers should aim for a pillow thats 3 to 6 inches thick the goal is to keep your head and neck in a straight line with your spine. That said, your pillow shouldnt be so high that it makes your head tilt, nor should it be so low that it collapses toward your shoulders.
If youre unsure or if your preferences change, adjustable pillows are a smart choice for all sleepers. These include the Leesa Hybrid, the Drift Side Sleeper Pillow, the Layla Kapok Pillow and the Coop Adjustable Loft Pillow, all on this list.
What Kind Of Pillow Should A Side Sleeper Use
Jessalynn Adam, M.D., a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Baltimores Mercy Medical Center, suggests using a thicker pillow to keep your head and neck aligned if you sleep on your side. This can be achieved with any fill, including memory foam, down or cotton. So, consider your other sleep preferences: Do you love the contouring feel of memory foam? The luxe loftiness of down? How about a cooling sensation when your head hits the pillow? Considering these factors will help you make your final decision.
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Available Sizes Of Feather Pillows
Is it the bigger the better? Not necessarily. To get the utmost comfort, you need to get a pillow size thats just perfect for your body and your bed too. And of course, a bigger pillow costs more than smaller options.
Most feather pillows come in standard, queen, and king sizes. However, they also come in other pillow sizes aside from the usual size options:
Standard pillows easily get sold. Thats because theyre the cheapest and they re the universal pillow size. This size is also the most compact. And it fits most beds of a lot of people.
Super standard sizes are a notch higher than the standard size. Its two inches longer than standard sizes. This also the second-best option in terms of cost and versatility.
Queen-size pillows are 4 inches longer than the standard size. This is perfect for those who sleep with legs sprawled all over the bed.
This is perfect for those who are looking for optimum comfort. King size pillows can line your entire headboard. Theyre also perfect as a backrest and headrest. King Size pillows are 10 inches longer than standard size pillows. King size pillows also perfectly fill the width of 72-inch king-sized beds.
Body pillows hug your entire body. If you need a lot of cushion from your head, neck, shoulder up to your legs, this pillow is for you. This is perfect for those snuggle bugs.
Euro pillows are square-shaped. These pillows are often used in combination with other pillow sizes to create some contrast in your bedroom.
