Which Is The Best Pillow For My Sleep Position
Stomach sleepers need the least support of all sleep positions. They may want to consider a low-loft down pillow, which will compress under their heads. This will offer just enough support to maintain spinal alignment without overextending the neck.
When you sleep on your side, you need a higher loft pillow to prevent your head from lolling to the side. That means side sleepers may enjoy a firmer memory foam pillow that can offer adequate support to keep their spines aligned.
Back sleepers need contouring. They need more support under their necks and more compression under the backs of their heads. Either memory foam or down can offer this. If you want a pillow you can shape yourself, get down. If youre interested in a pillow that will mold itself to you, choose memory foam.
Parachute Down Alternative Pillow
Available in comfortable soft, medium and firm densities, this pillow is filled with superfine microfiber that emulates the best qualities of a regular down pillow — just without the allergies. For added allergy protection, you can also buy Parachute’s washable cotton pillow protector. Fluffy, soft and pleasantly warm , this pillow has been praised by side, stomach and back sleepers alike for its lightweight feel and downlike “squishiness.” Like a regular down pillow, Parachute’s pillow can be fluffed into a comfortable shape for each sleeping position.
“Soft and comfortable,” one reviewer wrote. “I cannot believe it’s not down.” One even compared it to sleeping on a cloud , while another said it quickly and easily fluffs back up after a night’s sleep. If you’ve been considering making the switch from feathers to synthetic fills, Parachute’s soft down alternative may convert you. A stomach sleeper who prefers soft pillows will find the best value here, as you’ll pay a little extra for a medium or firm version of the pillow.
How Do You Wash Foam Pillows
Most solid memory foam pillows are spot-clean only, while some shredded foam pillows are machine-washable . Most foam pillows have a machine-washable cover, but be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions before washing your pillow and/or cover. And make sure you always let foam pillows dry completely before use to prevent mold.
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Accommodates A Wide Range Of Sleeping Preferences
It does not matter if you nap on your side, back, or stomach memory foam pillows come in different shapes and sizes to meet individual sleeping preferences.
From traditional rectangle pillows to curved orthopedic models for side and back sleepers, foam pillows got you covered. If you are back sleeper, you can use a contoured memory foam pillow to support your neck and the rest of your head.
Disadvantages When Using Memory Foam Pillows
Some people don’t find memory foam pillows their kind of pillow for various reasons. These can range from heat absorption to chemical sensitivities. Not all pillows are exact and will differ from one manufacturer to another. It’s always best to read the label before buying so you have a clear idea about the pillow construction and materials.
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The Many Faces Of Memory Foam Pillows
Contrary to popular belief, all memory foam pillows arent made the same. Some have cooling agents, such as gel layers, while others are a combination of foam and polyester fills. Some are adjustable, while others are shaped in a particular contour fashion to cradle the neck.
Filling can range from solid foam or shredded foam to a mixture of foams, cooling agents, and blends.
Despite all the options, picking the right pillow for you is achievable. Many companies offer warranties, returns or refunds, exchanges, and trials. Dont feel like you have to keep a pillow that might not serve you. Give it a few nights, then decide whether its what youre looking for.
Advantages Of Using Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam molds to fit each person since it’s designed to respond to pressure and heat from the body. Once the weight of your body is lifted, the foam returns to its original form and shape. Consider the following benefits and drawbacks before buying.
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The History Of Memory Foam
Memory foam pillows were first developed by NASA in the 70s to help lessen the impact of takeoff for astronauts. The foam proved to be very useful and has widespread commercial applications today.
Memory foam is an excellent shock absorbing material. It offers safety in helmets, pads and plenty of other equipment because it was originally designed to prevent serious injury to humans.
Memory foam has been used in the medical industry for orthopedic purposes and for the disabled. Its most common uses are for mattresses, pillows, shoes and blankets.
Memory foam has been applied to a large range of uses since its introduction from revolutionary medical uses to gimmicky new product designs.
Memory foam pillows can be either solid-filled or shredded. Solid fillers give a supportive feel as your head sinks into the pillow, but the fill cannot move. Shredded memory foam pillows also give a supportive feel, but has a fluffier feel, since the fill is not solid.
Memory foam pillows are naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and bacteria. They can still trap dead skin cells and sweat.
How We Chose The Best Pillows
To compile our list of the very best pillows out there, we researched bestselling options on the market, sifted through reviews and analyzed elements like comfort, fill quality and value. We also featured the custom-made Pluto Pillow based on first-hand experience from two Forbes Vetted editors. Finally, we sought the expertise of Dr. Neel Anand, a professor of orthopedic surgery and director of spine trauma at Cedars-Sinai Spine Center in Los Angeles, who offered advice regarding what to look for when choosing the right pillow for you.
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Buy A Douglas Mattress Today Save 50% On A Classic Weighted Blanket*
For a limited time only, get 50% OFF a Classic Weighted Blanket when you purchase a mattress. Sale ends September 28th, 2022.*
*Terms & Conditions: While supplies last. Offer valid on Douglas by GoodMorning.com from September 21st, 2022, until September 28th, 2022, at 8:59 PM PST. The discount will be applied automatically when one mattress and a Classic Weighted Blanket are added to the cart. The offer is applicable to a maximum of one Classic Weighted Blanket per mattress ordered. If multiple discounts are available for the Classic Weighted Blanket at any given time, only the highest discount will be applied. Offer cannot be applied retroactively. Our General Return Policy, found in the Terms & Conditions, applies to any returns. Offer subject to change without notice.
Don’t Miss Out!
This Bestselling Set With Hundreds Of Thousands Of Reviews
Amazon
Fill Material: Gel memory foam | Size Options: Queen, king | Density: Medium
Theres a reason these are Amazons bestselling pillows. Theyre filled with a soft down alternative that makes them thick and fluffy yet responsive enough to adapt to your sleeping position. Once you find your sweet spot, this pillow stays put so theres no need for constant fluffing and readjusting. Plus, the cover is breathable so it doesnt trap heat like some down pillows can. Snag them now while theyre an extra 40% off when you apply the site coupon.
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What Is Real Simple Selects
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our teamput through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. If that’s the case, we test the product just like we test anything we buy, but we also disclose that we received it for free to be as transparent with you as possible. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
Carcinogens Found In Memory Foam
A carcinogen is a substance or radiation that promotes cancer formation or carcinogenesis. They may be natural or synthetic, toxic or non-toxic. Benzene and Naphthalene are two carcinogens found in the making of memory foam.
Benzene is one of the most commonly used chemicals in the U.S. . Natural sources of benzene include volcanoes and forest fires. Its also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Benzene has been proven to cause cancers like acute lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Naphthalene is made from crude oil or coal tar. Its found in cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and smoke from forest fires. Its used as an insecticide and pest repellent. There are over a dozen products containing naphthalene, including mothballs. Animals studies have also suggested that naphthalene can cause cancer.
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Coop Home Eden Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Leesas hybrid pillow is an odd duck. Its adjustable, like the Coop Home goods, but it is not symmetrical. One side is smooth. The other-side is quilted with twelve raised sections, sort of like miniature microfiber pillows on top of the pillow. This is great for the kind of person who is constantly flipping their pillow, looking for the solution to better sleep on the other side. The company says the side with 12 raised bumps is ideal for hot sleepers, since air can flow in between your head and parts of the pillow. It may not be the best cooling pillow we’ve ever tested, but if you’re looking for something to shake up your sleep routine, this pillow is a great option.
How To Choose A Pillow For Side Sleepers
Some things to look for when shopping for a memory foam pillow include:
- Toxic chemical certifications: Some memory foam pillows have earned the CertiPUR-US designation, which indicates they are nontoxic and free from many harmful chemicals. Learn about nontoxic mattresses here.
- Support: The size and shape of a pillow and the amount of foam it contains can affect how supportive it is. People who want more support might choose a thicker, wider pillow.
- Cover and materials: Some people prefer organic or washable covers. Check to ensure the cover is removable and safe to wash before buying.
- Price: Less expensive memory foam pillows may be a better option for those who are unsure whether they like memory foam. However, these pillows might not last as long and may not carry organic or CertiPUR-US certifications.
- Warranty and in-home trial: Especially for more expensive pillows, a warranty or an in-home trial can help a person save money if the pillow is not a good fit for their needs.
People can choose to shop for memory foam pillows online or in-store.
Individuals may prefer to shop online for convenience and the possibility to view a wider variety of products at once. However, a person should consider checking warranty and returns policies if the product does not meet their expectations when it arrives.
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Foam Slow To Recover Position Changes
Some complain about memory foam pillows being slow to recover to its natural state. The very nature of this material is the memory which causes it to be slow to recover, but it does return to its original shape. This can be problematic for some people who change sleeping positions and have to wait for their pillow to recover before they can settle back to sleep.
Do Memory Foam Pillows Really Help
Memory foam pillows are meant to help keep your spine in proper alignment. Whether they help you fall asleep faster or sleep more soundly depends on you and other factors. They can provide the support your spine, neck, and head need for a full night.
A 2021 review of 11 studies found moderate evidence that memory foam pillows with latex and a contoured design can help provide a good nights sleep.
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How Are They Different
If youre looking for a pillow with natural materials, that would be latex. Given latex can be natural or synthetic, you can choose your preference. However, memory foam is a man-made product only, made with carcinogens that can be harmful to your health.
Another difference is in how they respond. Memory foam has a slower response to pressure than latex does. Its initially much firmer than latex. Thats not a totally bad difference it just depends on your preference. Many people prefer memory foam because of how it responds and how it eases neck pain.
Latex promotes more air flow and sleeps cooler than memory foam.
Latex pillows are hypoallergenic, resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites. Memory foam pillows are not hypoallergenic.
While both types of pillows provide the support needed for neck pain, latex pillows are a little more expensive than memory foam.
Benefits Of Latex Pillows
- Latex is one of the most durable pillow materials available.
- Latex pillows feel initially softer to the touch than memory foam pillows. Theyre nice options for sleepers who like the feel of memory foam, but not its initial firmness.
- Latex is naturally anti-fungal, mildew resistant, and hypoallergenic.
- Latex is one of the most cooling pillow materials available. It does a great job of regulating temperature, so many hot sleepers like it.
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The Saatva Pillow By Saatva Dreams
- This shredded latex pillow is made with shredded Talalay latex that surrounds a solid latex core. It has a lighter, fluffier feel than solid latex, and is less bouncy than a solid latex pillow.
- This pillow is meant to feel supportive and plush, which is why it has a multi-layer construction.
- This shredded latex pillow is more shapeable than a traditional latex or memory foam pillow.
- To learn all the details on this pillow, be sure to check out my full Saatva pillow review!
A Better Nights Sleep Starts Up North
The Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow is designed to provide the ultimate level of comfort and support for your head, neck, and shoulders. Ultra-breathable and instantly soothing, this pillow is suitable for sleepers of all positions and for anyone who needs something extra to hug at night. Your browser does not support the video tag.
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Luxurious Duck Feather Pillows With A Surprisingly Low Price Tag
Amazon
Fill Material: Feathers and down | Size Options: Standard, queen, king | Density: Soft
These pillows are filled with 95% Siberian duck feathers and 5% Siberian duck down, which is a fancy way of saying theyre ultra plush and comfortable. Theyre encased in an Egyptian cotton shell thats smooth and breathable, and double stitching helps ensure that filling stays in. The pillows are also safe and ethical theyre both Responsible Down Standard and Oeko-Tex certified. At under $40 for two pillows , this is a total bargain.
Climate Temperature Affects Firmness
Memory foam is sensitive to temperatures. This sensitivity is what gives it the properties to contour to different shapes. Heat from your body softens the material and causes it to yield to weight. If you keep your home unusually warm, the pillow will grow more flexible. By the same token, if you keep your home at a cool temperature, the foam could feel rigid and inflexible under warmed by body heat.
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Dos And Donts For Washing Memory Foam Pillows
Can you wash memory foam pillows any way you want? Actually, no. There are certain dos and donts to be remembered while washing your memory foam pillows.
Should I Worry About The Smell
No matter the brand or how eco-friendly a product is, all memory foam is made from petrochemicals. As a result, customers may notice a slight chemical smell when unboxing the new memory foam pillow. This is known in the sleep industry as off-gassing.
Before enjoying the pillow overnight, its best to let it breathe in a ventilated space until the off-gassing smell is gone. While there is some debate on this topic, its generally believed that the volatile organic compounds released during the off-gassing should not impact a persons health.
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How To Dry Memory Foam Pillows
Once the whole way to wash memory foam pillow is done, you need to complete it by properly drying it out. Remember, if your pillows are not adequately dried out, it will lead to the formation of mold and mildew. Dry it out by placing it in a well-ventilated place under the sun. Dont place it in a dryer as the extreme heat will lead to deterioration. Instead, place it before a portable fan.
