Why Should You Find The Right Pillow For You
A pillow props up your head in a sound sleeping posture to avoid pain and stiffness when you wake up. With that, yes pillows can add pain and tension in your muscles if its not the right one for you. If you donât get much support, your body will come out of proper alignment, thus leaving you in discomfort.
Take these advantages on why having the right pillow is beneficial to you.
How To Choose The Right Pillow For Back Sleepers
If your mattress doesnt provide enough support to your spine, you can tuck a small pillow below your lower back and knees.
Back Sleeper Needs:
- Medium Loft: A medium loft can only relieve the pressure on your neck and shoulders. If the pillow is too lofty, you will have to crane your head upwards. If your pillow has a low loft, you will feel like lying flat on the mattress. Hence, a medium loft pillow is the best type of pillow for back sleepers.
- Medium Firmness: To have a healthy posture, back sleepers need a medium firm pillow. For back sleepers, its essential to have good neck and head support. Your spine and neck should stay aligned while you sleep. For that, its advisable to get a medium-firm pillow.
- Pillow Material: Materials like memory foam are beneficial for back sleepers as they adjust according to pressure.
Wants:
- Bouncy Support: You might not need a body-conforming foam or a slow sink into the pillow. You can find a light bounce pillow that is filled with Dunlop or Talalay latex.
- Cooling Quality: Hot sleepers are always on a hunt for pillows with cooling quality. They can look for pillows with cool yarn or phase change material. Phase change material is icy cool to touch and thus perfect for hot sleepers.
- Customizable Support: Many brands are making customizable pillows to meet the customers needs. These pillows have adjustable fills too. These pillows are the best options for combination sleepers.
What Is The Best Pillow For Toddlers
The best pillow for toddlers is roughly 12 x 18 inches, a little less than half the size of a standard pillow. A breathable, hypoallergenic option is ideal, such as a down-alternative pillow with a 100% cotton shell. Bear in mind that it’s safest for children to sleep without pillows until at least 12 months of age.
You May Like: How Thick Is Layla Mattress
The Importance Of Good Sleep
Before we look at the importance of choosing the right pillow, we believe its important to discuss the importance of good sleep.
Most of us go about our days putting our jobs, family, and friends before sleep, often ending up totally exhausted and never truly understanding why.
We try to eat well and exercise whenever possible, so why do we not feel as strong and healthy as wed like?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
About 1 in 3 adults in the United States reported not getting enough rest or sleep daily.
The big, bold truth is that sleep quality affects everything. It affects our health, our minds, and our emotions. It affects how well we function at work and communicate with others. And it affects the way were able to inspire and lift those around us.
With enough sleep, we can learn faster, pay attention better, and make sound decisions for ourselves and others. And just as it helps adults function better, it helps kids retain information and be more creative to perform better in school.
While understanding how to choose the right pillow please understand the right pillow matters when you desire to experience the best sleep possible!
Find more sleep data and statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A Selection Of Pillows To Match Your Sleep Style
All of our pillows are made with select materials of the highest quality specially designed for better sleep. And with our unbeatable factory price, we are sure you can find the best value only with us.
The proprietary GelMAX gel overlay with revolutionary time-release technology provides incredible cooling that lasts.
Recommended Reading: What Mattress Does Mgm Grand Use
Bonus Pillow Tips From The Experts
- Professor Gordon says it’s best to shop in person in a bedding shop where you can lie on the pillow for 10 minutes to see if it’s comfy for you or not.
- Dr Junge says it’s worth checking if the pillow is approved by relevant foundations, such as the National Asthma Council’s Sensitive Choice program, and to not go for the most expensive unless you’ve ruled out cheaper options.
- Mr Christianson says it’s a good idea to have a range of pillows at home, as your needs and preferences can change, and having a bunch to choose from can save you hassle and lost sleep.
So I guess I’m onto something with my pillow collection after all.
Other Things To Consider When Choosing A Pillow
While the key points we mentioned are important to look for in a pillow depending on your go-to sleeping position, there are also a few general things everyone should keep an eye on. No matter how you sleep, referencing the following points will help you know how to choose a pillow thats right for you.
- Cooling qualities: Hot sleepers will especially benefit from having a pillow that provides specific cooling features.
- Breathability: Similar to the above, you should make sure the pillow materials used dont hold onto heat, particularly with foam pillows.
- Social responsibility: Depending on your values, you may consider looking at brands with certifications that strive to use ethically sourced materials for various products.
- Size: Pillows come in a variety of sizes, from your typical standard to body length. Knowing what pillow size youre looking for will lessen your stress when shopping for a new one.
Also Check: How To Make A Homemade Mattress
What Type Of Pillow Do I Need
Lets talk about how you sleep. Even those of us who move tend to have a preferred position, side, back, or stomach. The best way to tell is to remember the position youre in when you wake up. Test this over a few nights, and choose the position you are in most of the time. Different pillows are a better fit for different sleep styles.
Determine What Kind Of Sleeper You Are
Typically, the more you weigh, the more support you need. How you sleep also can also influence the type of pillow that will deliver the best rest.
AARP NEWSLETTERS
Stomach sleeper: Stomach sleepers need a thin or soft pillow to keep their neck from arching backward. Some may also benefit from placing a pillow under their abdomen to support their lower back.
Side sleeper: Sleeping on one side usually requires a thicker, moderately firm pillow to keep the head, neck and shoulders level. Side sleepers may also need support from a second pillow between the knees to straighten the spine and ease pressure on the knees and hips. A good rule of thumb, Breus says, is that the pillow for your head should be the same height as the gap between your ear and shoulder.
Back sleeper: Back sleepers tend to like a soft, flatter pillow to align the neck and spine. They also may need support under their knees or lower back to reduce strain on those areas.
Combination sleeper: People who shift between positions over the course of the night might consider an adjustable pillow that lets you change the height and firmness by adding or removing stuffing or one that can be easily altered using a zipper.
Linda Egeler of Elk Rapids, Michigan, sleeps on her back and side. The 62-year-old also has suffered from neck pain since being in a car accident at age 12.
Brossman, who suffers from sleep apnea, likes the Scandvia CPAP pillow he ordered from Amazon for less than $50.
Also Check: How Much Is A Puffy Mattress
Consider Your Sleeping Position Before You Shop
Just as with mattresses, when shopping for pillows, think about how you sleep. The best pillow that will reduce neck pain and keep you sound asleep all night long has to keep your spine aligned in a neutral position, while also being a comfy material you enjoy resting on. An easy fit test: When youre lying down, your neck shouldnt tilt in any direction.
- Side sleepers need a thick, firm pillow to keep their ears in line with their shoulders to prevent their neck from extending in either direction when sleeping on their side, according to Dr. Jaspal R. Singh M.D., co-director of the Center for Comprehensive Spine Care at Weill Cornell Medicine.
- Stomach sleepers should choose a soft, thinner pillow, so their neck stays in a neutral position. Some experts recommend placing a pillow under your shoulder for proper spine alignment too.
- Back sleepers should opt for a medium thickness in between that keeps their neck aligned without arching their head forward.
- If you switch positions throughout the night, look for a plush pillow where the fill can be moved around. This way, you will be able to find the best position as you toss and turn.
What Pillow Is Best When Sleeping On Your Side
A Medium Pillow Provides Enough Support for This Person to Sleep Comfortably on Her Side with Her Neck In a Neutral Position
An extra firm pillow that is about 4 inches thick is generally ideal when sleeping on your side. This will allow the neck to remain in a neutral position, as the pillow wont become compressed throughout the course of the
night. In most cases, memory foam pillows like Tempur-Pedic are the optimal choice when sleeping on the side.
Note: In order for the entire spine to remain in a neutral position when sleeping on the side, use a body pillow between your knees as well.
A common problem for people who sleep on their side is shoulder pain upon waking, as the muscles of the shoulder become compressed, reducing blood flow to the area.
Tip: To remedy this you can tuck a second pillow behind you to lean on throughout the night. This will help alleviate the pressure causing the pain.
When pillow shopping, have a friend or store attendant take a picture of your neck you can review the pictures to make sure the pillow you select is not only comfortable but keeps your neck in neutral.
This Pillow is Too Large for Her. It is Causing an Upward Curve in Her Neck That Will Cause Stiffness and Pain
This Pillow is Too Small. There is a Gap Which is Leaving Her Neck Unsupported. This Will Result in Neck Strain.
Recommended Reading: How To Wash Bedgear Mattress Protector
Perhaps Its Time To Think About Shopping For A New Mattress
Not only are SleepMaker mattresses created in Australia to suit our environment, but also your particular sleeping requirements. Only 7% of Australians, according to our research, get adequate sleep each night.
No matter the mattress size, from a king single to your king sized bed, weve also discovered that going mattress shopping makes you feel quite uncomfortable. After all, its unusual to sleep in a bed when a stranger is strolling by.
We at SleepMaker aim to make buying a bed as easy as possible, therefore to assist you in finding the mattress that will improve your sleep, we have divided our bed ranges into three straightforward edits: Luxury, Performace, and Essentials.
Whats The Most Ethical And Environmentally Friendly Pillow Fill
Down and feather-filled pillows can be ethically problematic, as acquiring by live-plucking is undeniably cruel and stressful for birds. There are independent and voluntary standards the Responsible Down Standard, for example, which prohibits live plucking and promotes good animal welfare and DownPass but animal welfare charities warn that no standard can ever ensure that every feather and down cluster is fully traceable to an ethical supplier. Looking for these certifications will be your best bet in finding the most ethical options, though.
Microfibres and memory foam come with their own issues and are not biodegradable. Luckily, a number of companies are experimenting with green alternatives to traditional fills. Greenfibres is our favourite: its wool and plant fibre pillows are a perfect alternative to down or feather, while the grain-filled pillows are extremely firm and supportive. We asked William Lana of Greenfibres for his top tips for an ethical and unusual pillow.
What is really important is that people get the best eco-pillow for them, William explains, not to blindly follow the most eco and then find they dont like it and blame all eco pillows, leaving them to go back to some polyester-filled nastiness with a toxic drenched conventional cover from a supermarket. Noooo!
Fancy being an IndyBest collaborator? Use #IndyCommunity on social or email [email protected] with reviews of products you love
Read Also: Is The Purple Mattress Any Good
What Type Of Pillow Is Best For You
Choosing the best pillow is always a sure way to improve your quality of sleep and ensure you awake feeling rested and refreshed. Be sure to take into account the filling inside of the pillow as well as the position in which you typically sleep as these factors can have a major impact on the type of pillow that is best suited for you.
The pillows youll find at Parachute come in varying sizes and densities with different fill materials, including down and down alternative. Light, lofty, plush, supportive you name it, you’ll find it here. Browse the selection today, and check out Parachute’s pillow sizes chart for a refresher on the exact dimensions for each style.
Choosing The Right Pillow For Stomach Sleepers
First, sleeping on your stomach is considered one of the more unhealthy and least common positions to sleep in, as your neck is turned from your spine.
To help mitigate the effects of sleeping this way and offer the best support, pillows for stomach sleepers should consider a low to a mid-loft pillow.
The Mayo Clinic recommends stomach sleepers sleep with a pillow beneath their pelvis while they sleep on their stomach. This will support your hips to keep your spine better aligned.
Keeping your head and neck at the same level as the spine is crucial, preventing you from craning your neck, which can cause pain.
You May Like: Where Can I Put A Mattress On Layaway
Know When To Replace Your Pillow
How long a pillow lasts will vary based on material quality, craftsmanship, and use. Most pillows hold up for several years but start losing their shape and loft beyond this time frame. Thats why its important to keep an eye out for indicators that your pillow needs to be replaced.
- Irregular clumping or deep impressions: If a pillows fill starts to clump or bunch, then youre probably not getting the uniform support you need. Memory foam pillows with deep indentations or impressions are likely past their prime.
- Your pillow smells: If you notice unpleasant odors despite regular cleaning, its time for a new pillow.
- You have aches and pains in the morning: Waking up with a stiff neck or shoulders can indicate a pillow that is no longer offering you optimal support.
- Youve changed your sleep style: If youve switched your sleep position, you may need a new pillow with a different firmness level or loft.
Boost Your Pillows Lifespan
You can extend your pillows life by regularly washing pillowcases and, if applicable, the cover. Protectors can also safeguard against bacteria, mold, and mildew, which can degrade a pillow at a faster rate.
Above all, the best method for increasing your pillows lifespan is to follow the manufacturers cleaning guidelines.
What Is The Best Pillow For Side Sleepers
The best pillow for side sleepers is something that’s plush yet supportive with a medium-density fill. Look for a gusseted option, as this will alleviate strain from your neck and shoulders while you slumber. It’ll also prevent you from having to re-fluff it throughout the night. Body pillows can be good for side sleepers, too, because they offer hip support and reduce strain on the knees.
Youre in good company studies show that up to 69% of people sleep on their side. This position also creates the widest distance between your ear and shoulder, so maintaining alignment requires a lot of loft. The takeaway: select the Side Sleeper Pillow. This pillow offers unparalleled support and perfect plushness.
Don’t Miss: Best Pillow Case For Curly Hair
Choosing The Right Pillow For Back Sleepers
Back sleepers technically have the healthiest sleeping posture, as the weight of your body is evenly distributed.
The neck and head still need support, so choosing suitable pillows for back sleepers is still essential.
Back sleepers dont need as high a loft as side sleepers or low like those that sleep on their stomachs, but something in the middle is recommended.
A medium loft keeps the head, neck, and back in neutral alignment in this position, and a medium firmness offers the proper support.
A material that conforms to the natural shape of your body, like memory foam, is ideal.
Bedgear BG-X ALL Position Pillow
How Does Your Mattress Matter For Choosing A Pillow
Its essential to consider a mattress while choosing a pillow. If you are using a firm mattress, go for a softer pillow. A soft pillow will have a firm mattress as support and will be soft enough to adapt to the pressure of your head when you are set to sleep.
If you are using a soft mattress, go for a firm pillow to keep your neck and head aligned.
To conclude, dont underestimate the pillows. For a healthy body posture and good quality sleep, investing in the right pillow is crucial. Now that you know how to find the right pillow, it will be easier to find one.
Read Also: How Long Will A Casper Mattress Last
