Are Gel And Foam Pillows Good
Gel and foam pillows can both be good choices for sleepers. Gel pillows are often made from viscoelastic foam, which is temperature-sensitive and conforms to the shape of your head and neck, providing ample support.
Foam pillows can also provide excellent support, and they tend to be more affordable and more available than gel pillows.
Both types of pillow can be good for various types of sleepers, depending on personal preference. Side sleepers tend to do best with a firmer pillow to help with spinal alignment, while stomach sleepers need a softer pillow to reduce pressure on the neck and shoulders.
Back sleepers are usually looking for a balance between the two, usually preferring medium to firmer pillows.
In terms of comfort, gel pillows tend to be cooler than many foam pillows, which can be a benefit for hot sleepers. Additionally, foam pillows are often moldable, and some may come with removable inserts, allowing a greater degree of customization.
However, some people find foam pillows to be too stiff for their comfort.
Ultimately, gel and foam pillows both have the potential to be good choices, and personal preference is the best way to decide which one is right for you. Consider your sleeping position, temperature preference, and what type of support you need to make an informed decision.
The Right Pillow For You
Understanding different pillow shapes and fills can mean the difference between a restful snooze and a frustrating night spent counting sheep. Whether youre looking for hypoallergenic bedding or something designed to ease back pain, you can find different types of pillows that fit your needs. That way, youll never feel the need to sleep without a pillow again.
Ready for some sweet dreams? Pile on the comfort with a soft and supportive Casper pillow today.
How To Measure A Pillow
Using a carpenter’s tape, measure the pillow along the sides – from edge to edge. Please avoid using the tailor’s tape since it’s not taut and tends to fold. We don’t want the tape to slack when we measure.
Once you note down the measures of all the sides, round it off to the nearest whole number – this will be your pillow dimensions.
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Our Pick: Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow
*At the time of publishing, the price was $50.
In four years of testing, the Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow has consistently outperformed many pricier pillows, but in recent testing two of the four Xtreme Comforts pillows we tried had a strong chemical odor that made them unusable . If you get one that doesnt smell, its a great pillow that typically costs about half the price of our favorite shredded-foam pillow from Nest Bedding. It offers comfortable neck support without being too stiff, a problem with many loftier pillows. The breathable, micro-perforated cover, a bamboo viscose and polyester blend, keeps hot sleepers cooler, and the removable shredded-foam fill makes the pillow easy to adjust for your body. Although its lumpier than the Easy Breather, and the texture took getting used to for some of our testers, most of our back- and side-sleepers, as well as a few stomach-sleepers, have liked it over the years. This pillow gives much better support for my neck than any down/synthetic down pillow I have owned in the past, one side-sleeper told us.
The Xtreme Comforts best surprise is its low price, half as much as that of the other shredded-memory-foam pillow we liked, our pick, the Nest Bedding Easy Breather. And despite the Xtreme Comforts popularity with our testers, it wont work for every body, so a 30-day return policy gives you the flexibility to try it without risk.
When To Replace Your Pillow
Experts at the National Sleep Foundation recommend replacing your pillow every 18 months or so. Pillows can be packed with mold, dead skin cells and dust mites.
Totally grossed out? Try adding a pillow protector to extend the healthy life of your pillow. To determine if it’s really time to get a new pillow, test it by folding it in half and seeing if it springs back to flat. If it doesn’t, it’s time to find a new place to rest your head.
While there are dozens of factors affecting how well you sleep, having a pillow that supports your preferences and sleep style goes a long way. With the right pillow and maybe even a smart display to sense your sleep, you’ll be off to dreamland in no time.
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Who Will Use The Side Sleeper Pillow
Before you buy, you also need to consider who will be using the pillow and their unique needs. For instance, a pregnant woman is almost always going to prefer sleeping on her side. She would likely require a pregnancy pillow thats slightly different than a regular side sleeper.
Pregnant women could take advantage of full-body pillows as they are capable of providing them with good support. Not every regular person would need one of these, though.
At the same time, the pillow should complement the users preferences. For example, fans of pillows with a luxurious feel would be better off with a latex pillow, or if contouring is the top priority, a regular memory foam pillow would be ideal.
More Pillows We Recommend
Pillows under $60
- FluffCo Down Alternative Pillow: FluffCo set out to create hotel-style pillows at an affordable price point. We liked its soft fluff pillow, which is an excellent option if you’re looking for simple, high-quality pillows for your bed.
Pillows under $100
Pillows over $100
- LAYR Pillow: This adjustable pillow offers three layers that can be added, removed, or independently adjusted for your perfect pillow. It’s a good option for guests since each layer is made of a different material and firmness, but it feels pretty underfilled with layers removed.
- Leesa Hybrid Pillow: This dual-sided, adjustable pillow is another great choice for neck pain. It has a soft polyester microfiber side and a gel side to keep you cool. You can remove the insert for a lower loft. The biggest drawback is its short, 30-day trial.
- Saatva Memory Foam Pillow: Previously our pick for “best luxury pillow,” we still think this is a great option, but feel you can get a “luxury” experience from any of our top picks. This pillow isn’t adjustable, but it’s supportive and firm and has a tremendous spa-like feel.
- Pillow Cube Side Sleeper Pro: A rectangular version of the popular cube-ish pillow, the polyurethane block is meant to keep your neck well aligned . It’s available in a few heights but lacks the adjustability of some of our other picks. Still, if one of the sizes happens to fit you, you’ll probably find it soft and supportive. Read our full Pillow Cube Side Sleeper Pro review.
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The Best Full Face Cpap Masks For Side Sleepers
While they’re less intrusive and more commonly recommended for side sleepers, nasal and nasal pillow masks arent a viable option for every CPAP user. Full face masks cover both your mouth and nose, making them the best choice if you breathe through your mouth while you sleep or have frequent allergies or nasal congestion issues. Here are two of the best full face CPAP masks for side sleepers.
How Often Should I Wash My Pillows
Any pillow for side the or those that sleep on their back should be washed every other month if you use a pillow protector. If you aren’t using these, then ideally, your pillows should be cleaned every few weeks to clear sweat, dirt and any bed mites. Some memory foam pillows will need to be hand-washed, so bear this in mind.
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Back Sleepers: Choosing A Pillow
Again, similar to side sleepers, those who sleep on their back can be affected by both temperature and allergies. We have outlined the best pillows to use if you sleep in this position and suffer from either complaint.
Temperature
If you get too warm at night and find your face, head and neck becoming a bit sticky, you can use a cooling pillow, which, as previously mentioned, provides a great deal more airflow that will allow you to stay cool. If you are one of many hot sleepers, look for a medium firmness pillow of this type if you sleep on your back.
Allergies
Allergies can be difficult to manage, particularly at night we recommend an anti-allergy pillow that will allow you to manage your symptoms much more easily. Again, if you sleep on your back, look for anti-allergy pillows that aren’t overly firm but firm enough that they will support your head and shoulders with ease.
What Is Gel Infused Memory Foam
Gel infused memory foam is a type of memory foam that has had gel particles blended into the foam. This type of memory foam offers a unique combination of comfort and pressure relief, as well as additional cooling properties.
The gel particles within the foam absorb and redistribute body heat for a cooler sensation whenever you lay down. At the same time, it contours uniquely to each persons body by delivering uniform support and pressure relief to each area.
Gel memory foam is designed to support the natural curve of the spine, allowing your body to rest, relax, and recover all through the night. If you suffer from achy joints, back pain, or just want a cooler and more comfortable nights sleep, gel memory foam may be the perfect choice for you.
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Side Sleepers: Choosing A Pillow
So, now you know the best pillow types for side sleepers, you will want to know precisely how to choose the best pillow for you. There are several factors to take into consideration.
Neck pain
Neck pain is a common complaint amongst many of us, but for side sleepers, it can be an unrelenting pain due to the position in which they sleep. Medium to firm pillows give extra support and allow your head and back to remain adequately aligned as you sleep.
These pillows are meticulously designed to conform to the strict guidelines outlined by medical professionals, so you know they will do the job of boosting your sleep quality.
Allergies
If allergies are a problem for you as a side sleeper, you should consider a firm anti-allergy pillow. Whether you suffer from asthma or skin problems, these pillows can stop certain allergens in their tracks, including mould and those horrible little dust mites which can make allergy symptoms difficult to manage when it comes to bedtime.
Overheating
Are you prone to getting too hot at night? A cooling pillow is an excellent option for side sleepers that are also hot sleepers, as they are designed with breathability in mind and allow lots of airflows, meaning you don’t have to be resigned to waking up with a sweaty face at night.
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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Which Type Of Cpap Mask Is Best For Side Sleepers
Ultimately, the best CPAP masks for side sleepers are those that combine helpful features like over-the-head tubing with a secure and comfortable design that helps promote compliance and a good night’s sleep. While the masks on our list share many of the same features and are great options for side sleepers, we recommend talking with your doctor to determine which type of mask nasal pillow, nasal, or full face is best for you. If you already have a mask you like but struggle with discomfort and leaks because of your pillow, consider trying a dedicated contour CPAP pillow to give your mask more room to move. For any specific questions about the masks above or any of our other CPAP mask options, reach out to our customer service team and we’ll be happy to help.
Types Of Pillows For Side Sleepers
There are three main types of pillows for side sleepers which we will look at below.
Memory foam pillows
Because of its dense structure, a memory foam pillow will allow you extra support precisely where it is needed – on the neck and shoulders.
Side sleepers can often suffer from their spine being out of alignment due to the position of the head being either too high or low, which in turn can create a lot of unpleasant pain and discomfort. The best memory foam pillow for side sleepers will be firm, bringing a lot of relief to your neck and shoulders.
Firm pillows
A firm pillow will help keep the head straighter than it usually would whilst supporting both the neck and shoulders.
Orthopaedic pillows
If you are a side sleeper, you may consider an orthopaedic pillow. These are designed to correct and hold how your body is positioned while you are sleeping, meaning both the spine and neck are aligned, and there’s little risk of sore pressure points developing. For side sleepers, a firm orthopaedic pillow is recommended.
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Woolroom Natural British Wool Pillow
Made of organic wool, this pillow is great for front sleepers as well!
Dont think that WoolRoom Natural British Wool pillow is not suitable for hot sleepers or summer because it is filled with organic wool. Wool is a natural material that regulates temperature and removes moisture away. The cover is made of breathable cotton, which will keep you cool, and the wool will transport moisture away, keeping you comfortable all the time.
Among all other side sleeper pillows UK we listed here, this pillow for side sleepers is suitable for all sleeping positions, because it gives medium support, although stomach sleepers will probably like it least. This pillow is hypoallergenic and considered to be one of the top pillows for side sleepers UK!
- Materials: Filling:- Wool Cover: Cotton
- Maintenance: Wipe-clean only
How Do You Sleep On Your Side With A Wedge Pillow
Wedge pillows have many benefits. They help people sleep apnea and those who suffer from acid reflux. But they can also aid side sleepers! If you choose a wedge pillow, however, make sure to place your head at the correct place. This differs from person to person, but no matter what, your ears should line up with your shoulders. For the best results, find a wedge pillow with a 35-45 degree incline.
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Philips Respironics Dreamwear Nasal Pillow Cpap Mask
Price: $109.99
Our first entry on this list from Philips, the DreamWear Nasal Pillow mask offers a very similar design as the ResMed P30i and comes in three frame sizes. Like the P30i, the tubing connector is at the top of the head and pivots, allowing easy adjustment to keep it out of the way as you sleep. The open face style allows an open line of sight, while the gel nasal pillows create a comfortable fit to reduce the likelihood of irritation. It’s worth noting, however, that the mask can shift more for active sleepers due to a slightly different nasal cushion design compared to the P30i.
What Type Of Pillow Should A Side Sleeper Use
By: Author Olin Wade
A side sleeper should use a pillow that provides firm support for the back and neck. This is because the side-sleeping position can cause the head and neck to be pushed forward and put pressure on these areas.
Therefore, a pillow that has the capability to provide this necessary support is important. Memory foam pillows are often a good choice for side sleepers as they provide a contoured surface which can mould and shape to the head and neck, providing the right amount of cushion and support.
Also, a pillow which supports the shoulder, such as a contour pillow, is a great option as it helps to keep the spine in correct alignment while the body is supported by the mattress. Finally, a down or feather pillow provides a cushiony feel and soft support.
Contents
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Snuggledown Goose Feather & Down White Pillow
Best for sleepers who want a high quality down pillow with natural materials!
Snuggledown Goose Feather & Down White Pillow is ideal for back and side sleepers as it provides the necessary support to keep the head in a proper position relative to the spine while sleeping in these positions. The head of back and side sleepers must be raised to achieve a spine alignment.
A blend of 85% Goose Feather and 15% Goose Down was used for filling, which guarantees you comfort, but also breahability. It is suitable even for hot sleepers. You also get a 230 thread count cotton cover for added comfort and softness, which is often what sleepers look for in their top pillow. You can wash this down pillow for side sleepers in the washing machine and use dryer afterwards.
- Materials: Cover:- Cotton Filling:- Goose Feather & Down
