What Were Looking For:
Loft: The loft, or height, of your pillow is a crucial factor for side sleepers to consider. Dr. Toussaint-Keshinro explains that keeping your head, neck, and shoulders in a neutral and even position is most important. If a pillow is too flat or too high, it can create an uneven muscle tone in the neck and shoulders, leading to spasms over time. While there isnt a formula to figure out the ideal loft of your pillow, Dr. Dennis Colonello, celebrity and professional-athlete chiropractor at Peak Wellness and all33 co-founder, suggests that your pillow be around four inches off of your mattress. But dont go breaking out your ruler just yet, as there is wiggle room with this number. For taller people with broader shoulders, a higher loft may be more comfortable, and conversely, a petite person with more narrow shoulders will likely rest comfortably with a lower loft.
Firmness: All of our experts agreed that medium-firm pillows tend to be the best option for people sleeping on their side. While there is room for personal preference here, a medium-firm pillow helps your head stay in the right position without sinking while you sleep. For people who like to dream on a bed that feels like fresh brioche buns instead of a firmer surface, gusseted-down and down-alternative pillows can be a plush compromise. Additionally, Cushner and Foley suggest memory foam pillows, as they sort of mimic the softness of down by contouring to your body, while still providing support.
Is A Pillow Cube Really The Best Pillow For Side Sleepers
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Banner Image: Pillow Cube
Love to sleep? If youre ready to protect your sleep schedule with a vengeance, then youre probably pretty familiar with the various range of products available that claim theyll give you a better nights sleep. From the MyPillow to mattresses in a box, there are so many products to choose from. So what about the Pillow Cube?
If youve heard about the Pillow Cube but arent sure what exactly it is or if its even worth its admittedly high price tag, were here to help. Were breaking down everything you need to know about Pillow Cubes and whether or not theyre worth your hard-earned cash.
Can I Recycle An Air Mattress
In the case that your air mattress is beyond repair, you should check with your local recycling center to see if they accept items made of PVC and similar materials. Otherwise, you’ll have to throw the mattress away. If you’re looking to get rid of a blow-up mattress in good condition, consider giving it to a local shelter or donation center.
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Which Is The Best Pillow For Side Sleepers
It is important for side sleepers to select a pillow that has the right combination of firmness and suppleness, and with a loft of between 4 and 6 inches. People on their sides require more support since there is a larger gap between their head and the mattress. Due to their wide shoulders, broad pillows are needed. When you stand straight, your neck and head should be roughly in the same position as on any pillow.
When you stand straight, your neck and head should be roughly in the same position as on any pillow.
Terry Cralle, a registered nurse and sleep educator, says that positioning your body while you sleep is crucial to health and quality of sleep. Sleeping and waking up are equally important. The pillow should be positioned so that your head and neck are in a neutral position. Your spine also needs support, so dont just use your pillow for your head. A thinner pillow between the knees of side sleepers can make them feel more comfortable, according to Carlle. A body pillow with full-length support is the best pillow for side sleepers.
To test your pillow before purchasing it, choose a pillow that allows you to return it for 30 days.
Side-Sleepers Will Enjoy It
How Long Does An Air Mattress Last
An air mattress won’t last you as long as your regular mattress, and you shouldn’t expect it to. Most air mattresses are designed for occasional use and should not be used to replace an actual mattress.
That said, proper use and care of an air mattress can keep it in good condition for more than five years. The best way to extend the life of your mattress is to take good care of it. This includes avoiding opportunities for punctures. Use it on clean floors, don’t allow pets on it, don’t jump on the bed, and avoid overfilling it with air.
If the mattress comes with a dust bag for storage, be sure to use it, especially when storing it in a garage or anywhere damage could occur.
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What Pillow Materials Are Best For Side Sleepers
Based on our hands-on tests, weve noticed that the best pillow fill materials for side sleepers include memory foam, latex, buckwheat hulls, and other components that offer sufficient support without feeling too firm. However, the amount of comfort a pillow offers side sleepers depends on a few other factors. The most common pillow materials are outlined below.
How Long Do Pillows Last
Even the best pillows aren’t meant to last forever for the best sleep, the National Sleep Foundation recommends replacing a well-used pillow every couple of years.
Our fluffy little pillows absorb a shocking amount of dead skin and body oils night after night, which is the perfect breeding ground for allergens like dust mites.
You can tell if it’s time for a new pillow if your pillow is lumpy or flat, no matter how much you fluff it. Robbins also told us that a healthy pillow springs back when you compress it if you fold your pillow in half and it stays put, it’s probably time for a new pillow.
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Ideal Spinal Alignment For Side
Side-sleepersand sleepers of all positions, reallyshould look for a mattress that aligns the spine and offers good support. To determine whether a mattress is keeping your body in a neutral position while you sleep, have someone take a picture of you from behind as you lie on your side. You should be able to draw a relatively straight line connecting the midpoints of your ears, shoulders, and hips. If the mattress seems to bottom out at your hips and shoulders, you probably need something firmer.
Our Pick: The Company Store Down
We think The Company Stores Down-Free Fill Body Pillow is the best for people who want a soft, springy, and gently supportive pillow. The cushy down-alternative fill struck the right balance of support and giveeasily bending and conforming to different sleeping positions, unlike other pillows that felt too thin or too firm. The all-cotton cover felt notably softer, smoother, and crisper than the covers of the other pillows we tried. At 72 inches in length, it should support the shoulders, knees, and ankles for people of all heights. Its also lighter than most of the other pillows we tried, meaning itll be easier to reposition the pillow in bed or move it to other locations. The pillow comes with a lifetime guarantee that allows for returns at any time, for any reason.
Out of all the pillows we felt, the Company Store pillows all-cotton cover was the softest and silkiest, like high-end bedding. Though youll likely want to use a pillowcase , the softness of the inner casing makes the pillow feel a bit more opulent than the competition. The cotton is also Oeko-Texcertified, which means that the fabric has passed rigorous independent testing and is free from certain substances and processes that are potentially harmful to people and the environment.
The Company Store offers a lifetime guarantee for the body pillow, and you can return it at any time, the most generous policy we found.
Softer pick: Flaws but not dealbreakers
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Our Air Mattress Testing Methodology
In order to determine the best air mattress on the market, I used my knowledge of sleep science from two years in sleep research and implemented what I learned from sleep expert Bill Fish, president of OneCare Media, on how to properly test air mattresses. I slept on every air mattress in this guide for at least four consecutive nights.
During the testing period, here’s what I looked for:
Inflation: I took notes of the unboxing process for each air mattress, including how easy it was to assemble and whether or not the product came with instructions. I also timed how long each air mattress took to inflate and noted whether or not the air mattress emitted any strong chemical odors.
Firmness: This was the most important factor since a good air mattress should be firm enough to support you throughout the night. I paid close attention to any air loss over the course of four nights and took notes on my sleep quality and how refreshed I felt after waking up.
Comfort: I noted how comfortable each air mattress was to sleep on over four nights, including any major issues with temperature regulation. I also recorded whether or not the air mattresses made any noise when I moved, or whether my pillow and sheets fell off during the night. I also considered how easy it was to climb in and out of each mattress.
How To Choose The Best Pillow For Neck Pain
Neck and shoulder pain pillows are normally on the firmer side. They are designed to hold your head in a healthy position while relieving pressure on your neck, shoulders and spine. So what you dont want is a super-firm pillow that creates new pressure points. Again, adjustable pillows come to the rescue here, as you can customize their fill to make them as close to perfect as possible for the support and comfort your neck needs.
The best pillow materials for neck pain includes memory foam, which offers a cradling, contouring feel. Buckwheat is another good choice because it naturally holds its shape well, so it wont spread out too much inside the pillow during sleep. That means it will hold its shape well throughout the night to keep your neck properly supported.
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What To Consider When Purchasing A Wedge Pillow
Wedge pillows offer multiple benefits for sleepers, but there are several important factors to consider when shopping for a wedge pillow. These pillows are available in different sizes, shapes, and inclines, each of which accommodates certain needs and preferences. Understanding the following features will help shoppers prioritize what is most important to them, so that they can select the best wedge pillow for their needs.
Shoppers should also keep in mind that bedding companies can use misleading or exaggerated claims to entice shoppers. Though a wedge pillow can be beneficial for a multitude of ailments, it is important to consult with a doctor if you experience medical issues that interrupt your sleep.
Once you have determined that a wedge pillow is right for you, the following factors can help you narrow down your options.
SizeOn average, wedge pillows measure 20 to 24 inches in both length and width, with varying heights that determine the angle of incline. The size and shape of a wedge pillow keep sleepers elevated throughout the night. Since wedge pillows can be larger than standard pillows, shoppers should keep their mattress size in mind when shopping. Those with a twin or full mattress may want to opt for smaller wedge pillows, while shoppers with a queen or king mattress can select larger sizes.
Is Memory Foam Better For Side
Generally speaking, there are two physical factors to consider when you shop for a new bed: spinal alignment and pressure relief. Pressure points vary depending on someones sleep position, but people who fall asleep on their side inherently put extra pressure on their hips and shoulders. Because memory foam cradles the body, it helps keep your spine in proper alignment and offers cushioning and support exactly where you need itin this case, your hips and shoulders. But a good-quality innerspring or hybrid with a plush top can do the same thing.
Since side-sleepers usually need more neck and head support than people who sleep on their back or stomach, choosing the right pillow is nearly as important as choosing the right mattress. Our side-sleeping testers have consistently preferred memory foam in their pillows we recommend the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow, which has a moldable, shredded-foam fill that allows side-sleepers to easily achieve the perfect loft for their needs.
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Choosing The Right Pillow Materials For Side
The pillow fill material you choose has a big impact on how your pillow feels. While the right loft and firmness level for side sleepers are fairly universal, fill materials can impact more specific preferences. For example, do you want a pillow that feels warm or cool? Bouncy or moldable? Lets go over a few different pillow materials:
What Materials Are In A Cooling Pillow
A cooling pillow uses materials in its fill and cover to regulate temperature and dissipate heat. Well break down common fill and cover materials here. It should be noted that certain materials are highly conductive and draw heat away from the body. Others allow air to flow through them to dissipate heat. There are multiple options available, and certain pillow types will work better for some than others.
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How To Choose A Pillow As A Side Sleeper
To best keep your head, neck, and back in neutral alignment, look for a medium-firm to extra-firm pillow that keeps your head around 3 to 4 inches above the mattress. Pillows that have wide side gussets are better at maintaining this height over time.
You may also want to look for a pillow that wont go flat over time.
If youre looking to avoid certain chemicals, like volatile organic compounds , look for brands whose pillows use CertiPUR-US or Greenguard Gold certified materials to narrow down your options.
What Is Pillow Loft
Loft refers to the height of your pillow, which will determine how far off the mattress it will lift your head. In general, experts recommend a pillow that will keep your head and neck in alignment with the rest of your spine.
How much loft that’s needed to accomplish this depends on your sleeping position and individual anatomy. A pillow with an adjustable loft, like our top pick, helps you dial in the perfect loft for your body and sleeping style.
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The Best Pillows To Buy Now
The Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow is the best choice for anyone who wants to create a custom pillow without spending much money. It’s packed with CertiPUR-US certified, non-toxic memory foam and microfiber, and you can add as much or as little fill as you need to achieve the perfect loft for your sleeping position .
The pillow also has a removable cover made from a naturally cooling, bamboo-derived viscose rayon material called Lulltra. Coop Home Goods recommends this pillow as the best choice for side sleepers because it can be made deep and plump, but because it’s adjustable you can tailor it to suit any sleep position. You can also buy it in queen size or king size to better suit your bed.
In terms of reviews, The Original Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, generated from over 48,000 Amazon customer user reviews, and 4.6 out of 5 stars on the brand’s own website. Customer praise its ability to hold shape well, though some said the washable cover bobbles after a while.
For added peace of mind, the Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow comes with a five-year warranty, plus a 100-night trial, so you’ll have plenty of time to make sure that this really is the best choice for you.
Before you buy, check our Casper promo codes page for the latest discounts and offers.
The Casper Foam Pillow with Snow Technology easily achieves its one goal of keeping your head cool while you sleep.
Best Pillow For Side Sleepers
The Casper Original Pillow offers the loft and support that side sleepers need but with the soft and fluffy feel of a down alternative.
- Fill: Polyester microfiber
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Sizes available: Standard and king
- Care instructions: Remove inner pillow. Wash with cool water and a mild detergent on the gentle cycle. Run the rinse cycle twice. Tumble dry low.
- Who it’s best for: Side sleepers
Pros: Soft and fluffy, 2-inch gusset that provides support for side sleepers, removable inner pillow, machine washable, 100-night trial period
Cons: Loft is not very adjustable, not as supportive as memory foam
The goal of a good pillow is to bring your neck in alignment with the rest of your spine. For side sleepers, this means bridging the gap between your ear and where your shoulder meets the mattress. But shoulder size and height can vary a lot from person to person, meaning one side sleeper might need a lofty pillow while another needs just a little bit of lift.
The Coop pillow is ideal for side sleepers because it offers a lot of customization to help fill that gap. But if you’re not a memory foam fan, your next best bet is the Casper Original Pillow.
Made from down-alternative fill with a percale cotton shell, the Casper pillow feels a lot like the soft, plush pillows you’d find in hotel rooms. A 2-inch gusset keeps the pillow lofted for the supportive lift that side sleepers require, but the plush fill still provides the “sinking in” sensation when you lay your head down.
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