You spend one-third of your life in bed, so you should be mindful about the pillow you use. Apart from your mattress, a pillow is another essential bedding item that supports your neck and head and promotes your body alignment during sleep. So, if you have been experiencing poor-quality sleep, it’s time to invest in some good quality pillows. You must consider sleeping position, pillow size, and filling to narrow your choices when buying pillows.
Check the following section to find out more.
- Sleeping position
Your preferred sleeping position determines the kind of pillow you need. If you like sleeping on the back, you need a pillow different from those on the sides. Back or neck problems also determine the support you require to ease the discomfort. Following are common sleeping positions, and the pillow best suits their needs.
Back sleeper
If you like sleeping on the back, you need minimal support for the neck and head. Therefore, a pillow that is too dense might overextend your neck and push your head too forward. Instead, you should use medium or low-density pillows for the right support and body alignment.
Side sleeper
Side sleepers require extra support to keep the head and neck aligned with the body. Inadequate support for side sleepers may result in shoulder pain. A thick and firm pillow is the best for them to take the strain off the shoulders without overextending the neck sideways.
Stomach sleeper
Stomach sleepers must choose thin, soft pillows, so the neck stays in a neutral position and does not extend sideways.
- Pillow size
Your pillow size can have a lot of impact on your sleep quality. Therefore, your pillows should not only complement your bed size but also provide the right amount of support as you sleep. The three commonly available sizes for good quality pillows are king, queen and standard to complement the standard bed sizes.
- Pillow filling
Pillow filling determines how a pillow supports your neck and head, holds up over time and adds comfort to your bedding. The most common fill types are memory foam, down, cotton, polyester and latex. Each material offers specific support and comfort. The following section will help you choose the suitable material for you.
Memory foam: Memory foam moulds nicely to the body, providing custom support and relieving pressure points. Side sleepers can benefit from memory foam pillows as the material adapts easily to the body and provides the needed support.
Down: Down filling is luxurious and makes for the ultimate comfy pillow. The filling is mouldable and allows your neck and head to sink right into it. You also get down alternatives that are hypoallergenic and can be a cost-effective way to get the feel of the original down.
Cotton: Cotton pillow is cool, breathable, hypoallergenic and easy to care for. But cotton filling flattens out quickly and needs regular replacement.
Polyester: Polyester is the most inexpensive and common type of filling. It is easy to replace and can hold its shape for much longer than cotton pillows.
Latex: Latex offers a squishy feel like memory foam and bounces back much quicker. It is the most expensive option and can last up to 15-20 years.
To provide better protection for your pillow and increase its longevity, you can get a pillow protector that is relatively cheap and readily available in bedding and home shops. You should also give your pillows a good shake and fluff once in a while to keep them clean and fresh. Also, test your pillows every six months to know if they are in good condition and replace them immediately if you find any issues.
