Choosing the right pillow can make a big difference in how well you sleep. But with so many options out there, it can be confusing to figure out which pillow is best for you. Every good pillow is designed to serve the purpose of aligning your head with neck and back. But there are other factors that are important to consider while buying a pillow other than its design.
The choice of pillow depends on what type of material the pillow is made from, your posture of sleep (in general) and the usage of the pillow. Generally, the pillows are made up of Polyester, Latex, Down, Buckwheat hulls and Memory Foam. The added difficulty of making the right decision is that the memory foam pillows are available in three varieties: Soft, Medium and Firm. The stuff and stiffness depend on the brands you choose.
It is said that it takes 10-15 minutes for a pillow to adjust to your body and provide rest to your head and neck, so going to an offline store and testing a different pillow doesn’t make sense, until you have complete knowledge on how to choose a perfect pillow. In this blog, we’ll tell you about the most popular types of pillows and help you find the one that might be best for your sleep needs.
Different Types of Pillow For Every Sleep Position
Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam pillows are quite popular these days amongst people suffering from neck and back pain. Memory foam pillows are made from a special foam that molds to the shape of your head and neck. This foam softens with heat and returns to its original shape when you move. It keeps your head and neck aligned with your spine reducing the pressure points, which can help you with neck and shoulder pain.
Memory foam pillows are durable and long lasting if taken good care of. Most traditional pillows lose their shape and loft after a time but memory foam pillows can last longer which makes them a good investment. If you are someone looking for extra support and comfort, a memory foam pillow could be the perfect option for you. They’re especially helpful if you have neck pain or if you move around a lot during the night.
Feather Pillows
You must have seen these pillows in movies and shows, especially in scenes where couples throw pillows at each other and feathers start to come out of the pillow. Feather pillows are filled with feathers from ducks or geese. They are extremely soft and can be shaped easily.
Feather pillow is a good choice only if you like soft pillows and enjoy adjusting their shape. You can fluff them to your liking and they conform to your head and neck. It is also a good option, if you are a hot sleeper as it allows air to flow and helps keep you cool.
Down Pillows
Down pillows are filled with the soft, fluffy undercoating of ducks or geese, known as down. They are very soft and lightweight. They are very comfortable and feel luxurious. Also, they don’t feel heavy on your head.
Down pillows are best if you prefer a very soft and plush pillow. They are also ideal if you don’t need much support and want something light and airy. But if you are looking out for a pillows that can help you with neck and back pain, you should probably go for options like memory foam or microfiber pillows.
Latex Pillows
Originally, latex pillows were made from sap of the hevea-brasiliensis rubber tree but these days synthetic rubber latex is quite common and widely used. They are firm and bouncy. If you are looking for support, this could be an option to consider. They offer good support and keep their shape well.
Latex pillows are a great choice if you want a firm pillow with strong support. Also, it is a good choice if you have allergies as they are resistant to dust mites and mold.
Microfiber Pillows
Microfiber pillows are made up of ultra fine synthetic fibers mimicking natural down. These are also quite popular for factors like firmness, support, material, and breathability. Microfiber pillows are also hyperallergic in nature that means they are resistant to dust mites which make them a perfect option for people with allergies or respiratory issues.
Microfiber pillows provide exceptional support to your head and neck, reducing the risk of waking up with sore neck and back. Also, it is an affordable option if you are tight on budget.
Match the Right Pillow with the Sleep Position You Have:
What sleep position do you have while sleeping?
- Stomach
- Back
- Side
- Combined (Multiple Sleeping Position)
If you are Stomach Sleeper
If you roll over to the Stomach position while sleeping and your face comes close to the mattress, a soft or thin pillow filled with feathers, down or polyester could be the best alternative. If you choose a high-loft or firm pillow, you may end up with a sore neck. So the best pillow for sleeping for stomach sleepers is one that has a smooth surface and that has a low loft.
If you are Back Sleeper
Sleeping on the back can lead to sleep apnea and snoring problems. It is a problem where a person starts momentarily breathing as the tongue stops air passage due to gravitational pull. One solution to sleep apnea or snoring problems is using wedge pillows or firm pillows. If you use this pillow, the upper half of the body elevates to smooth airways. Latex Foam and Memory Foam can be the best solution. The best pillow for sleeping for back sleepers is one that perfectly aligns the cervical spine with the rest of the spine while supporting the natural curve of the spine.
If you are Side Sleeper
A survey by consumer report says that 70 per cent of people are side sleepers. Here comes the right need to align your Head, Neck and Back. The right curve between head and neck can only be obtained with Extra-firm or Firm pillow with contour memory foam pillow or latex form. For therapeutic comfort, the comfortable height of a firm pillow should be 10 cm (Approximately 4 inches above the mattress). The best pillow for sleeping for side sleepers is one that lifts the head enough to remove the pressure from the shoulder that is adjacent to the mattress.
If you are Combination Sleeper
You tend to change your sleeping position while sleeping (The Multi-position sleeper) then you need a pillow made up of multiple materials to support all sleeping positions.
There is no single “best” pillow for everyone, but there are many great options to choose from depending on your needs and preferences. Finding the right one can take a little time, but it’s worth it for a good night’s sleep.