Choosing the right pillow can be quite confusing. There are just so many types of pillows available in the market. Some are even infused with different scents while others are designed specifically to enhance performance. So how does one choose the right pillow that will meet one’s sleeping needs?
The first question to ask yourself is what is your sleep style? There are three main categories of sleeping positions: back, stomach, and side sleepers. How you tend to lay in your sleep directly impacts what pillow will be most comfortable and beneficial for you.
Back Sleepers
The most important factor in choosing a high-quality pillow is the amount of loft, or thickness, it provides. Back sleepers tend to need thicker pillows to properly cradle their head and neck. An ideal pillow for back sleeping combats the natural curvature of your spine while sleeping on your back. A firm pillow that supports your neck and head may help reduce pain caused by improper spinal alignment while you snooze.
Stomach Sleepers
Did you know only about 7% of people sleep on their stomachs? A stomach sleeper pillow is typically thinner than pillows designed for back or side sleepers. When you sleep on your stomach, your shoulder blades are elevated slightly higher than if you were sleeping on your side or back. It is crucial for your pillow to keep your head at a low height so as to avoid uncomfortable spinal positions that could cause pain and discomfort. It’s important for your pillow pick to keep your head and neck properly aligned.
Side Sleepers
Side-sleepers typically turn to extra-firm or lofted pillows that add support and fill in the space beneath the head and neck. However, excessively firm pillows can lead to more pressure points and uneven sleeping positions. For side sleepers, pillow thickness is a real problem. If the pillow isn’t thick enough, there won’t be enough cushioning between your head and the mattress. Too thick of a pillow, however, and you may experience neck and back pain.
Memory foam, down, or fiberfill?
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. The fill of a pillow is almost entirely based on personal preference which is obviously very subjective. Each of the major fill types come with their own sets of pros and cons. Memory foam pillows are less likely to agitate someone with asthma or allergies, while down pillows provide the “huggable” factor that isn’t as easily found in competing fill types. Fiberfill pillows are increasing in popularity due to their easy adjustment and generally low price point.
Why is it important to find the right pillow?
The right pillow can greatly enhance a good night’s rest. Among a variety of preferences, there are different types of pillows. These pillows differ from one another in the way they shape the neck and head for a good night’s sleep. In this article, four types of pillows will be discussed along with their respective advantages and disadvantages as well as how to choose which one is best suited for you.
The wrong pillow will likely cause neck and back pain, headaches, and poor sleep quality. All of these symptoms have a high chance of having a negative impact on your quality of life. This means it is absolutely essential to invest in high-quality pillows.