Whether you sleep on your side, back or stomach, pillows are an important part of getting a good night’s rest. They can help reduce neck and back pain, keep your spine in neutral alignment and improve your quality of sleep.
The best pillow for you depends on your sleeping position and personal preference. For example, a firm pillow is better for side sleepers, while a soft one is ideal for back or stomach sleepers.
Comfort
Pillows help sleepers achieve a more restful night’s sleep. They can relieve neck pain, snoring and other sleep disorders by supporting the head and spine and keeping them in alignment during sleep. They also can be used to prevent back, shoulder and hip pain by providing support for the joints of these areas.
Choosing the right body pillow maker is a personal decision. It depends on a variety of factors, such as body size and the positions a person sleeps in. However, comfort and support are the two main things to look for when selecting a pillow.
Ergonomic pillows, which are mainly made from foam, are designed to promote the best sleeping position and reduce neck pain and pressure points. They are typically available in soft, medium and firm fills.
The ideal ergonomic pillow will be soft, but have a curve that supports your natural sleeping position and helps alleviate pain and stress on the muscles in your neck. This will help you avoid waking up with a sore neck and headache.
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, choose a hypoallergenic pillow that doesn’t contain animal products like down. This will eliminate dust mites, which can trigger allergic reactions or exacerbate existing conditions.
Another great option for allergy-prone sleepers is a natural latex pillow, which is resistant to dust mites and won’t absorb body oils or other moisture that can lead to mold growth. It is also antimicrobial, so you can keep it fresh between washings.
These types of pillows are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes and materials to suit every sleeper’s preferences and needs. They are also easy to clean and can be machine-washed.
Memory foam is a great option for many people because it conforms to the contours of your head and spine. It is also very durable and supportive, which makes it perfect for side sleepers.
Some people prefer a cotton pillow because it’s breathable and cool to the touch. In addition, they are a good choice for hot sleepers, because they can absorb more heat than other types of pillows. Moreover, they are comfortable and affordable.
Support
Pillows play a vital role in your sleep, so it’s important to choose one that offers the right amount of support. A pillow that’s too soft can cause your head to sink down, which throws your spine out of alignment and can lead to neck pain.
According to physical therapists, the exact level of firmness should vary depending on the position you typically sleep in. For example, back and side sleepers typically require a firmer pillow than stomach sleepers. People who change positions throughout the night may need an adjustable pillow that lets them switch between different levels of firmness, says Sarah Nagle, a sleep specialist at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston.
Specialty pillows that target specific areas of the body are also a great option. These pillows usually feature a contour or indentation designed to cradle the head and neck and provide more support for certain body positions.
For instance, a cervical pillow features bolsters or cylinder-shaped sections that nestle into the natural backward-C-shaped curve of your neck to give you strain-free support while sleeping on your back. Alternatively, an orthopedic or traditional neck pillow is shaped to align your spine and provide support for the muscles in your neck.
A lumbar pillow, on the other hand, is meant to cushion and support the lower part of your spine (the lumbar area) and prevent backaches from forming. It can be placed behind your back, under your knees, or in both places to provide a solid base of support for your back and reduce pressure on the vertebrae, which can cause aches and strains.
These types of pillows can be made from a variety of materials including feather, natural latex, foam, and memory foam. Some are crafted with a pincore hole for improved temperature regulation while others offer extra support by combining multiple layers of foam.
Memory foam is a popular choice for its ability to conform to the curves of your body, which can help relieve aches and pains in the shoulders, hips, or legs. This type of foam is also known for its hypoallergenic qualities, making it a good option for people who struggle with allergies.
Durability
A quality pillow can last up to 10 years, if you follow the custom shaped pillows care guidelines. This is mainly dependent on the materials used and how often you use the pillow. Sleep style, body size, cleaning habits, and the pillowcase you use can also impact its lifespan.
In addition, the fabric’s wearability code (also called a “double rub count”) can be a good indicator of how durable a pillow is. The test involves rubbing the fabric with a mechanical arm covered in cotton duck fabric for thousands of times, similar to how you would use it for a couch or chair.
For example, a fabric with a low double rub count means that it can be rubbed repeatedly over time without noticeable damage. That means it’s likely to last longer than a fabric with a high double rub count, though both will still wear out after years of use.
If you’re looking for a durable pillow, consider one made of natural latex, which is derived from rubber trees and manufactured using the Dunlop or Talalay method. Unlike most foams, latex maintains its shape and feel over time, while also offering exceptional airflow.
This pillow is made with a shredded Talalay latex core that encourages cervical alignment while also resisting dust mites and mildew. The gusset piping on the bottom reinforces the pillow’s edges for firm support and a secure feel.
It also comes with a 100-night trial period, so you can try it out before committing to buying it. Its polymer grid cover showed no signs of shrinking in Lab testing, and the latex fill quickly returned to its shape after washing.
Alternatively, you can opt for a down or down-alternative pillow that has a gel fiber fill and is hypoallergenic. These pillows are also machine-washable, and their softness is similar to that of down.
Down and feather pillows are also more durable than synthetic pillows, but you’ll have to follow their care instructions to extend their lifespan. Some can be machine washed, but it’s best to hand wash down and feather pillows with a mild detergent. They should be dried on a low setting and kept away from direct sunlight to prevent moisture from fading their color.
Design
Pillows can be a major design element in a room and have the power to create beauty, symmetry, tension and a focal point. They also have the potential to enhance or diminish comfort, support and durability.
To make the best use of pillows, it is essential to understand their purpose. The primary function of a pillow is to provide comfort and support during sleep.
There are many different factors that go into choosing a pillow, including color, pattern, fabric and fill. Each of these factors has a unique role in making the pillow comfortable to sleep on, and each one needs to be carefully chosen.
It is important to consider the size of your pillows as well. A pillow that is too large will be too bulky and take up too much space. A pillow that is too small can look messy and unkempt, which is not the look you want in your bedroom.
You should choose your pillows based on the overall style of the room, but it is important to also consider how they will be used. If you plan to primarily use them as decorative accents, choose pillows that are neutral in color and pattern.
If you are going to use them as a form of support, go with a fill that offers a lot of “give” and a softer squish than foam or other synthetic fills. A feather-and-down fill, for example, has a soft squish and will hold its shape better than a synthetic fill.
Regardless of the function, it is crucial to choose a fabric that compliments the other fabrics in the room. This will ensure that your pillows work together and will not clash with other items in the room, such as wall colors or rugs.
It is also important to choose a fabric that will stand the test of time, since pillows are likely to be reupholstered over time. If you are not sure what fabric will best suit your decor, try choosing a few neutral colors to start with and then adding in the patterns and colors you love.