Finding the Perfect Pillow to Improve Your Sleep Health
A good night’s sleep is incredibly important. In fact, it is just as important as eating healthy and exercising. Unfortunately, there is a lot that can interfere with natural sleep patterns. People are now sleeping less than they did in the past, and sleep quality has decreased as well. Everyone has his or her favorite sleeping position. Whether you sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees, on your back or on your stomach, every angle requires the right pillow to support you. Quality sleep is imperative for good overall health and wellbeing, and a good pillow is essential for quality sleep.
What type of pillow is best for you?
If you sleep on your back: Back sleepers need thinner pillows, so their head is not thrown too far forward. Also look for a pillow with extra loft in the bottom third of the pillow to cradle your neck.
If you sleep on your side: Side sleepers need a firmer pillow to fill in the distance between the ear and outside shoulder.
If you’re a stomach sleeper: Look for a very thin, almost flat pillow. You may not even need a pillow for your head, but consider tucking one under your stomach to avoid lower back pain.
Pillow Stuffing Options
There is no shortage of fillings you can find stuffed in a pillow these days. The most common ones are down-feather combinations, foam, or polyester fiberfill. Memory foam and latex pillows have become quite popular in recent years, particularly among people looking for additional neck support.
What is right for you? That may depend on how you are feeling on a given day, so you may need more than one type of pillow to choose from. A pillow wardrobe, in other words.
Pillows serve multiple purposes. For instance, you may want a pillow to support your neck if your neck is bothering you one day. But once your neck feels fine again that same supportive pillow may not be the most comfortable for you. Here is what to look for in each type of pillow filling:
Foam: Go by the density. The higher the density, the less breakdown, and the more support you will have without getting too soft.
Memory foam: These are popular because they reduce pressure points by continuously molding and adjusting to the shape of your body as you move throughout the night. Memory foam pillows come in various shapes, including a popular contoured S-shape, which is meant to support the neck.
Latex: This is the firmest type of pillow, and it resists mold and dust mites. Latex pillows may also help with back and neck alignment, as they are often contoured for neck support.
Wool/cotton: Wool and cotton pillows are hypoallergenic and resist mold and dust mites. Both also tend to be quite firm. So, if you love a squishy pillow, these fillers are not for you.
Down/feather: Many sleep experts recommend these as one of the best pillows for a good night’s rest. One of the great things about down pillows is that you can move the stuffing around so that you have the most support where you need it. Plus, it is soft, yet firm enough to give you the support you need.