How to Choose the Right Pillow

 

A proper sleeping posture is key to rest soundly and get a good night’s sleep. The pillow you use should help to support this proper sleeping posture. Good pillows offer your neck and shoulders the support they need, and not having this support could cause your spine and body to misalign. However, because there are so many pillow types available, it might be hard for you to pick the pillow that will provide you the right sleeping posture. Read on for a simple guide on how to choose the right pillow. 

Pillow Size

The first thing you need to decide is the size of your pillow. Most people tend to opt for the regular-sized pillows, but pillows bigger than the standard size do exist: King and Queen sized pillows. However, it is important to note that you must take extra special care when using a larger sized pillow to keep your posture correct and your body aligned. 

Your pillow should be aligned so that your head, neck, and shoulders are aligned with your spine. Besides the regular shaped pillows, other pillow sizes exist in different shapes. For example, contoured body pillows will help support areas of your body that need some extra love and care, such as areas with pressure points. Cervical and contour pillows also help with the pressure that occurs in the back and neck. 

Pillow Fill Material

Pillows are filled with different materials and you need to choose which fill material you are most comfortable with. For example, Down pillows are natural and stuffed with goose or duck fibers, while Synthetic Down and Polyester Fill pillows are filled with less natural stuffing. Therefore, they are cheaper than natural Down pillows. You may have to replace them more often than natural pillows as they are more easily worn out. Sleep experts at https://sleepsotight.com recommend purchasing Bamboo pillows as they have a naturally neutral odor and are hypoallergenic, so anyone with allergies would greatly benefit from sleeping on them. Pillows filled with Memory Foam are pillows that adapt to the shape of your head, neck, and shoulders and distribute your weight across the pillow so that you are the most comfortable. 

Latex pillows tend to be very firm and hold their own shape. Unlike memory foam pillows, they can’t be squeezed into different positions. However, they are also good for people with allergies as they are resistant to mold and dust. 

Pillow Fill Weight

Another choice you must make is about the fill weight of your pillow. Fill weight is measured in “fill power.” A pillow with more fill power than another can trap more air meaning it will be of better quality than one with lower fill power. It will also keep its firmness longer and have a longer lifespan. Common pillow fill measurements on today’s market include weights of 650, 750, 800, and 850 fill power. 

Down and synthetic pillows typically have a lighter fill weight than memory foam and latex pillows. The heaviness fill of your pillow depends on your comfort and how heavy you like your pillows. Moreover, if you tend to move your pillow around a lot during the night, it is recommended to pick a pillow with a lighter fill power so that it isn’t too heavy to move. 

Sleeping Position

Something that you might find surprising is that your most common sleeping positions can determine the best type of pillow for you. However, people typically shift sleeping positions during the night, so choose a pillow that accommodates all of your sleeping positions. People who sleep on their sides need a pillow that ranges in firmness from medium-firm to firm and one that is on the heavier side; it should be fluffy and shapeable. 

Those who sleep on their stomach will need a soft pillow that is also shapeable but has a compressible fill. Finally, back sleepers need pillows that are flatter to keep their heads aligned with their necks. Heavier pillows should be on the softer side or medium-firm.

Sleeping on the wrong pillow can cause strain and discomfort in your neck, shoulders, and back and this can cause insomnia or restless and unpleasant sleep. Therefore, when choosing the right pillow for you, it’s important to look at factors such as pillow size, your sleeping position, pillow fill material, and weight. Taking these factors into consideration will hopefully narrow down your options to find a pillow that will help you improve your quality of sleep and be well-rested. Hug your pillow and have sweet dreams.