Buying Guide: How To Choose The Perfect Pillow?

Ever had one of those nights where you just can’t sleep no matter what you try doing? If you feel like you’ve exhausted all courses of action but your efforts still prove fruitless, maybe you’re looking at it from the wrong angle. One commonly overlooked factor to getting a good night’s sleep is the pillow. An old, poor-quality pillow can make it harder to sleep and increase strain on the back and neck. To help you purchase the perfect pillow for you, here is a quick guide in selecting your pillow.

When should you replace your pillow?

Pillows must be replaced every 18 months to two years on average. Higher quality pillows with natural materials such as organic cotton and wool typically last longer than synthetic ones like polyester and microbead pillows. Replacement must be done when the pillow starts to sag and deteriorate, reducing the support to the back and neck. Hygiene must also be taken into account as old, soiled pillows are full of allergens and oil build-up. The telltale signs in replacing your pillow include stains on its surface caused by sweat and oil, a musty smell, and visible wear on its surface and stuffing.

How do you pick the right pillow?

A huge variety of pillows exist in the market and they could differ in fill, size, or make. Some popular fill examples are synthetic memory foam, natural feather, latex, cotton, and gel, among many others. These come in varying sizes such as the standard, the slightly larger super standard, queen size pillows, square European pillows, and the largest – the king-sized pillows. Specialty pillows like travel pillows and irregular pillows in assorted sizes like the body pillow, wedge pillows, and horseshoe pillows also exist.

What position do you sleep in?

A good, ergonomic pillow should keep the head, back, and neck in proper alignment. Your sleeping position is an important factor in determining the shape and thickness needed to relieve pressure on those areas of your body.

If you’re a back sleeper, a pillow that is about medium in thickness is the right one for you. The back and neck should sit just right at a comfortable angle to promote proper spine alignment. A good memory foam pillow can conform to the shape of the head and neck to provide comfort.

For side sleepers, fuller pillows are recommended. A higher pillow can provide the ample amount of cushioning needed to keep the head in a neutral position and to relieve pressure on the shoulders.

Stomach-sleepers require pillows that are less full to keep the spinal alignment in check. It is highly-suggested to train the body to sleep in a different position to put less strain on the body, but for people having difficulty in changing positions, pillows that are softer and flatter will do. 

Lying with the head and spine aligned as much as possible is the healthiest sleeping position; however, people with health issues such as sleep apnea, acid reflux, or breathing issues must keep their head elevated. Memory foam or wedge pillows provide enough height can greatly help in alleviating symptoms from these conditions when sleeping.

The type of mattress you own also matters in finding the right pillow. A softer mattress would require a firmer pillow to allow for ample support on the head and neck. For firmer mattresses, softer pillows are recommended to keep the spine in proper alignment.

Pillows serve as additional support to your body, especially the head and neck. They can be just as important as a mattress in providing comfort to allow for a restful sleep. Investing in a good pillow that matches your needs is sure to guarantee that ache-free, peaceful slumber.