How to Choose the Right Pillow for You
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If you’ve ever woken up with a kink in your neck, you probably know how important it is to have a good pillow. These soft cushions can help you get a good night’s sleep, make you more comfortable, or provide support where your body needs it. But what are the best pillows, and how can you find one that works for you?
Below, we’ll discuss everything you need to consider when shopping for a new pillow. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of pillows and how to choose pillows that will give you maximum comfort.
Which pillow stuffing do you prefer?
When shopping for a new pillow, you should first consider stuffing material. A pillow’s filling can determine its firmness, texture and can even affect how hot your pillow feels as you sleep on it.
Cotton and down feather stuffing results in especially soft pillows, which can be ideal for stomach sleepers or someone who likes a fluffier feel. You can also find softer pillows filled with memory foam or gel memory foam, but these materials offer firmer options, too. Memory foam pillows conform to the shape of your head for more ergonomic support. Cool gel memory foam pillows offer the same, but with additional bounce and a slight cooling effect.
You can also explore pillows with materials that meet your unique needs. For example, hypoallergenic pillows are a must-have for anyone with allergies or breathing issues. And if you find that you’re a warm sleeper, choosing a gel cooling pillow or a moisture-wicking pillow can help you with excess heat and sweat.
Consider your pillow shape.
Pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can stick with the classic rectangle pillow or try something new. Many pillows now come in shapes with contoured waves, so you can ensure you rest in a more ergonomic position. Or you can try a wedge pillow that uses a triangular shape to slightly elevate your head, which some people use for help with snoring or sinus issues.
Once you know what shape you like, you can consider pillow sizes. Just like with a mattress, pillow sizes can come in queen and king. If you’re wondering what size is a standard pillow, expect this to be the smallest pillow option with dimensions of 20” x 26”. Standard pillows work well for the head, but queen and king pillows can offer added versatility as body cushions.
Pillows for different sleeping positions.
The position you sleep in at night can determine how comfortable your pillow will be. For example, you may choose a pillow with great reviews, only to bring it home and discover it doesn’t work for how you like to lie at night. Thankfully, there are great pillow options for people that sleep on their back, stomach, side or a combination of positions.
If you’re looking for a good pillow for side sleepers, you’ll want to consider firmer options. Since your head is the furthest away from the mattress when you sleep on your side, it will be important to have a firm or thick pillow to keep your neck aligned with your spine. Firm stuffing can also be a suitable option if you’re looking for pillows for neck and back pain.
On the other hand, if you like to sleep on your stomach, a softer pillow may be best for you. Softer pillows are more malleable, so you can push them into the shape you need without having to strain your neck. Some of the best pillows for stomach sleepers are filled with down, cotton, or other airy materials.
The best pillows for back sleepers offer a good balance of firmness. For this reason, memory foam and gel memory foam pillows are wonderful choices for back sleepers. These materials allow your head to dictate how much support it needs while still remaining soft and pliable.
Protecting your pillow.
If you’ve gone through the trouble of picking out the best pillow for you, you’ll want to make sure to protect it. You may want coverage for spills and bacteria, or you might be looking for a way to protect your pillow against dust mites and allergens. No matter the reason, keeping the item you rest your face on every night free from dirt or damage is a wise idea.
Typically, there are two ways to safeguard your pillow. First, you’ll want to look into a pillow protector or cover. Just like with a mattress, you can find pillow protectors that extend the life of your pillow by defending it from liquids, dust mites and other irritants.
And as a second line of defense, remember to top your pillow protector with a pillowcase. As an important part of your bedding set, a pillowcase can not only protect from things like sweat and makeup, but it can also be an opportunity to boost your bedroom décor. With a variety of colors and patterns, you can find bed sheets and pillowcases that bring the whole room together. Best of all, both pillow protectors and pillowcases are easy to remove and throw into regular washing cycles.