There are a lot of factors that are considered for a good night’s sleep; they are your mattress, light, room temperature, and distracting noises. However, if your pillow is not comfortable, it will lead to a terrible night, and you might be tossing all night trying to find a comfortable position.
A terrible fitting pillow is not only the sleep thief that keeps you awake but can also cause or worsen neck pain, arm numbness, and headaches. Here’s what to consider when you think of buying your next pillow:
Why does the right pillow matter?
A right pillow can surely play a great impact in improving the quality of your sleeping posture. Do you ever wake up with neck pain and think that “I must have slept in a wrong posture” and spent all day massaging your neck? It’s not just you; everyone has been there as well. A well-fitted pillow allows your body a great sleeping posture and helps in relaxing your muscles rather than causing pain.
Everyone chooses the pillow based on their personal preferences, which also depends on the sleeping position you’re comfortable with. You could be a back sleeper, stomach sleeper, or side sleeper; there are pillows designed for every type of sleeper.
1. For Back Sleepers
A thin pillow would be ideal for you as it doesn’t let your neck tilt too far forward and ensures that your neck is aligned to the spine. Try to find the one that has an extra loft in the bottom part to help to keep the neck straight. Memory foam is a great option for back sleepers as it molds to the shape and position of your head and neck. If you’re looking for extra comfort and support, place a pillow beneath your knees to reduce lower back pressure.
2. For Side Sleepers
Invest in a firm pillow if you’re a side sleeper, especially with an extra-wide gusset that helps to build a distance between your ear and shoulder. Your head should be placed in a neutral position aligned to your spine. As you sleep on your side, your shoulder takes all the pressure; therefore, a fuller and firm support under your head is ideal to reduce a little weight off from your shoulder. For better comfort, you can add an extra pillow between the knees.
3. For Stomach Sleepers
It is considered to be the most stressful position for your neck and back. Many experts recommend not sleeping on your stomach and try to change your sleeping position, but this miracle can’t happen overnight. If you find yourself comfortable sleeping on your stomach, then try to get a pillow that is soft and thin or no pillow, as it will help to keep your spine in a neutral position.
When is the right time to replace your pillow?
Experts say that pillows should be changed every 18 months or so. Your old and crusty pillows could be packed with molds, dust miles, dead skin cells and could cause illness and allergies. You can use pillow protectors to extend the life of your pillow to some extend. To check whether it is time to replace your pillow, test it by folding right from the center, and see if it springs back to you or not. If it sits like that, it’s time to say goodbye to your old pillow and get a new one.
How to pick the right pillow for yourself?
When there are a lot of options available to choose from, it could be a little tough to pick the right pillow. Here is a checklist that you can consider before jumping straight to the decision:
Fill
Some of the fill includes synthetic down, memory foam, polyester fill, wool, latex, cotton, and down.
Weight
Here’s a quick comparison, latex or a memory foam pillow is going to be on the heavier side, while a synthetic or down will be much lighter.
Fabric
Even if you’re going to cover your pillow with a pillow cover, you will need your pillow fabric to be soft, durable, and breathable.
Size
Pillows, in general, come in two sizes: standard and king. For the majority of people, a standard pillow is a lot to handle, but if you want something huge to sleep and cuddle on, you can go for the king-sized pillow.
Quality
The quality of the pillow reflects how long it lasts. A premium quality pillow will stay longer and provide a comfortable sleep. Once your decision has been made on what type of pillow you need, do your research, and buy the one after comparing all the options.
Conclusion
Just like you take extra time to take care of your skin, make some effort to upgrade your sleep by replacing your pillow. It is a great relief to get a pillow that feels like you’re sleeping on a cloud. Choose the pillow that fits right with your sleeping position and your personal preference. With a comfortable mattress and soft pillow, you will be sleeping in a paradise in no time.