Pointers for Picking the Perfect Pillow

I’ve noticed some soreness in my neck recently. It has been some time since I replaced my pillow, so I think there’s a good chance replacing it will eliminate the soreness. I began looking at pillows and immediately noticed two things: there’s a plethora of options available and many options are quite pricey.

I haven’t been very picky in the past; I simply chose pillows that seemed supportive and didn’t cost too much. I still need one that doesn’t cost too much, but I’m going to be a little picky about the support the pillow provides. Given most adults spend seven or eight hours each day—roughly 2,500 hours a year—with our heads on pillows, it makes a lot of sense to be picky!

What should we look for when pillow shopping? Here are recommendations from the experts.

What to look for in a pillow

Fullness and firmness

Some pillows are marketed as being good for all types of sleepers (back, side, and stomach). Unfortunately, there isn’t going to be a single pillow that is optimal for all types of sleepers because your sleep position dictates how full and firm of a pillow you need.

• Back sleepers typically need a flatter, softer pillow. This is because, due to the curve of the upper back and shoulder blades, there is only a small gap between the mattress and the head when the head is in alignment with the spine. A thick, hard pillow will push the head forward towards the chest instead of keeping the head in alignment with the spine.
• Stomach sleepers typically need a very flat pillow, or perhaps no pillow at all. This is because there is no gap or only a tiny gap between the mattress and the head when the head is in alignment with the spine. A thick pillow will push the head backwards towards the upper back instead of keeping it in alignment with the spine.
• Side sleepers typically need a thicker, firmer pillow. This is because, when on your side, there is a large gap between the mattress and the head when the head is kept in alignment with the spine. A thicker, supportive pillow will keep the head aligned and avoid strain.

Keep the firmness of your mattress in mind when selecting a pillow. If you have a softer mattress, then you will likely need a thinner pillow. This is because a softer mattress allows your body to sink into it, lessening the gap between your head and the mattress.

Filling

There are a variety of materials used to fill pillows. Each has benefits and drawbacks.

• Down pillows are typically filled with the soft back, wing, and/or chest feathers of geese or ducks. These pillows tend to be light and very soft. They also tend to be somewhat pricey, but they can be used for a long time if they are laundered properly.
• Synthetic down pillows are filled with a polyester substance that simulates down. Polyester fill pillows are filled with polyester stuffing. These pillows tend to be medium to soft. They will flatten over time, so they need replaced more frequently than down. However, they are less expensive than down pillows.
• Wool pillows are filled with wool from sheep or other animals such as llamas and alpacas. These pillows tend to be firm. They can be used for a long time. Their moisture-wicking properties mean that they help users regulate their temperatures during sleep.
• Cotton pillows are typically filled with cotton batting. These tend to be firmer and less soft than pillows filled with polyester. However, cotton pillows wash well and feel cooler against the head because cotton fibers generally breathe better than synthetic materials.
• Latex pillows are filled with a natural foam extracted from a rubber tree or from synthetic alternatives. These pillows are firm (the latex doesn’t collapse under the weight of the head) and supportive. They are also durable.
• Memory foam pillows are filled with a viscoelastic polyurethane foam. This material conforms to the lines of the head, neck, and shoulders. These pillows tend to be both soft and supportive. Memory foam retains heat, which means users may sweat more and feel warm at night.

There is no single fill material that is best for everyone. You’ll want to choose what’s best for you after considering things like allergies, affordability, whether you feel hot when you sleep, and the level of support you need. 

Other considerations

Quality matters regardless of what material is used to fill a pillow. Quality fill will make a pillow more comfortable, more supportive, and help it last longer. Quality is often reflected in price. Because of this, it is important to check the return policy of a retailer before purchasing a pillow. Some do not offer refunds if a pillow is used, while others offer lengthy trial periods during which a pillow can be returned for a full refund.

To extend the life of a pillow, it is useful to use a pillow cover made of a natural, breathable fabric. These types of covers go under the pillowcase. They are waterproof and protect pillows from dust mites, mold, mildew, pollen, and bed bugs. Covers are an affordable way to protect a pricey investment. However, even quality covers can’t keep pillows in great shape indefinitely. Experts say that pillows need to be replaced about every 18 months to make sure they are providing proper support and that they aren’t packed with dust mites, mold, and dead skin cells.

Final thoughts

Armed with this information, I’m off to search for a new pillow. There are so many out there that I am going to need some time to squeeze, shake, and fluff a few to find an appropriate one! If you’d like additional information on choosing a pillow, please visit my sources:

• 5 Things to Know Before Buying a Pillow
• How to Pick the Perfect Pillow
• How to Shop for and Choose the Right Pillow

What has been your experience with choosing a new pillow? What tips can you share? What types or brands have worked well for you?

Shared at the following:

Busy Monday and Encouraging Hearts and Home.