Bedding guides
There are many options when it comes to pillows. There are many options for pillows, including down, latex and polyfill. Are all of these options equally good? Is your sleeping style related to your pillow requirements? Why are some pillows so long, while others are short and strangely shaped?
These are just a few of the many questions we’ll answer. We will also discuss a variety of pillow fills and their benefits and drawbacks and how to choose the best pillow for you.
1. 1. Cotton Pillows
The best cooling material for pillows is cotton. Cotton is more breathable than other fill materials, and when combined with a cotton fabric covering, you can get a cool night’s sleep. For those who don’t like pillows that compress too much, cotton is a good choice. Cotton is an excellent alternative to latex or feather-filled pillows.
But, it’s not as easy as finding other types of pillows with cotton-filled fillings. The manufacturing of cheaper synthetic fills has made cotton less popular. You don’t have to let this stop you from buying quality cotton pillows.
2. 2.
The layer of feathers called down keeps ducks and geese comfortable. It makes a wonderful pillow. Down pillows are extremely compressive and soft. Down pillows are for you if you like the feeling of a pillow that squishes as you squeeze it.
Down is also not supportive and retains heat so it might not be a good choice for hot sleepers. People don’t like the way down is made. However, it is difficult to find cruelty-free down.
3.
Feather Pillows
Feathers pillows can be made with duck or goose feathers. However, feather pillows have softer feathers that come from birds wings and backs.
Feather pillows are more supportive than down pillows and have a higher level of springiness. They also tend to be a bit cooler. Feather pillows have quills while down pillows don’t. Sometimes, a quill can poke through your pillowcase and get in the way of you sleeping. You might consider down if this is a problem.
4. Latex Foam Pillows
Natural latex, made from rubber tree sap, is a great choice if you are looking for a soft, supportive, and bouncy pillow. Latex is also extremely durable and can last for many years.
Organic latex, especially organic natural latex, is a non-toxic and low-ingredient option for pillow fillings. Organic latex pillows have minimal ingredients because they are organic latex without any processing chemicals or additives.
However, latex’s weight is one of its biggest problems. Heavy latex may be an issue if you are prone to flipping your pillow or moving it around while you sleep. Latex is not as flexible as memory foam so memory foam might be better for you.
5. Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam is a great choice for both a pillow and a mattress. Memory foam is the best choice for a pillow that conforms to your body. Memory foam is supportive and great for those who have trouble aligning their necks (such as side sleepers or combo sleepers).
Memory foam might not be popular with hot sleepers. Even with advances in sleep technology such as gel additives and open-cell structure, memory foam still retains heat more than latex foam. Memory foam can also be made from polyurethane foam. This means that it is not an all-natural option.
6. Microbead Pillows
You’ve probably sat in a bean bag before. These pillows are made of tiny beads of polystyrene. These pillows are supportive and can be used by those who prefer a firm pillow. This is why there are so many microbead-travel pillows. You can also move the beads inside, making them adjustable.
Microbead pillows retain heat so they won’t be appreciated by hot sleepers. These pillows are susceptible to rips and tears. You could end up with thousands upon thousands of microbead beads in your bedroom, or your washing machine. This can lead to plumbing clogs that could cost hundreds of dollars.
7. Microfiber Pillows
Pillows made from synthetic fibers may be called polyfill, microfiber or down alternative pillows. They are made from synthetic fibers like polyester, which mimic the feel of down and cotton.
These pillows are affordable, lightweight, adjustable, and budget-friendly. However, they don’t provide as much support or contouring as memory foam or latex and they are not very long-lasting. They can last as little as six months before they lose their shape or flatten out.
Pillow Shape
There are many pillows available that can help you sleep better than the traditional rectangular pillow.
Body Pillows
The body pillows are designed to support your entire body during the night. There are many shapes to choose from, including U-shapes, C-shapes, J-shapes, L-shapes, and even rectangular. Side sleepers who need support for their legs and shoulders will love these pillows.
Knee Pillows
The knee pillows are made of firm material with a dip at the center that fits between the knees of side sleepers. This encourages hip and spine alignment.
A few pillows are made to be used under the knees. This pillow is known as a bolster pillow.
Neck Pillows
Although many people refer to neck pillows as travel pillows, they are actually meant to align the necks of back sleepers. They curve upwards to fill the space under the neck and downwards to accommodate the bulge in the skull.
Sleep Position And Pillow Thickness
You can determine how thick and firm you need your pillow to be.
Back Sleepers
The best pillows for back sleepers support natural curves of the cervical spine (the backbone of the neck) while collapsing underneath the head to allow for the upward curve of your skull.
Because of its flexibility to conform and support, medium firmness memory foam is great for back sleepers. It will support your spine by sinking underneath your skull and rising up to meet your neck’s inward curve.
Combo Sleepers
Combination sleepers often switch between positions during the night. They need a pillow that is supportive but flexible enough to support them in all positions. Combo sleepers might prefer medium firmness latex foam because it provides contouring and support and bounces back quickly when you change positions.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers should choose thicker pillows that are slightly firmer. This will prevent their heads from slipping down and ensure that the spine is straight.
Side sleepers have many options in material but will probably stay clear of feather and down pillows. These pillows don’t have the firmness necessary to support their necks straightening.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleeping is the most stress-inducing sleep style for the spine and neck, so pillows that reduce stomach pain are a must.
Flat, thin pillows are the best for stomach sleepers. They will align your head with your body and help you rest your head. Thicker pillows will raise your head higher than your body. Memory foam and memory foam are more supportive than soft, compressible materials such as down.
To avoid stomach sleep causing neck pain and pulling the lumbar region out alignment when the pelvis sinks into bed, it is better to learn to side sleep.
Use a firm, thick body pillow. You can feel like you’re sleeping on your stomach by tilting your body on the pillow.
FAQ
How Often Should I Replace My Pillows?
Your pillow’s lifespan will be determined more by the fill material than any other factor. Microfiber pillows are the most durable, lasting anywhere from 6 months to 2 year. Latex pillows are the most durable and can last anywhere from 5-10 years if properly maintained.
It is best to replace your pillow as soon as it begins to lose its shape, bounce and/or support. It is important to follow the instructions on the label when caring for any material. This will help prolong its life.
Do I Need To Wash My Pillow?
Your pillow’s material, including the cover and fill, will determine the best way to clean it. Never, ever wash down pillows. Your pillow will become lumpy and clumpy as the feathers lose their loft and fluff.
Dry clean your down pillows and refer to the care label for specific care instructions. Many down pillows have machine-washable covers.
Many pillows include a tag or label with care instructions that includes information for the pillow cover as well as the pillow. A pillowcase can reduce the frequency you need to wash the pillow and cover.
How Can I Tell If My Pillow Has Hypoallergenic Properties?
Hypoallergenic pillows will repel common allergens such as dust, pollen, mold and dust mites. Allergen repelling fills include latex, memory foam and down, as well as cotton and certain synthetic materials. Many pillows that are hypoallergenic have this term on the labels.
It is possible to become allergic to the pillow stuff. The most common pillow fill to cause allergic reactions is latex. Even if you don’t have a allergy to latex, it is extremely hypoallergenic. However, if you do have an allergy to latex, the latex pillow may cause an allergic reaction, even if you have it in case/cover.
Are King Pillows The Exact Same As Body Pillows Or Are They Different?
No. Standard pillows measure 66cm in length. King pillows are 25 cm longer than standard pillows, making them a total length of 91 cm. To accommodate the average length of the human body, from neck to knees, body pillows are usually at least 137cm long.
Some body pillows can be even longer. For example, C-shaped and U-shaped pillows can exceed 254 cm in length. They are designed to fit around your body and provide support on all sides. The best body pillows for pregnant women are those with U or C shapes.
What Price Should I Pay To Buy A Pillow?
Pillow prices vary widely. The cost of a cheap pillow from your local grocery store could be as low as €5. These pillows can be used to stuff decorative shams or other purposes, but they should not be used for sleeping.
Luxury pillows can cost more than €100, with retailers and manufacturers using trendy buzzwords or high thread count to increase the price. While it is okay to spend a lot on a pillow, you should be careful that you don’t get ripped off. Standard pillows are often too costly.
Bottom Line
There are many great pillow materials available, including supportive memory foam, squishy goose feathers and affordable microfiber. When choosing the right pillow for you, remember to consider your sleeping position.
Side sleepers require a firm, thick pillow to support their heads. For back sleepers, a contouring pillow should fit into the curves of the neck. Stomach sleepers require a soft pillow that doesn’t push their heads too high.
