How to Choose the Right Pillow
The ideal pillow keeps your head, neck, and spine neutrally aligned, decreasing pressure on the body. Finding a pillow with the right amount of support improves sleep quality, which can impact almost all aspects of your health, including mood, metabolism, immune system, and blood pressure. To find the best pillow for you, consider the following tips.
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1. Sleep Position
Your preferred sleeping position will determine the ideal firmness of your pillow.
Side Sleepers: A firmer pillow will usually be more supportive and comfortable for side sleepers, but it can vary depending on factors such as your mattress.
Back Sleepers: Pillows with soft to medium support are recommended for those who sleep on their back.
Stomach Sleepers: Sleeping on your stomach can exacerbate neck pain and can cause spinal problems. If this is your preferred sleeping position, softer pillows are recommended since they can compress to the correct height for comfort while reducing pressure on your back.
Combination Sleepers: Adjustable pillows or ones with a firmer interior and fluffy exterior are ideal for combination sleepers.
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2. Different Pillow Fillings
The filling of your pillow can make a huge difference, especially for those with allergies or sensitivities to certain materials. Certain materials also regulate temperatures better. This is important if you overheat during your sleep, as lower temperatures are correlated with better sleep. Try out pillows in person at Meubles to get a better idea of how they feel. To learn more about different fillings, consult the list below:
Down: This is a soft, natural material offering lower levels of support, making it great for stomach sleepers and some back sleepers. Great for people with allergies, down pillows are hypoallergenic. The Platinum white duck down pillow by Meubles is a great down option.
Feathers: Pillows made from feathers are firmer and hold less heat than down, ideal for side sleepers, some back sleepers, and those who overheat easily. Check out the Empress white duck feather and down pillow, or the Sleep Well Live Well white goose feather and down pillow, also available in an extra-long size.
Memory Foam: Memory foam pillows usually support the head and can accommodate shifting in sleep. Compared to other materials, its higher density can make it less breathable and more difficult to keep cool. Memory foam supports your preferred sleeping position and reduces strain to your neck and head. If this sounds right for you, take a look at the Tempur original contour and Tempur Comfort cloud pillows.
Latex: Latex is heavier and firmer than other materials and retains its shape well, making it a good choice for side and back sleepers. It is naturally dust mite resistant. The Reylon Superior Comfort Deep pillow is perfect for side sleepers, while the slim profile version is best for back sleepers.
Polyester: While this is the most common pillow fill, it can be prone to dust mites. Those with allergies should opt for polyester pillows with 100% non-allergenic filling. Depending on the level of firmness, polyester can work for any sleeper. The embossed check pillow pair from Dreamworld is a solid choice, but those with allergies should look at the Dreamworld anti-allergy pillow pair or the Finese microfibre embossed pillow pair by Meubles.
Microfibre: Microfibre can be good for those with allergies and sensitive skin, and it can feel similar to natural fill pillows. Good for side and back sleepers, check out the Majestic 100% cotton microfibre synthetic pillow by Meubles, or the washable pillow by The Soft Bedding Company, also available as a pair.
Wool: Wool is a natural fibre that is naturally hypoallergenic. Highly absorbent and great for trapping moisture away from your skin, its temperature regulating properties keeps you cool and comfortable.
Bamboo: Known for its excellent breathability, bamboo provides a temperature neutral sleep surface for your head and neck.
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3. Other Considerations
The right pillow will help you stop tossing and turning.
Your Mattress: Regardless of how you sleep, the firmness of your mattress impacts the level of support required from your pillow. The deeper you sink into your mattress, the softer your pillow should be.
Health Conditions: Snoring and sleep apnea are exacerbated by sleeping on your back. Memory foam or contoured pillows are recommended to keep the head elevated or to promote side sleeping which reduces snoring. For chronic neck pain, WebMD recommends selecting a flatter pillow to reduce pain and stiffness.
Shop Locally: Examine the product label to see where your pillow was manufactured. All pillows made by Meubles are manufactured in Ireland.
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4. When to Replace Your Pillow
According to the Sleep Foundation, experts recommend replacing your pillow every 1 to 2 years. However, different materials can impact longevity. Memory foam should be replaced every 2 to 3 years, down or feather every 1 to 3 years, latex every 2 to 4 years, and polyester or down alternatives can last from 6 months to 2 years. Dr Robert Oexman, DC, Director of the Sleep to Live Institute, also recommends replacing your pillow whenever you purchase a new mattress, as the firmness of your mattress influences the level of support required by your pillow.
Is it time for a new pillow? Don’t forget these 4 tips to find your perfect pillow. For more pillow advice, the sleep experts at Meubles are here to help!
- 22nd September 2023
