The right pillow for your sleeping style can make a big difference in your life. The quality of the pillow determines the quality of sleep. You cannot expect to wake up without sore muscles if you haven’t bought the right pillow for your requirements.
How to Choose the Right Pillow?
What’s the best pillow for your sleeping style? Before buying a pillow online, you must determine and analyze different aspects to make an informed decision. Buying a pillow just because of its aesthetic design and discounted price would be a mistake.
Although design and pricing are major indicators for purchase, there are many other important elements, too.
Right Pillow should do the Basic Job
The right pillow should be comfortable and supportive, keeping your head and shoulder joints at a neutral angle with your spine. That’s it; the best pillow should do these tasks. It does not matter if it is pleasing to the eyes or matches the theme of your room.
Other visually important elements are the bonuses that you get with a premium pillow. A pillow that leaves you with neck and shoulder pain is not worth buying at any cost. Users might expect different types of support and comfort with different pillows.
A pillow suitable for your partner might not be the right choice for you. Don’t buy pillows in pairs just because of an awesome deal. Every pillow should cater to the exact needs of the user.
Wrong Bedding Accessories might be causing Neck Pain
A mattress and comfy sheets are not enough for comfortable sleep. I have spent hundreds of dollars on a mediated mattress. Should I buy a good pillow, too? Yes, you must buy the right pillow for your sleeping style and habits.
Most readers don’t realize the importance of a good pillow until they start experiencing neck and shoulder pain. They feel muscle strain every morning and spend their entire day complaining about these small issues.
The right pillow is something that’s keeping you away from a good night’s sleep. Your old, stiff, and dirty pillow will result in a night of turning and tossing. We will break down all the factors for choosing the best pillow in 2024.
What’s the best Pillow for you?
Personal requirements, style preferences, and sleeping styles determine the best product for each individual. No single pillow brand offers the best pillows 2024 that are suitable for everyone.
Buying the right pillow might take some research, but these few hours are way better than sleepless nights due to the wrong pillow. A person’s sleeping position determines the right pillow for him.
A pillow should offer the right spinal alignment in ideal conditions for maintaining good posture and overall sleep quality. The angle of ideal alignment is also different for every person, and you can easily find it by using pillows available in your home.
In the morning, neck pain and sore muscles are clear signs of a bad pillow and the wrong angle for spinal alignment.
Best Pillow for Back Sleepers
The best pillow for back sleepers should be of the right thickness to support the natural curve and posture of your neck.
A cervical pillow is a popular choice for back sleepers because it is higher in the bottom third to keep your neck elevated at the right angle. The pillow starts slopping down from the center because that is where your head lies.
Any other thin or medium-height pillow can also be good for back sleepers. The height of the best pillow for a back sleeper should be enough to support your neck without changing the angle.
The firmness of the pillow for back sleepers should be soft enough to align your head with your spine. If the pillow is too soft, it might become flat while you are sleeping at night. For anyone who appreciates the importance of a good night’s sleep, a memory foam pillow of medium thickness and firmness might be a good option.
Best Pillow for Side Sleepers
Most people like to sleep on their sides, and they need a pillow that provides enough firmness and support to keep their heads elevated.
A pillow of 4-6 inches in height is ideal for side sleepers. What is the best pillow for side sleepers? A pillow that keeps your nose aligned with the sternum. It should be wide enough to fill the space between the ear and the shoulder.
As your head has enough support from a pillow for a side sleeper, the neck muscles stay relaxed while you sleep on any side.
Proper posture is the key to preventing neck strain. Body pillows, which provide added support for the hips and pelvis, have also become quite popular recently.
While buying a pillow for side sleepers online, ask for a medium to moderate firmness. A down-filled pillow might be too soft for a side sleeper, and it is better to choose latex or memory foam pillows.
Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
Sleeping on your stomach is not the best position, but if you are fond of this sleeping position, you need to determine which body part needs the most support.
Maintaining good spinal alignment while sleeping on your stomach can save you from several muscle pains.
Stomach sleepers are more likely to experience pain in their spine, back muscles, or shoulders. Anyone with back pain should avoid sleeping on their stomach. Extra strain on the back muscles can worsen the situation.
Some people might find sleeping on their stomachs more comfortable than in other positions. If you are one of such individuals, a pillow with a lower height is highly recommended for peaceful sleep. The best pillows for stomach sleepers can have down or feather fill, as these materials can easily adjust to your neck and head alignment.
Pillow Under Arm
It is common for people to change positions during the night. A body pillow with arm placement is ideal for people who sleep on their stomachs and side. Wrapping yourself around a body pillow gives the feeling of sleeping on the stomach.
Body pillows are usually more expensive than normal pillows but offer better support for different sleeping positions.
Your Body Type Determines the right Pillow for you
When looking to buy a pillow online, always analyze your body type. Every pillow brand claims to offer products that fit every body type, but that’s not practically possible. A small person may feel more comfortable sleeping on a thin and soft pillow.
A larger pillow can throw your spinal alignment off, and you will feel muscle strain in the morning. Larger people usually prefer firmer pillows with more height to support their bodies.
The idea behind choosing the right pillow is to ensure the right angle for your spine and neck. This table will help you understand how to choose the right pillow by analyzing different factors.
Think about the Material of the Pillow
Pillow covers, fills, and other support elements are made of different materials. The type of material determines how the product performs and feels in different sleeping positions.
Many users make it complicated, thinking that material is the only thing that will affect the quality of sleep. Support, thickness, and firmness are the most important factors to consider when choosing a pillow.
Different pillow materials perform differently in terms of feel, comfort, and temperature control. Every pillow material offers some benefits and drawbacks. Here are some popular options available in the market.
Down Material for Pillows (Super Soft and Fluffy)
Almost all traditional pillows have down filling for a cloud-like and airy feel. Fluffy clusters from the undercoats of ducks and geese are used as material for down pillows. Down pillows are usually on the expensive side, and a good one can easily cost more than $100.
Consumers need to understand the concept of responsible sourcing because the material must be sourced from ethically raised birds and animals. Responsible Down Standards, Downmark, and International Down Standards are a few important certifications that consumers need to check.
A perfect down pillow should have the right density of clusters to provide essential support for overnight use. Because down pillows are made of soft materials, they can be compressed easily, so you might have to fluff them more often.
Down Alternative (Soft yet affordable)
Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of hurting birds for pillow materials. If you don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars for a down pillow but still want to enjoy the same comfort level, down alternative pillows are for you.
These pillows use natural or synthetic fibers. Although down alternative pillows are not as good as all-down pillows, you won’t regret your decision because these pillows are quite good and comfy.
Down alternative pillows are easy to clean and maintain as dry cleaning is required to keep these pillows clean. People allergic to any specific bird should choose down alternative pillows. Clean freaks can also buy down alternative pillows online as they are easy to wash.
Memory Foam Pillows
The same technology and material used in memory foam mattresses produce memory foam pillows. These pillows offer the same cradling sensation and comfort as memory foam mattresses while relieving pressure.
Memory foam pillows come in solid pieces to support the intended muscles and parts of the neck and shoulder while elevating your head to a certain angle. Some memory foam pillows use shredded foam, too.
Customization options are available for shredded memory foam, as you can add or remove material to adjust thickness, feel, and loft height.
Memory foam pillows also come with gel-infused materials. This added feature helps to regulate temperature while sleeping. If your body overheats while sleeping, you can buy a gel-infused memory foam pillow online.
Latex
Latex is quite similar to memory foam in nature and features. Latex pillows are also available in one piece or shredded pieces. One-piece latex pillows come with a pre-defined shape and structure, while shredded latex pillows offer more customization.
The source of latex material differentiates it from memory foam. Latex is usually sourced from rubber trees, and it is eco-friendly and more sustainable. Latex pillows are usually more durable than other available material options.
Latex pillows help relieve pressure, but they don’t mold like memory foam pillows. They are slightly firmer than memory foam pillows, and your head does not sink into a latex pillow. Some pillow brands in the US specialize in producing latex pillows only.
Important Considerations for buying the right Pillow
You cannot buy a pillow online just because of the nice color and material of your choice. A pillow that goes perfectly with the theme of your home may not be suitable for your neck or body.
Here are some other factors to consider while buying a perfect pillow 2024.
Firmness of the Pillow
The material used in the pillow determines its softness and firmness. The density of the fill is also an important factor that determines the feel of the product. Down pillows with lower density feel extra soft and don’t offer the desired support for side sleepers.
Doctors suggest that comfort has no direct connection with muscle strain or other issues that people face while sleeping. Instead of focusing on comfort, consumers should focus on the required support for perfect head and neck alignment.
Sleeping on a too-firm pillow can also be painful, even with the right support. It is better to find a product that is firm enough to support your body in the desired sleeping position and soft enough to keep your neck and shoulder muscles relaxed. Pillows have the main duty of relaxing your muscles while your body rests at night.
Cooling Features
This feature does not directly help to reduce muscle strain but adds to the pillow’s comfort and feel. The pillows’ cooling features allow the pillow material to regulate the body temperature. Some pillows come with gel infusion and help to prevent moisture build-up during the night’s sleep.
An ordinary pillow might have cool-to-the-touch fabric, and there are some other features that help to regulate body temperature at night.
If you wake up sweating due to body heat, pillows with cooling features can greatly improve the quality of sleep. Latex and eucalyptus are commonly used temperature-regulating and breathable materials in pillows.
Maintenance and Ease of Wash
Regular pillow cleaning is required to keep bedding clean. Countless germs, dirt, mites, and other elements come into contact with your face every night. If your pillow is not clean, you can imagine the horror of face acne, skin allergies, and other health problems.
We have a dedicated guide on how to get the yellow out of pillows. Give it a read, and you will love the results.
Using a pillow cover or protector may seem like an easy fix, but pillows still need cleaning and washing. Washing pillow covers regularly is mandatory, but you also need to wash the pillow twice a year. People with different allergies must be extra careful because they are more prone to bacteria and dust.
Price Tag
After the product name, the price tag is the most important thing that all consumers pay attention to. Even with all premium features, enough support, and quality material, a pillow needs to justify the price tag. Not everyone is ready to spend hundreds of dollars on a pillow.
We have reviewed many top pillows for different sleeping positions, and we pay special attention to product pricing. Before starting your search for the best pillow online, you need to define your requirements and a realistic budget.
The right pillow for you doesn’t have to be expensive, and not every expensive pillow is going to be right for you. Price is important, but it should not be the deciding factor in purchasing the right pillow.
When to Replace Your Pillow?
Your pillow takes the most beating among all bedding accessories. A mattress is usually an expensive and larger accessory that does not need replacing for a few years. But pillows require more care when it comes to replacement.
No pillow can last forever, and a lifetime guarantee for a product does not mean you are no longer required to replace it. It is wise to buy a new pillow every two years. Only super-expensive pillows might last more than 3 years.
The lifespan of the pillow depends upon your use and environmental conditions, too. Pillows only last if you take good care of covers and fills. Your pillow needs replacement if there are:
- Stains on the cover and pillow that are impossible to remove with wash
- Odor and smell make it impossible to sleep comfortably
- Physical wear and tear that is destroying the shape and form of the pillow
- Loss of shape and support for neck and shoulder muscles
When you start noticing any of these signs in your pillow, it’s time for a pillow replacement. Our blog provides the best pillows for almost every sleeping position. We aim to provide accurate and authentic details so users can choose the best pillow for their sleeping style.
Conclusion
Buying the best pillow for your sleeping position may seem challenging, but it is a fun experience when you have your priorities straight. We have covered all the important insights that readers need to know to purchase the right pillow for their sleeping style.
Apart from purchasing the best pillow according to sleeping style, we have categorized pillows by material type, too. With all these details and insights, the final purchase decision of the best pillow depends upon your personal taste and preferences.
Don’t forget to read the reviews and guides on our blog for further details about pillows and their impact on sleep quality.
