Using the wrong pillow could leave you with stiff and sore neck, and wake up feeling just as tired as when you laid down to sleep.
Interestingly, statistics indicate that most of us have trouble sleeping, which can impact our physical and mental health. Inevitably, using the wrong pillow is one of the most common causes of neck pain – a condition that negatively affects our daily lives, for instance, headaches, insomnia, snoring and fatigue are all closely associated to neck pain.
But, choosing the correct pillow isn’t an easy task, it can be challenging anyway as they are so personal, that conform to your body as well as sleeping habits. Doesn’t it sound interesting?
Therefore, choosing the right pillow fill keeps your neck properly supported and leaves you feeling awake, alive and rejuvenated in the morning.
Here are 3 tips I shared, to choose the right pillow for a good night’s sleep.
STEP 1
Finding the Way You Sleep
Are you a side sleeper, or do you sleep on your back? The way you sleep is critical for developing a sound sleeping pattern. A pillow should fit the way you sleep, not the other way round.
Well, the very first thing to consider when getting a pillow for yourself is your sleeping pattern. It’s not kidding as pillows are not crafted equally; different pillows cater to varying styles of sleeping. So, understanding the way you sleep will help you to select the most suitable one.
As a rule of thumb, you may need a foam-filled side pillow if you’re a side sleeper, it will support your back while your rest. On the other hand, if you’re a back sleeper, you may consider a memory foam pillow that will provide greater neck support. If you’re a stomach sleeper, you may select a thin but firm down pillow that provides the ultimate comfort.
STEP 2
Selecting a Pillow Material
No doubt, there is wide variety of pillows available in the market today. Here is a list of three main materials of pillows that you will find available, for instance, down or feather, memory foam and microfibre or polyester fill.
Down or Feather Pillows
The word “down” refers to the feather down of birds, from which a pillow is made. But, the down has fundamentally different types of down (birds). For example, goose down, feather and down alternatives (or called microfibre).
Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam was developed in 1966 under a contract by NASA's Ames Research Center to improve the safety of aircraft cushions. Nowadays, many bedding companies are producing equal quality memory foam pillows, and have gained global popularity due to its softness and comfort, and the unique ability to remember the contours of you body.
Microfibre or Polyester Fill Pillows
Microfibre or polyester fill pillows are fundamentally filled with a synthetic material, such pillow offers a firm, comfortable and long lasting pillow.
STEP 3
Finding the Right Thickness and Firmness
Considering the thickness and firmness of your pillow will the one last thing. With the best material you’ve chosen, selecting a pillow that is either too thick or too thin will compromise your sleep. Thickness of a pillow is not the same as firmness, having said that, it’s possible to have a thin pillow that is firm, or a thick pillow that is soft. So, it depends solely on your preference and taste.
In sum, the bottom line is that selecting the right sleeping pillow is merely a personal preference based on your own comfort sleeping pattern, and then choosing a pillow material that jives with … having the right sleeping pillow is more than anything else, simply nothing promotes good health better than a good night’s sleep.
Have a good night’s sleep ;-)
