Whether you realize it or not, your pillow is one of the most important things you use each and every day. Using the wrong pillow can lead to neck pain and poor sleep which can leave you feeling miserable and groggy during the day. With the right pillow you can sleep more comfortably and wake up feeling more rested and refreshed. Of course, your mattress is also important in how well you sleep, however your pillow definitely plays an important roll so you want to be sure to choose the right pillow for your needs.
Walking into the linen department of a store can be a bit overwhelming with all the different choices there are for pillows. Unless you have a good idea of what to look for you can easily buy the wrong pillow that won’t give you the support you need for your neck, head and upper spine. Here are some tips for choosing the right pillow for how you sleep.
The first thing you need to consider before choosing a pillow is how you sleep. Are you someone who sleeps on their side? Do you prefer to sleep on your back? Of course, just like all people you move around during the night but usually there is one position that is more comfortable for sleeping than others. Pick the position that you sleep in most often and the one that feels most comfortable to you.
Choosing a Pillow if You Sleep on Your Side
If you sleep on your side most of the time you will want to look for a pillow that supports your head and neck and that keeps your spine in a natural position. If your pillow is too tall and your head or neck is tilted upward from your spine it can cause discomfort, neck pain and headaches.
Choosing a Pillow if You Sleep on Your Back
If you sleep on your back you should look for a pillow that supports your head, neck, spine and your shoulders. Your cervical spine (the part of your spine between your head and your shoulders) curves naturally and the best pillow for a back sleeper should support that curve adequately.
Choosing a Pillow if You Sleep on Your Stomach
If you sleep on your stomach your ideal pillow will be one that is pretty flat. You don’t want your head to be tilted at all – just lifted high enough off the mattress to stay in line with your spine.
When it comes to choosing a firm or soft pillow the choice really boils down more to personal preference than anything else. Choose a pillow that feels comfortable to you but that still provides adequate support. If you sleep on your stomach or side you may prefer a softer pillow since your face will be up against it all night. Just be sure that your pillow isn’t so soft that it lacks any support.
Memory foam pillows are a good option for most people because they conform to the contours of your head and neck to provide a perfect fit. Most memory foam pillows also come with build in contours which can help to provide support and keep your spine in alignment with your head and neck.
Down pillows can be a great option for comfort because they are ultra soft and a bit luxurious. Many people with allergies avoid down pillows, however, since they can aggravate allergies. Recently down pillows have undergone some changes, though, in the process of how the down is cleaned and now many down pillows are usable even if you have allergies.
Pillows made with buckwheat hulls can also be great for giving your neck support and are a natural alternative to memory foam.
When choosing your pillow be sure to shop around and look for what is going to work best for you. If you are going to splurge on just one thing for yourself this year it should be a pillow since it can help you to feel better and sleep better for years to come. High quality pillows are expensive but often times are worth the extra money for the support and sleep that they can provide.
