How to Choose the Perfect Pillow

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

Is there a “right” pillow?

Sleeping conditions each night – mattress, room temperature, sleep spot, and even your pillow – all have an effect on the quality of sleep you get each night. Which pillow is best for you depends on your sleep habits, so knowing how to choose a pillow will help assure that you wake up refreshed and ready for your day.

How To Choose the Perfect Pillow

Choose your pillow according to the position you normally take when you sleep.

Side sleepers need a firm pillow to support the neck and head.

If you sleep on your back, a medium to firm pillow will help cushion your head.

Soft pillows are best for those who sleep on their stomachs.

Consider using a down pillow.

Down pillows are made from the inner plumage of geese or ducks and can be to the top according to your preference. More firmness, or loft, suits side sleepers while less loft is better for back or stomach sleeping positions.

Down pillows mold themselves to fit your head, shoulders and neck.

They can last up to 10 years and are resilient and breathable because they are made of a natural material.

Use a latex pillow to support your neck and head. Made from the sap of rubber trees, latex is elastic and resilient.

They are resistant to bacteria, dust mites and are a brilliant choice if you suffer from allergies.

Latex pillows come in all shapes and sizes. Consistencies vary as well with some using shredded material and others made of solid cores.

Buy a memory foam pillow if you have a sleep-related problem such jaw or neck tension as it molds itself to your body shape as you go during the night.

High density is best in peacefulness to avoid the material contravention down.

Be aware that this material can make you hot as it doesn’t “breathe.” A new memory foam pillow may have an unpleasant odor which will go away after a small while.

Memory foam pillows come in all shapes and sizes including an S-shaped version.

Choose your pillow according to how it feels rather than how much it costs. Stand next to a wall in your favorite sleeping store and place the pillow against the wall. If the pillow you are testing works with your body, your neck should be aligned with your spine.

Use caution when buying a pillow for a specific purpose such as an anti-snoring pillow or a cooling pillow. They might work for you or might do nothing to help. Many times these special pillows are expensive. Look for reviews and probe to justify your purchase. Also inquire at the store about refunds or cash-back guarantees prior to making your purchase.

Tips

Wash your pillow regularly according to manufacturer instructions or use a pillow protector to increase its life. Foam pillows cannot be washed, but a pillow protector will help keep it clean.

Replace your pillow when it breaks down or no longer holds its shape. Fold your pillow in half lengthways and hold it that way for 30 seconds. If it doesn’t go back to its original shape when released, you need a new pillow.

I hope these tips help you in your quest for the perfect pillow. But keep in mind that if neck pain is a primary motivation for finding the right pillow maybe you actually need a chiropractor to perform some corrective work to your neck to improve its overall health.

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To YOUR health than wealth,

Dr. Z

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