Content Attributes
The right pillow is one of the most overlooked items in the bedroom. Most people will continue sleeping on a worn-out or deflated pillow even if it’s uncomfortable.
In fact, if you’re like most people, you have probably replaced your mud cloth pillow cover countless times without sparing a thought for your pillow.
A good pillow ensures you sleep in the right posture, leading to a restful night. Besides, when your body is aligned right, you won’t suffer from a stiff neck or an aching back in the morning.
Let’s look at some other reasons why a good pillow is important and the factors you need to consider when selecting the perfect pillow.
Why a Good Pillow Is Important?
A pillow can either help or hinder you from getting your beauty sleep.
The perfect pillow ensures you sleep in the right posture. Such a pillow will help keep your spine in its proper position while also supporting the natural curvature of your neck.
A good pillow also ensures you sleep comfortably, reducing aches and pains when you wake up in the morning. Besides, if you suffer from issues of body misalignment, an uncomfortable pillow can make such illnesses worse.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Pillow
Now that you know the importance of getting a good pillow, the next step is finding the perfect one.
To help you make an informed choice, here are factors to consider when shopping for a pillow.
1. Support
The perfect pillow keeps your spine in its proper position. A very high loft pillow will strain your neck, shoulders, and back while one that’s too low will lead to breathing issues.
The pillow support that you need also depends on your sleeping position, as explained below:
- Back sleepers require a pillow with medium firmness and a medium loft made of materials that can conform to pressure. Such a pillow will provide the perfect buffer, relieving pressure on your shoulders and neck.
- Side sleepers require a pillow that has a firm support and a high loft. The pillow should also be made of fluffy materials. Such a pillow will prop your head, keeping it in line with your neck and spine.
- Stomach sleepers need a pillow with a low loft and soft support. The pillow should be filled with compressible fillers such as feathers. Such a pillow ensures your head isn’t craned and that your spine stays in its natural position.
2. Size
Pillows come in different shapes and sizes. Choose a pillow that is perfect for your body size and shape. For instance, a high pillow is ideal for people with broad shoulders.
The size of the pillow will also depend on its purpose. For instance, wedge pillows that are used by people recovering from back issues are big. While U-shaped travel pillows that help support your neck during travel are much smaller.
3. Filler Material
The fillers in your pillow will determine its softness or firmness. The filler material can also affect the pillow’s size and its cost. The different pillow fill materials you’ll find in the market include:
- Synthetic down fill
- Natural pillow fill
- Memory foam fill
- Cotton fill
- Hypoallergenic wool fills
- Polypropylene capsules fill
- Latex fillings
4. Pillow Cover
When buying your pillow, consider shopping for a good pillow cover too.
The ideal pillow cover will keep your fluffy pillow clean while also making it stand out. Cotton pillow covers are soft and gentle to the skin. If you’re looking for an easy to clean and dry pillow cover, consider buying one made from nylon material.
Polyester pillow covers are durable but nonabsorbent, which may be a problem if you sweat heavily. Luxurious silk pillow covers are the best choice if you want to prevent wrinkles on your skin.
On the other hand, handwoven mud cloth covers require minimal cleaning and add color to your bedroom.
In closing, if you’re constantly waking up with a stiff or aching neck, it’s time you changed your pillow. When choosing the right pillow, don’t forget to get the perfect pillow cover too.