Giving your head and neck the correct support during sleep is important. According to an article published in The Guardian, out of 2,200 men and women, only 18% were aware that they should be replacing their pillows every two years.Not only do you run the risk of not getting the best night’s sleep possible through not providing the right support for the neck and head, but it’s also more hygienic. Over time, your pillows may have a layer of bacteria build up on them, as well as other unwanted guests such as dust mites.
So when it comes to choosing new pillows, there are a number of considerations that you need to make which will help to ensure that you pick the right pillow. Every sleeper is different, and what works for one person might not work for everyone else, therefore, here are some top tips to choosing the correct pillow for you.
Sleep Position
Although you might not have really paid much thought as to whether you prefer sleeping on your back, front, or side, your sleep position is actually an important part in selecting the right pillow.
Side Sleepers
If you find yourself tending to sleep on your side, then you will be amongst the 74% of people who choose to sleep on their side. Many of us find this position to be the most comfortable, however, making sure that you are accompanied by the right pillow will be even more beneficial to bagging yourself a great night’s sleep.
According to specialist pillow retailers Sleepy People, “the best pillows for side sleepers are medium thickness pillows such as a high-fill down pillow, a medium-fill synthetic pillow or a memory foam pillow”.
Interestingly, Sleepy People have also suggested that placing a soft pillow in between your knees at night can also help side sleepers to feel more comfortable during sleep. The reason for this is that it helps to align the upper hips more efficiently, as well as reducing pressure, so if you’re a side sleeper then this top tip could definitely be worth a try!
Back Sleepers
If sleeping on your side isn’t your preferred position, then perhaps you’re amongst the 10% of us who sleep better on our backs.
If this is the case, then you might want to try opting for a medium-fill pillow which could include a high-fill down pillow, memory foam pillow or a medium synthetic pillow. All of these pillows are great for providing support for the head, neck and shoulders.
Front Sleepers
Although around 16% of us choose to sleep on our fronts, this doesn’t always come without its problems. Postural pains, indigestion and other chronic aches are quite common complaints for those who sleep on their stomachs.
Web MD’s article suggests trying a very thin, almost flat pillow and which is perhaps softer than pillows for side and black sleepers. Down pillows, or a low-fill synthetic pillow would be the best to go for.
Some stomach sleepers may even find it easier to sleep with no pillows at all, however, it’s perhaps more comfortable to have a pillow, even if it is at a low height so as not to elevate the head too high.
A quick tip to make sleeping on your stomach even comfier could be to place a pillow under your stomach which can help in preventing lower back pain.
Filling
Not only is the position in which you sleep important in determining which type of pillow to go for, but the filling is also an important consideration to make. Here are a few of the popular types of filling you could have a look at.
Duck Feather
The great thing about duck feather pillows is that they’re incredibly comfortable, allowing your neck and head to gently sink into the pillow. Good for elevating the head, they make a great choice of pillow for those who prefer to have their head raised slightly higher.
Down
Another soft and luxurious choice of filling for your pillow, down feathers are located beneath the outer feathers of either ducks or geese. Duck down can be preferred by those wanting a little more support for their head, neck and shoulders and can also be the less expensive option.
Goose down on the other hand, with feathers shaped similarly to the head of a dandelion, are incredibly soft. Due to the fact that these feathers come from a larger bird, this means that the down clusters are generally bigger, more durable and typically contain fewer odours to duck down.
Memory Foam
Designed to help reduce stress and relieve the pressure of muscles, back pain and aching joints, memory foam works by moulding to the contours of your body, helping to support your frame during sleep.
Another advantage of memory foam pillows is that the non-allergenic filling makes it a great choice of pillow for those who suffer from allergies, helping to ensure that you can enjoy an undisturbed night’s sleep!
Hopefully you’ve found this quick guide to choosing the right pillows useful. These are just a few of the essential considerations which are beneficial for when it comes to selecting new pillows, in order to give yourself the best possible chance to enjoy a great night’s sleep and ensure that your body is getting the rest that it deserves. Head to The Huffington Posts’ helpful guide for more handy tips on finding the right pillow for you.
