A comfortable and supportive pillow can improve the quality of your kip tenfold. According to Hannah Shore, Lead Sleep Researcher & Product Development Technologist at Silentnight,
“the wrong pillow can affect your sleep, which in turn will affect your productivity levels and even wellbeing. Alongside this, choosing the wrong pillow can also cause health issues such as neck and back pain, stiffness, headaches and restless sleep."
So, why most people are willing to put up with anything less than the very best pillows (when we spend, on average 26 years of our lives in bed) is beyond us.
Even with the best intentions, there are so many different types of pillows on the market, so finding the right pillow for you can be a daunting task. Choosing a good pillow comes down to personal preference (are you a down pillow gal or a firm memory foam pillow fan?) and sleeping style.
“Over 70 percent of people in the UK sleep on their side, and if you are one of these sleepers you will need a firm, supportive pillow for side sleepers. Your neck is always going to be happier when it is kept straight, so as a side sleeper, the distance from your head to the mattress is going to be far greater than if you sleep on your back or your front. Naturally, that distance depends on the width of your shoulders, but most side sleepers should start by considering using two pillows: a deeper, firmer one next to the bed, and a softer, slimmer one next to your head. “Our experts will almost always recommend a soft and slim pillow for stomach sleepers, whereas those who sleep on their back can prefer several different levels of support and thickness. If you like a very firm pillow, memory foam will generally be the best option whilst natural fillings such as down offer the gentlest support.”
How Often Should You Change Your Pillows?
According to sleep experts, you should change your pillows once every two years – in the contrary to the 3.2 years most Brits hang onto their pillows for. Think of the dust mites. Sleeping on a pillow which has gone flat from too many sleeps could be putting unnecessary strain on your neck, and that's before we even consider the allergens and bacteria that are nestled deep inside. Your pillow might be machine washable, but don't be fooled. That thing needs changing.
What Are the Different Types of Pillows?
There are four different types of pillows to consider:
Cotton pillows – like the John Lewis Natural Cotton Standard Pillows – are your bog-standard and most basic pillow - affordable and popular. While they're not the most durable, absorbing heat and flattening out quite quickly in comparison to other pillow types, they work well in a spare room or for use on your sofa bed.
Feather pillows or down feather pillows – despite not being vegan – are more luxurious than cotton pillows: squashy, expensive-feeling, and comfortable. If you're wondering what pillows hotels use, this is probably your answer. Usually made my duck or goose feathers, they contain a mix of high-quality down feathers - the fluffier feather from the underneath layer of a bird's coat. Their downside though, is that you must plump your pillows every day to help them keep their shape - but if you can afford to invest, do.
Memory foam pillows are the best pillows for neck pain because they're supportive and firm. (They're also hypo-allergenic and don't require washing).
Microfibre pillows aim to serve up the supreme features of other pillow types, rolled into one. They're the most expensive kind of pillow: soft and fluffy and able to keep cool throughout the night.
Picking The Right Pillow
There are so many pillow options available, so when it comes to choosing the right pillow for you, it can be a little overwhelming. What criteria should you consider when you’re trying to find the perfect pillow? We’ve broken down some of the most important pillow-picking criteria to help you make the decision.
Fill - Some fill options include memory foam, down, synthetic down, polyester fill, latex, cotton, and wool.
Weight - A memory foam or latex pillow is going to be heavier, while a down or synthetic pillow will be a little lighter.
Fabric - Even though you’ll cover it with a pillowcase, you want your pillow fabric to be breathable and durable.
Size - Pillows generally come in two sizes: standard and king. For most people, a standard pillow is big enough, but if you prefer something bigger, a king pillow may be right for you. (A king-size pillow also fits a king-size bed better.)
Quality- A quality-made pillow will last longer and help you sleep better. Once you’ve decided on the type of pillow you prefer, do your research, and read reviews to choose the right pillow for you.
Science Behind the Build
It may sound silly, but it’s something to consider. The premium comfort foam is hole punched to promote airflow and specifically engineered for the perfect combination of comfort and cooling. When you’re ready to upgrade your sleep, don’t forget about your pillow. Find a pillow with the perfect combination of comfort and support for your sleeping position and personal preference.
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