How to Choose the Perfect Pillow to Get a Good Night’s Sleep

The first ever pillows were actually hard and were literally made out of stone. Thankfully, nowadays they’re much softer and help us reach a deeper state of sleep. Still, before we go out to pick a new pillow, preferably one that’s adequate to our needs, we should get familiar with sleeping positions and materials, as well as why maintaining an aligned spine matters.

Here at Bright Side, we know the importance of a good night’s sleep, and for that reason, we want to help choose the best pillow for you.

Sleeping positions

You can only pick the pillow that’s best for you once you’ve identified your sleeping position. There are 3 main types of sleeping positions:

• Sleeping on your stomach
• Sleeping on your back
• Sleeping on your side

If you sleep on your stomach:

You could sleep with no pillow at all or with a soft pillow that doesn’t cause too much strain on your neck and spine. Sleeping on your stomach is the most stressful position there is. Experts recommend that if you can and are willing to, you should train yourself to sleep in another position.

• Pick a pillow with a natural filling, like feathers for example.
• Try to pick a pillow that’s soft, and not too full.
• Tip: If you place a pillow under your stomach and pelvis, it might help you prevent back pain.

If you sleep on your back:

The best pillow for back sleepers is one that supports your neck and head, but it shouldn’t push your head forward. It needs to help you maintain a natural sleeping position.

• Pick a pillow with hollow fiber or wool filling.
• Try to pick a pillow that’s medium-thick. Not too full or too flat.

If you sleep on your side:

For this position, it’s important that the pillow provides you with support for your head, with an adequate height for optimal spine alignment. If necessary, you should also look at pillows with additional neck support.

• Pick a firm pillow. Memory foam is a good option.
• Try to pick a fuller pillow to relieve the pressure on your shoulder.
• Tip: Look for a pillow that’s as thick as the distance between your ear and your outside shoulder.

Pillow fillings

There are 2 types of pillow fillings, synthetic and natural. Natural fillings are generally good for people with allergies, and they usually last longer, about 7 to 10 years. The same cannot be said about synthetic fillings, because they only last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Not only that, they also accumulate materials that make allergies worse.

Synthetic fillings

• Polyfill — It can be utilized for both soft and firm pillows. It’s a thin fiber and its threads do not crush easily.
• Foams (Polyfoam, latexfoam, and memory foam) — They’re overall very versatile and malleable. It’s not recommended to wash them, and they can often be found in adjustable pillows.
• Hollowfibre — Made out of 50/50 polyester and hollowfibres, they make the pillows have a plump appearance, as well as make them comfortable, while providing support.

Natural fillings

• Wool — It’s a thick and natural fiber, and it’s hypoallergenic, which means it’s great for people who suffer from allergies. It’s also a very breathable material.
• Down and feather — These are ideal for giving a pillow a softer feel, while still providing some support. They’re very malleable and breathable, as well as easy to wash.
• Buckwheat — It’s used in pillows to provide a firm, but still malleable sleeping surface. It can be used for people who are looking to relieve their neck pain.

An aligned spine

Now that you know what type of pillow you should be sleeping with, it’s also important to know why pillows matter so much. The soft tissues found in your spine need to relax, because they literally never stop working. This is necessary in order to keep your body working properly.

Your spine can be considered a gateway between your brain and your central nervous system, so you need to take care of it too, and, when these tissues rest properly, you will have a deeper and more restful night of sleep.

What type of pillow do you use at home? After reading this article, are you considering a change? Maybe you found something that fits you better. Let us know in the comments!