What kind of pillow for sleeping – will give us maximum comfort of rest? Synthetic, foam, with feathers, or maybe organic?

We generally do not pay as much attention to the sleeping pillow as to the mattress, and it is no less important. It affects the way the cervical region of the spine and the overall position of the body during sleep, thus affecting the quality of sleep and how you feel during the day. When looking for a sleeping pillow, we should first of all be guided by our own tastes, but we should also not overlook other issues, including the position in which we sleep. Which sleeping pillows are most popular? How does the right pillow affect your well-being, and what effects can an ill-fitting pillow have? How to choose a pillow for sleeping?

Sleeping pillow – inconspicuous, but as important as the mattress

Instead of a healthy, deep sleep, nervous rolling from side to side and waking up in the morning with a terrible mood? Each of us knows this from autopsy. In a large number of cases, the cause of the problem with falling asleep is an ill-fitting mattress, but not infrequently it is also about the type of pillow. It is of colossal importance for sleeping comfort, as it largely affects the way the spine is positioned and the overall alignment of the body.body alignment, and this in turn affects the quality of rest, as well as our psychosomatic state right after waking up and throughout the day.

What kind of sleeping pillow will give us an improved quality of sleep and positively affect our mood?

We spend about 8 hours, or one-third of the day, on sleep. That’s a lot. During such a long time we should take care of a favorable and healthy position of the body, including mainly the spine, the foundation of the musculoskeletal system. And the pillow and mattress are of great importance here.

Both provide direct support for the body during sleep. Both also, if properly selected, prevent spinal deformities, the unconscious assumption of uncomfortable and unhealthy positions for bones and joints, as well as a whole range of ailments resulting from them.

The role of a sleeping pillow is to support and stabilize the upper part of the body, namely the head and cervical spine. An ill-fitting, worn-out or non-ergonomic pillow can cause our head to rise during sleep too high or sink downward, and the cervical vertebrae, instead of keeping a straight axis, will twist unnaturally to the right or left.

The consequences that an ill-fitting pillow often carries are:

• headaches and neck pain,
• constant fatigue,
• lack of vitality,
• joint pains,
• feeling of excessive tension in the neck and shoulder area,
• numbness in the arms and hands,
• difficulty breathing, snoring,
• back pain,
• problems falling asleep,
• shallow, intermittent sleep,
• feeling of sleeplessness, bad mood.

A well-chosen pillow provides:

• proper alignment of the neck and head,
• relief of the cervical spine,
• better condition of the musculoskeletal system,
• comfortable position resulting in relaxation and easier falling asleep,
• free breathing, reduction of snoring,
• healthier, more restorative, deeper sleep,
• better mental and physical condition,
• well-being.

How to choose a sleeping pillow, or 6 factors to consider

Poor sleep quality and sleep problems can be caused by a variety of factors, with stress, anxiety and depressive disorders, high nervous tension or an irregular lifestyle being common. However, it is not uncommon for the reasons for sleep problems to be much more mundane and have to do with bedroom conditions and sleep accessories, such as a pillow.

What to consider when looking for a pillow that supports a healthy, good night’s sleep?

1. Pillow size. A pillow should be neither too bulky nor too filigree. It is very important that it supports our entire head. In contrast, shoulders and arms should already rest on the mattress. When choosing a pillow size, you should also consider the size of the mattress and your weight and height. For a slim and short person, a small pillow will work, but for a bulky, tall person it would be far too small. The most popular sizes of sleeping pillows are: 40×40, 40×70, 50×70, 70×80.
2. Pillow height. Height is an extremely important factor that affects the correct or incorrect alignment of the spine. How to choose the optimal height of the pillow? When lying on your side, the cervical section should be in a straight line. If the top of the head is drooping and facing the mattress, the pillow is too low. If, on the other hand, it lifts up, the pillow is too high. When lying on your back, your head should be parallel to the ceiling. If the chin falls toward the neck, the pillow is either too high or not springy enough, too stiff, and if it falls backward, too low (or too soft).
3. Pillow shape. While for most people the standard pillow shapes of rectangle or square work 100 percent well, for somesome, including those dealing with joint and muscle ailments, profiled pillows, such as those with special head cutouts, will be a better option. equipped with special cutouts for the head.
4. Personal preferences. Individual preferences are also an important criterion for choosing a pillow. A good pillow is, first of all, a pillow on which one lays his head with pleasure and which guarantees a pleasant sensation during use. If someone is a supporter of down pillows, he is unlikely to be convinced by memory foam. Nevertheless, sometimes it’s worth trying out new options, especially when the pillow used so far has a negative impact on the quality of sleep and well-being.
5. Hardness level. Neither a pillow that is too hard nor a pillow that is too soft is good for our spine. The degree of hardness of the pillow should be matched to: the level of hardness of the ground, sleeping position, the structure of the shoulders, the state of health, the size of the body, one’s own preferences.
6. Additional features of the pillow to increase the comfort of use. For people with special requirements, including those with allergies, convalescents, people undergoing rehabilitation, etc., specialized types of pillows, such as hypoallergenic pillow, cooling pillow, massage pillow, may work well.

The best pillow for sleeping, that is, which pillow to choose?

Sleeping pillows, in addition to their dimensions, differ in the type of filling, with each having its ardent fans. What are the characteristics of each type of sleeping pillow?

Latex pillows

They are very durable, resistant to damage and deformation and very long-lasting. They are made of natural latex which is a breathable material. They do not accumulate moisture and provide an extremely hygienic sleep.

Latex pillows show a high degree of resilience, so they perfectly adapt to the shape of the head and neck. Unlike pillows made of memory foam or other synthetic materials, latex pillows do not tend to retain heat and do not cause the head to overheat. They are also hypoallergenic, making them an ideal choice for people who are allergic to a variety of substances.

Foam pillows (made of memory foam)

Pillows made of thermoelastic foam, or so-called memory foam, are a good option for people who are looking for a pillow that perfectly reflects the anatomical shapes of the body and provides the highest degree of stabilization for the cervical spine. Under the influence of heat, they adjust to the neck and head, ensuring the correct position during sleep. After use, they return to their former shape.

Memory foam pillows have orthopedic properties, so they are often chosen by people struggling with arthritis, joint pain and other health problems. They are anti-allergenic and resistant to dust mites, making them an apt choice for allergy sufferers.

Pillows with feathers or down

Pillows filled with feathers or down are soft, fluffy, and resilient at the same time. They set a nice mood and provide a pleasant, enveloping sleep. They will certainly be a worthy option for “compulsive sleepers” and people who like a cozy atmosphere in the bedroom.

Feather and down pillows provide good support for the neck and head, making them a great option for people with chronic pain in the neck and shoulder area. On the other hand, however, they are not as durable as latex pillows and, after a few years of use, they like to deform and clump. They are also quite difficult to keep clean and can accumulate allergens.

Pillows with synthetic filling

Synthetic pillows will undoubtedly be of interest to those looking for both a comfortable and inexpensive pillow for sleeping. They are medium-hard, lightweight, relatively stiff and very resilient. They support the neck and head very well. They are usually made of polyester or other synthetic fibers, so they are durable and resistant to deformation. However, they do not last very long. After 2-3 years, it is worth replacing them with new ones.

Synthetic pillows are much more affordable than other types of pillows. They are not allergenic and do not accumulate dust mites. They are great for any room in the house, from the living room to the bedroom. They can be treated both as sleeping pillows and typical decorative pillows. They are available in a wide variety of colors and styles, so you can match them perfectly with your decor.

Organic pillows

Pillows with natural filling are an excellent option for those who are looking for bedding that is comfortable to use, yet environmentally friendly. Their innards are raw materials taken directly from nature, such as: buckwheat husk, mustard, spelt husk, cherry stone. The cover of these pillows, on the other hand, is made of either synthetic fibers (mainly recyclable polyester) or natural fibers such as wool, cotton and bamboo.

Organic pillows are neither too hard nor too soft, neither too high nor too low. They adapt well to the natural shapes of the body, providing adequate support for the neck and head.

They also guarantee good air circulation, which helps maintain optimal temperature during sleep and which prevents excessive overheating of the head. In addition, they are hypoallergenic. Many models of organic pillows, such as the buckwheat husk pillow, have a fine, slightly shifting filling inside, which gives the effect of a gentle massage. Thanks to this property, organic pillows have an anti-stress, relaxing effect and ensure a peaceful, healthy sleep.

Profiled, orthopedic pillows

Orthopedic pillows are mainly used by people suffering from chronic neck, shoulder and back pain. They are designed to provide optimal support for the head, neck and shoulders during sleep and rest. They are usually made of memory foam, which conforms to the shape of the body and reduces pressure points running along the spine.

A contoured pillow can help correct posture and thus reduce pain and discomfort. In addition, sleeping on such a pillow is recommended for snorers (it keeps the head in the right position throughout the night and facilitates breathing). For people with chronic pain and sleep problems due to medical conditions, orthopedic pillows can bring great relief.

And which pillow is best for a particular sleeping position?

Pillow for sleeping on the back

People who sleep on their backs should choose pillows that are fairly high and firm. The head should not sink too far into the pillow or point toward the back. The head and spine should remain in a straight line. Latex pillows, buckwheat husk pillows and synthetic pillows are ideal.

Pillow for sleeping on the side

For side sleepers, the pillow should provide adequate support for the cervical vertebrae, keep the head in the correct position and prevent it from sagging, and on the other hand give the opportunity to comfortably position the shoulders and arms. Traditional feather pillows are soft, but at the same time flexible and springy, which is ideal for side sleepers. Synthetic pillows will also be perfect for this position.

Pillow for sleeping on the stomach

Although sleeping on the stomach is not very beneficial to health, some people can’t part with this position. If we already have to sleep on our stomachs, let’s choose the right pillow. It should be soft, small and flat so as not to strain the cervical spine. A special contoured four-armed pillow will also work well.

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