We do not always give the pillow the importance it deserves since we spend very little time choosing it. If a pillow does not suit our needs, it can affect the quality of sleep. In addition, it can cuase discomfort and which in time can lead to neck problems.
In the same way that when we go to choose a mattress, we should spend a few minutes thinking about and understanding what our needs are when sleeping. When it comes to buying a pillow, you will find different materials, degrees of firmness and heights and you should know what characteristics of the pillow are those that are best for your way of sleeping.
Here are some of the basics:
1. According to the posture we have when sleeping
One of the first things that we must take into account when choosing the best pillow for our rest is the posture or position in which we sleep. The way we rest influences the choice of pillow. Although it is recommended to sleep on your side or in a foetal position, each person has their own posture or postures at bedtime.
Face up
If you tend to sleep on your back, it is best to have a pillow that is not too thick (medium thickness), to ensure that the back and neck form the same angle. For this, the neck must be raised slightly so as not to lose the natural alignment of the body. A foam-filled pillow can help support your neck and head while you sleep.
Sideways
Side sleepers need a thicker pillow. In this way, the neck will be kept in the axis of the spine. If the pillow is too thick it causes the neck to be higher and therefore fall asleep in a forced position, which can cause problems in the long run.
Face down
The ideal pillow for tummy sleepers has to be soft and flexible. When sleeping face down, the neck does not need as much height to maintain alignment with the back. This position is not the most recommended for rest since the neck is in a position in which the neck is forced.
Various postures
If you are one of those who do not stop moving during the night and do not have a clear posture when sleeping, the best pillow is the one that allows flexibility that adapts to your movements during the night. Feather-filled pillows can be a good option by adapting to all body positions.
Plus Organic Pillow Protector
Contak Pillow
3D Down Pillow
Micro-Duvet Pillow
Medium Luxury Pillow
A superior pillow with both a fibre and down side. The best of both worlds with a turn of your pillow2. Ergonomic needs
There is a wide variety of pillows on the market designed to meet all needs: sleep, posture, injuries, sleep apnea, reflux, cervical problems, etc. When choosing the pillow we must take into account our ergonomic needs.
Cervical pillows
This type of pillows can be of different materials, sizes and shapes. The system designed for these pillows usually incorporates extra cushioning in the lower part to ensure the support of the neck when sleeping.
Cool pillows
A type of pillow designed for those whose sweat levels are excessive at night or during the summer. They are usually filled with pearls that absorb heat and keep the surface cool for a good rest.
Oxygenating pillows
The technology that these pillows incorporate is based on fabrics that help promote circulation and increase the oxygen content in the blood during rest.
3. According to the degree of firmness
The degree of firmness or hardness of the pillow can positively or negatively influence the quality of your sleep. A pillow that is too hard can cause forced neck positions when sleeping, causing discomfort, especially in the cervical area. If it is too soft, it can cause the head to sink, preventing you from falling asleep. In the average is the balance, betting on a pillow with a medium firmness will ensure a good rest.
4. Size
To get a good rest, the width of the pillow should not exceed the width of the shoulders. Pillows in Spain used to be designed for double beds as one long sausage of a pillow – not good if your partner does not sleep in exactly the same way as you!
As for the height, it depends on the position in which you sleep:
Low pillows
They are usually suitable for those who sleep on their stomachs and for children. The height is up to 10cm.
Mid-height pillow
It is an ideal pillow for those who sleep on their backs. Their height is around 12cm, but it should be lower than that of the shoulders. Mid height pillows usually have a medium degree of firmness.
High pillow
If you sleep on your side this is your pillow. They are generally 15cm high and favour the alignment of the head, neck and back.
5. Material
A pillow case should be silky, soft, breathable and comfortable. But you also have to take into account the type of filling or material that composes it:
Foam
Foam-filled pillows are usually made of polyurethane. The higher their density, the greater the durability, stability and support they provide. Some of these pillows have the memory effect (for a few seconds they maintain the shape of the head when changing position). Therefore, this type is not recommended for people with a tendency to move a lot.
Feather or down
Feather or down pillows are usually made of goose or duck feathers. This type of filling creates soft pillows that deform but quickly regain their shape. They can cause allergies, so sometimes synthetic down is chosen. They are usually very comfortable due to their balance between softness, firmness and adaptability.
Latex
The latex padding is resistant and adapts well to the contours of the body. They can be made of synthetic, natural or mixed latex and usually prevent the appearance of mites. However, it is a less breathable material, especially synthetic, and it can cause dampness.
Synthetic fibres
It is usually made up of polyester fibre that is breathable. It is a thin and soft pillow suitable for children because it does not present allergy problems. They are recommended for people who sleep on their stomach due to their density, however, the filling is easily spoiled.
Memory foam
This material has great adaptability and adjusts perfectly to the exact height that the neck needs to be aligned with the spine. Memory foam pillows are perfect for side sleepers.
With this guide, we hope that you will find the pillow you are looking for. You can always pop into the shop where we will be delighted to help you.
I fell in love with every pillow I met in Spain while walking the Camino de Santiago. I am a back/side sleeper and the height and shape of the pillows was ‘perfecto’ for me! How can I get one!?!