Cushiony comfort will bring sleep relief faster than you can say snooze and fresh, plump pillows make a bed feel inviting.
But finding the perfect pillow can be a nightmare, especially when there are so many possibilities to choose from.
The Sleep Foundation recommends buying a new pillow every 18 months as they can quickly become overlaid with dead skin cells and dust mites. (yuck!)
If you’re unsure if a pillow hunt is necessary, test your current pillows by folding them in half.
If they spring back in seconds, you’re good. But if they’re saggy or slow to return to position, it’s time to shop.
So here are some tips for slumberers for your pillow hunt.
Firstly, consider your bed position.
Stomach and back sleepers will generally prefer a flatter, thinner pillow, as these will reduce neck and back strain.
Side sleepers will prefer a thicker pillow to increase neck and head support.
Consider your body type too. Petite sleepers generally need a smaller, flatter, thinner pillow too as larger ones can result in an aching back.
For the opposite reasons, larger sleepers should aim for an oversized, more supportive pillow that holds your neck in alignment with your spine.
Then there are the pillow materials to be considered – and these days, there are plenty to choose from.
Memory foam pillows are all the rage now with these savvy sleep promotors learning slumberers’ preferred shape and posture and both supporting and changing these details for extra comfort.
These pillows can cushion pressure points and ensure your spine, head and neck are kept in the perfect position while you sleep.
Latex pillows are similar to memory foam. However as latex is produced from rubber trees, they are “greener” than the latter while also being durable and hypoallergenic.
However, they can be costly.
Sleepers who suffer from allergies or who are simply sensitive to some materials may prefer polyurethane or polyester fiber pillows, which are hypoallergenic.
Down pillows with infills of goose, duck or swan feathers can be beautifully soft but can also retain body heat, may develop lumps if not well taken care of, and be expensive. They should also always be ethically sourced.
Budget sleepers who love the above can purchase alternative or synthetic down pillows which come with a polyester infill and are cheaper than their pure down cousins.
Gel-infused memory foam or polyester pillows can help “hot” sleepers enjoy a cool night’s slumber