Your pillow plays an important role in your sleep, as it supports the rest of your body. So it’s crucial to choose a pillow that suits your needs and ensures proper spinal alignment.
When buying a pillow, consider the fill material, support level and price. It’s also worth vetting the cover and materials for allergen resistance.
Ergonomic
Getting an ergonomic pillow is one of the best things you can do to help prevent neck pain. Not only can they help you sleep better, but they can also be used to address specific medical custom shaped pillows such as cervical spondylosis.
Pillows should be designed for the sleeping position that you prefer, such as back, side or stomach. If you’re a stomach sleeper, you should look for a thin profile and a curved design to keep your spine in good alignment.
In general, ergonomic pillows should be designed to provide the right amount of support for your neck and head as well as your entire body. This is especially true for side and back sleepers, who need to ensure their necks are properly supported.
There are a variety of different types of ergonomic pillows, including contour, wedge and memory foam pillows. These are all great options for addressing chronic neck and shoulder pain, but you may need to adapt the type of pillow to your specific medical needs.
For example, if you have poor circulation and suffer from acid reflux, a pillow with a raised profile can help keep the upper torso elevated and reduce the symptoms of these medical issues. Likewise, if you use a CPAP machine to counter sleep apnea, an ergonomic pillow with a special design can be very beneficial.
The best way to choose an ergonomic pillow is to do some research and try out several different models before making a final decision. Consider factors such as the comfort level, durability and temperature control. You should also check customer reviews and manufacturer reputation to make sure you’re buying a quality product.
Anti-allergy
If you suffer from allergies, you may want to look for a pillow that can reduce your symptoms. Symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and congestion can be very annoying to deal with, so it’s good to know that there are pillows on the market that are hypoallergenic.
However, you must be careful when shopping for a hypoallergenic pillow to ensure that it does not contain harmful chemicals or ingredients that could exacerbate your allergy symptoms. Some types of pillows contain flame retardants, which can be toxic, and others have perfumes or deodorizers that can trigger allergic reactions.
A hypoallergenic pillow should also have a protective outer barrier to keep allergens from permeating the fabric and padding. This can be done through the use of a zipper or cover that is machine washable, says Allergy Relief’s Carver.
One option that you should consider is a pillow with a nanofiber membrane, which prevents the accumulation of dust mites and their allergens in the pillow. The openings in the membrane are only 80nm, which is too small for these particles to pass through.
Another option is a pillow that is made from cotton, which is a soft and breathable material that can help regulate your body temperature during sleep. This cotton is also a good choice for people who are allergic to down, as it does not contain feathers and can be washed easily.
A high-quality pillow should also be easy to clean and contain no chemicals above certification levels known to trigger allergy or asthma symptoms. Some pillows are even designed to maximize airflow to help you stay cool while you sleep.
Polyester
Polyester is a versatile fiber that is used in a variety of consumer and industrial applications. It is often blended with other fabrics to make garments, beddings, blankets, and upholstered furniture.
Polyester has a high moisture-resistance property, which makes it ideal for home items like pillows and sheets. It can also resist mold, mildew, and odors.
Pillows made from polyester are relatively body pillow maker compared to other types of pillows. They are also easy to clean and dry. They are available in a wide range of sizes and firmness levels.
These pillows are designed to provide maximum support for your head and neck. They are also breathable, so they help regulate your temperature and keep you cool during the summer.
The pillow cover is usually a cotton or cotton-polyester fabric. It is woven closely, so feathers and down don’t poke through the casing and stick to your skin while you sleep.
Most polyester-filled pillows can be machine washed, although they will clump and become lumpy over time. To minimize this, wash two pillows at a time for a balanced load and use warm water and gentle detergent.
Some polyester fibers are engineered to have hollow air cores, which reduce the risk of clumping and matting. However, these can be difficult to fluff by hand.
In general, pillows stuffed with polyfill are less expensive than down or goose feather pillows. They can also be machine-washed and dried without a problem, though they may require extra hand fluffing to remove fiber clumps.
These are a great choice for those who prefer a synthetic pillow, or for those who have allergies to down or feathers. They are also an excellent option for those who are concerned about animal welfare or a vegan lifestyle.
Down
Down pillows are known for their luxurious plushness and soft feel. Many of these pillows also feature multiple firmness options, making them ideal for all sleepers.
Down can be made from either duck or goose feathers, but geese are often preferred due to their larger size and denser nature. These are sourced ethically and sanitized before they are used to fill pillows.
If you want to get the most out of your down pillow, make sure you clean it regularly to keep it looking and feeling fresh. It is recommended to shake and karate chop the down each day to help it naturally settle, and then once a month stick your pillow in the dryer for a 15-minute heat cycle. This will break up any clumps and help fluff it up even more.
Another thing to look out for when choosing a down pillow is fill power, which measures the amount of fluffiness or height, also called loft, in a down pillow. A maximum fill power number of 850 is considered high quality.
Some pillows have a more luxurious feel to them because they are filled with higher-quality down. This makes them last longer and keep their shape better than less-expensive options, but it can also make them harder to clean.
Ideally, down should be sourced ethically and sanitized to avoid potential contamination and cruelty. This can be difficult, but it’s essential for the comfort and quality of your pillow.
If you’re ready to invest in a high-quality down pillow, the Boll & Branch Down Pillow is our top pick. It offers multiple firmness options to accommodate all sleepers and is available in both standard and king sizes. This pillow also comes with a 60-day risk-free trial, so you can test it out for yourself before committing to it.
Silk
Silk is a smooth, delicate fabric that feels luxurious and can provide numerous benefits to your skin. From reducing a sleep crease to helping prevent wrinkles, it can help you look younger and more luminous without the use of costly skin care products.
Unlike other fabrics, silk is hypoallergenic and can be easily cleaned. It also naturally repels dirt, oils and bacteria so it won’t trap them on your face or pillow during the night.
There are a variety of different types of silk, but mulberry silk is the most commonly used and often seen in high-quality pillowcases. It’s a natural fiber that uses less water to grow than cotton or other fabrics and is known for its lustrous, smooth appearance and durability.
A few important factors to consider when selecting a silk pillowcase include its momme, its closure and its weight. The momme is a measurement system that combines grams per meter and thread counts to identify different qualities (grades) of silk fabric, says Brewer.
You’ll want to check the momme of your pillowcase, which is usually found on the label or product listing. This is a good way to determine the quality of the silk.
The best silk pillowcases are made from 22 momme, but you can find them in a range of different momme counts. It’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
You should also carefully consider how to wash and care for your silk pillowcase. While many brands recommend hand-washing, others are more flexible and can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle. Whether you’re hand-washing or washing in the machine, it’s best to use cool water and gently agitate your silk pillowcase before rinsing with warm or hot water.
