Pillows make a bed complete. Nothing beats the feeling of having this staple sleeping companion under your head as you snooze your way into the night.
But pillows are not limited to one use only; there are different kinds to suit various sleeper types (log or soldier sleepers, anyone?) and their needs. If you have a special sleeping position and your pillow seems to be too uncomfortable for you, here are your options:
If you sleep on the side, you want to have a thicker, higher-loft pillow. Why? This is because you want to fill the space between your neck and the mattress while being on your side. It should be thick enough to keep your spine straight, but not so much as this might misalign your neck. Which browsing your cushion selection, make sure that the pillow is firm so that it won't collapse under the weight of your head.
If you sleep on your back, you need a thinner, lower-loft pillow. You only want to fill the gap between your body and your mattress, giving your head proper, neutral elevation. A pillow too thick will cause strains on your neck; your head will be bent upward, causing pains on your muscles. A pillow too thin will result in discomfort. Find one that is malleable but still offers good support to prevent necks pains.
If you sleep on your stomach, you want a low-loft but firm pillow. Since you are sleeping in an unnatural position, you want something that will provide comfort and support for your neck and back. A low-loft pillow offers enough to fill the space between you and the bed. However, your spine will bend at an angle which may cause aches during sleep. Too big of a pillow leads to bigger arcs in the back. To alleviate that, place a pillow on your abdomen. Hot tip: choose something breathable to keep your body cool.
If you move around while you sleep, you need a versatile pillow that has high areas for side sleeping and lower areas for back sleeping. These pillows are made with different pillows to accommodate the gap between your neck, head, and body. Alternatively, you can also use more than one pillow – gather two or three to support your body while you move around the bed during your slumber.
Choosing a pillow is no rocket science, but you need to determine which one fits your sleeping needs by examining its loft, thickness, and firmness. Getting the perfect pillow leads to a good night’s sleep without the strain.
