Pillows Are The Forgotten Bedding
A good night’s sleep includes several different factors that make up our bed or sleeping surface. One such factor is something we don’t even think about, but which sleeping specialists believe is important. Pillows are more than a product to purchase without realizing its importance in how we sleep.
Physicians note that a good night’s sleep is vital for your physical and mental health. A good pillow, like a mattress, helps to keep our upper body aligned and supported. As sleepers go, we all sleep in different positions throughout the night. Therefore, it is important to research and understand the different pillows to help us feel rested.
Pillow Fillings
Let’s look at the different types of pillow fillings available for restful upper body support, depending on how you sleep:
1. Latex
Latex pillows are very durable. Owning one is an investment because of its longevity. The material has origins from rubber trees. If you roll around in bed when sleeping, a latex pillow keeps its shape and support. It has a comfortable bounce to support your head, neck, and shoulders. Natural latex is non-allergenic and retains a relaxing temperature that keeps your body cool and restful. A latex pillow is great for side sleepers because it molds perfectly to your body type.
2. Memory Foam
If you are a back sleeper, a memory foam pillow is a great option because they are known to maintain the natural contour of the spine, your head, and your neck. Memory is an apt description of this pillow stuffing because it retains your upper body shape each time you lie down. Memory foam pillows are made from 100% synthetic material (polyurethane).
3. Gel
Gel pillows are just that, stuffed with cool, firm, durable gel. They are friendly for everyone because they are hypoallergenic, moldable, and very comfortable for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and side sleepers. Your head, neck, and shoulders are supported without your pillow going flat.
4. Buckwheat
Buckwheat is a new type of fiber stuffing technology. Buckwheat material is the outer shell of buckwheat seeds. This pillow is firmer than other types, therefore it is best suited for side and back sleepers where your spine, head, and neck are fully supported. Buckwheat stuffing is hypoallergenic and is a breathable material.
5. Down
Natural down pillows are filled with feather stuffing, commonly made from ducks and geese. Downs are popularized for their great insulation features, moldability to your neck, head, shoulders, and spine. If you are a back or side sleeper, a down pillow allows your head to sink down into extreme comfort.
6. Synthetic
Man-made fiber pillows are the common pillows that you can find everywhere. They are generally made from polyester. Many pillows made from synthetics are very durable and if the filling is highly dense, the pillow will feature a long life span. Synthetic pillows are popular for absorbing sweat, while also repelling oil and dirt. If you sleep on your stomach, a synthetic pillow fill is the answer.
7. Microbead Pillows
Back sleepers will sleep like a baby when they invest in a microbead pillow. The filling is “polymer particles” which are tiny white beads. It holds its shape to support your upper body and spine. It stays cool for as long as you lay your head down. Microbead pillows are popular with senior citizens and in therapeutic environments. It keeps the body cool and comfortable.
How Do You Sleep?
What type of sleeper are you?
- Side Sleeper: Your pillow, which supports individuals who sleep sideways, should feature an extra supported side panel. Sleeping on your side requires a pillow that cushions both your neck and your head.
- Back Sleeper: Your pillow should be labeled as medium-firm. As a person who sleeps on their back, you need support from your shoulder to your head.
- Stomach sleeper: A softer billowy pillow is perfect if you sleep on your stomach.
Pillow Endnote
There are a variety of other pillow types like wool, cotton, down-like substitutes, water, and pillow fillings made from a tropical tree in Mexico. Investing in pillows is as important as any other type of bedding product. Now that you have been introduced to different types of pillows, do your research and choose the one that works best for your improved health and a restful night’s sleep.