Sleeping pillow – types, filling of pillows. How to choose a sleeping pillow and when to replace it?

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When planning a bedroom in which we will be able to sleep comfortably and rest, we focus the greatest attention on choosing the right mattress. Meanwhile, a lot depends on the pillow itself. An improperly selected pillow, the filling of which does not meet our expectations, can do more harm than good. What to look for when choosing a pillow? What kind of filling can a pillow have? Should the choice of pillow depend on the sleeping position?

Sleeping pillow – does the choice matter?

Finding the right pillow can significantly improve the quality of sleep as it improves our position, i.e. our spine. A good body position during the night rest helps you sleep better, but also rest. When you sleep on a well-chosen mattress and pillow in the morning, you wake up refreshed and painless.

A suitable pillow will help maintain the spine during sleep (i.e. help in sleeping position), regardless of your preferred sleeping position. With a pillow that supports correct posture, your neck, shoulders, back and hips will receive the support they need to wake up pain-free.

While the pillow you choose depends a lot on your personal preferences, finding the right pillow for your sleep also depends on your preferred sleeping position. If you sleep on your back, on your side or on your stomach, you should choose a suitable sleeping pillow:

1. for back sleepers, the pillow should support the neck and head, but not so much that the neck is supported at an unnatural angle. Remember that you want your spine and neck to stay aligned while you sleepso back sleepers probably need a medium-thick pillow – something that is neither too thick, but not too flat,
2. if you sleep on your side, your pillow should support your head in a neutral position, keeping it in line with your spine. Since most of the pressure is on your shoulder when you sleep on your side, you may want a fuller, firmer pillow that gives your neck the support you need and takes the weight off your shoulder.
3. Sleeping on the stomach is the most “unnatural” position for the back and neck, so many experts recommend learning to sleep in a different position. We know you can’t change your sleeping habits overnight, so if you sleep on your stomach, you need a pillow that is softer and a little less plump. This will help keep your spine as neutral as possible.

Also read: Too often, aggressive treatment is recommended for backache

Sleeping pillow – memory foam

Undoubtedly, the memory foam pillow is the most cosmic choice. Memory foam is nothing but a shape memory that adapts to our figure and body temperature while sleeping.

Memory foam pillows can be made of one large piece of foam, then such pillows have an anatomical shape. Another proposal are memory foam pillows with a classic shape, in which the filling of the pillow consists of pieces of foam.

The first offer of memory foam pillows with an anatomical shape works well for people who sleep on their stomachs or on their backs and need a firm support for their head. The memory foam pillow is also suitable for allergy sufferers and those suffering from asthma, as this filling is dust and mite resistant.

The memory foam pillow with a clastic shape is also intended for allergy sufferers and people with asthma problems, but also for those who prefer medium-sized pillows. A classic-shape pillow with memory foam cut into pieces gives you the opportunity to choose the shape yourself. Therefore, it is perfect for people who like to hug a pillow while sleeping.

See: Dust mites – an insidious allergen that can be beaten

Sleeping pillow – filling for allergy sufferers

In addition to memory foam, which works as a filling for people with allergic problems, pillows with microfibers are a good solution, which also do not harbor dust or mites. Down and natural feather fillings are not recommended for such people.

Check also: Not only pollen and dust – what else causes allergies?

Sleeping pillow – feather and down

The sleeping pillow made of feathers or downs of natural origin is intended for people who do not have allergy problems.. Down pillows absorb moisture very well and are characterized by adequate air circulation. They do not overheat the body and guarantee good thermal insulation, they are also very light and soft. If we appreciate slightly harder pillows, we should reach for a combination of down and feathers.

The benefits of feather and down sleeping pillows: Provides support and comfort longer than synthetic fillings and can be adjusted to the shape of your neck.

Disadvantages of feather and down sleeping pillow: it may flatten, change its shape, requires professional cleaning.

Despite the fact that feather and down pillows are slightly more expensive than synthetic fiber pillows, they last longer. They are moldable and quite soft – perfect for cuddling up. The feather-to-down ratio can vary considerably, although as a general rule, if a ‘feather’ sleeping pillow is sold it must be made of at least 30% of the outer feathers.

Down pillows contain at least 70% down. If you opt for a feather pillow, you should find that you don’t have to turn the pillow over as often as it is cooler than down and microfiber. Down retains more heat and has no hard feathers that can break through and stick into your body like feather pillows.

The downsides to this sleeping pillow include that it can flatten out quickly and will require regular fluffing to keep its shape. You may find they also have a musky smell to begin with, as well as the crunch of grinding feather pillows. Like most natural bedding, they require professional cleaning. Some types of feathers and down, such as the Hungarian Goose, can be very expensive.

See: Which side is better to sleep on? Doctor: avoid the right side. Why?

Sleeping pillow – microfiber

The sleeping pillow made of microfiber is one of the cheapest pillow options available on the market. This pillow can be washed at home and is available in a hypoallergenic version.

The disadvantages of the sleeping pillow made of microfiber are mainly that it is not as breathable as other pillows and that it wears out quickly. However, microfiber sleeping pillows are easy to care for and can be washed at home (30 degrees). They come in a variety of shapes and heights so you can choose the best one for you.

Sleeping pillow – latex

Sleeping pillows made of latex provide even support for the cervical spine and do not overheat the scalp, it simply breathes. This type of sleeping pillow is naturally hypoallergenic, durable and long lasting.

Sleeping pillows made of latex, however, are definitely more expensive than pillows made of other materials. These pillows, despite their price, which may be a disadvantage for some, also have many advantages. They are similar to memory foam pillows and conform to the shape of our cervical spine.

Unlike memory foam pillows, they don’t overheat – in fact, they will help you keep the temperature neutral throughout the night so you don’t have to turn over the pillow. They are durable and keep their shape well, longer than any other type of filling, and are naturally resistant to mold and dust mites.

Sleeping pillow – when should it be replaced?

As a rule, sleeping pillows should be replaced at least every eighteen months. Sleeping pillows made of memory foam are slightly more durable and should be changed at least every 3 years. It should also be remembered that pillows made of more durable material (and let’s face it, the more expensive ones) will be more durable and durable. If we have not replaced a sleeping pillow for five or six years, let’s face it, but it will not provide us with optimal rest for us at our spine.

You are probably wondering when reading the above text, but how should I change my pillow every six months or three years? And now think – your sleeping pillow is used around 7-8 hours a day – that’s over 2500 hours a year! Like your mattress, your pillow is an investment in high-quality sleep that benefits you throughout your life.

If you are not sure if it is time to replace your sleeping pillow, please do some quality tests below:

1. first, remove the pillowcase and inspect the sleeping pillow. See if there are sweat stains on it, is it torn somewhere and if it smells bad? If you answer YES to everything, it means that you need to replace your sleeping pillow with a new one. Sleeping pillows collect dead skin cells, mold, mildew, fungi and mites (as well as their feces). Over time, up to half the weight of the pillow can be attributed to these undesirable organisms that can cause allergies, interfere with breathing while sleeping, and emit odors that make it difficult to sleep well.

If, on the other hand, your sleeping pillow passes the above test, perform the folding test:

1. fold the sleeping pillow in half. If it simply lies in the fold, instead of returning to its original shape, it means that the sleeping pillow has to be replaced. For natural filling pillows, you can do this test on your shoulder. Does your pillow scratch and hang over your outstretched arm? If so, such a sleeping pillow has exhausted its useful life.

Read also:

1. A healthy bedroom – 10 rules that will help you sleep well
2. Hypoallergenic bedding – what to pay attention to?
3. An allergy mattress – which one will be the best?