When it comes to getting a good sleep, buying the right sleep pillow can be just as important as how to buy the best sleep mattress. Sleep pillows protect one of the most vital parts of the human body: the neck. Without the proper alignment between the neck and spine, the sleeper will most likely awaken each morning with pain and discomfort.
Three Simple Considerations When Buying a Sleep Pillow
The pillow's degree of firmness plays a major role in maintaining the proper neck and spine alignment; this alignment is best achieved when the sleep pillow is thicker at the neck and thinner at the head. The sleeper's most common position at night will determine what level of firmness is required to maintain this essential curvature. Soft pillows are best suited for those who sleep on their stomach, medium pillows for those on their back and hard pillows for those sleeping on their side.
The pillow's fillings determines the level of comfort, but may also be a health consideration for those suffering with allergies. Allergy sufferers tend to choose synthetic fillings since these materials can provide excellent resistance to mold while still offering a healthy range of firmness and support. Conversely, natural fillings can provide the most sensual sleep experience by providing a softer, warmer pillow that moulds easily around the neck and shoulder. Common natural fillings include cotton, wool and buckwheat hull; synthetic fillings tend to be memory foam, latex and polyester.
Choosing the right size of pillow is purely a matter personal perference. Although in some cases the size of the bed may determine the size of the pillow, choosing the right size seems to be mostly a matter of experimenting with different sizes until finding the right fit. The four main pillow sizes one will encounter while shopping are Standard (20"x26"), Jumbo (20"X28"), Queen (20"X30") and King (20"X36").
Choosing the Right Sleep Pillow
When shopping for a new pillow, the consumer would do well to ask the salesperson which pillow can provide the best neck/spine alignment, which brands are hypo-allergenic and what level of firmness is best suited in relation to one's sleep position at night.
Falling asleep in a warm, cozy bed can be a great way to renew mind, body and soul. The right sleep pillow can significantly enhance a good night's sleep as much as a the right sleep mattress. Therefore, taking the time to choose the right pillow size, filling and level of firmness plays an important part in getting a good night's rest.
Michael Falcone - My Suite101 articles represent my first attempts to experiment and learn the craft of online writing. Since 2009, I've had the opportunity ...
