Pillow - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2022
Did you know that a pillow is one of the most important sleeping accessories you have? The right pillow not only supports your head and neck, it helps maintain proper spinal alignment while you sleep. Knowing that, it's easy to see why any old pillow just isn't good enough. For healthy sleep, you need the best.
You need a pillow that is the right size for your bed and your preferred sleeping position – side sleepers, for example, need firmer pillows than others. If you have allergies, you don't want a pillow full of material that will cause a reaction. An antimicrobial pillow can reduce nuisances like bacteria, making it a desirable option.
For more information on materials, cost, tips on when to replace your pillow, and a look at pillows designed for specific sleeping conditions, read on. If you're ready to buy, consider one of the highly recommended options we've listed.
Is it Time to Change the Pillow?
Pillows don't last forever, but quality pillows can last a decent amount of time. That said, it's important to know when it's time to replace a pillow.
- Discoloration
People lose an average of a pint of sweat per night. Some of that sweat inevitably seeps into the pillow. A discolored pillow is an indicator that it is probably harboring a fair amount of bacteria. If your pillow is discolored, it's time to get a new one.
- A Flat or Puffy Pillow
If your pillow has flattened out and won't swell up again, or you feel lumps in the stuffing, throw it out and get a new one.
- Back or Neck Pain
Waking up with back or neck pain can be a sign that your spine is out of alignment while you sleep. Your pillow is a likely culprit. If you wake up with back or neck pain, it's time to find a new pillow.
- Runny/stuffed Nose
If you wake up with a wheezing or stuffy nose, it's time to get a new pillow. Unless there are other health problems, these signs point to a possible allergic reaction to the dust mites that live in the pillow.
Importance of Choosing the Right Pillow
Now that you know when to buy a new pillow, you may be wondering why choosing the right one is so important.
The pillow you use affects the alignment of your spine when you're sleeping. Consider the fact that most people spend about a third of their lives sleeping. It follows that night posture affects your well-being during the day.
Choosing the correct pillow will help keep your spine in proper alignment when you sleep. The result: more hours of uninterrupted rest and less back and neck pain in the morning. (This is assuming you don't have any other problems, of course.)
Considerations
Stuffed
The pillows come with a variety of fillings. Here, we review some of the most common fillers so you can decide which one is best for you:
Hollow fiber is a form of polyester that is strong yet lightweight. Manufacturers use it to create pillows of all firmnesses; the denser the filling, the firmer the pillow. It is generally considered hypoallergenic and can even be treated as antimicrobial.
Microfiber Pillows are synthetic, just like hollow fiber ones. However, the fibers are much finer. A microfiber pillow can’t get much firmer than “medium” density (unless the fibers are combined with holofiber). They are hypoallergenic and sometimes antimicrobial. Microfiber pillows "feel" more like down than any other type of synthetic pillow.
Feather and Down Pillows are very traditional, but have fallen out of favor in recent years. Some people find them too “old-fashioned;” others worry about the ethical implications of using animal products in pillows. Feather pillows are extremely soft. Down pillows and down/down blends are firmer, but they also tend to cost a lot more.
Memory Foam Pillows, like the Shredded Memory Foam Pillow from Coop Home Goods, mold to the contours of your head and neck and are extremely supportive. This new technology is seen as the gold standard for pillows in most circles. Memory foam pillows are durable, long-lasting, and hypoallergenic. However, they tend towards the firm side, so they may not be right for everyone.
Size
Most pillows are sold in one of three sizes: standard (20 by 26 inches), queen (20 by 30 inches), and king (20 by 36 inches). The right size for you depends on the size of your bed.
Some pillows are sold in non-standard sizes. Finding pillowcases for these products could be more difficult.
Firmness and Sleeping Position
Some people think that pillow firmness should be a matter of personal preference. But really, the degree of firmness that...is best for you depends on how you sleep. Keep these guidelines in mind when choosing between a soft, medium, or firm pillow:
If you sleep on your front, a soft pillow is best. Your head doesn't need to rise very high in this position, so a soft or flat pillow will do the trick. We recommend a soft microfiber pillow.
If you sleep on your back, a medium pillow is best. This helps maintain the natural curve of your spine by supporting your head without pushing it too far forward. The Perfect Fit Quilted Sidewall Pillow offers a nice medium density option.
If you sleep on your side, a firm pillow is best. Side sleepers need plenty of height to support their head and neck in proper alignment. A firm memory foam or hollow fiber pillow should do the job.
If you are a mixed sleeper, a medium pillow is best. Anyone who changes positions throughout the night should find a "happy medium" with a medium-firm pillow.
Thread Count
If you want the outer cover of your pillow. soft and luxurious, look for a product with a high thread count. The Serta Perfect Sleeper has a decent 300 thread count which gives a good quality without breaking the bank.
That said, most people focus more on the thread count of their pillowcase than the thread count of the pillow inside it. It may be more practical to spend the money on high thread count bedding than on high thread count pillows.
FAQ
These are some of the most frequently asked questions in the world of pillows:
Que. What is the best filling for the pillow?
Ans. There is no single best pillow filler; what works for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you're not sure what your preferred filling is, you may have to trial and error to get it right. When in doubt, holofiber pillows are usually comfortable and affordable in every way. However, they will not necessarily be suitable for everyone.
Que. How often should you replace your pillow?
Ans. There is no quick answer to this question. If your pillows are stained or lumpy, or you wake up with a sore back or neck, it's probably time to get some new ones. Even if you don't notice these problems, it's smart to replace holofiber pillows every six months to a year. High-quality memory foam pillows should be replaced every three to four years.
Que. Should I get an antimicrobial pillow?
Ans. Although not essential, antimicrobial pillows reduce the amount of bacteria and other ailments that build up on the pillow. If you have a compromised immune system or are particularly concerned about bacteria, an antimicrobial pillow offers some peace of mind.
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