When looking at pillows, a lot of people go straight for cheap pillows. This isn’t always the best way to go about it. Did you know there are different types of pillows for the different types of sleepers? Would you even know if you had the correct pillow? Just because you feel comfortable in bed now, doesn’t mean you will forever. If you spend top many night sleeping on the incorrect type of pillow, you may have neck and back problems in the future.
Should sleeping position effect which pillow I should buy?
In short, yes. You need to get a pillow which will support your neck, back and shoulders. After all, that is what they are for. What are the different sleeping positions? You can have back sleepers, side sleepers, front sleepers… and if you’re like me: sleep where you drop sleepers. Now, unfortunately, if you are like me and change you sleeping position every night, then there isn’t a definite pillow you need.
Best pillows for front sleepers
Fronts sleepers have always confused me, personally. How do you breathe? Doesn’t your hair tickle your face? How can you lie on a full stomach? Regardless, there are a small percentage of people who are front sleepers, and thus, there is a pillow out there for you. Pillows for front sleepers need to be able to keep your neck and spine in a neutral position. If you choose a soft pillow, with a filling such as duck feather and down, then your neck is less likely to tip your head back, which leads to back pain. Some people will even have a pillow just for their stomach, in order to support their spine.
The best pillow for back sleepers
Back sleepers make up about 40% of the population, meaning it is a popular position to sleep in, and therefore you have plenty of choice in pillows. Back sleeper pillows tend to be of medium firmness, but, can either be softer or firmer depending on preference. A generously filled hollowfibre pillow is an excellent way to support your head. Medium support allows only a gentle curve from your neck to your spine, and helps to align you head, neck and spine properly.
Best pillows for side sleepers
The most popular sleeping position is sleeping on your side. Side sleepers are a bit more high maintenance than the other sleepers, as they require a larger pillow. Side sleeping is so popular due to the comfort of it and the health benefits. You are more able to digest food in that position, you are less likely to snore, and some even say it boosts brain health! However, the distance from the edge of your shoulder to the side of your head is much larger than from your back to the back of your head. This means side sleepers need a thicker, and firmer pillow. Thicker and firmer pillows tend to be more expensive, but they really are worth the money. I know many side sleepers who swear by their Relyon pillows (Dunlopillo pillow rebrands) and they are certainly not as cheap as the standard hollowfibre!
The best pillow for a restless sleeper
Spoilers: there isn’t one. We really just have to try and find the pillow most comfortable for us. As a child, I hated pillows, I wouldn’t use one because I thought they were so uncomfortable. I would rather sleep either on my side or back without a pillow at all. As I’ve gotten older, I definitely do sleep with a pillow, but just the thinnest slither of a pillow I can find! Granted, I am not like most people, so a medium-soft pillow will probably do you just fine.
If you’re still unsure of what to get, have a look at how to choose the best pillow for you.
