Pillows have a significant impact on the quality of sleep you get. You might find yourself tossing and turning, trying to find a comfortable position before you finally fall asleep. Or perhaps you consistently wake up with neck or back pain. Do you ever wake up suddenly in the middle of the night and have trouble falling back asleep? Your pillow could play a part in all of those scenarios. There are many different pillows to choose from, and each one is very different. It may be helpful to figure out which is best for you.
Latex
Latex is natural foam created from the sap of the hevea-brasiliensis tree. The fluid is converted to foam to create numerous little air bubbles, which give the latex a springy and soft texture. There are also synthetic forms of latex; however, they are not as durable as natural latex. Latex pillows are chemical-free, anti-fungal, and hypoallergenic. Those features make them perfect for someone with allergies or sensitivity. Latex provides support by molding to the contours of your head and neck, but it’s softer than memory foam. Latex pillows are the best choice if you need a firm but soft pillow and you have allergies.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is made from polyurethane. It was developed for astronauts but never used during space travel. It was initially used in wheelchair seat cushions and post-surgery pads, and it eventually made its way to the commercial space for bedding. Memory foam feels very hard when you touch it at first. It’s softened by body heat, and as it continues to soften, it forms a mold. While latex is springier, memory foam does not bounce back as quickly. If you lie on a memory foam pillow and sit up, you’ll see the imprint for a little while until it disappears. Memory foam is helpful for neck and back pain and especially used as reading pillow due to the firm support and even distribution of weight.
Feathers
Feathers are the traditional option for pillows, and they’ve been used for hundreds of years to get a good night’s sleep. The feathers are typically from geese or ducks. Feather pillows are very soft, and they quickly conform to your head and neck. They do not offer much in terms of firmness and support, so they may not be ideal if you’re prone to neck pain. They’re a good choice for stomach sleepers because of how soft they are. There are some areas of the pillow that can feel hard because of the feather quills. The quills can even poke through the pillow at times. If you have allergies, you may be allergic to feather-filled pillows.
Down
Down is from the chest area of a goose, duck or swan. Down pillows are stuffed with clusters of down. The best way to describe down is that it looks like fluffy little dandelions. Down is expensive and is considered a luxury option among pillows. Down is very soft and fluffy, and you can select pillows with different fill power for varying levels of softness. Fill power is a measurement used only for down, and it refers to the height or fluffiness. Stomach sleepers may prefer down because it compresses easily but still provides support.
Polyester
Polyester is a man-made material that mimics cotton. These types of pillows are popular due to their affordability. They’re very easy to find in stores and super economical. The hypoallergenic filling is a big plus for those who suffer from allergies. Polyester pillows are machine washable, which is very convenient. While these pillows are affordable, they have a short lifespan. They also tend to get lumpy. You may be replacing them more often than a more expensive alternative. These pillows are also noisy. If you sleep with a partner, they could cause some disruption. Polyester is a great budget pillow for someone who likes softness more than firmness.
A Better Pillow Means Better Sleep
Sleep is such an important part of your life. The quality of your sleep has a massive impact on your day, and you feel the difference as soon as you wake up. Studies have shown how essential pillows are when it comes to sleep quality. It’s well worth it to understand your sleeping needs and get the pillow that is the perfect fit for you.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
