How to choose a pillow that will improve your sleep
The average person spends at least a third of their life in bed sleeping. So if you live to be 75 years old at least 25 years of that will be on a bed stretched out dreaming or tossing and turning. If you spend that much time in bed choosing a pillow should be a choice taken with some deliberation. Sleep is such an important part of life; it rejuvenates the body, mind and spirit.
There are many different types of pillows ranging from soft as down to firm and supporting from cheap to very expensive. No matter the price or the contents that the pillow is made up of, it is important that you choose the one that is right for you.
What pillows are made of varies; here is a list of the popular style pillows.
1. Down pillows are made of the tufts under a geese’s feathers. This type of pillow is known for being very soft and somewhat expensive. Down also a good thermal insulator that can be found in jackets and in beddings. Because of this the down pillow can be considered hot.
2. Foam or memory foam pillows are molded for back and neck support. This is beneficial to those who seek specific support in the neck or back. Like the down pillow it also is considered hot and usually doesn’t hold up as well over time.
3. Cotton pillows are firmer and flatter than down pillows and they don’t offer quite as much support as the foam memory pillows. They last longer than most pillows and are hypoallergenic.
4. Wool pillows are also hypoallergenic. They stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. But they don’t conform to the shape of your head and tend to feel hard.
5. Buckwheat pillows are filled with the hulls of buckwheat. Generally they are considered a firm pillow that may take time to get used to. This firmness is good for neck and curvature support. This type of pillow is relatively heavy and for the most part hypoallergenic. A slight crunching sound can be heard when pressing your head against the buckwheat pillow.
Many people who sleep on their side find that a pillow that isn’t quite as large and firm will suit them better, whereas a person who sleeps entirely on their back tend to use a firm pillow for neck support and comfort. If you sleep on your stomach, and that usually isn’t recommended, then a very flat or thin pillow will do the trick.
Other factors need to taken into consideration when purchasing a pillow. If you suffer from acid reflux then you would need a pillow that is firm and one that you would probably have to stack one on top of the other. If you have sleep apnea than you may need a specialized pillow.
Make sure to take your time and choose wisely because your rest depends upon it.
