Tips for choosing a good pillow for sleeping are to do a pressure test to determine its hardness, pat the pillow to see changes in its shape, choose the type that suits your needs, such as an orthopedic pillow to provide extra support to the neck, consider airflow, and check the upholstery.
Table of Content
1. Types of pillows
2. Types of pillows for special needs
3. Tips for choosing a good pillow for sleeping
Types of pillows
Before knowing tips on choosing a good pillow for sleeping, first identify the types of pillows that you can choose. The following types of pillows are distinguished based on the filling material:
1. Microfiber pillow
Microfiber or microfiber pillows are pillows in which there are fine strands of synthetic material such as polyester or nylon. Microfiber pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes and may be an easier-to-maintain option at a lower cost. However, this type of pillow needs to be replaced every few years and the air circulation is not the best, so it is not suitable for people who sleep with temperatures too warm.
2. Goose down pillow
Feather pillows are pillows filled with duck or goose feathers. It is a durable pillow and can repel mites. But usually, this type of pillow will flatten over time so it needs to be made to expand or reshape regularly.
In addition, feather pillows need to be treated with professional cleaning such as dry cleaning, so maintenance is quite expensive. Feather pillows may also not be suitable for people with allergies.
3. Memory foam
Memory foam pillow or memory foam is a pillow made of synthetic foam that can adjust to the shape of the body. It can be the best option for people with neck pain or discomfort at pressure points. However, memory foam material can retain heat, so it may not be suitable for individuals whose body temperature tends to increase during sleep.
4. Wool and cotton
Pillows made of wool or cotton have good circulation so they can regulate heat. However, this type of pillow is usually easy for mites to harbor and more easily deformed than other types of pillows.
5. Latex foam
Latex foam is made up of the sap of the rubber tree and is one of the higher-priced pillow materials. The feel of this material is similar to memory foam, but latex foam doesn’t retain as much heat as memory foam pillows. Latex foam is also a durable material.
Types of pillows for special needs
In addition, there are also types of pillows that are intended to support special needs, such as:
1. Orthopedic pillow for extra neck support
An orthopedic pillow or cervical pillow is a contoured pillow that fills the space under the head and neck. This is a type of pillow with a deeper curve at the head and extra support at the neck. That way, you no longer need to find a pillow position that can accommodate your neck pain.
Orthopedic pillows can help someone with cervical spine problems by helping keep the neck in line with the spine. Some people may find this pillow uncomfortable at first, but it will help in the long run. This may be preferred by people with cervical spine pain.
2. Body pillow for various needs
Body pillows are pillows that measure the length of the body. This type of pillow has several functions for people who prefer to sleep on their side. The top of the pillow can support the head and neck, while the bottom of the pillow can support the knees and feet.
This pillow is available in a J shape which is designed to support the head so that the spine is aligned.
Body pillows allow people to use just one pillow to support different parts of the body instead of using separate pillows for the head and knees. Women who are pregnant may also benefit from additional support for the abdomen, so this pillow is often referred to as a maternity pillow.
Tips for choosing a good pillow for sleeping
With so many types of pillows available, you may be confused about which one is best for your needs. Here are tips on choosing a good pillow for sleeping that you can follow:
1. Perform a pressure test to determine the hardness of the pillow
You need to make sure that the pillow can provide the right support for you. Therefore, you need to do a hardness test or pillow firmness. To do this, place the pillow on a flat surface and press it with your palm until it is about half its original thickness. The more pressure you have to apply, the firmer the pillow. Do the same at home and try a pillow on your bed.
2. Pat the pillow to test the deformation
Tips for choosing a good pillow for the next sleep is to pat the pillow to flatten it. Some pillows can lose their original shape and make sleeping uncomfortable. After testing the pillow for firmness, pat the pillow to see if it can return to its original thickness. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed throughout the pillow.
3. Consider the airflow
Most pillows allow airflow, but the denser the pillow, the harder it will be to breathe. A pillow with good air circulation can be more comfortable, especially if you tend to sleep in warm conditions.
Some pillows have better cooling technology than other types of pillows and are more suitable for individuals who tend to feel hotter while sleeping.
4. Check the coating
A good quality pillowcase can help the pillow last longer, so paying attention to the quality of the cover also includes tips on choosing a good pillow for sleeping. Choose a pillow with a cover that has neat, straight, and flat seams, to reduce wear on the edges.
Pillowcases with zippers make it easier to clean and adjust the contents. A tight-fitting cloth cover can also protect the pillow stuffing.
5. Pay attention to your special needs
Tips for choosing a good pillow for the next bed is to choose a pillow according to your specific needs.
If you sleep on your side, pillows with raised edges to support your neck may be more comfortable, while people who sleep on your back may prefer pillows with tapered edges to reduce head height.