Pillows are among the key requirements for a good night’s sleep. Without the right pillow, you get less rest and can even suffer from neck and back pain due to lack of support. In that sense, investing in a good pillow is an investment in your health!
This is why it’s so important to choose a good pillow. It’s equally important to understand that one-size-fits-all doesn’t apply here. Different people have different preferences and sleeping habits, so there will be variations in the ideal pillows for them.
Fortunately, there are ways to figure out what kind of pillow you should get. Here, we’ll give you a quick guide to seeking out a pillow that can get you through an uninterrupted night’s sleep.
What kind of sleeper are you?
You should first assess what kind of sleeper you are. Do you sleep on your side? On your belly? Or do you lie down on your back? Or a combination of them all? Whichever it is, it determines what kind of pillows you should get. That’s because the way you sleep tells you what sort of support your neck and spine require when you’re in bed.
Back sleepers should get thin pillows that won’t throw their head forward. That’s because having their heads thrown forward puts stress on their necks.
Side sleepers should opt for a high pillow, on the other hand. That can help keep their neck and spine aligned while providing good support. The width of your shoulders will also affect the ideal thickness of your pillow. This is because the pillow fills the space between the neck and the shoulder for a side sleeper. Thus, a person with wide shoulders will need a thicker pillow than someone with narrow shoulders. After all, there will be more space between the first person’s neck and shoulder.
As for front sleepers (those who sleep on their bellies), they should get a flat pillow. This is to make sleeping comfortable for them and avoid misalignment of the neck and spine by pushing the head backwards.
That said, the best way to find a pillow is really to try them in a showroom. This will let vendors assess if you like to toss and turn. Usually, they will take that information as well as the position in which you fell asleep as a gauge. From there, they can suggest a suitable pillow for you.
What kind of material should it be?
Now, aside from pillow shape and firmness, you have to think about the pillow’s material as well. There are different materials used in pillows, with different pros and cons. You have to think about your needs, such as if you’re allergic to certain materials, if your skin is sensitive, if the material is washable, and so on.
Here are the main types of pillows based on material:
Microfiber Pillows
It’s the cheapest choice around, washable, and can come in different sizes. However, microfiber pillows don’t last very long, aren’t too breathable, and wear out easily.
It’s the cheapest choice around, washable, and can come in different sizes. However, microfiber pillows don’t last very long, aren’t too breathable, and wear out easily.
Down/Feather Pillow
A classic choice, feather pillows can be moulded to suit your neck. However, the maintenance of these pillows can be quite difficult. They need professional cleaning and can get flattened easily, so they may be a bad choice for those who prefer firmer pillows.
A classic choice, feather pillows can be moulded to suit your neck. However, the maintenance of these pillows can be quite difficult. They need professional cleaning and can get flattened easily, so they may be a bad choice for those who prefer firmer pillows.
Kapok Pillows
A vegan alternative of a down pillow, kapok is soft and free from toxic materials. However, it can’t hold its shape and is highly flammable. Its fine fibre also can trigger allergies for those who have sensitive airways.
A vegan alternative of a down pillow, kapok is soft and free from toxic materials. However, it can’t hold its shape and is highly flammable. Its fine fibre also can trigger allergies for those who have sensitive airways.
Memory Foam Pillows
One of the newer options, memory foam can mould into a person’s neck and back to help with support and sleep quality. However, this foam is not ideal in hot climates due to it being dense and heat-retentive.
One of the newer options, memory foam can mould into a person’s neck and back to help with support and sleep quality. However, this foam is not ideal in hot climates due to it being dense and heat-retentive.
Latex Pillows
Natural latex is often confused with memory foam. That’s because both contour to the shape of the head and neck. However, natural latex is chemical-free and can be told apart easily from the way they “rebound” after use. Natural latex pillows are bouncy, whereas memory foam ones do a slow release.
Natural latex is often confused with memory foam. That’s because both contour to the shape of the head and neck. However, natural latex is chemical-free and can be told apart easily from the way they “rebound” after use. Natural latex pillows are bouncy, whereas memory foam ones do a slow release.
Natural latex pillows are an ideal pillow type. Hypoallergenic and breathable, they offer ample support and are durable. As long as you’re willing to pay a good sum, a natural latex pillow is a wise investment for your sleeping.
An example of a great latex pillow is the Heveya® pillow, made of 100% natural organic latex. With an open cell structure and pincore holes, it doesn’t retain heat and is breathable. What’s more, it repels dust mites naturally and has a mould resistant core, making it naturally hypoallergenic. It also comes with a removable bamboo cover for easy washing so you can always have a hygienic and healthy sleep.
Firmness and form preferences aren’t a problem either, as Heveya® pillows come in different firmness options and shapes and sizes. You can get it through our online shop, so take a look at them if you want the best when it comes to latex pillows. These latex pillows can help you sleep all night with no interruptions.
Get the best of sleep
Take note, however, that the pillow is only one part of what you need for restful sleep. It needs to go with the right mattress or you may still find yourself unable to relax in your bed. If you don't know how to pick the right mattress or where to get one, try this list of the best mattresses in Singapore. Putting the right pillow with one of those mattresses should help you sleep sweeter than ever before.
