By Gagan Shiv 0 Comments
You got a new job and are planning to move to a new city, a new apartment, ready to take on the world. Excited to decorate and set the place your way, you have decided to complete your pillow shopping in one weekend. But after spending more than 10 minutes on the internet looking for the perfect pillow, you are bound to be confused more than ever! So, sit back and relax as we do all the hard work for you.
Pillows are necessary for sleeping. They not only assist us in getting a good night's sleep but also maintain a good neck posture. Aside from providing relaxation and head support, a good pillow keeps the neck and spine at the same level. People who do not use an appropriate pillow are more likely to have back and neck problems.
So, how do you pick up the best pillow?
Even if you just want to swap your old pillow for a new one, you should never buy the one available in your local bedding store. Start by listing down your needs and what you expect 'your' pillow to do for you. After all, it'll be a relationship that you would want to last for years.
The essential duty of your pillow at the end of the day is to keep you in your preferred sleeping position throughout the night. The appropriate pillow should support the natural curve of your spine while keeping your head, neck, and spine in a neutral position.
Here are some quick navigation links if you are interested in some particular details about buying the best pillows for sleeping.
You might not want to believe in soulmates, but there’s a right pillow for you (or maybe a set).
Pillows that check out through the list. Now those are some best pillows for sleep.
Luckily, we have listed five things you need to keep in mind when picking out your perfect pillow. Check them out!
Softness
Mostly, a personal preference, the most common tendency of people is to go for a soft pillow. Even if you prefer one of the softest pillows, you still want it to be firm to provide support. And rightly so, you wouldn’t want it to be rock solid too.
Too hard or too soft pillows could go hand in hand with pain. Sleeping on your back with a pillow which is very hard, will distress your neck. It has the effect of giving you a stiff neck in no time. A soft pillow can make your neck sink into a pool of discomfort. Beyond the pain, a faulty pillow can also attract mites, allergens, and these can also trigger asthma.
Remember, your pillow is not just for your comfort; it impacts your health too. If You have not chosen the right pillow, then it could hurt you.
Size
With many sizes available in the market, have you ever looked at them wondering which one is right for you?
Choosing the right pillow does not need to be complicated. Choosing the right pillow is dependent on three critical things: the firmness, the number of pillows you sleep with and third, and how you use them. So if you like to sleep with 2-3 pillows, it’s better to go for smaller ones even though their shapes and sizes can vary.
A great way to keep it snugly and comfy is to start with the pillow size that matches your bed size and get creative from there.
There is no need to buy gigantic pillows, thinking that they provide much comfort. A standard size pillow is enough to give the needed comfort.
Keep a check on the position in which you sleep, as this can play a vital role in selecting a pillow. So let’s get started on discussing the different sleeping positions and the best pillows for those sleeping stances.
Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
Side sleepers need a pillow that comes with a high loft and firmer support. Using a pillow for a taller profile will prop your head up so that it’s in neutral alignment with your spine, which is essential for your health.
A soft and fluffy pillow is the perfect choice for side sleepers as they need good support for their body. For sleepers seeking organic and hypoallergenic fabrics, organic cotton, microfibers, and natural latex are excellent choices.
Best Pillows for Back Sleepers
Choose a moderately firm pillow, as this will keep your head supported and aligned with your spine while also preventing the cushion from flattening during the night.
By providing a nice, soft cushion between you and your mattress, medium-filled pillows can help ease pressure in your neck and shoulders. If you’re a side sleeper, a pillow that’s too lofty can make your head crane backwards and using a one that’s not lofty enough can be pretty much like sleeping on a flat mattress.
Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers
Finding the perfect pillows for stomach sleepers can be tricky. As this stance tends to position the upper cervical spine at end-range rotation or extension, it is often suggested to avoid it altogether.
It implies you’re more likely to strain your neck and pressure your lower back or abdomen.
Stomach sleepers require a pillow that has a low loft and soft support to preserve neutral spine posture. Soft-support pillows will offer a comfortable cushion between you and your mattress while ensuring that your head placed comfortably.
What type of pillow is the softest pillow? Compressible pillows are ideal for stomach sleepers who like to embrace the underside of the pillow rather than lying with their arms since they are very shapeable.
If we speak about pillowcases, this is the time to say no to decorative pillowcases. So finding one perfect pillow for you might be a long journey, but you’ll indeed find it.
Never ignore any particular requirements that your body may have; everything must be considered. Allergies to dust particles affect certain people. Dust and mites must be kept at bay by using specific covers and fillings.
Snorers should consider a pillow that is specifically built to position your head and neck in a way that allows you to breathe easily and without compressing your airway.
Best Pillow for Neck and Shoulder Pain
As mentioned earlier, your neck and shoulder pain might be because of your wrong sleeping positions and because of the pillows you use while sleeping in those positions.
If you’re constantly waking up with a stiff neck, your pillow may be at fault. The purpose of your cushions is to keep your neck and head at the proper height to avoid needless strain.
We make sure to recruit testers from all weight groups and sleeper types because weight and sleeping posture both impact how your pillow feels.
Adjustable pillows made with shredded memory foam are one of the best options for when you’re struggling with neck and shoulder pain. To acquire the correct loft for your sleep position and amount of neck pain, unzip the cover and add or remove as much fill as you want.
Because of the higher level, side sleepers may prefer the initial design, although back and stomach sleepers may need to remove some fill to feel comfortable. You can wash and make the cover dry in any household machine, but you should only spot clean the filling as needed.
Temperature
Hot sleepers should look for pillows that have cooling properties. Go for a cooling gel pad on one side of the pillow, which will keep that side chilly all night. Pillows with cool yarn or phase change material woven into the fabric are ideal for sleepers who want their entire pillow to feel icy-crisp. You can also go for memory foam or a breathable polyester to keep you comfortable.
Pillows weren’t always made for comfort. With time, pillows have become more diverse in design and their offering of comfort than ever before! We’ve compiled a list of the various materials used to construct pillows nowadays. Here are the types of pillows to get you started on your pillow shopping!
Body Pillows
With an extended and broad form, these pillows are made to look after you and your comfort. You may maintain yourself aligned instead of falling into an uncomfortable posture by laying the cushion along your torso and in between your knees.
Body pillows appear to be particularly popular among pregnant women and those recuperating from injuries who require additional support below the neck.
Adjustable Pillows
Adjustable pillows, as the name suggests, offer a range of adjustability to the person. They can be used flexibly by adjusting their firmness, height and shape. They are further classified into water-based pillows and inflatable pillows. These pillows offer exceptional flexibility in use as they are filled with water and air respectively and are easily reactive by conforming to changing positions
A recent clinical study also showed that water-based pillows reduced morning pain intensity offering better sleep quality and pain relief!
Down Pillows
Do you prefer pillows that are light, moldable and sink beneath your head and neck when you lay on them? If your answer is yes, then this dreamy pillow is yours.
Down pillows refer to the inner plumage of ducks and geese, which is very soft and lightweight. Some pillows might simply have down, while others would have a mix of down and feathers from the same birds.
While being lightweight, soft and natural, they are also insulating. This natural filling material lasts longer than synthetic alternatives and is a perfect option for stomach sleepers.
Since the feathers are extracted from animals, ethical sourcing is an essential consideration during purchase. So make sure to get your research down before buying a down pillow.
Synthetic Down Alternative
Down is derived from the soft undercoat of birds, but the down replacement is constructed of a synthetic polyester that replicates the natural softness of traditional down. This unique material is often filled with polyester microfibre, which mimics the pillowy feel of genuine down at a fraction of the price.
Who should go for this option? People who are allergic to down pillows but want the same feel, vegan consumers or those who don’t want to use animal-based products and are looking for a machine washable option. To wash your pillows, just place the down alternative pillow in your machine and add cool water, including a mild detergent.
Memory Foam
Memory foam pillows are popular because of their density and responsiveness as they allow your head and neck to be moulded to the cushion. At the same time, you sleep and then return to their original form when you wake up and leave the bed.
Memory foam is soft but conforms to the body, providing a luxurious and supportive sleeping surface.
One of the major cons of using a memory foam pillow is that its pungent smell wing to the chemicals it is made with.
Shredded Memory Foam
But how is it different from the traditional variant? Taking memory foam pillows to another level, shredded memory foam pillows make one of the best pillows for sleeping. Here, each piece compresses independently, making it softer and moldable while staying supportive.
If you’re prone to allergies, a shredded memory foam pillow can help you ensure a good night’s sleep. Being resistant to dust mites, the material is dense enough to make the living conditions unfavourable for those tiny, unwanted creatures.
Latex Pillow
Latex is derived from the Hevea-Brasiliensis tree, which is a rubber tree. It’s becoming increasingly popular as a pillow filler since it’s supportive and lasts a long time.
Latex is a pleasant, sanitary alternative for pillows that is hypoallergenic and anti-fungal. It absorbs heat and water better than the finest memory foam pillow, so it’ll keep you cool even when it is sweltering hot outside.
Since the latex pillow will continue to give a consistent and suitable degree of head, neck, and shoulder support, you won’t need to replace it unless it starts to lose its shape, making it exceptionally durable.
Synthetic latex is an artificial pillow that is typical of inferior quality to its natural equivalent. Remember that while synthetic latex can feel highly similar to natural latex and is considerably less expensive, it does not usually last as long. It also has less bounce and is similar to memory foam.
Feather Pillow
As the name suggests, feather pillows come from birds. With a quill running down the centre, they have a flatter structure than down pillows. Feathers’ thicker structure might give a cushion with more robust support for a more extended period.
Often, the quill may stick out of the pillow shell and cause discomfort. The more feathers you lose, the more support you lose, negatively impacting the long life of your pillow over time.
They are great if you live in an area with a hot climate. Feather pillows are cooler to sleep on than down pillows since feathers do not trap heat like down clusters.
Please note, water and oil are no friends to feather pillows. Even if your pillow is clean, oils produced by your hair and face might degrade its durability.
Buckwheat Pillow
Buckwheat pillows, also called Sobakawa, originated in Japan, are filled with buckwheat hulls, the hard outer casings of buckwheat seeds.
With a firm feel, the buckwheat hulls are pretty small and conform closely to the head and neck.
You may also add or remove hulls from the pillow’s interior to vary how lofty and supportive it feels. Many buckwheat pillow producers sell extra hulls in bulk when owners need to renew their supply, making it a sustainable solution.
Another advantage is excellent temperature regulation. These types have breathable or organic cotton covers, allowing consistent airflow throughout the pillow’s core.
Kapok Fibre Pillow
Kapok fibres are the seed pod fluff of the Ceiba tree, a rainforest creature.
These fibres are also hypoallergenic but can feel similar to down. Mould, mildew, and bacteria are unable to thrive in kapok fibre because it naturally repels moisture.
Kapok pillows are soft and adaptive to your head and neck in every sleeping position, giving long-term support and comfort for a good night’s sleep. They’ll ensure that you get your beauty sleep.
Because of its combustible elements, kapok may not be the best cushion to have around if you are prone to accidents and burn incense or anything else near your bed.
Water Pillow
You guessed it! These kinds of pillows are filled with water. One of the best things about water pillows is that they keep their shape no matter how much pressure you put on them.
You do not have to adjust the pillow as it will stay firm. The weight of the water will make it comfortable and tight.
Perfect for any type of sleeper, the pillow’s ever-changing shape fits our body with every turn and twist. And with your pillow not scooting off the edge of the bed, continuous sleep and more energy the next day are guaranteed.
The other two advantages of water pillows are maintaining a neutral temperature and good skin. Because the pillow conforms to your face instead of pressing against it, your skin will look better.
Gel Pillow
Gel pillows, like water pillows, are filled with gel to keep the pillow cool, constant, and firm. Gel pillows include a significant amount of gel, as well as fibre for added comfort. This hypoallergenic soft pillow conforms to the curve of the neck and head, providing soothing relief to pressure areas while still providing firm support on the opposite side.
Someone who sleeps with their stomach or backs down may need a thinner, lighter, and soft firm pillow. And people who sleep on their side may require a higher and extra firm pillow for more significant support of the neck area.
Microbead Pillow
Micro pearl cushions are made up of many squeaky foam balls. These pillows do not naturally absorb water, thus inhibiting the growth of house dust mites, bacteria and fungi, and are another excellent example of a hypoallergenic pillow.
Pressure control is also a key to sleep comfort, and micro pearl pillows also provide the optimal environment for this. Millions of tiny polystyrene microbeads create a perfectly smooth and even sleeping surface where the pressure points are not agitated.
Most people don’t stay in one position when sleeping and don’t even have pillows. These pillows are soft, provide more pillows than other pillows, and keep your neck perfectly straight. These pillows have also recently been offered in hospitals to help those who have recently undergone surgery.
Cotton Pillow
While cotton pillow is a staple pillow in most bedding, it is not often thought of as a pillow filler. However, there are still some natural benefits present on cotton-filled pillows, especially if you go organic. They’re naturally absorbent and hypoallergenic and feel firmer than down pillows.
Cotton pillows are for all sleeping positions. Most of them include a zippered opening, so it’s easy to add or remove fill to your preferences.
However, over time to time the cotton can compress and harden. It absorbs sweat which will make it unhygienic.
Wool Pillow
Wool’s breathable and insulative qualities make it ideal for usage in a wide range of items. For thousands of years, it’s been used to make garments, blankets, flooring, insulation, upholstery, and more.
Wool is an excellent material for a pillow because of its unique ability to absorb moisture and pull it away from the skin. These wicking qualities help increase natural airflow around the head, keeping you cool and dry while you sleep.
A wool pillow will be fluffy at first, then settle due to compression over time, but this will not impact the support. As a result, you should replace your wool pillows every 2-3 years.
Hotel pillows typically appear to be so much comfier than your own. You choose the pillows you buy for your home based on what types of pillows you like to use. Some people prefer very soft cushions, and others want their pillows to be a bit firmer. Since hotels don’t have a way of knowing what type of pillows all of their guests like, they usually have a wide variety of pillows. You will usually find firm pillows, soft pillows, and other types of pillows that people frequently ask for.
With stomach sleeping being off the table and back sleeping is discouraged since it can compress an important vein that carries blood to your baby, so you’re only left with the option of side sleeping.
A pregnancy pillow is one that has been specificallyou’reted to make you more comfortable when you’re expecting. With so many different types of pregnancy pillows on the market, you need one that makes you more comfortable when you head to bed at night and helps prevent any kind of pain.
These are some of the important things to know when choosing a maternity body pillow. Check them out!
Size
Make this decision based on the space you have available, or if you can make your partner take the floor or couch, you can make room for your pillow. Pregnancy pillows can range in size from a small wedge the size of a typical cushion to a U-shaped body pillow that hugs you from front to back.
Shape
Some pillows will go parallel to your body, while others curve to tuck under your head and in between your knees. Pillows that support different parts of your body are available; some support your back, others your knees, yet others only your belly, and still others all of the above. Select the one that best meets your requirements.
Material
You want to look for breathable materials, keep you warm or cold (according to your preference) and lofty. Some common examples are cotton, microbeads and gel pillows.
When you're expecting a child, you'll require a lot of energy. After all, you're carrying a child within that lovely bulge. Snuggling up to a pregnant pillow might help you sleep better.
Everyone knows that good posture is important. But good posture is not just about sitting and standing. The muscles and ligaments of your back are relaxed and healed while you sleep. Correct posture during sleep is important to protect your back.
Choosing the right pillow can be a tedious task. Hence, if you want to pick the best sleeping pillow, here are certain standard parameters that you might consider to bring home the perfect pillow.
If you want to buy the best pillow, you should determine your requirements and consider a variant that meets all your needs. Look for a pillow that offers excellent quality and comfort at the most reasonable price possible.
When buying a pillow for yourself, it is important to consider its validated customer ratings and in-depth reviews on various blogs, YouTube channels and online shopping portals. These reviews are very helpful in knowing the true quality and characteristics of the pillow you have shortlisted, and hence, in making better choices.
Complaints from existing users of the pillow you are considering not only help the brand improve its quality but also lets you understand if the purchase is worth it or not. Do not only read the top reviews that list all the pros and claims made by the brand. Focus on finding out the cons too to determine if they are worth ignoring or can be real pain-givers.
Pillows should be comfortable, supportive and aesthetically pleasing - but not at unreasonable costs. It is important to invest in a durable, high-quality pillow that provides you with good sleep for years. When buying a pillow for yourself, consider the prices offered by the leading brands and ensure if the price is worth the money you are paying or not.
Do you suffer because of back pain, a low-immune system, or obesity? Do you keep on searching the internet for dark circles solutions? Do you feel exhausted even after six to eight hours of sleep at night? If your answer is yes to even these questions, the reason behind why you are not getting your perfect sleep might be your pillow.
We live in a time where the hustle culture dominates, putting your body in a state of fight or flight. So much so that we take pride in minimal hours of sleep and pulling all-nighters. And to normalise the levels of constant stress, you need rest otherwise burnout will be inevitable.
You might be used to using whatever pillow your household provided you with as a kid. But as an adult, you soon find out the huge difference pillows can make in how well you sleep. It is important to keep your spine in line while supporting your head and neck well, no matter what position you sleep in.
Sunday Pillows are developed to provide you with exactly that. Pillows are such a personal experience, which is why Sunday pillows shine. Supportive yet completely soft and fluffy, they keep your back and spine aligned.
If neck and back pain keep you tossing and turning all night, you surely are a side sleeper in desperate need of a good pillow. Side sleepers need a firm but soft, thick pillow. A hero when it comes to pillow options for side sleepers, Sunday pillows fit your sleep position while providing great cushioning.
We have all been stuck while choosing between pillows that are too high or too low. Finding the right one might be difficult. But not with our pillows. The pillow creates that ‘just perfect’ height and firmness level that you love. They are adjustable and designed to give you extra support for the neck, shoulders, and spine. These superior pillows offer well-being as they are made from soft, wrinkle-resistant microfibres. The microfibres used in these pillows are tightly woven together to make them naturally antimicrobial. While the synthetic material of the pillow repels moistures making them easy to clean, they are also extremely lightweight and easy to maintain. Unlike other pillows which have fluffiness for support, this one has a soft, cushy feel that doesn't go flat. All thanks to 50% more filling that is tightly packed than your standard pillow.
This hypoallergenic pillow dramatically cuts the threat of dust mite infestation, making it a perfect buy for people who have issues with allergies. It is incredibly soft and designed to enable air to flow freely throughout the pillow's fill. It means it prevents warm air from building up and stays cool, even during hot summer nights in India.
The Sunday pillow is an adjustable pillow that is designed to give you extra support for the neck, shoulders, and spine. Though it accommodates all sleeping positions, it is ideal for side sleepers.
Here are our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about selecting the right pillow for sleeping.
1. What Pillows Do Doctors and Chiropractors Recommend?
Regardless of your sleeping position, doctors and chiropractors recommend pillows that provide equally distributed head and neck support. These would include micro-fibre, memory foam and water-based core pillows.
2. Why Does Your Pillow Hurt Your Head?
You probably would have answered the question by yourself now. Your head hurts because your pillow is not the perfect choice for you.
Pillows that are not desired for you can cause your head and neck to round forward, adding tension to the suboccipital neck muscles. Too much tension in these muscles may lead to regular headaches after waking up.
3. Why Does Your Pillow Turn Yellow?
There are a few reasons your pillow turns yellow. Moisture is everywhere. Moisture and humidity may wreak havoc on it, causing it to lose its loft and ability to effectively insulate. Pillowcases will develop yellow stains as a result of moisture and humidity, and your pillows will begin to turn yellow. Shredded memory foam pillows are soft enough to mould to the form of your head while remaining stiff enough to keep your neck and back in perfect alignment.
4. How Often Should You Change Your Pillow?
According to most experts, you must keep in mind to change your pillow every year. It ensures that you're sleeping on pillows that are supportive, clean, and allergen-free. It is also crucial to look after your pillows if you want them to last. You can unzip an adjustable cushion and remove as much fill as you like. Unlike conventional pillows that are just stitched shut, an adjustable pillow allows you to your cushion’s height and its general feel.
However, you should go for what your pillow brand recommends.
5. What All Should I Look For When Buying A Pillow?
If you want to invest your hard-earned money in the best pillow for sleeping, here are some important factors you should consider:
6. Which Type Of Pillow Is Best?
There is no rule of thumb when it comes to choosing the best pillow for sleeping. Your ideal pillow should be based on your requirements, personal preferences and budget. If you are a healthy individual with no medical problems, you can pick a high-quality pillow as per your preferred sleep position.
However, if you are pregnant or looking for a pillow for some specific problems such as cervical, chronic neck and shoulder pain, or to regulate your body temperature while you sleep, it is better to look for pillows made using high quality memory foam or latex. These two materials are highly durable and make a better investment than other commonly sold materials used to make pillows. You can also consider adjustable or body pillows as per your specific requirements.
7. Should I Invest In A Good Pillow?
Investing in a good quality pillow is as important and worthwhile as purchasing the best mattress for sleeping. A high quality pillow is durable, offers the perfect balance of comfort and therapeutic support, and ensures you sleep comfortably without straining your neck and shoulders or any sort of discomfort.
8. Should Shoulders Be On Pillows When Sleeping?
To avoid stressing the pressure points at your head, neck and shoulders, you should not position your shoulders on the pillow. Instead, your pillow should be placed in such a way that it creates a straight line from your head and neck all the way down across your spine. This ensures the muscles and ligaments of your back are perfectly relaxed and get enough time to recover the stress acquired throughout the day.
9. Does Pillow Quality Matter?
Yes. The quality of your pillow is extremely important in providing optimum support to your neck and back as you sleep. Not only a poor quality pillow can hinder your comfort and support required for proper posture and pain-free sleep but it can also expose you to increased risks of allergies.
10. How Many Pillows Can Be Present On A King Size Bed?
A king sized bed should be arranged with either three standard size pillows or two king size pillows for perfect symmetry and an aesthetically pleasing formation. Optionally, you can layer three smaller pillows to add a hint of extra style and comfort.
11. How Many Pillows Can Be Present On A Queen Bed?
It is better to place two queen size pillows and two standard pillows up against the headboard to make a queen-sized bed. However, it is better to stack two decorative pillows or one sham to ensure a visually pleasing arrangement.
12. How Many Pillows Is Too Many?
Your bed might have anywhere between two to seven pillows as per its size and your style inspiration to keep everything symmetrically arranged and look classic. However, only one pillow per person is enough for sleeping if you are a back sleeper and maximum two if you prefer sleeping on your side.
Hence, a maximum of five pillows are great for double-size beds and 5 to 7 are perfect for king and queen size beds. If you prop your bed with too many decor pillows, you will end up making your bed look too cluttered and messy.
We say, getting eight hours of sleep every day isn’t enough. Good sleep depends a lot on the sleep environment, and a good mattress and a supporting pillow. When you wake up on a comfy mattress, you'll feel refreshed, relaxed, and invigorated, and you'll be more productive at work.
We hope this information helps you in selecting the perfect pillow for a restful and invigorating night's sleep. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be delighted to assist you in making a wise pillow purchase.
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