How to Choose the Perfect Bed Pillow — and Sleep Better

If you are like most people, you spend about a third of your times asleep (less, possibly, if you are a new parent or some school student cramming for finals). And the most important piece of the slumber puzzle is your pillow. Choose the wrong one, and you will exchange 40 winks for fitful tossing and turning. Keep these tips in mind as you shop for the right headrest.

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Choose a filling. Your preference is as individual as you are, but there are 3 major kinds of fillings.

If you prefer to feel cradled, you might choose a malleable goose down or feather filling. These substances retain warmth and help to keep you toasty on cold nights. On good-quality versions, look for an indicator called fill power, which refers to how much filling the cushion gets (the more filling, the plumper and longer lasting the cushion will be).

One benefit to down It lacks the sharp ends of feathers, which may poke through the pillowcase and prickle your skin. Allergy sufferers who want the comfort of feathers or down can buy special hypoallergenic cushion covers to relieve reactions.

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Springy memory foam molds itself to your head, returning to its initial shape after you arise. Since it conforms to your movements in the nighttime, it can be a good selection for restless sleepers. Additionally, it works well for those with neck and spinal problems, as it distributes weight evenly. The downside? It tends to be pricey.

Polyester filling, less expensive than down and memory foam, will offer good support and hold its shape reasonably well. But, it’s also the least durable of these substances.

You can find far more natural and specialized alternatives also; you also buy pillows with specialized fillings such as buckwheat hulls, which shift alongside your place, and natural and organic latex, which can be watertight and resist mold, mildew and mites.

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Decide the size. To choose the best size cushion, you will have to consider three factors: Just how big your mattress is, how many pillows you need and how you are going to use them. Pillow sizes correspond roughly to mattresses (standard, queen, king).

Nevertheless, that does not mean that you have to play with the rules — an oversize pillow may feel enveloping and cozy on a smaller bed. If you prefer to guard yourself against a pile of pillows for reading, buy smaller-size ones that you could layer. On a daybed that is backless, a typical pillow may be exactly what you would like to sleep.

Choose the right softness. If you choose down, synthetic or another filling, how it’s packed with makes a difference in the way in which the pillow feels. A filling that is packed closely into the cover makes for a firmer cushion; therefore, less filling means a looser, softer texture. Many mattress showrooms permit you to test them out prior to purchasing.

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Consider your sleeping posture. The way you sleep will impact the attic, or height, of your pillow; different positions require different kinds of support. Back and stomach sleepers may want to choose a flatter pillow that can help keep the throat aligned properly. If you sleep on your side, though, a loftier pillow, that fills the gap between head and throat, is usually a better option.

Require exceptional needs into consideration. You’ll discover lots of specialty pillows on the market tailored to particular situations. By way of example, people with allergies might consider a pillow using a cover and filling that are especially formulated to keep away fleas and dust. If you snore, look at a pillow shaped to place your head and neck in a way that will stop your airway from becoming compressed.

Have you found an ideal pillow? Please share your find in the Comments!

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