Choosing the right pillow
Most of us are clueless when it comes to choosing pillows. Where do we start? Where do we go when we step into a departmental store filled with rows and rows of pillows, mostly shelved according to the brand they carry? The first decision we make, is usually towards the brand that we are currently using (if we like the pillow we are using). If our current pillow is causing us great discomfort, we will be walking towards the brand we heard of that was either recommended by friends/relatives or from advertisement. Try asking the brand promoter about the pillows, and you will find yourself faced with promoters who would know information only of the brand they are promoting, but little or no knowledge of other brands.
Synthetic or Natural? Down or Feather? Polyester Fibres or Memory Foam?
Does expensive means it is good, and vice versa?
The industry has always based its reference to down feathers – the most expensive of the pillows and duvets. In countries which experiences distinctive change of 4 seasons weather, beddings filled with downs has always been the choice, especially through the cold seasons. Most of us have never really experienced top quality down pillows or duvets, and do we really know how it feels like to lie on a good quality down pillow or snuggle in the warmth of a good quality down duvet? Do we understand why synthetic pillows and duvets have always made a reference as ‘down alternative’?
The industry has come so far and with the advances in technology, we are able to find many different types of pillows and duvets in the market. But which one do we buy? Which is good? There is no one-definite answer to that question. When we choose a pillow, there are many considerations we need to make.
When we are faced with so many choices, most of the time, we tend to consider the physical feel and packaging of the pillow or duvet. Often when we purchase a pillow, we tend to purchase the same type of pillow for the whole family! More importantly BUT most often forgotten, is the USER. Who is the pillow for? What is the size and age of the user? How does the user sleep? What is the sleeping position? Are the user currently suffering from any physical pain or requires any form of physical support? Just because a pillow gives you the best comfort, it may not give the same type of comfort to another.
What makes a good pillow for you?
If you sleep on your back, the pillow you choose must be able to induce a slight stretch on your neck in order to optimally support your neck’s progressive curve.
Remember! No matter how you position yourself during the night, your pillow needs to continuously hold its shape after you have secured the correct position
If you sleep on your side, the pillow you choose must be high but soft enough to give your head a leveled position while keeping your neck straight in alignment with your spine. The pillow must not cause your neck to curve or tilt upwards or downwards. The pillow must allow your neck to rest at a level that keeps the vertebrae in your neck aligned with your spine
Checklist when choosing a pillow
Consider the following:
- What is the age and physical size of the user?
- What is the preferred sleeping position?
- Is the user currently in need of any special support?
- How long does the user lie in bed?
- Is the user prone to allergies or suffering from allergy-related issues?
Once you considered the above, you would be able to choose the pillow or duvet according to the following:
- Pillow or duvet fill type
- Pillow height or duvet size & fill weight
- Pillow softness/firmness
- Pillow’s special support and design
- Temperature regulation of fill type
- Washability