How do I choose the right sleeping pillow for me?
You've probably already searched the Internet for a new one sleeping pillow I searched and discovered that there are countless options. But how are you supposed to know which pillow is right for you? Let me help you choose the pillow that not only supports your posture while you sleep, but also meets all of your individual sleep needs. In this article from Gorilla Health you will learn how to find the ideal sleeping pillow.
Choosing the Perfect Pillow
Let's start from scratch. The most important goal of your pillow is to support you in your preferred sleeping position all night long. And when I say “support,” I don’t just mean feeling soft and cozy. The right pillow should keep your head, neck and spine in neutral alignment and support the natural curve of your spine. A neutral spine not only relieves neck pain, but also relieves pressure throughout the body.
Tip from the expert: If you're unsure how to tell if your spine is in neutral alignment, make sure your ears are in line with your shoulders and your chin is in line with your breastbone.
The ideal sleeping position
Every sleeping position requires a different pillow to maintain healthy posture. But before I explain exactly what every sleep type should look for, don't forget the fun part of pillow shopping! Once you've covered your body's needs and found a pillow that supports a neutral spine, you can move on to the many small details that will fulfill your desires. After all, there are hundreds of pillows out there, so feel free to find the one that suits you perfectly.
Sleeping position and preferences
Your sleeping position is just one facet of your sleep habits, and there's much more to consider when looking for the perfect pillow. For example, people who sweat easily, memory foam fans, environmentally conscious individuals, and latex lovers each prefer specific types of pillows to meet their personal preferences. Remember: your pillow should always support healthy posture, but it should also fit your overall personality.
The perfect choice for your sleeping pillow
The right choice for back sleepers
Needs: For healthy posture, back sleepers need a pillow with medium height and medium firmness. In addition, back sleepers can look forward to pillows made from materials that adapt to pressure, such as memory foam. Check out our list of the best Pillow for back sleepers to explore the wide range of options available.
The ideal construction for back sleepers
- Medium height – A medium height relieves strain on your neck and shoulders by providing comfortable padding between you and your mattress.
- Medium strength – A medium firmness provides enough support for your head to keep it in line with your spine and ensure the pillow doesn’t go flat over the course of the night.
- Adaptation to pressure – Materials that closely conform to pressure ensure the head is comfortably nestled and remains in neutral alignment with the neck.
Desired features for back sleepers
- Individual customization – More and more brands are developing pillows that sleepers can adapt to their individual needs. The Amrum neck pillow made of cold foam, for example, has a removable middle section that allows you to experiment with height and firmness. Many pillows at Gorilla Health also offer adjustable fillings, so you can open the cover and manipulate the filling inside until you find the optimal feel and support for your body.
- Cooling properties – If you tend to sweat easily, you should look for pillows with cooling properties. For example, this features Sylt neck pillow out of Eucafeel foam about a Cube profile with Eucafeel foam on the surface that stays cool all night long. Look for pillows with cool yarn or materials with phase change technology to ensure your entire pillow stays cool.
- Elastic support – Think about what type of support you want from your pillow. Some people prefer a lighter feel and an elastic response to pressure. Pillows filled with Dunlop or Talalay latex provide springy support.
The right choice for side sleepers
Needs: Side sleepers need a high-height pillow with firm support to maintain a neutral spine and healthy posture. Fluffy materials like Alpaca wool or malleable materials like memory foam are particularly useful in this sleeping position. Check out our list of the best Pillow for side sleepers to explore the wide range of options available.
The ideal construction for side sleepers
- High altitude - A High height cushion lifts your head to keep it in neutral alignment with your spine and relieve pressure on your shoulder.
- Firm support - A Cushion with medium to firm support Keeps your head and neck aligned with your spine all night long.
- Fluffy & Formable – Pillows with fluffy and malleable materials such as memory foam or alternative down make this possible Bring the pillow into the desired shape and maintain a high altitude.
Desired features for side sleepers
- Moisture wicking – If you're prone to night sweats, look for pillowcases made from moisture-wicking materials like polyester, Tencel, or bamboo.
- Natural & organic – If you have sensitive skin or are prone to blemishes, choose pillows made from natural materials such as organic cotton, cellulose fibers or natural latex.
- Breathable foam – Foams tend to trap heat. Choose pillows with shredded memory foam instead of a solid piece of foam to ensure better breathability.
The right choice for stomach sleepers
The ideal construction for stomach sleepers
- Low altitude – Stomach sleepers need one Low height cushion, to keep the spine in neutral alignment and not strain the neck.
- Soft support – Pillow with soft support provide comfortable padding without lifting your head too high.
- Compressible filling – Pillow with alpaca wool or alternative down works well for stomach sleepers because they are easily compressible and maintain a low height.
Desired features for stomach sleepers
- Priority for pillowcases – Traditional shaped pillows are ideal if you want to use decorative pillow covers. Opt for smooth, hypoallergenic covers like Tencel or organic cotton if you don't want to use pillowcases.
- No animal products – If you want to avoid animal products, choose pillows with alternative down fillings such as poly-gel fiber or microfiber.
Final thoughts
There are many pillows to choose from, but that's a good thing if you know what you're looking for. Remember that a healthy sleeping posture is the most important thing, and once you achieve that, you can explore all the other features of your pillow. Sleep well, and if you ever feel lost in the jungle of pillows, Gorilla Healthy will be here to guide you.
