How to choose the perfect pillow

When was the last time you thought about your pillows? If your answer is "a long time ago" or "never," don't worry; you're not alone! We advise many customers who, when thinking about their sleep equipment, focus primarily on their mattresses. Mattresses get one A lot of attention, and for good reason. Your mattress is the largest and most important financial investment you'll make for your sleep. But when it comes to the quality of your sleep, your pillows are almost as important as your mattress.

If you sleep on a worn-out pillow and find yourself scrunching and folding it every night to get comfortable, that's a sign that it's time for an update. Even if your pillow isn't old and bloated, it may not be the best choice for your comfort and spine support.

Gorilla Gesund Orthopädisches Schlafkissen aus Memory Schaum

Why your pillow is important

Good sleeping posture is the key to a healthy sleep during the night and waking up without pain and stiffness the next morning. Your pillow should support you for a healthy sleeping position. What does this attitude look like? An upright body, from the knees and hips, through the spine to the chest, shoulders, head and neck.

When your neck and shoulders are not adequately supported or are supported at an angle that causes twisting, curving, or buckling, it puts your spine and entire body in an unhealthy position, causing tension and discomfort in your neck, shoulders, and back as well as leading to insomnia.

As with your mattress, both comfort and support are important when choosing the right pillow. The best pillow for you is one that you can rest your head on comfortably, that supports your head, neck and shoulders, and that works with your mattress to suit you.

There are several factors that go into choosing a pillow.

When is it time to replace your pillow?

As a general rule, pillows need to be replaced after 18 months. Memory foam pillow usually last longer, up to three years. Natural pillows tend to last longer than synthetic pillows. And unfortunately, more expensive pillows actually last longer than cheaper ones. If you're using a pillow that's five or six years old, you won't get the support you need - and you won't sleep as comfortably as you could.

It may seem like a short lifespan, but think about it: on average, your pillow is used for about 7-8 hours per night - that's more than 2,500 hours per year! Like your mattress, your pillow is an investment in quality sleep that is reflected in your health.

If you're not sure whether your pillow still has life left in it or not, you can do some simple tests:

First, remove the pillowcase and examine your pillow. Does it have sweat stains? Is it torn? Does it have a smell? These are all signs of a pillow that needs to be replaced. Dead skin cells, mold, mildew and dust mites (and their excrement) collect in pillows. Over time, up to half of a pillow's weight can be accounted for by these small unwelcome organisms, which can cause allergies, affect breathing during sleep, and emit odors that make it difficult to get a good night's sleep.

If your pillow passes the sight and smell test, it's time to move on to the fold test:

Fold your pillow in half. If it just sits there folded and doesn't spring back to its original shape, it's a dead pillow (and unfortunately we don't mean dead organisms inside). For pillows with natural filling, you can do this test on your arm. Is your pillow hanging over your outstretched arm? Then it is a pillow that has exhausted its useful life.

Fold synthetic pillows in half and add a weight to the top - a sneaker works well. Take the weight away, and if your pillow doesn't spring back to its original shape, it's time for a replacement.

Pillow selection guide

Choosing a pillow is a very individual process. When it comes to choosing the right pillow, there really is no one pillow size, shape, or material that fits all. The best way to find the right pillow for you is to determine your individual criteria - using the following six elements as a guide - and then follow your instincts, which will tell you what will be most comfortable and comfortable for you feels most carefree.

1. Filling/Fiber

There are a number of filling options for pillows. None of them is the best - they all have advantages and disadvantages that you should choose depending on your needs and preferences. Let's look at the most common types:

down

These pillows are light and soft - if you like to rest your head at night, you might like a down pillow. Down pillows are typically made from either goose or duck fiber. Goose down tends to be softer than duck down - and more expensive - although there are differences in softness even within goose down. Down pillows are made from various combinations of down, feathers and other fillings. Note that "pure down" and "pure down pillows" may still contain feathers and other fillings.

Synthetic down and polyester filling

Synthetic down pillows are cheaper than natural, hypoallergenic natural down - and need to be replaced more often. Polyester filled pillows are a relatively inexpensive pillow choice compared to other types of pillows. They tend to be quite soft, although less soft than down. They become flatter over time and typically need to be replaced more frequently than other types of pillows.

To want

These pillows are naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and dust mites. Wool pillows wick away moisture from your head and neck and can effectively help regulate your temperature while you sleep, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. Wool pillows tend to be quite firm. They are also very durable. If you want the benefits of wool without all the strength, look for alpaca wool rather than cashmere fibers.

Cotton

Similar to wool, cotton pillows are naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and mold. Cotton pillows tend to be somewhat flat and firm. Cotton pillows are often a good choice for people with allergies and chemical sensitivities.

Latex

Latex pillows tend to be firmer than down but are still very comfortable. These pillows retain their shape. This is not the type of pillow that will squeeze you into the position you like. Latex is resistant to mold and dust mites. Often these pillows have contours that can provide additional support to your head, neck, and spine or restrict your movement while you sleep.

Memory foam

These pillows have become extremely popular in recent years. Memory foam conforms to your individual shape. Memory foam responds to your weight and body heat, softening and conforming to the lines of your head, neck and shoulders. It also distributes the weight evenly across its surface. These properties make it a popular choice for people with headaches, neck pain, or pressure sores that cause discomfort while sleeping. However, memory foam retains heat, which can cause discomfort and sweating. High-quality memory foam pillows are now often manufactured with ventilation built into the pillow, such as this Gorilla Healthy Sleeping Pillow. These pillows can also give off chemical odors, which are annoying for some people, but this usually goes away quickly.

2. Weight of filling

Down and synthetic pillows are easy choices, while memory foam and latex are heavier. The weight of your pillow is a matter of personal preference. If you like to reshape and move your pillow while you rest, a lighter pillow may be a better choice.

3. Quality of filling

With any type of pillow, quality is crucial to comfort, support and longevity - and is also reflected in the price. Once you've decided on your pillow filling, choose the highest quality pillow your budget allows. Remember that you will spend thousands of hours on it over the life of the pillow.

4. Size

For most people, a standard-sized pillow is large enough. If you prefer a larger pillow, that's fine provided you can maintain your sleeping posture. The thickness or thinness of your pillow should allow you to sleep so that your head, neck, and shoulders are in line with your spine and provide you with comfort. Make sure the pillowcase and pillowcase fit properly. Don't stuff a large pillow into a cover that's too small, or let a regular-sized pillow float in an extra-large cover.

Pillows are also made in special shapes to provide additional support and stability for your head and neck. Some of these can be useful: Neck and contour pillows can help with neck and back pain, and contoured body pillows can provide support, stability and relief for pressure points along the body. However, be aware that many specialty pillows have an ulterior motive in their marketing.

5. Substance

Use natural, breathable fabrics to cover your pillows. Pillowcases under pillowcases extend the life of the pillow and protect it from stains and sweat. Decorative pillows look great on the bed, but should be removed before sleeping.

6. Chemistry

Synthetic materials like memory foam and polyester are made through chemical processes, and many pillows undergo antimicrobial treatments. Research the chemistry that went into making your pillow, be prepared to invest in a well-made product, and consider your own allergies and chemical sensitivities when choosing a pillow type.

Does sleeping position play a role when choosing a pillow?

The answer is: YES. There are general guidelines that balance sleeping position with pillow type, but they are not hard and fast rules. Why? Because almost all of us change our sleeping position throughout the night. You may be a side sleeper who also spends some time on your back during the night. The same goes for stomach sleepers who occasionally switch to one side. You are looking for a pillow that accompanies you in all your sleeping positions and does not hinder you.

That said, here are some general guidelines:

Side sleepers may need a firmer pillow and one of the thicker pillows. Look for a pillow that is as thick as the distance between your ear and your shoulder joint.

Stomach sleepers typically need a soft pillow - or no pillow at all - under their head. A pillow under your stomach and pelvis can help prevent back pain.

Back sleepers may need a flatter pillow to keep their head and neck in line. We recommend a softer pillow. However, if you have neck pain and sleep on your back, you should look for a pillow that offers extra support but is still as soft as you are comfortable with.

Does your mattress play a role in your pillow choice?

Another YES. If you use a firm mattress, a softer pillow may be better because the pillow sits on a firm surface and has to accommodate the pressure of the weight of your head in your initial sleeping position. If you had a softer mattress, a firmer pillow may be better for keeping your head and neck in the correct position.

Don't ignore your pillow! It's such an important element of your sleep environment, and having the right one under your head can make for more comfortable, restful nights. And if you still can't decide, give the pillow I sleep on a try!