How to choose the right pillow
09/12/2011
You've picked your ideal bed frame and mattress, now all is left to do is pick a pillow that will give you that perfect night's sleep.
From man-made fillings to feathers, memory foam to latex, choosing the right pillow can be something of a minefield unless you know exactly what you are looking for.
Experts recommend that you choose something that suits your sleeping style, which means thinking about which positions you usually rest in. Are you a side-sleeper or do you tend to lie on your front? Is sleeping on your back more comfortable? Asking yourself these questions is the first step to working out which pillow is best.
Pillows are designed to offer support to the head and neck, but you must be able to relax enough to be able to doze off once the lights go out. Choosing something too hard is therefore not a good idea, but a pillow that is too soft will not help align the body properly.
Natural down pillows are among the softest on the market and are able to shape to your head and shoulders without too much difficulty. The natural material allows the air to circulate, ensuring you don't get too hot throughout the night.
Memory foam pillows are a firmer option and can help relieve all sorts of aches and pains throughout the night. The material is hypoallergenic as well, making it perfect if you don't respond too well to feathers and other natural fibres. They are also ideal if you regularly change position throughout the night.
Synthetic pillows are widely available and are also a top choice for anyone with severe allergies. It is usually best to buy these pillows with cotton covers, as this will ensure you don't become too hot throughout the night. The trick is to buy a pillow that has plenty of filling, otherwise it will quickly become flat and no longer offer the support you need.
Combination pillows are perfect for anyone who wants the best of both worlds, as they combine features of two types of product for the ultimate night's sleep. One example is the Silentnight Memory Foam Shell Pillow, which combines the support of memory foam and the comfort of hollow fibre filling.
Whichever pillow you settle on, make sure it meets all your requirements or you could find yourself facing all sorts of aches and pains. It's also important to ensure you keep your new purchase as hygienic as possible, which means washing the pillowcase regularly and airing pillows with synthetic or down filling. Don't be afraid to experiment with different pillows until you find the one that's right for you.
Posted by Elizabeth Mewes
