Archive for January, 2010
A stomach sleeper doesn’t need a pillow
Stomach sleepers should have no pillow at all that unnaturally bend the spine and neck. The more important consideration for them would be in the mattress leading into a discussion on mattress pads that can keep unwanted body fluids away from the mattress.
If a stomach sleeper prefers a pillow it should be soft. Remember that the neck and spine or back muscles will let you know if they are bending unnaturally as you may experience discomfort in the form of pain.
Back sleepers have less gap to the mattress
If you are a back sleeper, you will require a pillow that fills less of a gap from head to mattress pad than a side sleeper. A soft pillow is the correct choice for back sleepers and a more firm pillow should be avoided.
Back sleepers need to take into consideration where the head is at on the pillow before selecting the pillow. If the head and back are over the pillow a medium soft pillow is best, and if only the head rests on the top of the pillow a soft pillow is the correct choice.
A side sleeper needs the firmest pillow
Most sleepers will have a predominant position for sleeping on any given night and it is an important factor in deciding on a perfect pillow. Side sleepers will benefit the most from a pillow that is firm and a soft pillow should be avoided.
Another consideration that must go along with the selection of a pillow is the mattress, with them needing to complement each other. A firm mattress would best be complemented by a firm pillow and a soft mattress by a soft to medium goose down pillow so as to maintain the spine to body angle during sleep.
A good pillow will alleviate pressure point tension
Rigid pillows that cannot be formed to the body should be thrown away and replaced with feather or down pillows. Form is important as a good pillow must mold to personal contours of the sleeper in order for pressure point tensions to be alleviated.
Natural pillows with down or feathers are ideal for conforming to individual bodies that provide the most comfort. The pillow alone will make the most difference, over a longer period of time, to give consistent rest. If good rest can be narrowed down to a rather inexpensive item such as a pillow it can become the best investment you will ever make.
Why consider personal preference in choosing a pillow?
Every person will have a personal preference about a pillow that is key to being comfortable while sleeping. A pillow that feels comfortable will help a person feel rested in the morning because of quality sleep.
The pillow surface is another factor in determining the level of comfort in achieving the desired good night’s sleep. Goose down pillows can be the most expensive, but if other factors are not right, it is not always going to be the best choice. Expensive pillows can come with a 30-day comfort guarantee.
How does a pillow keep neck pain away?
We can get a full eight hours of sleep but wake up feeling tired and less than refreshed. This can happen due solely to a pillow that does not support the head and neck the way our bodies require.
A down pillow can provide comfort, and with the right amount of firmness can provide support for the neck, and help alleviate and prevent many common neck and back pains. Pillows are necessary to support the weight of the head and to maintain the natural curves of the neck. If the neck is unnaturally curved it will cause the pain in the neck and back.