If the pillow is too plush or too thin, it can't adequately support your head and keep it in alignment with your spine.
Firm Support — Pillows with a medium firm or firm level of support will serve to keep your head and neck in line with your spine throughout the night. If your pillow is too soft, your head will gradually sink down over the course of your 40 winks, throwing your spine out of neutral alignment (hello, stiff neck).
Test the firmness of the pillow: Place the pillow on a flat surface. Press it with your palm until it's half its original thickness. A firm pillow will require more pressure than a soft pillow. A pillow's firmness will tell you how much support it may offer your head and neck.
Pillow Chemicals & VOCs
If you're sleeping on a polyurethane or memory foam pillow, you may want to reevaluate. Unlike natural latex which derives from rubber tree sap, these synthetic foams are man-made and may be off-gassing harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene.
Latex: One of the biggest perks of latex is that it's natural and sustainable. Latex pillows tend to be very breathable, too, and they're great for someone who has allergies or who sleeps hot. The material offers good support but tends to be a bit more expensive than other pillows.
One of the most common telltale signs is if you wake up with red, itchy skin or bite marks that weren't there when going to sleep. Other signs of a bed bug infestation include: Bloodstains on your pillowcases or bedsheets. Dark brown or rusty spots on your sheets or mattresses.
Down pillows are considered the most popular type of pillows among sleepers. They are often blended with feather fill to achieve a soft cushiony feel without sacrificing neck and head support.
A brand new pillow can cost below $10 or over $1,000, although on average will land somewhere under $200.
Latex. Latex foam consists of rubber tree sap and is one of the more expensive pillow materials. The feel of this material is similar to memory foam, but latex foam is less likely to retain heat when a person sleeps. Latex foam is also durable and holds its shape for a long time.
Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. Doing so helps to ensure that you're using pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of allergens. It is also important to care for the pillows you use to ensure their longevity. Generally, you'll be able to tell when it's time to replace your pillows.
Shortness of breath while lying down.
To gauge the severity of this symptom, doctors often ask people how many pillows they need to lie on to avoid feeling short of breath in bed. For example, "three-pillow" orthopnea is worse than "two-pillow" orthopnea, because you have less tolerance for lying flat.
According to Cushner, most side sleepers need medium-to-high-loft pillows that provide “enough cushioning for the head and neck without sinking too low,” so the customizable fill level will let you figure out the loft that works best for your body.
Foam pillows should never go into the washing machine. The agitation is too harsh and will likely break up the padding.Foam pillows should also always be paired with a pillow protector, which help preserve their quality and protect them from sweat and dust, says Katie Elks, design director at Brooklinen.
Natural pillows tend to last longer than synthetic pillows. And higher quality pillows will last longer than inexpensive ones. If you're using a pillow that's five or six years old, you're not getting the support you need—and you're not sleeping as comfortably as you could.
With a pillow that supports healthy posture, your neck, shoulders, back and hips will get the support they need so you wake up pain-free. While the pillow you choose is largely based on your personal preference, finding the right pillow also depends on the sleeping position you prefer.
Expensive pillows are typically defined by their filling and the two most popular and comfortable pillows are down or a combination of down and feather. So why is down so expensive? There is much less down than there are feathers on a goose or duck. That translates into higher prices.
Although luxury pillows may cost more than the average pillow, they are an investment. Since this type of pillow is often more durable, it retains its shape and has a longer than average lifespan. Luxury pillows are often made with breathable materials to help keep sleepers comfortable and prevent heat retention.
It is recommended that side sleepers use two pillows - but, before you get excited, they aren't both for beneath your head! To align your spine and ensure that you're getting the support that you need, it is recommended to sleep with one pillow beneath your head, and one between your knees.
1. The White Willow Cooling Gel Memory Foam Orthopedic Bed Pillow for Sleeping & Neck Pain Relief for Back Sleeper, Side Sleeper & Stomach Sleeper with Pillow Cover - Check here for Amazon offer. This pillow is rectangular and comes in multi-colours for head, neck, and back purposes.
Hotel pillows are made from high-quality materials, which enhance comfort and breathability. Hotel pillows tend to be more expensive, as hotels are eager to spend copious amounts of money on premium-quality pillows for their guests.
Chiropractors often recommend pillows made from memory foam or latex. These materials mold to your body and provide gentle support. You may also want to consider a pillow with a built-in neck roll. This can help keep your spine aligned while you sleep.
One scent that bed bugs find appealing is dirty laundry or dirty bedding because of how it smells once it's come in contact with humans. Research has shown that bed bugs prefer previously worn clothing and used bedding, which is why you shouldn't leave these items on the floor close to your bed.
Mattresses and pillows make potential habitats for bed bugs. Pillows may also be host to bed bug eggs, making them a potential point of bed bug infestations. A possible sign that bed bugs have infested pillows may be the appearance of bites.
Dust mites can infest all kinds of pillows -- feather, down, microfiber, or polyester foam. That means notone type is immune to them.