The Best Pillows for Different Sleeping Problems
By Lisa Selvaggio
July 22, 2020Do you ever wonder if your pillow might be having an effect on your ability to get a great night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free? Well, the answer is, yes, it could have an impact. Sleeping on the wrong pillow can result in your body being improperly aligned, and that may end up causing discomfort, it might interrupt your rest, and it may even cause you to wake up with aches or stiffness.
The solution? Well, you might only need to change the pillow that you’re using. And, as you shop, you can search for pillows designed for your favorite sleeping position so you can get the best results. Check out our short guide below to get started, and to read about some of our top picks when it comes to comfortable pillows.
For Back Sleepers
If you prefer to sleep on your back, it’s a good idea to get a pillow that will help your neck maintain its natural curve. In other words, the pillow should support the cervical spine. Consider searching for one that’s medium-firm and filled with latex, memory foam, or a down alternative, as this option might be better at properly supporting your head. Also, you don’t want a pillow that’s too high because this is likely to cause your head and neck to be pushed out of alignment with the rest of your spine.
Here are some pillows to consider when you’re a back sleeper:
- Dr. Loth’s Spine Align Pillow — Features include adjustable loft, shredded latex foam and polyfill blend filling, and a design that may help reduce neck pain and headaches.
- Casper Original Pillow — Features include polyester microfiber filling, cotton cover, and adjustable loft.
- Purple Pillow — Features include a fully adjustable loft (3” to 7.5”), Hyper-Elastic Polymer filling, and polyester bamboo blend cover.
For Side Sleepers
If you tend to spend a lot of time sleeping on your side, you’ll want a pillow that can help keep your head and neck in alignment with the rest of your spine. You may want to try a pillow that is labeled extra-firm or firm to see if it helps, and one that’s thicker might also be beneficial. Latex and memory foam options can be a good place to start when searching for a product that will provide this kind of support, and you might even opt for a contoured pillow to see if that provides additional comfort.
Here are some pillows to consider when you’re a side sleeper:
- SleepBetter Iso-Cool, Gusseted Side Sleeper Pillow — Features include 5” loft, a 100% cotton cover, supportive contouring, and memory foam.
- Tempur-Cloud Soft & Conforming Pillow — Features include a cotton cover and memory foam, and it’s designed to maintain its shape and stay cool.
- Adjustable Layla Pillow — Features include a copper-infused fabric cover, along with shredded memory foam and natural kapok filling that you can adjust to suit your needs.
For Stomach Sleepers
If you like to sleep on your stomach, a pillow that’s soft and thin, rather than high and firm, is more likely to keep you from waking up with discomfort. It’s a good idea to keep your head as flat as possible in this position, so low pillows are recommended. Thin foam, polyester, or down alternative may be just what you need to sleep in a way that will help prevent neck pain.
Here are some pillows to consider when you’re a stomach sleeper:- Elite Rest Ultra Slim Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow — Features include 2.5” loft, cotton cover, and memory foam filling.
- Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim, Gel-Infused, Memory Foam Pillow — Features include 3” loft, bamboo cover and memory foam, and it’s designed to stay cool.
- Sleep Restoration Gel-Fiber Filled Pillow — Features include gel-fiber fill, cotton cover, and a combination of firm and soft support.
What About Combination Sleepers?
If you’re a combination sleeper, which means you sometimes sleep on your back, your side, and your stomach, it can be a little more challenging to find the perfect pillow. For example, some pillows are great for stomach and back sleepers, but wouldn’t be ideal for side sleepers, so it could be hard to find a pillow that will fit all of your needs.
Remember, a thicker pillow might feel great when you’re sleeping on your side because it can help fill the space between your head and shoulder to maintain alignment, but if you’re sleeping on your back or stomach while using a pillow with a high loft, you’ll likely lose proper alignment.
We recommend checking out the Birch Pillow, which features adjustable loft, medium firmness, a cotton cover, and shredded latex and Birch Wool filling.
Finding the Right Pillow Might Make a Difference in Your Sleep Quality
Shopping for a pillow that suits your preferred sleep position might help you wake up feeling ready to take on the day, without any aches, pains, or stiffness holding you back. It might take some trial and error, but it will be worth the effort. And with so many options on the market, it’s easier than ever to find the pillow that’s just right for you.
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