Bed Pillows

It’s said the average person will spend approximately 26 years of their life sleeping. That being said, it’s no surprise that we’re constantly looking for ways to make our rest more relaxing. One of the ways you can add comfort and support to your slumber is with pillows. Nowadays it’s hard to not find a pillow that’s designed for a specific person in mind, so whether you’re a side sleeper or prefer to cuddle up with a body pillow, there’s one out there just for you.

Which pillows are best for the position I sleep in?

Everyone has a preference for how they sleep. Not surprisingly, this preference also requires a different kind of pillow for maximum comfort and support. To make it easy for you to find your perfect pillow, we’ve matched up different sleeping preferences with the proper pillows right here:
• Side sleeper: Look for a design with firm support that cradles your head, neck and shoulders. Some styles designed for side sleepers feature a gusset, or rectangular side.
• Back sleeper: Your pillows should have a medium level of support that supports your head, neck, shoulders and upper spine.
• Stomach sleeper: You’ll want a design that offers soft support so your head isn’t forced to either side.

There are additional pillow styles available to provide extra support and comfort, including orthopedic pillows. A neck pillow can provide extra support for your head and neck, while others can be tucked between your knees or are shaped like a wedge to lift your upper body up while you lie in bed.

What type of pillow filling is best?

The optimal type of filling doesn’t just depend on any allergies you might have. Different fillings provide different levels of support — for instance, a down-filled style will be softer and less supportive than a memory foam pillow. Have a peek at our list of fill choices, then decide which one best fits your needs.
• Natural fills: These include down and down blends. They’ll emulate what sleeping on a soft cloud must feel like, but won’t provide as much support as foam or synthetic styles. If you do have allergies but still love the idea of soft, downy pillows, look for down filling that’s been specially cleaned to remove allergens. If you’re still hesitant, try a poly-cluster fill instead.
• Synthetic fills: For an in-between softness that still provides support, look for a synthetic blend filling. These are also generally hypoallergenic and tend to be less expensive than down-filled varieties.
• Memory foam: For maximum support, nothing quite beats a memory foam pillow. These will soften a bit after long-term use, but if taken care of they’ll last for quite a while. Foam styles can be notorious for heating up as you sleep, so if that’s a concern look for a foam-filled cooling pillow.

How do I know when it’s time to replace my pillows?

As a general rule, it’s advised you replace your pillows every 6 months. If that seems far too soon to let go of your favorite sleeping accessory, try to at least replace them within 2 years. Why so soon? Just like your mattress, your pillows can become a safe haven for dust mites, dead skin cells and other unwanted nastiness.