Are you a side sleeper? You probably have sleepless nights due to neck pain or headache. One of the best ways to resolve these sleeping issues for side sleepers is sleeping on a firm pillow, which provides adequate head and neck support.
What is a firm pillow? It is usually a memory foam that is not too soft, but not too hard pillow either that conforms well to the neck of back sleepers. But how do you choose the best firm pillow?
Below are the important things to consider when you’re choosing the best firm pillow for you or your loved one.
Sleep Position
Regardless of what the firmness level of the pillow you’re looking for is, the first step in determining the best pillow for you is determining your sleep position.
Here are the different sleeping positions:
- Fetal Position: It’s a popular sleep position among women. This position allows the spine to rest in a natural alignment. Also, this sleeping position is ideal for pregnant women as it improves blood circulation. Attain better sleep with this position by stretching out a bit for a more relaxed back.
- Log: It’s the usual position for side sleepers wherein the arms are both down and close to the body. It helps cut sleep apnea, neck pain, and back pain, keeping the spine aligned. You can sleep better with this position by placing a soft pillow between your knees. You can also use a folded towel or blanket as an alternative to ease pressure on the hips. Firm pillows are the best for side sleepers. Choosing the right loft of a firm pillow aligns your neck and spine for better sleep.
- Freefall: This position is practiced by stomach sleepers (lying on the stomach). The arms of stomach sleepers are usually tucked under the pillow or on the side of the head. Stomach sleepers should avoid pillows that are too stiff.
- Soldier: It’s the sleeping position of back sleepers with arms on the sides. This sleep position causes snoring that can disrupt sleep. You can avoid body aches associated with this sleep position by placing a rolled-up towel or pillow under your knees.
Pillow Loft
When choosing the best firm pillow, it is important to consider the pillow loft. What is a pillow loft? It refers to how high a pillow sits under your head and neck when you are lying flat. So it only means that a high loft pillow tends to be a thicker pillow.
Here are the good-to-know facts about pillow loft:
- Pillows with high-quality materials tend to maintain their loft longer. The high-end pillow fillings that best maintain loft longer include buckwheat husk and down feather.
- A high lift pillow looks round with a panel or gusset along the sides, making the pillow more rectangular. On the other hand, a low loft pillow is thinner.
- High loft pillows look more solid and thicker, but it does not mean they don’t cradle the neck and head in the appropriate places. It also holds the same with thinner pillows. Low soft pillows don’t necessarily mean they are lifeless or don’t provide support.
- Determine the right loft for you by considering your sleeping position. For instance, side sleepers are more comfortable with high loft pillows. Also, high loft pillows are used as a body pillow. On the other hand, stomach and back sleepers prefer lower loft pillow because they provide better comfort.
Pillow Size
Because pillow firmness level subjectively defines comfort, it’s crucial to determine the best pillow size when choosing a firm pillow. The standard pillow size (common pillow) is 20×26 inches. For a king, a queen, and a super standard pillow size, they measure 20×36, 30, and 28 inches, respectively.
Here are some tips when choosing the best pillow size for optimum sleeping comfort:
- Pillows with standard sizes are ideal for any sleeper or sleeping position.
- Larger sized pillows are highly recommended for side sleepers, filling the spaces between the head and shoulder with utmost support.
- Make sure to buy pillowcases that fit pillows well, most especially for high loft and larger pillows. By doing so, it prevents compression of materials.
Your Comfort
An important thing to consider when choosing the best firm pillow is your comfort. Try hugging the pillow in a physical store to get an idea of how it feels. If there’s a mattress available, try using the pillow on the mattress, assuming your sleep position using the firm pillow.
If you’re buying a firm pillow online, check customers’ testimonials. Determine the pillow material used and features highlighted on the listing. In that way, you can still make the right decision even without seeing and feeling the pillow itself.
Conclusion
With the wide range of pillow types, sizes, and brands in the market today, it can be overwhelming to choose the best firm pillow for you. However, taking into consideration your regular sleep position, pillow loft, pillow size, and comfort would make decision-making a lot easier.