How to Choose a Bed Pillow

Pillows that are inappropriate for an individual can cause muscle strain, neck and spine problems. The muscles of the back and shoulder often have to compensate for bad pillow use in order to correct the proper alignment of the head and neck. Here are some tips to help you sleep better when choosing a pillow.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access, optional
• Pillow
• Time to shop around

1. 
    
   Colorful and practical pillows

   Find the type of pillow that you like and of which works best for you. You may mean need to shop around and try out several before determining. Weigh in the allergy factor and comfort preferences into consideration.

2. A memory-foam pillow is made of material that forms to the shape of a sleeper's head and neck. These are helpful in relieving back and neck pressure; pain.

3. A synthetic pillow is filled with artificial materials. These pillows are often used by allergy sufferers since they can be washed easily and frequently. However, pillows of this kind are less durable than other types and they need to be replaced more often.

4. Natural feathers or down pillows are the best kind of pillows. Inspect the fabric of a pillow this kind before buying. Some woven fabrics will have feathers poking through or escaping easily which irritate the user while trying to sleep.

5. Water-based pillow is interesting, in that it has the flexibility of decreasing or increasing height by the user releasing or adding water. Like the memory-foam pillow, it helps preventing neck or cervical injury and pain.

6. Believe it or not, the height and density of a pillow can affect a person's sleep quality. If a pillow is too high for a user,, it can cause neck pain caused by an awkward sleep angle. On the other hand, a pillow t too low is not supporting the sleeper's head and neck properly.

7. 
    
   Pillows

   For Stomach Sleepers. A softer pillow is best. It allows the neck, shoulder, the back and spine to lie flat rather than being at an arched position.
   
   For Back Sleepers. A medium to firm pillow gives the right support and comfort to the neck.
   
   For Side Sleepers. Choose firmer pillow to help support the spine.
   
   For the Restless Sleepers. A medium density pillow will provide a variety of comfortable positions.

8. 
    
   Comfortable pillows

   You get what you pay for. Cheap pillows might seem like a bargain in the short term, but they tend to lose neck support and flatten quickly. High quality pillows cost more but they last longer and are more durable.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider an overfilled pillow if you need more support.

[sneedc]

on 4/2/2009 I'm like Goldilocks: too soft, too hard, just right! Thanks for helping us figure out the great, pillow dilemma! GREAT AVATAR, too, by the way-- i heart it! 5*

[sonni57]

on 3/30/2009 Nicely done article on how to choose a bed pillow this is very helpful.