You think a pillow is a pillow. It just has to be soft and fit under your head, right? Your head, neck and back don’t agree. Getting a good night’s sleep can depend a lot on your pillow, so when choosing one, here are some important questions to ask.
What kind of sleeper are you? Do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach? Do you stay relatively still, or do you toss and turn a lot? Do you usually have a pillow under your head, or do you mold yourself into a pillow chrysalis? This is probably the most important thing to keep in mind when deciding what type of pillow works best for you and we’ve noted our picks below based on sleeping style.
What is the pillow made of? Pillows can be filled with all kinds of materials, from feathers to foam. Down and synthetic down are fluffy clusters of fibers that can feel soft and comfortable, while memory foam is designed to compress with the weight of your head but still return to its original shape. goes Organic latex pillows can be heavy and spongy, holding the side sleeper’s head in place. There are also hybrid pillows that use multiple layers of different materials for a more textured feel.
How is the content obtained? Since some materials like down feathers come from animals, you’ll want to be aware of how manufacturers stuff them (literally). Down filling usually comes from the belly feathers of ducks or geese. To ensure that down feathers are obtained ethically—avoiding cruel practices such as live plucking—programs like the Responsible Down Standard set standards must be followed. Another option is to look for synthetic down alternatives, which use cotton, rayon, or polyester as synthetic substitutes. The Broader Material Matters Standard is a recently completed system for assessing the environmental impact and sustainability of bedding manufacturers.
How mature is it? However you sleep, you want a pillow that keeps your spine straight and your head aligned with your back. This means you want something strong enough to support your head but soft enough that it doesn’t dig into your ears or face.
How high? “Loft” is a term often used to describe how high a pillow raises your head off the bed. If the pillow is too long, for example, you may be leaning your neck upwards and pressing it all night long. Most pillows generally fall into one of three categories: Low-left, which is relatively small and ideal for back sleepers; high-top, which is better for side sleepers (because your head will be off the bed when you’re on your back); and Medium Loft, which is somewhere in between and if you’re a combination sleeper who doesn’t stick to a particular sleep pattern.
What is the pillow’s warranty and return policy? You might not think that the pillow you sleep (and sweat) on would have a strong warranty, but many pillow manufacturers offer generous policies. For example, Purple offers a one-year warranty and even a 100-night trial period. Casper has a similar warranty and 30-day trial. If you’re not sure if your new pillow is right for you, check the company’s policies on which way to try before you commit—and make sure you’re covered if something goes wrong. are safe.
