One's health requires sleep, yet many do not know that a good night's sleep can be as easy as buying the right pillow. Most of us may not be aware of the profound effect of the pillow we choose on a sleepless night, leading to dull mornings dominated by yawning and harmful mood buildup during the day.
All types of pillows have advantages and disadvantages, be it memory foam, latex, or down feathers. Everybody has varied demands regarding their preferred sleeping position, so not all pillows are equal (stomach, back, side sleeper, etc.). It's up to you to figure out what best suits your needs and circumstances.
If you sleep on your back, get a medium loft pillow. Just make sure that you choose a good neck support pillow. Similarly, you will need a firmer pillow to keep your spine and neck in alignment. In contrast, individuals who sleep on their stomachs usually require a slenderer and flatter pillow that causes less pressure on their necks. Let's discuss different types of sleepers and introduce the best pillow for sleep.
Popular Pillows for Sleep
Here are some popular choices of the most comfortable pillows for sleep:
Type | Pros | Cons | Best for |
---|---|---|---|
Memory Foam | Contours to head and neck, providing personalized support and alignment | May retain heat, the potential for off-gassing odor | Side sleepers and back sleepers who need extra support and pressure relief. |
Down | Soft and luxurious feel, easily moldable for customizable comfort | Potential allergens require frequent fluffing | Stomach sleepers and back sleepers who prefer a softer, more moldable pillow. |
Latex | Highly durable and resilient, it maintains shape and support over time | Heavier weight, the initial chemical smell may be off-putting | Side sleepers and back sleepers who prefer a firmer, more supportive pillow. |
Buckwheat | Conforms to head and neck, provides customizable support | Noisy, distinct odor | Side sleepers, back sleepers who prefer firmer support |
Bamboo | Breathable and moisture-wicking, ideal for hot sleepers | May lack support compared to other materials | Hot sleepers, individuals with allergies or sensitivities |
Polyester | Affordable and easy to care for | Lacks durability and support, may flatten over time | Budget-conscious shoppers, individuals seeking hypoallergenic options |
Adjustable | Customizable loft and firmness, versatile for different sleep positions | Customizable loft and firmness, the best pillow for all sleep positions | Combination sleepers, individuals with specific comfort preferences |
Types of Sleepers
Choose a sleeping pillow designed to support your specific sleeping positions. This will ensure adequate support and spine alignment, giving you more comfort and refreshment during the night.
1. Side Sleepers
Side sleepers must have enough support to fill the space difference from the head to the shoulders, ensuring that the neck and spine are right. An ideal pillow that contours while supporting the normal curvature of the neck is at the top of the list.
The somewhat higher height or excess firmness of memory foam pillows, which does not allow them to sink excessively, provides the best support for people who prefer sleeping on their sides.
2. Back Sleepers
People who sleep on their backs should focus on a pillow that preserves the natural curvature of the neck and positions the head to align with the rest of the spine. Medium-firm pillows are ideally recommended if you sleep on your back. These will suffice to offer you enough support, but they are flexible.
Back sleepers may also find these adjustable-height pillows suitable, as the height can be regulated to one's liking. The best pillows have that inner core support with a soft and comfortable outer layer.
3. Stomach Sleepers
Too thick a pillow will only lead to a strained neck and lower back. Stomach sleepers will be most satisfied with thin, firm layers to avoid sore neck and straining problems and have the best spine alignment.
Depending on your preference, use ultra-soft memory foam or down pillows that can be compressed easily. Two pillows, one under your head and another under the belly, help the support transfer onto the hips, avoiding pain in the lower back.
4. Combination Sleepers
Mixed sleepers need a flexible pillow because their sleeping position is not static at night. Memory foam pillows are only helpful in that they can be repositioned according to the preferred sleeping position. The best sleep pillow for a combination sleeper would be an adjustable pillow made of fillable material such as latex sheets or microfiber.
This means you can increase the height and firmness of such a pillow to cater to different sleeping needs. Selecting a pillow designed for an individual sleep style will give you support and good alignment, providing the most comfortable and restful sleep.
What Pillow do you need if you're a Side Sleeper?
Like many, getting that perfect pillow has always meant a lot for an avid side sleeper. But that all ended with the discovery of the sleeper pillow by Eli & Elm. When you first lay your head on this pillow, it dawns on you that you have connected with none other than the most excellent pillow in the world.
The cooling side sleeper pillow provides optimum neck support. Your neck will be properly aligned all night; hence, it's a contour pillow. The worry of uncomfortable nights will no longer bother the Eli & Elm Pillow. The unique curve design can give maximum comfort, including that at the shoulder, so you can sleep without pain.
The customers highly appreciate this pillow's exceptional adjustability: it can adjust height and firmness perfectly for them. Furthermore, hypoallergenic materials with breathability will ensure a comfortable yet healthy sleeping atmosphere.
Eli & Elm Cooling Side Sleeper Pillow
Best For Side And Back Sleepers
Experts who conducted exhaustive tests on different-material pillows evaluated our pillow best. Unlike other pillows built by combining a single piece of foam, memory foam is a component of our pillow that can conform to and take the body's shape, making it suitable for back sleepers.
Resting your head upon this pillow effortlessly compresses while providing ample support to cradle your head and neck. It effectively prevents the buildup of moisture and rapidly cools down. Furthermore, it remains resilient and free from clumps, odors, or frayed edges even after multiple washes.
You can wash your pillow many times, yet it will remain new with no smell after the sewage plants add their odor. It's just a fabric that makes people feel better. It has a soft cloth and benefits knee surgery patients, among other things, which was the case for those who had a knee replacement, and to get any sleep, they had to lie on their back.
An Adjustable Pillow
But this pillow's best feature is its adjustable feature. The memory foam that fills it is included in an extra bag, so you may add or remove fill to customize the firmness to your preference (the brand offers suggested heights of pillows for side, back, and stomach sleepers).
It took a few weeks of trying the pillow to figure out the perfect reclining level, which is the most comfortable. They raise the pillow higher than usual to support their extra-long necks so they can move the small pieces fully. More manageable steps include opening the zipper and inserting the foam into it, picking up an appropriate amount of foam padding, and putting it into the pillow.
Key Takeaways
- It offers ideal neck support, preventing neck strain in the region for side sleepers.
- Its build takes the pressure off your shoulders, reducing any discomfort you might have while sleeping.
- Proper spine alignment makes one experience less of that likelihood of waking up with back pain.
- The ergonomic shape of the pillow helps with even weight distribution, relieving pressure on the hips and knees.
- It offers configurable comfort so that you can customize its height and firmness.
- It is made of breathable fabrics, which ensure temperature control and regulate the conditions to become more conducive to sleep.
- Its hypoallergenic properties make it adequate for those allergic to pillow materials, thus promoting sound sleep. The design accommodates side or back sleepers with different sleeping preferences.
Best Pillow for Pregnant Women
It is natural for the body of a woman to alter during the times of pregnancy; hence, she needs to get the support and comfort to have better sleep:
Support for the Growing Belly
Many women become pregnant and face issues with finding a comfortable sleep position. A soft pad that also holds the belly in place releases more traction and some of the pain. U, C or L-shaped pregnancy pillows are ideal for hugging the belly from various sides of your body, womb, or neither.
Relief for Back Pain
Many pregnant women experience back pain as their bellies grow and force the spine to support more weight. Pregnancy pillows with body firm support can help reduce back pain during pregnancy by providing proper spinal alignment and supporting the areas that develop pressure points. The unique U-shaped or L-shaped pillows allow pregnant women to rest comfortably on their sides while providing sufficient support to the back and hips.
U-shaped or C-shaped Pregnancy Pillows
U—or C-shaped pregnancy pillows are among the best-fitting for women's needs. They surround the body and simultaneously support the back, hips, abdomen, and legs. Their ergonomic design permits women to sleep without the annoyance of some pillows or any constant adjustments.
Adjustable Fill
Special U—or L-shaped pregnancy pillows with the added functionality of cushion type or additional support areas create personalized pillows for expectant mothers. This customization ensures that the pillow delivers support and comfort throughout the pregnancy.
Versatility for Postpartum Use
Moreover, U-shaped or full-body pregnancy pillows are helpful during pregnancy and advantageous postpartum. These pillows can significantly help the breastfeeding or bottle-feeding process and eliminate discomfort during recovery. The innovative design of these pillows ensures that they are not only limited to pregnant persons but can also be of use beyond the pregnancy period.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Provides support for the growing belly | Large sizes may take up significant bed space |
Alleviates discomfort such as back pain | Higher price compared to standard pillows |
Improves sleep quality | Some pillows may be challenging to clean or maintain |
Versatile for different sleeping positions | An adjustment period may be needed for some users |
It can be used for postpartum support | May restrict movement during sleep |
How is Eli & Elm's pregnancy pillow different?
The Eli & Elm pregnancy pillow is a premium product that becomes a full body pillow in case of pregnancy and a means to alleviate body pains brought by pregnancy that a pregnant woman can use. It is built with the topmost items and comes with a changeable mode that women's bodies will be ready for throughout the three trimesters of gestation.
Features
Fabric | 37% Cotton, 2% Spandex, and 61% Polyester |
Fill | 75% Memory Foam and 25% Polyester Fiber |
Size | 8lbs 56" |
Items in the package | (1) Pillow (1) bag of additional fill (1) pillowcase |
Best Body Pillow for Pregnancy
Eli & Elm pregnancy pillow is one of the best body pillows for pregnancy for the following reasons. First, it's designed by professionals who consider all the parameters of a pregnant woman, knowing how to accommodate all physiological needs for pregnancy and pregnancy support. Moreover, the pillow is filled with plush memory foam for a soft feel that retains its shape over time.
This human-like-feel memory foam helps to mold your curves and give your shoulders and neck the support you need to hold that position. It is a breathable pillow that relieves neck, shoulder, and back pain.
Furthermore, this pillow is designed in a long L-shape so that you can wrap your arms and legs around it. The L-shape helps the joints and back feel better since many pregnant women suffer back pain.
Best Pillow to Sleep on Back
For those of you who spend the night in a back-sleeping stupor like many, pregnancy drastically changes things. As the baby adopts its final kicking-over-the-humans position, its weight makes sleeping on your back uncomfortable, straining your spine and compressing your major blood vessels.
But we can’t give up a habit so quickly now, can we? The curve of our pillow supports your whole body and keeps your back straight when sleeping, helping you relieve back pressure and have a comfortable sleep. The pillow’s soft microfiber cover is gentle on the skin, ensuring you don’t wake up with any marks or indentations on your face.
Best Pillow to Sleep on the Side
Doctors have since recommended mothers-to-be to sleep on their sides to increase circulation and decrease the chance of stillbirth. However, laying on the side may also result in hip and lower back pain. That’s where the Eli & Elm pregnancy pillow comes in handy.
Hugging the pillow and placing it between your legs will help keep everything aligned. This means less pressure on your lower back and reduced hip and spine pain. This method also benefits people whose legs are prone to swelling over time. They can simply put the pillow under their knees and elevate their legs!
Conclusion
Per the preferences and sleep patterns, the quality of the pillow, regarded as "the best," will differ for each individual. Memory foam pillows have become famous for their incredible care and stress reduction power because they mold the head and neck curve just right. Latex is an excellent feature of an eco-friendly, long-lasting, and firm pillow for those who love to insulate themselves. Its mold—and dust mite-resistance features and the unique enjoyment and back-up support combo it provides.
After all, the most perfect is the one that gives you comfort and support as you sleep—like extra neck support or using hypoallergenic materials—and brings your head and neck into your spine.