Are you experiencing headaches, neck pain, and arm numbness? These may be the result of choosing the wrong pillow.

You may have heard about the importance of choosing the right mattress in order to enhance the quality of your sleep but you may not have heard half as much about the importance of knowing how to choose the right pillow.

The right pillow can drastically increase the quality of your night’s rest and can be even more advantageous if you have health conditions like sleep apnea or back pain.

Are you trying to get a good night’s sleep but aren’t sure how to choose a good pillow? Read on to learn everything you need to know about making the right choice.

How Do You Choose the Right Pillow?

Choosing the right pillow involves a variety of factors such as the quality of the filling, the fill power, pillow size, and your sleep posture. The type of pillowcase you choose is also important. There are silk pillowcase benefits as well as cotton and wool pillowcase benefits.

The best pillow choice is one that takes all these factors into consideration. Additionally, you should bear in mind that a good pillow is one that is comfortable and supports your head, neck, and shoulders.

Goose and Duck Down

On the market, you will find pillow fills made of feathers, wool, cotton or synthetics (rayon, latex, and foam). If you like soft, lightweight pillows, then you will like down pillows because they are made of goose or duck fibers.

Goose down is softer than duck down and is also more expensive. Of note is that, though some down pillows are said to have pure down, there may be feathers and other types of fill in them.

You may have an allergy concern regarding down pillows. This usually arises from down pillows that are of lesser quality.

In these cases, you can choose a hypoallergenic type of down or “Hypodown”, which is said to have pure down and anti-allergic substances. They also boast an overall better quality and durability.

Wool Fiber Pillows

Wool fiber pillows are like diamonds in the rough. They have a good mixture of quality, temperature regulation properties, durability and are naturally hypoallergenic. They are also firmer, so if you want a softer wool pillow, go with alpaca wool instead of cashmere fibers.

If you would like an equivalent to wool, you can try cotton pillows. They are also hypoallergenic, firm and resistant to molds and dust mites. They are a good choice for persons with allergies or hypersensitivity.

Latex Fiber Pillows

If you want a pillow that is firmer than a down pillow but is still extremely comfortable, then you can try a latex pillow. They are made of latex as the name suggests, like wool and cotton pillows, they are resistant to dust mites and molds. They are also very firm!

Latex pillows offer support to the head and neck and help to keep the body aligned during sleep.

Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam is a unique type of material that adjusts to your unique upper body shape. It conforms to your head, neck, and shoulders.

It softens, retains your body temperature and distributes the weight throughout the pillow. This foam retains heat but higher quality memory foam pillows will usually allow for ventilation.

Once you’ve chosen the pillow fill that is most suitable for you the next step is to choose the best quality in that type. Bear in mind that this will be reflected in the price. As with most things, the better the quality, the more expensive it will be but in the long run, but it will be worth it.

What about Fill Power?

When it comes to filling power, a higher number means that the quality is better. A fill power of six hundred or higher denotes a higher quality of a synthetic or down pillow.

Be mindful though that a fill power of eight hundred or higher does not necessarily mean that the pillow is best for you!

Pillow Size

Try to get a pillow with the size and thickness that corresponds with your overall posture, body alignment, and personal comfort. This should be the case whether it a standard-sized, small or large pillow.

Some pillows have unique shapes as well, that offer additional stability and support. You may come across contoured body pillows or cervical contour pillows. Always ensure that they are tested and proven in their ability to offer sustainable support to the head, neck, shoulders, and spine.

How Sleeping Positions Should Affect Your Pillow Choice

If you tend to sleep on your back, you may need a softer, flatter pillow to help to keep your head and neck aligned. This will also help to reduce the stress on your neck. A good option would be a memory foam pillow or an extra pillow under your knees to lessen the pressure on your lower back.

If you sleep on your stomach, you may need a very soft, flat pillow. In fact, you will probably need the thinnest pillow available. Since sleeping on your stomach puts a lot of pressure on your lower back.

If you generally sleep on your side, you will need a firmer, thicker pillow. Get one that is as thick as the distance between your outer shoulder and ear.

You will need a pillow that adequately supports your head, neck, and shoulders. You may also sleep with a pillow between your thighs to better align your spine.

Final Thoughts on How to Choose the Right Pillow

Choosing the wrong pillow can be a pain in the neck, literally. Knowing how to choose the right pillow can be beneficial for a lifetime of comfort. Choosing the right pillow aids in supporting a healthy sleep posture which can prevent strain, discomfort, and sleeplessness.

Keep the above factors in mind when choosing your next pillow and you should get a good night’s sleep. If you would like more health tips, please visit the health and wellness section of our website.