Buying a new bed is only half the equation to a good, restful night’s sleep. Without a pillow that helps you get comfortable, rest will not come easy. But just how do you make sure that the pillow you’re about to buy fits what you’re looking for, and what your body needs? Keep reading for a guide on how to pick the perfect pillow for your new bed.
Know the Fill
First, you should understand the different fillings your bed pillow could have. Most commonly, you will be able to choose between down feathers, polyester fibers, and foam. While down feathers are a popular choice thanks to their natural materials and comfort, be careful – you don’t want to discover that you are allergic the first time you rest your head.
Polyester fillings on the other hand are cheaper, hypoallergenic, and machine washable – but they may not last as long. Finally, if you are looking for particularly firm support, foam pillows may be your best bet – even though you may have to replace them sooner.
Know Your Sleeping Position
Back sleepers have different pillow needs than those sleeping on their sides. If you sleep on your back, you will want to avoid neck pain at all costs, and that can only be done if your pillow is fluffy enough – meaning that it offers you the support it needs to keep your head high, while still allowing you to sink up enough that your head is not at an uncomfortable position.
Side sleepers, on the other hand, often prefer memory foam pillows with less fluff and more support, This allows them to turn and rest their heads easily, again without getting that dreaded neck pain. As soon as your muscles lay in a position that they’re not used to for a time, they will begin to tense up, and make your sleep less restful. That’s why your pillow should absolutely be different based on your sleeping position.
Prevent Snoring and Stuffy Noses
Did you know that your choice of pillow can actually help you prevent snoring and breathe more easily? It’s true – a pillow that lifts your head frees your airways, which enables your nose to clear out easily and stay that way throughout the night.
One caveat: you don’t want to sacrifice comfort for the sake of snoring, so don’t get a pillow that lifts your head so high that it tenses up your muscles. You don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night with a tense neck, ruining your rest.
Know the Implications of Thread Count
You may not think of thread count when you buy your pillow, but many nonetheless advertise their specific number to customers. The nice thing about thread count is that you can directly feel the benefits in store: more threads mean softer, but also more expensive, so it’s up to you to decide whether you want to sacrifice comfort or your wallet.
If you make the financially prudent choice, don’t worry: even 250 thread count pillows should be plenty comfortable enough for you to comfortably lay your head at night.
And in the end, that’s what it comes down to. Despite all of your different options available in stores like ours, your pillow should fulfill a single goal: to be comfortable for you and guide you through a restful journey to dreamland. If it can’t achieve that, you probably should get a new one.
But careful: just because your first night was less than ideal does not mean you should rush back to the store to get a replacement. Your pillow may need a few days to break in, and your head may need a few days to adjust to the new height of the pillow. If, after a few days, your comfort does not increase, you can always Contact Us and discuss your options for a new pillow.