The 11 Best Pillows For All Sleeping Positions
As more studies release startling numbers, such as one in three American adults not getting enough sleep, the more sleep technology continues to advance. Products like sleep-tracking smartwatches and even smart beds may make it seem like you have to spend thousands to improve the quality of your Zs; however, upgrading your pillows may actually be the most underrated, relatively inexpensive method. After all, we typically spend at least one third of our time with our head on one. 60 percent of respondents believed that their pillows had an impact on their ability to get quality sleep, while one in four reported that they never or rarely got a good night’s sleep in the past month. The respondents also averaged using two pillows, which indicates that many may use multiple worn out pillows, instead of just one quality pillow. Myriad factors influence our sleeping habits, so regardless of when you last bought your pillow, it may be time to consider a new one that works better with your sleeping style and preferences.
Check out quick reviews below of our top five pillows, then scroll deeper for more helpful buying info and full reviews of those models, plus other high-ranking options. This shredded memory foam pillow can be adjusted to fit all sleeping preferences. Tempur-Pedic’s solid, dense memory foam is coated with a gel layer to keep you cool. Down lovers will appreciate this pillow’s luxuriously soft, but still supportive, feel. Complete a simple questionnaire and Pluto will design a pillow just for you. An affordable, quality shredded memory foam pillow that you can adjust to your liking. The way you sleep is the most important factor to consider when determining which pillow to Get Derila Official. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the population is made up mostly of side sleepers, with only eight percent of people sleeping on their backs and seven percent on their stomachs. Though in reality, most people likely move throughout the night, so we took this into account when selecting pillows for a variety of positions.
We consulted Micheal Breus, Buy Experience Derila Support Pillow Ph.D., also known as the Sleep Doctor, and a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, for his tips on choosing the best pillow to optimize your sleep. He advises that "the thickness or thinness of your pillow should enable you to sleep with your head, neck, and shoulders aligned with your spine, as well as provide you comfort." Generally, side sleepers will require firmer pillows with depths of four to six inches to fill in the gap between their shoulder and head. On the opposite side of the spectrum, stomach sleepers want soft, thinner pillows to prevent pushing their head back. Back sleepers may need somewhere in between, but still something relatively flat and soft. "If you have neck pain and sleep on your back, look for a pillow that provides additional support while maintaining the softness that’s comfortable for you," recommends Dr. Breus.
Some companies do label their pillows as good for side, back, stomach, or all sleeping positions. But because there are no industry standards for these claims, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the types of pillow fillings, too. While there are a few more filling options like cotton, latex, and wool, we’ve chosen the above materials due to their popularity and availability for most people. Pillows may also have additional features you’ll want to consider beyond their filling and firmness. For instance, fabrics like bamboo are better for cooling to regulate your temperature if you sleep hot, and pillows with gussets (side panels that add to the thickness) tend to provide more support for side sleepers. Many experts recommend replacing your pillows every one or two years, but there’s no need to throw away a perfectly good pillow if it still works for you. Plus, many lower quality pillows may lose their support in less time than that. Instead, you should consider getting new pillows if your old ones lack support and cause you to wake up with a sore neck.
Dr. Breus recommends doing a test by folding your pillow in half. If you place a pillow with natural filling across your arm, it should maintain its shape instead of hanging down. With synthetic pillows, if it doesn’t spring back into shape after folding it in half and applying a light weight on top of it like a shoe or book, then it’s time for a new one. "Like your mattress, your pillow is an investment in high-quality sleep, which pays dividends across your waking life," says Dr. Breus. So it’s worth upgrading your pillows whenever necessary and taking care of them to lengthen their life. As much as half of an old pillow’s weight may be attributed to dust mites, dead skin cells, and mold and mildew. Tossing your pillows in the wash, if they’re machine washable, can help reshape them and prevent the buildup of dust, stains, and smells. We researched reviews from 10 expert sources such as Good Housekeeping, Wirecutter, and The Spruce, as well as 34,000 ratings from people who have bought and used the pillows.