Pro Pillow Help

Previously, we provided a brief introduction into choosing the right sleeping pillow for you. Here’s a further explanation of what to look for:

 

Loft
The loft of a pillow refers to how thick the pillow is without anything on top of it. Back sleepers tend to prefer medium-loft pillows, which are those that measure 3-5” thick. With a medium-loft pillow, most back sleepers will maintain spinal alignment.

 

Support
A supportive pillow will hold your head and neck in place, rather than allow them to sink all the way down to the mattress. Support generally results from a combination of a pillow’s loft, firmness level, and materials.

 

Firmness Level
Most back sleepers prefer medium-firm pillows. The firmness level of a pillow determines how it feels and how much it flattens in response to weight. Pillows of all material types can be firm or soft. Often, the density of the pillow’s materials is what determines firmness.

 

Pressure Relief
A pillow provides pressure relief by evenly distributing weight. Pressure relief is closely tied to a pillow’s loft and firmness level. When a pillow is too thick or firm for a sleeper, they tend to develop pressure points in their neck. Pressure points can lead to discomfort or even pain over time.

 

Shape
Most bed pillows are rectangular, though their loft and shape can vary. Down and down alternative pillows tend to look more rounded. A gusset, or a fabric panel surrounding the edge of a pillow, can give the top of these pillows a flatter look and feel. Molded memory foam and latex pillows tend to be flat and rectangular. Specialty orthopedic pillows feature irregular shapes designed for particular sleep positions.

 

Price
Pillows sell for anywhere from ten to hundreds of dollars. Price is largely determined by the costs associated with the pillow’s materials and construction. Down, latex and organic pillows tend to cost more than down alternative and memory foam pillows. 

 

Quality Materials
Within each type of pillow material, there are varying qualities available. Higher density memory foam is usually higher quality than low-density foam. Down pillows with a higher percentage of down are higher quality than those with a lower percentage of down.

 

Janice Brock,
Owner, Custom Covers and Custom Shades