What Type of a Pillow Does a Side Sleeper Need?
According to a recent survey, 74% of people sleep on their sides. However, nearly 65% of those side sleepers lack a relaxing good night’s sleep. Do you know what the issue is? What causes discomfort and most of the time, pain in the neck or shoulders? It’s the pillow we sleep on! This article covers all the information needed to buy the best pillow for side sleepers.
Most people tend to neglect the importance of the right pillow. Furthermore, they do not select the pillow their body needs. Some people buy pillows that are either too high or too low. While some end up purchasing a pillow that lacks proper cushioning and support because of its core material.
This raises two important questions which we’ll be addressing for you shortly:
1. What are the things that a side sleeper should look for in a pillow?
2. Which material makes the best pillow for side sleepers and is recommended by Sleep Experts?
Why Should You Buy the Right Type of Pillow?
On a quick note, here are some of the reasons why side sleepers should get the right type of pillow:
- Your pillow directly affects your sleep quality and health.
- Unsupportive pillows cause neck pain because of putting the neck in an uncomfortable position all night long.
- If your pillow is extra firm, you get a stiff neck in the morning followed by headache and reduced efficiency at work.
- Sleeping on a pillow that isn’t supportive enough may also provoke breathing problems.
If you replace your current pillow with the best pillow for side sleepers, you may prevent these problems and their underlying consequences.
What Should Side Sleepers Look for in a Pillow?
Before buying the best pillow for side sleepers, don’t forget to keep a note of the following things:
1. Required Pillow Height:
Side sleepers should buy a pillow that has the right height to keep their spine properly aligned. The best pillow for side sleepers is the one which is approximately four inches high. Sleeping on a high pillow ensures that the side sleeper’s neck and shoulders do not tilt in any direction.
2. The Firmness of the Pillow
Sleepers who lie on their sides should make sure they sleep on a firm and supportive pillow that can maintain the curve of their head and neck. The best pillow for side sleepers is the one that cradles the neck and prevents any aches or complications.
3. Proper Contouring
It is equally important for side sleepers to buy a pillow that is soft and comfortable to give proper contouring to the head shape. This provides enormous relief from neck pain and prevents it further.
However, you should pay extreme attention to the positioning of your head and neck while you sleep. If you are a side sleeper, the correct way to lay on your pillow is to avoid putting it behind your neck.
4. Material
Many people opt for cheap pillows because they don’t know the exact use of a pillow. It is highly important to go for a pillow that is made up of the best material and provides basic neck support.
5. Warranty & Care
It is equally necessary to peek at the instructions and warranty of the pillow for its maintenance and your overall health. You must invest in a pillow that can be easily washed at home without any wear and tears. Not only it will be hygienic, but it will also keep your pillow as supportive as it was.
The Million-Dollar Question: What’s the Best Pillow for Side Sleepers?
Now that you know why is the right type of pillow important and what points should you consider, it is now time to know what makes the best pillow for side sleepers. Let’s point out the best material and why is it recommended for a side sleeper!
Material Options Available in the Market
Before concluding what’s best, it is important to analyze the type of materials available for making good quality pillows.
1. Latex
Latex is a natural and bouncy material that is extremely soft, comfortable, and most importantly, supportive. A latex pillow is not only eco-friendly and durable but also extremely cushioning. As soon as the sleeper lies down on it, it absorbs all the weight and springs back instantly to support the neck and head.
2. Memory Foam
Memory foam pillows are largely selected by people due to their unique properties. Since memory foam is made up of viscoelastic polyurethane, its pillows are initially quite hard to touch or lie down on. However, it is soon softened by the body heat and adjusts according to the pressure put on.
Latex Makes the Best Pillow for Side Sleepers! But WHY?
A latex pillow is highly recommended by healthcare professionals including osteopaths, physical therapists, and chiropractors. Here are some reasons why:
- Latex pillows have a strong ability to hold their shape without forming indentations on the surface.
- Latex is a highly durable material, so these pillows prove to be worthy of one-time investments.
- These pillows are very soft and springy. Hence, they provide the right type of comfort a side sleeper wants.
- When you lie down on a latex pillow, it instantly contours your head and neck area along with a buoyant supportive sensation.
- Latex pillows are quite firm and it is scientifically proven that side sleepers must sleep on a firm surface.
- Latex’s support prevents neck muscles from aching or stiffing and provides a restful sleep all night long.
- Latex pillows have pin core holes punched in them to improve the air circulation. This ensures you sleep cool all night long, without any heat trap or sweatiness.
A latex pillow outlasts memory foam pillow in terms of comfort, hygiene, support and temperature regulation. Memory foam pillows are not as durable as latex pillows Also, they tend to trap the body heat and reduce the breathability of the pillow. Latex is an environmentally responsible material that keeps you away from allergies while you sleep.
Types of Latex Pillows You Should Invest In
We recommend two types of latex pillows for side sleepers:
Regular Natural Latex Pillow
A natural latex pillow is made up of using shredded latex which turns out to be very cushiony and soft as a sleeping surface. This type of pillow makes sure that your neck is not strained at night and you get extra support while sleeping. We recommend it for side sleepers looking are for a natural latex pillow that is firm but more on a softer side.
Contour Natural Latex Pillow
Contour natural latex pillow is ergonomically designed for side sleepers suffering from chronic or acute neck pain. This pillow is the perfect sleeping partner for cervical patients as it alleviates the pressure points of the neck and shoulders. This pillow provides ample support to the neck and conforms to the curves.
Bottom Line
Your sleeping position is an extremely important factor to consider if you are looking forward to buying a new pillow. The best pillow for side sleepers is the one that is soft and comfortable but firm and supportive. The right type of pillow makes sure there are zero risks of neck pain. But, you should always make sure that the latex pillow you are investing in, is made up of 100% natural latex.
Apart from this, you should also know how to use a pillow properly and what’s the right way of lying down on it. Remember, deep sleep and health go hand in hand.
