The modern market for sleep accessories in abundance offers products of different sizes, shapes, and rigidity. How do you know which pillow is best?

It should be remembered that sleep accessories are selected individually. Do not buy the same pillows for all family members. Children, the elderly and teenagers need varying degrees of head support during sleep.

Try to take a critical look at the pillow you are currently sleeping on. Does it suit you in terms of size, height, shape, material? If you take these parameters into account when choosing a pillow, you will find exactly the one with which sleep will turn into a comfortable rest.

 

Does size matter?

The standard pillow sizes are 50x70 cm and 70x70 cm. There are other options:

  • 40x40 cm;
  • 40x60 cm;
  • 50x50 cm;
  • 60x60 cm.

Under these parameters, manufacturers sew bed linen. On sale you can find accessories with other dimensions, in the form of a square, rectangle, roller, butterfly. There are varieties with notches under the head. Love to sleep on your back? Choose products with two height levels. If you are used to falling asleep on your stomach, the classic square or rectangular shape is more convenient.

 

How to choose a pillow height?

The height directly depends on who will sleep. For children under 3 years old, pediatricians recommend buying flat pillows with special recesses for the head.

For teenagers and adults, choose a model based on the length of the shoulder:

  • low - height no more than 10-12.5 cm;
  • medium - 10-12 cm;
  • high - from 12 cm.

People with a large physique are more comfortable sleeping on high pillows. Such products well support the cervical spine, give muscle relaxation. High accessories are recommended for those who suffer from hypertension, snoring in their sleep. Low ones are chosen by those who sleep on their stomachs.

You also need to consider what kind of mattress your bed has. The soft surface is organically complemented by a low pillow. But for a hard mattress, look at an accessory of medium height with an elastic filler and an orthopedic effect.

 

 

What is an orthopedic effect?

The main purpose of the pillow is to support the neck and head. The choice of this accessory should be based on the ability to adapt to a particular person. Options with an orthopedic effect have the ability to give comfort and relaxation during sleep, support the muscles of the cervical spine in an anatomically correct position.

Sometimes such products are recommended to be used by orthopedists for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes. The main difference between an orthopedic pillow and a regular pillow is a filler with special properties.

Orthopedic effect is needed if:

  • there is osteochondrosis;
  • headache often;
  • there are circulatory disorders.

In such cases, it is necessary to consult with a specialist who will tell you which pillows are best for the spine, neck and head and will help to correctly determine the appropriate model.

 

What does "anatomical" pillow mean?

Sleeping accessories with an anatomical effect are a salvation for those who, on duty, have to sit at a computer all day, drive a car, and do sedentary work. An uncomfortable posture has a negative effect on well-being: the neck becomes numb, blood circulation worsens, migraines begin. Pillow with anatomical effect perfectly relieves tension in the neck, shoulder joints. After sleep, the body is fully restored.

Models with anatomical effect differ in:

  • Form - rollers, semi-roller, wavy varieties, classic rectangles.
  • Filler - polyurethane foam, latex, holofiber, Memory.
  • The ability to "remember" the position of the body - the filler "removes" the imprint of the body and adjusts to the shape of the head.
  • The material and type of cover - it is better to choose models in which the top cover can be removed for washing.

 

How to choose a pillow depending on your favorite sleeping position?

There are no universal recommendations for choosing accessories for sleep. Each has its own complexion, height, weight, habits. Is it comfortable to fall asleep on your back? Look for a medium firm pillow. An orthopedic model of a rectangular shape with a recess in the central part for the head is the best option. Do you like the side position? You need to look for a rigid product, the height of which will be equal to the height of the shoulder. Your favorite position is lying on your stomach? Then you need a pillow, the height of which is not more than 8-10 cm.

 

How to choose a pillow based on firmness?

The firmness of the pillow is selected based on individual needs. Here, too, the posture during sleep is crucial. Sleep on your back or stomach - you need a soft or medium firm pillow, on your side - look for a hard model. For those who move a lot during sleep, you need memory foam pillows.