Choosing a pillow for sleeping

The right pillow will not only help you get enough sleep, but also reduce neck and back pain. To make the right choice, many factors should be taken into account, the main of which is the filler material.

In addition to the classic under-head sleep pillows, there are other, more original varieties.

The main function of the classic sleep pillow is to support the head and neck during rest. It can be the usual square or rectangular shape, or it can be anatomical, corresponding to the curves of the human body.

The pillow between the legs makes sleep more restful, as it is impossible to roll over often with it. Moreover, it provides good blood circulation between the upper and lower torso.

Rollers and combi rollers are most often placed under the knees. They not only help fight swelling and heaviness in the legs, but also have an additional massage effect.

Back cushions are most often used in a sitting position. They are attached to a special strap to any seat - from an office chair to a driver's seat in a car. They allow you to be in a static position for a long time, without getting tired or stooping, and also support the abdominal muscles and relieve tension from the cervical spine.

A large full-length pillow is made in the shape of the letter I and has a medium firmness. While resting on her side, it is proposed to hug her with both hands. This product is also suitable as a side of a children's bed. This category also includes the long U-shaped maternity pillow.

The scops owl pillow looks like a toy, but always flat. It is performed in the form of cute animals, birds or fish with closed eyes. Skops are suitable for room decor, and are also purchased for children, helping them to fall asleep faster and feel more comfortable during rest.

The quality of sleep largely depends on what kind of filling the pillow has. All materials used in production are usually divided into natural and synthetic, they are also artificial.

Natural fillers have numerous advantages: they are environmentally friendly, "breathe", absorb excess moisture and adjust to the body temperature of the sleeper. However, some of them are categorically unsuitable for people with allergies.

Down and feather padding is characterized by significant elasticity. The materials allow the product to breathe, and also perfectly regulate heat transfer.

From wool for bedding, the camel and sheep varieties are most often used. Such a filler does not accumulate dust, it serves for a long time and adapts to the temperature of the human body. As for the disadvantages, it is important to mention the danger for allergy sufferers and asthmatics, as well as the difficulty of care.

Buckwheat filler not only repeats the shape of the head, but also has a healing effect. Pillows containing it are considered an excellent alternative to orthopedic models. The disadvantages of buckwheat are stiffness, complexity of maintenance and a short service life.

Silk padding is absolutely safe for people with allergies, but has an increased cost. Typically, silicone fibers are added to the soft material to enhance density. The exquisitely filled pillows are odorless and wrinkle-free, and are ideal for those with neck and spine pain. Antibacterial bamboo filler also indicated for allergy sufferers. It perfectly absorbs moisture, allows air to pass through and maintains a comfortable temperature. The plus is that the bamboo pillow is allowed to be washed in an automatic machine.

Inexpensive polyester fiber created from polyester. The flexible and durable material recovers quickly after compression, which makes the pillow comfortable to use. Sintepon created just from polyester fibers. This inexpensive filler must be treated with an antibacterial compound and silicone. It does not smell and does not lose its shape after washing, but over time it "sags" in height and becomes too soft.

Holofiber made of silicone-impregnated polyester. The hypoallergenic padding maintains the shape of the head and maintains warmth, but does not absorb moisture, which is certainly a disadvantage. It is allowed to wash the product with holofiber in the machine at low temperatures. The downside of the material is the loss of orthopedic properties over time.

Elastic and tight siliconized fiber perfectly retains its shape. The pillow with elastic filling does not provoke allergies and is easily processed in the washing machine.

You can also purchase products:

• with microfiber - a material suitable for rooms with high humidity;
• with small balls of polystyrene, which distribute the load comfortably;
• with artificial down;
• with comfort.

The hard pillow helps to relax muscles and improve blood circulation. Most often it is chosen by people with problems of the musculoskeletal system. Soft models, mostly filled with natural padding, provide maximum comfort while sleeping.

The ergonomic medium firm pillow is ideal for those who like to sleep on their back, providing support for the head and cervical spine. As a rule, the height of the elastic product is between 10 and 14 centimeters.

The standard dimensions of a regular large pillow for an adult are 70x70 and 50x70 cm. Small varieties with a length and width of 50 or even 40 cm are usually produced for children. Corner products for the smallest can have a length of 55 cm and a width of 35 cm. The rollers correspond in size to children's models, but have a rounded shape.

The height of the product also varies significantly. They are quite low - from 8 to 12 centimeters for people of average build, and also high - from 12 to 17 centimeters for large people. As for orthopedic products, for babies from six months to a year, products with a height of 3 to 5 centimeters are produced, and for grown-up children - already 7-10 centimeters. The dimensions of the orthopedic product for an adult are 50 by 70 centimeters, and for a child - 20 by 30 centimeters or 40 by 50 centimeters.

While the classic pillow is usually rectangular or square, orthopedic products have more interesting shapes. For example, you can choose a wavy pattern consisting of two rollers with a small notch in the central part. For those who rest on the side, a special model is suitable with a recess under the shoulder and, in some cases, with an opening for the arm.

Some of the most popular bedding brands include Samson, Ascona, Memory Sleep, Trelax, Fosta, Light Dreams other. Quality orthopedic products are made by American HoMedics brand, as well as domestic La Vita Primavelle and IQ Sleep... Low cost, but acceptable quality is distinguished by products of Japanese brands, for example, Dacco or MOGU.

In order to choose the right pillow, it is necessary to take into account all its qualities and characteristics, as well as to find out in a practical way whether it is comfortable to lie on it. It means that after examining the label of the product you like and consulting specialists, you should lie down on the product you like. The perfect pillow keeps both head and body comfortable. For comfortable and long-term use of the product, the packing must be "breathable". Free air circulation will also help prevent mold or dust mites.

In order to choose the most convenient model, it is recommended to compress it several times right in the store, and then evaluate how quickly the product returns to its original shape. Of course, it is also important for health that the materials present in the cover and filler do not cause allergies. A significant plus when choosing will be the ease of caring for the product.

For children over 3 years old, a cotton or linen pillow with a hypoallergenic filling: bamboo, silicone or holofiber is suitable. It is better to abandon the usual feather or down products, as they do not hold the head well, and often cause allergies. Infants are advised to sleep either without a pillow at all, or on an almost flat one. Special nest-shaped models are also suitable.

Choosing a pillow for an adult should take into account the height of the person, the size of the head, as well as the presence of diseases of the cervical spine. For example, it is important that it is comfortable to lie on it without putting your hand under your head, and also that the head fits at all. The height of the product together with the head should be 10-15 centimeters, and for people with wide shoulders or tall stature, it is better to choose a product that reaches 15-20 centimeters in height, again, with the head resting.

For severe neck pain, it is recommended to sleep on a hard pillow. The same models are more suitable for people who sleep on their side. Those who like to relax on their stomach or back are better off choosing a softer product.

The frequency of pillow replacement depends on the filler present. Feathers and down products need to be renewed every 3 years, subject to regular dry-cleaning every six months. A wool pillow can last up to 10 years, and a bamboo pillow can last for about 5 years. Synthetic fillers do not require replacement for 5 years, the same is true for orthopedic products. The latex pillow retains its properties for 10 years. In any case, it is more correct to be guided by the condition of the product - if the head starts to fail, and the neck gets sick, then it is time to change it.

Pillow care is largely determined by the filler present in it. For example, products with a synthetic composition are absolutely unpretentious, and they can be washed even every couple of months. During the procedure, it is important to set the temperature not exceeding 30-40 degrees, and also to exclude the addition of aggressive agents and bleaches. Naturally filled pillows such as down, feathers or wool should not be machine cleaned. It would be correct to take the bedding to the dry cleaner about once a year or six months.

If there is bamboo, eucalyptus or aloe vera inside the pillow, the product may be washed in an automatic machine at a temperature of about 30-40 degrees. You will have to dry it only in a horizontal position, spreading it out on a flat surface. It is better to entrust the care of your silk pillow to professionals. Nevertheless, it is allowed to wash the pillowcase on its own, as well as ventilate the filler in the shade, periodically turning it over. In any case, it is better to first familiarize yourself with the information indicated by the manufacturer on the item label.

Scops pillows made of delicate materials cannot be machine washed. However, dry cleaning or gentle manual cleaning is suitable for them. It is recommended to ventilate the product regularly and make sure that dirt and moisture do not accumulate inside. The stain that appears on the surface should first be held under running cold water so that the dye does not penetrate deeply into the fibers.