Pillows play a major role in how well you sleep and how well you feel in the morning. An ideal pillow keeps your neck, head and spine in proper alignment.
Whether you sleep on your back, side or on your stomach, there is an ideal pillow for every unique sleeping pattern.
However, if you choose the wrong pillow, then it can contribute to uncomfortable sleep, neck and back pains. To avoid, we recommend considering some important decision-making factors that help you choose the right suitable to your requirements.
4 factors you need to know to make a perfect buying decision
Factor 1. Choosing the right pillow firmness
An ideal pillow lets you sleep in proper posture where your neck, head and spine are aligned in a straight position. Below, we have provided ideal options based on different sleeping positions.
Factor 2. Choose the best Pillow type for you
The next factor to consider while purchasing a pillow is the type of filling suitable for your requirements. Different manufacturers use different pillow fillings. Each of them has their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Understanding them will help you make the right choice.
- Soft, lightweight and easy-to-clean
- hypoallergenic in nature.
- More affordable than others
- Non-washable
- Retains heat
- poor durability & looses shape with time
- all-natural and organic, & free of harmful materials
- Naturally breathable & cool
- Universally comfortable
- Can get firm over time
- filling needs to be replaced
- Fibers of cotton may clump together over time.
- Soft viscous feel for great pressure relief
- Does not flatten over time
- More affordable than others
- Non-washable
- High price point than others
- May have off-gassing & a strong chemical odor.
- Soft and silky feel, while keeping you quite cozy
- more breathable
- Organic & 100% naturally made
- they are quite expensive
- not great for side sleepers
- Some may think that it’s too soft
- has a signature soft, cuddly, malleable, & luxurious feel
- stays temperature neutral
- Above-average lifespan
- Very expensive pillows
- may cause allergic reactions
- requires to be filled to stay fluffy on a regular basis
- One of the most supportive pillows for the head & neck
- Good airflow & breathability
- Longer-than-average lifespan
- they may feel too firm
- heavy and difficult to move
- may hear a rustling noise when shifting positions
Factor 3. Select the right pillow size
Size is not only an important aesthetic factor but also impacts the quality of your sleep. An ideal pillow complements your bed and sleeping pattern to provide enough support when you sleep. If you make a wrong size choice, then it can increase the pains in neck and back.
Usually, pillows are available in three different sizes including – standard, king and queen. If you have the habit to toss and turn a lot during sleep, then go for larger sizes as it provides enough room and comfort.
Below, we have provided some standard pillow measurements and ideal choice based on mattress sizes
Factor 4. Other Features which you should consider
The other below-mentioned factors can also be helpful for selecting a perfect pillow for your good night sleep:
1. Washable
Pillows can be either hand washed or machine-washed. Check out the washing and drying instructions before making the purchase. Actually, hand washing a pillow is a time-consuming task. Some of us may not have the time to hand wash and dry the pillows. For such, machine-washable pillows are the best option as they are easy to maintain. However, we recommend choosing based on your preference.
2. GSM
GSM is a common term used for determining the quality of a pillow. However, only fewer people are aware of its meaning and significance. GMS represents grams per square meter. Higher the GSM value, better will the density of the pillow. Ideal GSM range is considered to be between 200 to 700. Pillows within this GSM range are soft and fluffy.
3. Outer Fabric
Though it is not a major factor, you should still consider the quality of outer fabric, especially if you have allergies. Outer fabric of the pillow has to be durable, soft and breathable.
4. Waterproof
Pillows with water-resistant features will not allow water to enter inside. This prevents stains caused by spills, sweat, drool and others. This quality makes it easy to care for and maintain.
5. Welting
It is a special kind of stitching made on the edges of the pillow to keep the fiber inside. If welting is not properly done or weaker, then filling may slowly come out of the pillow in a very bad way. So, it is very important to make sure the welting stays strong.
6. Warranty
On an average, pillows come with a warranty between 3 months to a year. But some of them don’t even come with a warranty. We recommend investing in products with a good warranty period as it represents the brand’s trust in their product reliability. During this period, if any defect occurs in the pillows, then you can get a replacement. However, pillows with a good warranty period are usually costly. So, you make the decision based on your convenience and preference.
