How do I choose a suitable sleeping pillow for myself?
You have probably already searched the internet for a new sleeping pillow and noticed that there are countless options. But how are you supposed to know which pillow is right for you? Let me help you choose the pillow that not only supports your posture during sleep but also meets all your individual sleeping needs. In this article from Gorilla Gesund, you will learn how to find the ideal sleeping pillow.
Choosing the Perfect Pillow
Let's start from the basics. The most important goal of your pillow is to support you in your preferred sleeping position throughout the night. And when I say "support," I don't just mean that it feels soft and cozy. The right pillow should keep your head, neck, and spine in neutral alignment and support the natural curvature of your spine. A neutral spine not only relieves neck pain but also reduces pressure throughout the body.
Expert tip: If you are unsure how to determine if your spine is in neutral alignment, make sure your ears are aligned with your shoulders and your chin with your sternum.
The Ideal Sleeping Position
Each sleeping position requires a different pillow to maintain healthy posture. But before I explain exactly what each sleep type should look for, don't forget the fun part of buying a pillow! Once you have covered your body's needs and found a pillow that supports a neutral spine, you can focus on the many little details that fulfill your wishes. After all, there are hundreds of pillows out there, so you should definitely find the one that fits you perfectly.
Sleeping Position and Preferences
Your sleeping position is only one facet of your sleeping habits, and there is much more to consider when looking for the perfect pillow. For example, people who sweat quickly, fans of memory foam, environmentally conscious individuals, and lovers of latex each prefer specific types of pillows to meet their personal preferences. Remember: your pillow should always support healthy posture, but it should also fit your overall personality.
The Perfect Choice for Your Sleeping Pillow
The Right Choice for Back Sleepers
Needs: For healthy posture, back sleepers need a pillow with medium height and medium firmness. Additionally, back sleepers can enjoy pillows made from materials that adapt to pressure, such as memory foam. Check out our list of the best pillows for back sleepers to explore the wide range of available options.
The Ideal Construction for Back Sleepers
- Medium Height – A medium height relieves your neck and shoulders by providing comfortable cushioning between you and your mattress.
- Medium Firmness – Medium firmness supports your head sufficiently to keep it aligned with the spine and ensures the pillow does not flatten during the night.
- Pressure Adaptation – Materials that closely adapt to pressure ensure the head is comfortably embedded and remains in neutral alignment with the neck.
Desired Features for Back Sleepers
- Individual Adjustment – More and more brands develop pillows that can be adjusted to sleepers' individual needs. For example, the Amrum neck pillow made of cold foam has a removable middle part that allows you to experiment with height and firmness. Many pillows at Gorilla Gesund also offer adjustable fillings, so you can open the cover and manipulate the filling inside until you find the optimal feel and best support for your body.
- Cooling Properties – If you tend to sweat easily, look for pillows with cooling properties. For example, the Sylt neck pillow made of Eucafeel foam features a cube profile with Eucafeel foam on the surface that stays cool all night. Look for pillows with cool yarn or materials with phase change technology to ensure your entire pillow stays cool.
- Elastic Support – Consider what kind of support you want from your pillow. Some people prefer a lighter feel and an elastic response to pressure. Pillows filled with Dunlop or Talalay latex offer springy support.
The Right Choice for Side Sleepers
Needs: Side sleepers need a pillow with high height and firm support to maintain a neutral spine and healthy posture. Fluffy materials like alpaca wool or moldable materials like memory foam are especially useful in this sleeping position. Check out our list of the best pillows for side sleepers to discover the wide range of available options.
The Ideal Construction for Side Sleepers
- High Height – A pillow with high height lifts your head to keep it in neutral alignment with your spine and relieve pressure on your shoulder.
- Firm Support – A pillow with medium to firm support keeps your head and neck aligned with the spine throughout the night.
- Fluffy & Moldable – Pillows with fluffy and moldable materials like memory foam or alternative down allow you to shape the pillow as desired and maintain a high height.
Desired Features for Side Sleepers
- Moisture-Wicking – If you tend to sweat at night, look for pillow covers made of moisture-wicking materials like polyester, Tencel, or bamboo.
- Natural & Organic – If you have sensitive skin or tend to skin blemishes, choose pillows made from natural materials like organic cotton, cellulose fibers, or natural latex.
- Breathable Foam – Foams tend to trap heat. Choose pillows with shredded memory foam instead of a solid piece of foam to ensure better breathability.
The Right Choice for Stomach Sleepers
The Ideal Construction for Stomach Sleepers
- Low Height – Stomach sleepers need a pillow with low height to keep the spine in neutral alignment and avoid straining the neck.
- Soft Support – Pillows with soft support provide comfortable cushioning without lifting the head too high.
- Compressible Filling – Pillows with alpaca wool or alternative down are well suited for stomach sleepers because they are easily compressible and maintain a low height.
Desired Features for Stomach Sleepers
- Priority for Pillow Covers – Pillows with traditional shape are ideal if you want to use decorative pillow covers. Choose smooth, hypoallergenic covers like Tencel or organic cotton if you do not want to use pillow covers.
- No Animal Products – If you want to avoid animal products, choose pillows with alternative down fillings like poly-gel fiber or microfiber.
Final Thoughts
There are many pillows to choose from, but that is a good thing if you know what you are looking for. Remember that healthy sleeping posture is the most important thing, and once you have achieved that, you can explore all the other features of your pillow. Sleep well, and if you ever feel lost in the jungle of pillows, Gorilla Gesund will be here to guide you.
