The pillow is essential for a good night’s sleep. However, it needs to be chosen according to your sleep habits and body type.
How to choose your pillow?
Whether the pillow is intended for a baby, a child, or an adult, there's no shortage of choice and quality brands, including Dodo, Emma, Tempur, Wopilo, Bleu Câlin, Drouault, or Dunlopillo.
But the choice of your pillow is primarily a matter of morphology, sleep position, and any health problems. Choose:
- A memory foam pillow if you suffer from back problems. Made of very high-density polyurethane foam, it indeed has the property to mold to the shape of your head and neck, then return to its original shape after each movement.
- An ergonomic or orthopedic pillow if you suffer from neck pain. Characterized by its bulbous ends, it’s also an excellent anti-snore pillow.
- A Japanese pillow, extra flat and small in size. It is filled with buckwheat hulls, which help alleviate neck pain.
- An anti-dust mite or antibacterial pillow if you are prone to allergies. A pillow with a latex filling is also ideal.
- A travel pillow that fits the contours of your neck and head. It can be an inflatable pillow or not.
- A pregnancy or nursing pillow, particularly long to support and wrap around your entire body.
- A cooling pillow made of a gel that absorbs heat to better regulate your temperature when it’s hot.
What pillow filling to choose?
Not all fillings guarantee the same properties to the pillow:
- The pillow filled with a mix of down and goose or duck feathers is particularly soft.
- The wool pillow, another natural material, offers firmer support.
- The synthetic fiber pillow, cheap, breathable, is easy to maintain.
Which pillow cover to choose?
The pillow cover holds its filling. It can be made of different materials:
- The cotton pillow cover is absorbent and breathable.
- The polyester cover is easier to maintain.
- The bamboo cover is naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic.
Also consider the pillowcase, which not only protects the pillow but can also add softness, such as those made of satin or silk, for example.
What pillow support to choose?
The support of your pillow should be chosen according to your sleeping position. Therefore, opt for:
- A pillow with firm or medium support to perfectly support your head and neck if you sleep on your back.
- A pillow with medium support to keep your head, neck, and back in good alignment if you sleep on your side.
- A pillow with soft support to prevent too much arching if you sleep on your stomach.
What shape of pillow to choose?
- The square pillow is the most used in France. It comes in sizes 60x60 cm and 65x65 cm.
- The rectangular pillow, also called an American pillow, is the most recommended for a good night’s sleep. It is available in sizes 40x60 cm and 50x70 cm.
What is the lifespan of a pillow?
The average lifespan of a pillow is two to three years, knowing that a pillow with natural filling is more durable than a synthetic one.
How to wash your pillow?
Your pillow should ideally be washed every three months. It then depends on the filling. Because most can normally be machine washed, except for the latex and memory foam pillows, the maximum supported temperature may vary. In any case, refer to the manufacturer's instructions.