How to choose the right pillow

How to choose the right pillow? The choice of pillow is often underestimated: this element represents an important accessory, necessary to favour an adequate rest and the possibility to recharge to face the day with positivity and energy.

In this article we will provide you with important tips and advice to help you choose the best pillow, suitable for your needs and requirements: choosing the most suitable pillow means first of all understanding and understanding how you usually sleep.

Ideal pillows for sleeping

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the pillow is an element that must be chosen according to how we usually sleep. Here is what is important to know and consider:

• Those who sleep in a prone position (on their stomach) should opt for a low pillow (measuring no more than 10 cm). However, it should be emphasised that it is actually not recommended to sleep in the prone position: this type of pillow is therefore mainly recommended for children.
• A headrest of medium thickness is more suitable for those who tend to sleep on their stomach: in this condition it is in fact necessary that breathing activity is favoured by the position, but at the same time that curvatures of the vertebral tract are not accentuated.
• Finally, the pillow suitable for sleeping on one side should be particularly high (at least 15 centimetres), so as to keep the head, neck and rest of the body aligned, without squashing the arms and shoulders.

Main types of commercially available pillows

Commercially available pillows are classified and distinguished first of all according to their size: a standard pillow is characterised by dimensions of 50, 60 cm respectively, while a max pillow measures 60, 80 cm. Children's pillows are smaller in size.

Another important characteristic of pillows for their classification is the filling; in this regard we can distinguish the following models:

• Padding with feathers: this is usually a particularly soft pillow/pillow. You only have to shake it slightly to notice its bulkiness, which will deflate as soon as you put your head on it. A feather pillow is not able to support the head correctly, which is why this pillow is recommended for people who sleep on their stomach. Very important for feather-filled pillows is that this material can cause allergies: for this reason these pillows should not be used by those who suffer from asthma and allergic rhinitis. It is also better not to use these pillows for children: a synthetic pillow is always preferable for them.
• Synthetic filling: this is a harder model of pillow cushion, characterised by a filling made of polyester fibres. This type of pillow is suitable for children or people with a particularly slim build. The pillow with synthetic filling is also ideal for people who sleep on their stomach and for all those who suffer from asthma or allergies.
• Memory foam pillow: Pillow cushion with filling made of polyurethane foam. This material remains hard enough to adequately support the neck area, as its shape adapts to that of the head. The memory foam pillow is the most suitable solution for those who like to sleep on their side and in general for all those who suffer from allergies.
• Synthetic or natural latex pillow: this is a pillow that provides excellent support for the head and neck for people who sleep on their side and for those with a particularly robust build.

Regardless of the type of pillow you decide to purchase based on your needs and with reference to the way you sleep, our advice is to rely on a specialised company (especially when purchasing orthopaedic sleeping pillows).

Tips and tricks for storing your pillow in the best possible way

Here are some tips and tricks to help you keep your pillow fresh and clean. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can keep a good quality pillow for between 2 and 5 years.

The first piece of advice we would like to give you is to cover your pillow with a cover that you will wash and replace frequently, like the rest of your bedding. It is best to choose a washable cover that can be sanitised without any problems.

Another important tip is to air your pillow at least once a day: every morning you can open the window for a moment while you make the bed, exposing the pillow to the outside (this should be done at least once a week).

Lastly, it is worth pointing out that there are now models of washable pillows on the market: in this case, wash your pillow at least once or twice a year.