How to Find the Perfect Pillow for Your Sleep Style

I know it might sound easy, maybe even entertaining. I mean how difficult can it really be to shop for that perfect pillow? A wonderful soft, supportive little bed for your head couldn't be that difficult to find, or could it? A large assortment is a plus, that way you are sure to find one that is suitable for your own sleep style, but beware. It can also be downright confusing in these days of so many options and new fibers, some that I have never even heard of. And let's face it, the salesperson that you look to, so vulnerably for help isn't always a neutral party in this shopping endeavor. They typically have their own agenda; to sell their companies products, right? And what works for your best friend may not work for you, there are many perfect pillow pitfalls that one must be keenly aware of.

So, what is a sleeping beauty wanna-be to do? Research! Research Research! Because everyone is so different, what works for one person may not work for another! Generally speaking, your sleeping position or sleep style will determine which pillow is a good choice for you. Perhaps "perfect" is only asking for trouble? Experts do seem to agree that a cushion that keeps your head in a neutral position is always a winning goal. Your head should be sitting squarely on your shoulders without bending back too far or reaching too far forward. Keep in mind that the final test is to actually try the pillow after doing your research and narrowing it down to a list of potential candidates. Take a friend if it will help you focus and/or distract pushy sales people. You must be able to take the time to lie down and relax, using this perfect pillow as you would at home, complete with your same old sleep style, without feeling pressured or hurried! Sweet Dreams!

Here are a few tips:

Stomach Sleepers- If you sleep on your stomach you will need a thinner, flatter cushion for your crown, if you elevate your head too much with a thicker pillow you will stress the natural curve of your spine. Some of the cotton pillows I tried are flatter than most and keep the body in a nice straight line.

Back Sleepers- Thicker pillows may seem like a solution but it can also push a back- sleeper's head up too far. Down pillows are best for their squish-ability factor but they just don't provide enough support. Back sleepers also need thinner pillows, so their head is not thrown too far forward.

Side Sleepers- Look for a plumper pillow to fill in the space between your neck and your shoulder, keeping your spine perfectly aligned. This tends to be my favorite sleep style by the way and I have noticed that support while in this position is indeed essential. Fortunately there are many pillow contenders for this side sleeper position so now it is all about trying them out, a sleep test run of sorts.

Allergies Anyone?- Synthetic materials are a reasonably priced alternative to popular down and feather pillows which can eventually cause allergies because they are a breeding ground for dust-mites. Organic and natural pillows are also great for allergy sufferers, typically made with natural fibers, like wool, cotton, and latex. Because wool is a natural fire repellent, there are no chemical additives, required by law on most bedding and home furnishings now days, unless special testing facilities provide an exemption to fire-proofing regulations. Because of strict growing, processing and testing requirements, most organic bedding is costly, however when you consider that you are breathing in these chemicals all night long, it may be well worth the investment.

Time to buy a new pillow? if your pillow is past its prime, it may contain skin cells, mold, mildew, fungus, and dust mites, which make up more than half of an older pillow's weight. Ewwww! Experts say the general rule is to buy a pillow every 12 to 18 months. After two years, it's definitely time for a new one!

Don't be fooled by price! According to experts, even the most glamorous down, feather, wool and silk pillows aren't necessarily any healthier or functional than a much cheaper latex, polyester or buckwheat pillow. Your first consideration should be the pillow's shape, firmness and durability; you can take care of any aesthetic issues with new pillow covers. I would recommend a pillow cover for whatever style you choose, whether it is to safeguard a new pillow from spills or prevent possible fire retardant chemicals from seeping out and into lungs, a pillow cover is a cheap safeguard!

Your pillow is only as good as your bed. Even if you buy the healthiest, most supportive pillow in the world, it won't counteract the effects of a lumpy, broken-down mattress. Update your sleep system in increments if needed, since it is an essential but substantial investment when you consider the time we spend in bed! Many employees don't realize that you may be able to use your Flex Spending Account at work to finance your new mattress purchase, so at least you will be using pre-tax dollars, always an incentive! Many Chiropractors and Physicians will now provide a prescription for a chemical free or custom made mattress or sleep system which also entitles you to skip the sales tax, quite a savings as well as a potential perk for allergy or back pain sufferers at their wit's end.

Consult your doctor if necessary. If you do have neck or back problems, you may want to ask your doctor or chiropractor for a recommendation. By describing how you tend to sleep (on your back, on your side, constantly shifting) an experienced doctor should be able to recommend the proper pillow type in addition to other things that may help to alleviate your suffering, or at least help you get a better night's rest!.