Best Pillows for Sleep Positions

Intro

Pillows are unique, which means they cater to everyone's personal sleep preference. Sleep positions are just one of those preferences, so choosing the right pillow will decide whether or not you'll sleep comfortably. In this article, we'll go over what to look for when choosing the right pillow for each sleep position.

Here's what to look for...

What makes a good pillow? Well, it's a pillow that helps to keep your back straight! This is known as neutral alignment, which we discussed in-depth in our mattress buying guide. This applies to everyone no matter what position they sleep in. Without neutral alignment, your body's pressure points will cause some discomfort to your body.

Just like mattresses, pillows have their levels of comfort. However, these are determined by a pillow's loft and support, which are explained in the two paragraphs below.

Loft is another way of saying height or thickness. It is determined by the cushion level the pillow provides. This of course is based on the material of the pillow, so ask a store consultant about which type is best for you. You can think of pillow loft as the equivalent of mattress comfort. You can read more about a pillow's loftiness here.

Support shows how well a pillow maintains alignment of your head and neck. This is important to remember because this may be the reason why some people have neck pain in the morning. For example: A pillow that's too soft and a bed that's too firm will lead to misalignment of your back.

Without the right kind of pillow, your sleep position will be uncomfortable. Some manufacturers will say that their pillows are universal and can accommodate all sleep positions, known as "combination sleeping", but be careful about these advertisements, because each pillow is made differently. Listen to our advice, and you'll find the right pillow for your preferred sleep position.

Side sleeping

According to WebMD, 63% of people sleep on their sides. A lofty, or thick, pillow needs to cushion the head and neck, equally. The surface also needs to provide enough support so the pressure is taken off your shoulders as you sleep. Placing a pillow between your legs also promotes neutral alignment and can mitigate aches and pain to your hips and lower back.

Back Sleeping

Admittedly the healthiest sleep position out there, but not as popular as sleeping on the side. If you stand up straight, you'll notice that there is a slight curve to your back. That shape needs to be maintained when you sleep.

This is achieved when your head, neck, and shoulders are properly supported with a thin pillow. Placing pillows beneath the knees will help relieve stress to your lower back by stretching the lumbar region. A pillow that's too thick will cause the neck to bend forward, which can inhibit breathing for some people.

Stomach Sleeping

Although sleeping on your stomach does have health benefits, it will put a strain on your back and neck. Those who prefer to sleep on their stomachs should have a thin and compressible pillow beneath their chest. This maintains the natural curvature of your back while sleeping prone.

Your neck will also rest comfortably on the mattress while your neck is straight with your back. For maximum comfort, placing another thin pillow beneath your stomach and hips will help keep neutral alignment. A thicker pillow will cause your neck and hips to sag towards the mattress, which will strain the muscles in those areas.

Combination Sleeping

If you prefer to sleep in a variety of positions throughout the night, then finding a pillow to accommodate you can be a bit tricky. The challenge is finding a pillow that is lofty (thick) enough for side sleeping, but supportive enough to keep neutral alignment while sleeping on your stomach.

The best way is knowing what position you sleep in the most. If you mostly sleep on your side, then a loftier pillow is what you need. If you find yourself on your back a lot, then a thinner pillow will suffice.

The bottom line

Pillows are unique in their construction and material, so finding the best one for your sleep position is important. Hopefully, our article has pointed you in the right direction.

Just remember, side sleeping is the most popular position out there, so most pillows will be loftier than others. Back sleeping is the healthiest option out there, but not as popular as side sleeping. Pick a thinner pillow with good support for your head, neck, and shoulders. Lastly, if you sleep on your stomach, look for a pillow that's thin and easily compressible. Follow our advice and you'll find that perfect pillow before you know it!