A comfortable and healthy sleep largely ensures the quality of the pillow. A random product purchased at a nearby supermarket for a promotion may not only not suit you, but may also cause discomfort, including pain in the cervical spine. Therefore, before heading to the store, you need to familiarize yourself with the rating of the best pillows for sleeping.
When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the stiffness, size of the pillow, filler, quality of the seams and other parameters. But it is not always possible to rely on the information indicated on the package, because some unscrupulous manufacturers make deliberate marking errors. This confirms the study of Roskachestvo.
How often do I need to change my pillow?
Bedding quickly absorbs dust, dead skin cells, fat, pillows collect hair, and blankets and rugs absorb sweat. As a result, a favorable environment is formed for the reproduction of bacteria; dust mites may also appear. Harmful microorganisms can make up to two thirds of the mass of the pillow, in products up to sixteen kinds of fungus can develop.
These factors worsen the condition of the skin, disturb sleep, provoke the appearance of blackheads, chronic head and muscle pains. An improperly selected or old pillow can be a source of health problems. The accumulating dust leads to respiratory diseases, the development of allergies or asthma, which is especially dangerous for children. But teenagers or adults are not immune from such problems.
General hygiene rules require a pillow change every two to four years. The exact period depends on many factors: the material from which the item is made, the conditions of use and the quality of the product. Often the change is due to the degree of wear. Pillows with vegetable fillers need to be changed every two years, orthopedic products will last about ten years, downy, syntepon or feather ones need to be replaced every two to four years.
Cleaning will not extend the life of the pillows, as most of the harmful microorganisms living in wool, fluff or other filler can withstand high temperatures. It is better to buy new sleep accessories, order restoration or replacement of the filler.
Even if the pillow has not yet reached its end of life, a change is necessary if the material is knocked down, the product smells bad even after airing or washing, if you feel pain in your back and neck after sleeping. And for bedding to last as long as possible, you need to ensure proper care. Before washing or cleaning, be sure to check the label on the product and follow the recommendations. Shake and ventilate the pillows regularly, depending on the type of filler.
How to choose a pillow
What is a good pillow for sleeping? The rating of manufacturers will be presented later, but in general, when choosing, it is better to focus on several separate parameters. The best pillow should be comfortable for a comfortable sleep, for a long time not to lose shape, to be easy to care for, not to absorb odors and initially not to have a foreign smell, to pass air well. When choosing, it is important to consider that the same pillow may suit someone perfectly, and cause pain in the neck and back in another person. Therefore, a general rating of the best pillows for sleeping in this matter can not do.
Optimal sizes
The width and length of the pillow is entirely up to your preference. The only requirement is that the product should not protrude beyond the edges of the bed. Pillows can be rectangular or square. The most common sizes are 50 x 70 cm, 70 x 70. In domestic and European collections there are items in sizes 40 x 60, 50 x 50, 40 x 40 cm and others. In the rating of the best pillows for sleeping (photos of products from the best manufacturers can be seen in the article), the most common sizes are usually offered, and non-standard options (40 x 40 or 40 x 60 cm, for example) will still have to be searched.
An important parameter for a full sleep is the height of the pillow. In this matter, the choice depends on the habit of sleeping on your back, on your side or on your stomach, and also on whether you suffer from some diseases. Sleeping on one side will require a higher position than rest in other poses. Ideally, the height of the model should correspond to the width of the shoulder, usually from 5 to 9 cm. But it is recommended that large people buy a product up to 17 cm high. The option above will relieve high pressure or snoring, and also facilitate the course of chronic pneumosclerosis or bronchitis.
Suitable pillow shape
The pillow can be traditional, or classic, ergonomic or orthopedic. Classical products are made of natural or synthetic materials, special support for the cervical spine and head is not provided. Experts in reviews often call orthopedic the best pillows for sleeping, but this is not entirely true, because the product is individual. Orthopedic pillows are not suitable for everyone and everyone, but are recommended only for people over 40-45 years old or for patients with spinal diseases. Often the shape of the product repeats the bends of the body. Such products unload the neck and shoulders, but complicate the change in posture for sleep. Unusual shaped articles are good for providing comfort when traveling or for pregnant women who find it difficult to find a comfortable position at extreme times.
How to choose an orthopedic pillow
Some people like orthopedic pillows, but there are also many opponents. Orthopedic products have a special roll for the neck and a recess for the head in the main part. But such a thing would be absolutely unsuitable for a comfortable sleep on the stomach. In addition, orthopedic pillows are quite hard. If the roller is too stiff, this can lead to head and neck pain. Rigidity and hardness may vary depending on the filler, so in most cases, choosing the right pillow is not difficult.
The rating of the best pillows for sleeping, when it comes to orthopedic products, is as follows:
- TRELAX Respecta. The memory pillow is made of polyurethane foam and perfectly fits the person. Five seconds is enough to hold the circuit. Judging by the reviews, the pillow is soft to the touch, improves sleep quality, serves as a prophylaxis of osteochondrosis, does not cause allergies. Of the minuses, a significant cost can be noted and the fact that addiction can take about two weeks. But in the ranking of the best orthopedic pillows for sleeping, the TRELAX Respecta product is still in the leading place.
- Pillow of the premium class "Trivers". The pillow normalizes blood circulation, maintains a comfortable microclimate, has a memory effect, eliminates headaches and excessive fatigue. The product is odorless, soft enough.
- Tempur Sonata. Judging by the reviews, this is one of the most pleasant pillows. Filler is a soft viscoelastic material that provides good head support. Suitable for people who like to sleep both on their sides and on their backs. There is a removable cover, which facilitates the care of the product.
- TRELAX SPECTRA. In the ranking of manufacturers of the best sleeping pillows, TRELAX is confidently in high position. Specifically, this product is suitable for people who spend a lot of time driving a car or at a computer. The pillow relieves stress arising from prolonged sitting, keeps its shape well and does not crumple during prolonged use.
- Pillow ring "Trives TOP-208". The product is well suited for women who have recently had delivery, people suffering from hemorrhoids or in need of postoperative rehabilitation of the pelvic organs. The pillow is made of latex, has antiseptic properties, breathes. Judging by the reviews, the pillow may seem too soft.
- Light from Ormatek. Products from "Ormatek" is a budget option among the best pillows for sleeping. In the ranking of firms, the manufacturer occupies a confident position. The dimensions of the pillow are 37 x 50 cm. The filler is made of polyesters by foaming. The pillow does not lose shape, supports the cervical spine.
- Lum F-505 for newborns. Pediatricians say that newborns do not need pillows for sleep. But many parents continue to search for the best children's pillows for sleeping in the ranking. Such a product is required only if it is recommended by a neurologist. The size of the pillow is 23 x 25 cm, the filler is polyurethane. In the center there is a dimple under the head. Of the shortcomings, buyers note that the product dries for a long time after washing.
- Luomma Lum F-510. A good option for travel, because the product supports the spine well. Inflatable pillow, can be used as a prophylaxis of osteochondrosis, quite budget, hypoallergenic, with anti-pressure effect.
- Baby pillow Fosta. The shape of the product is anatomically thought out, suitable for a growing organism, supports the head and cervical spine, has a memory effect, normalizes muscle tone. Some buyers highlight the small pillow size among the shortcomings.
- Magniflex memoform comfort. The product is suitable for allergy sufferers and asthmatics, has a memory effect, the pillowcase is removed, which provides easy care, but has a high cost. This model completes the rating.
The best orthopedic pillow for sleeping may not be suitable for a particular person - this fact also needs to be considered when choosing a product. In general, the advisability of buying an orthopedic product should be discussed with your doctor. Such an expensive acquisition may disappoint if the orthopedic pillow does not have the practical necessity and health benefits of a particular person.
It is important that the best orthopedic pillow for sleeping by rating should be chosen only after consulting a doctor. This is especially true for products that are intended for children. A growing organism is more susceptible to negative influences, so the pillow must be chosen appropriate.
Accessory stiffness
Hard pillows are recommended for people with spinal diseases and those who like to sleep on their sides. Medium hard products are recommended for lovers to sleep on their backs, while soft ones are suitable for people who prefer to sleep on their stomachs. The stiffness of the products depends on the filling. If in doubt, you can search for cushions with an adjustable degree of support.
Fillers: Pros and Cons
In the ranking of the best sleeping pillows you can find both products with natural fillers and with synthetic ones. The choice of filler is an important issue, because it can directly affect the quality of sleep. The natural ones are down-feather, sheep’s wool, bamboo, buckwheat husk, rice shell, various herbs or hop cones, synthetic ones are silicone, polyester, microfibre, viscoelastic, microgel.
Natural fillers
The most pleasant to the touch and soft, easily restoring the shape of the pillow is made of swan or goose down and feather. Such products can be machine washed, but they dry for a long time, are difficult to care for, and can cause an allergic reaction. Accessories for sleeping with the hair of a camel or sheep breathe and perfectly warm, do not accumulate dust, are moisture resistant and do not fall down for a long time, but can cause an allergic reaction. In addition, such pillows can not be washed, only dry cleaning is allowed.
Bamboo products dry well, neutralize odors, do not cause allergies and are comfortable all year round. The filler absorbs moisture well and loses strength when wet. Pillows with vegetable fillers (walnut shells, cedar chips, buckwheat husks and so on) relieve headaches and insomnia, are recommended for diseases of the heart and blood vessels, do not cause allergies. Products have an increased cost, require a lot of getting used to and need special care. In addition, such pillows are characterized by a short service life.
Synthetic fillers
They do not cause allergic reactions, do not accumulate static electricity, have dust-repellent properties and high ergonomics of products made from holofiber, latex, synthetic winterizer, eco-fiber. It is usually impossible to wash such pillows, in addition, they are hygroscopic. Of the synthetic ones, hollofiber is recognized as the best filler. It serves for a long time (3-5 years), in the ratio of price and quality it is optimal, but with improper care it rolls into lumps.
Rating of the best manufacturers
The rating of the best pillows for sleeping (by company) needs to be studied before buying in order to make the best choice. You can rely on the Roskachestvo study, which was attended by products of domestic and foreign manufacturers, with fillers from synthetic fibers, natural or mixtures, from different price categories.
Specialists recognized Dargez pillows as a product with a quality mark. The following manufacturers are also represented in the ranking of the best sleeping pillows: Light Dreams, Lezhebok, German Grass, Karigus, Nature's, Togas House of Textile. Quite high-quality goods are produced by Asabella, Dream Time, IKEA, MONA LIZA, Primavelle. The best pillows for sleeping (reviews confirm this fact) can be bought from domestic manufacturers, so it makes little sense to overpay for a brand.
According to the results of independent laboratory tests, the experts called the pillows under the trademarks “Every Day”, “Podushkino”, “Pierrot” unsafe products, the dimensions and aspect ratio were incorrectly indicated (that is, the actual size of the product differs from that stated on the label by 1-2 cm ) the same manufacturers and trademarks AIViTek, ECOTEX, OL-Tex, Comfort Life, BELASHOFF, IKEA. The difference between the declared composition and the real one was found in the products of Samson, Horizon, Tekstil, Comfort Line, Green Line, ECOTEX, Sortex manufacturers. The company Green Line, for example, claimed that the filler consists of 90% natural fibers, but in reality it consisted entirely of synthetics.
How much is a pillow
The cost of the pillow depends mainly on the filler. The most expensive ones are orthopedic pillows (2500–13,000 rubles), slightly cheaper - from sheep’s wool (6 thousand rubles), bamboo fiber (from 1,500 rubles), down and feather in a ratio of 50% -50% (about 900 rubles), synthetic (200-1500 rubles). According to reviews, the best pillows for sleeping can be budget ones, so it’s not necessary to immediately choose the most expensive options.
Additional recommendations
Of course, you should focus on the rating of the best pillows for sleeping, but the main thing is to take into account your own wishes. For example, people with low blood pressure are recommended soft products that provide blood circulation during sleep due to their low head position, and those with high blood pressure should pay attention to hard pillows. Allergy sufferers are recommended synthetic products or pillows with vegetable filler.
Regarding size, large items are uncomfortable. You need to smell the model you like - the annoying smell is unacceptable. Good products are lined with high quality cotton. The stitches should be even and small. Easier to care products that fasten with a zipper. When buying, you also need to consider the mattress. For example, if you sleep on a soft mattress, it is better to choose a stiffer and higher pillow.