How to choose the best pillow for sleeping? What are the best pillows for sleeping? Select the filler, shape and size.

A person cannot do without sleep, during this period he gains strength, restoration processes in the body are activated, and even healing from diseases occurs. The position of the sleeping person determines whether his muscles will relax and whether there will be a load on the spine. Therefore, it is worth thinking about the question: “how to sleep properly?”

Many sleeping devices have been created, the most necessary of which is a pillow. All bedding serves to improve the quality of sleep, but it turns out not always! Why?

Why do you need a pillow?

Over the entire period of human existence, sleep occupied a significant period of his life. For such a long period Over time, a number of stereotypes have been established, many of them are true, but there are also erroneous ones. For example, how to sleep and whether a pillow is necessary at all. Dentists, orthopedists, psychologists are arguing on this issue, and bedding manufacturers are not inferior to them. It is still impossible to evaluate the results of their disputes, but there are indisputable facts about how to sleep properly.

For rest to be complete, the body must be in correct position: The spine should not bend in any part.
In the neck area there are vital arteries, one of which is called the carotid artery. If it is pinched, the blood supply to the brain will be disrupted. As a result, the brain will be deprived of oxygen and the transmission of nerve impulses will be disrupted.
The neck should be parallel to the mattress during the entire sleep period, otherwise the spine will not be straight, which means that the intervertebral discs and openings between the joints will be compressed and stretched. This process requires energy expenditure and the person will not rest overnight. In addition, in the morning he may feel heaviness in the cervical spine.

Compliance with these conditions is impossible without the use of a pillow. Many people have the opinion that by eliminating the pillow, they can avoid the formation of wrinkles on the face, swelling and stress on the internal organs. All these facts have not been proven and following them is misleading. However, it is absolutely undeniable that when using the right pillow ensures proper breathing and metabolism. And this is much more important than the above facts.

An experiment will help you verify this: a night without a pillow. How will you feel the next morning? Absolutely right, you won’t feel a full rest.

In order to avoid feeling groggy in the morning, you should ensure the correct posture while sleeping. First of all, it is necessary to ensure the correct position of the spine: without kinks. For this:

You should not sleep on your stomach: in this position, the neck necessarily arches unnaturally, and the spine suffers from tension. If a stomach sleeper places a rolled-up blanket or blanket under his head instead of a pillow, he will significantly relieve tension in the spine and neck. The neck in this position will only be bent, but not raised.
For the correct position on the side, the height of the pillow is of great importance - it should depend on the width of the shoulders of the person sleeping on it. That is, it is better for women to choose thinner pillows than for broad-shouldered men. Therefore, when choosing pillows of the same thickness for a double bed, many make a big mistake.
The position on the side should be like this: your head is on the pillow and your shoulder is on the mattress. For this pose, rectangular Euro pillows or round bolsters are more suitable. As for square pillows Soviet period– they take up most of the bed and are not practical.
A thinner pillow is more comfortable for sleeping on your back - it ensures the correct position of the cervical spine, with which you can avoid development. An important condition Choosing a pillow for sleeping on your back is to ensure a position in which your head will not be thrown back.
A reclining position is unacceptable, so if the pillow was raised before going to bed to read a book or watch TV, it must be lowered to a horizontal position before going to bed.

If natural down and feather pillows and mattresses used to be valued, today orthopedists do not recommend them. Both the head and most of the body are buried in these soft products, while the spine is in a completely disadvantageous position.

Modern industry offers a variety of pillows for proper and restful sleep with high-quality fillers and the effect of remembering an imprint from the sleeper’s head. Should such pillows be used and are they really capable of providing good vacation during sleep? How to choose from many options?

They will help you do it right choice the following recommendations:

Orthopedic products are designed to adapt to all curves of the human body. They help the sleeper to take a comfortable and correct posture, ensuring a stable position for the spine. The fact is that pillows are needed to support the neck, not the head, which is why many orthopedic products have a special recess.
A light and plastic pillow can completely replace an orthopedic product if it has an oblong shape and the width of the smaller side is 40 cm. You should lie down on such a pillow correctly: only with your head. In the side position, you need to place part of the pillow under your neck, and the rest under your head; your shoulder should not be on the pillow.
There are also pillows filled with various natural ingredients, such as buckwheat husks. The fact that they benefit the body as a whole has not been proven, nor has it been proven that they can cause harm. However, such a filler allows you to adjust the height up to a millimeter. different parts pillows, but that's not so bad.

In order to ensure proper and healthy sleep, you should take the choice of pillow seriously. It will not only allow you to choose the right sleeping position to avoid problems with the spine, but will also serve to improve psycho-emotional state person – after all, stable sleep is also necessary for mental health.

Video: how to choose the right pillow

Good sleep is the key to success, vigor, lightness, good mood during the whole day. In order to have a sound and healthy sleep, you need to decide which pillows are best suited for such sleep. This is not to say that a certain pillow will suit every person.

Pillow height options

It's difficult to sleep without a pillow. In this case, the neck takes an unnatural position and in the morning the person feels disgusting. High pillows guarantee a strong curvature of the neck, wrinkles on it, and also compress the arteries that supply the brain with oxygen and nutrition. The veins are unable to promptly clear the brain of waste products, which leads to chronic headaches, fatigue and bad mood.

First you need to decide on the height of the pillow. It is uncomfortable to sleep on a low pillow, especially if you get used to a higher one. There is an opinion that a low pillow is better.

In fact, a pillow should first of all be comfortable. If you constantly put your hand under it while sleeping, then we can say with confidence that it is uncomfortable, since it is too low. These pillows are suitable for people with narrow shoulders or for children over one year old.

By the way, children under one year old need it, but very low. If you do not add anything, the formation of the cervical spine will be incorrect.

As for high pillows, they are suitable for those with wide shoulders who like to sleep on their sides. If they sleep on a low level, their neck will take an incorrect position and become stiff. In this case, full sleep cannot be achieved.

Fillers are also different

Pillows are not only made from down or feathers. Although this is the most common type of filler, due to allergies this material cannot be used.

Natural fillers that can be used include bamboo, silk, camel and sheep's wool, but allergies or pests may prevent their use.

Vegetable fillers are a great option. These include buckwheat husk, rice hulls, corn fiber, hop cones, and various herbs.

An alternative can be cotton wool. Its disadvantage is the rapid churning and absorption of odors. Afterwards you will need to buy a pillow again.

Synthetic fillers: synthetic winterizer, comforter, holofiber and silicone are famous for their durability, resistance to odors and the absence of mites.

It is better to choose a pillow that is comfortable. The material can be for every taste. The main thing is to get enough sleep.

Video on the topic

What promotes good sleep? Nice comfortable pillow. It can be large or small, made of feather, down or artificial filler. The main thing is that it gives you the opportunity to relax while resting or sleeping.

There are several types of pillows:

For sleep with a variety of fillings;
- orthopedic for proper fixation of the head and neck;
- orthopedic for sitting (“donut”, etc.);
- decorative for interior decoration.

For sleeping, pillows with natural and artificial fillings, as well as orthopedic ones, are used. But they may also have another purpose. For example, serve as a decorative element for a bedroom or living room, or decorate sofas or armchairs. Little ones decorative pillows add the finishing touch to the interior.

Some types of pillows are used by drivers or people with spinal problems while working. No matter how many options there are for these products, they have one thing in common - creating comfort and convenience.

Pillows with natural fillings

Everything related to sleep should be comfortable, help you relax and relieve tension. A common type are pillows with natural fillings of animal origin.

Typically a fine pen is used for this purpose. poultry or fluff. Wool from goats and sheep is also used. Such products have rectangular shape And standard sizes according to Russian GOSTs 65 X 65, 70 X 70 or others. Foreign versions have a narrowed shape.

Wool filling has a beneficial effect on the sleep of people with inflamed joints, osteochondrosis and rheumatism. It warms and reduces pain.

The next type of natural filler is plant derivatives. These include cotton wool and buckwheat husks. They are environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic, they allow air to pass through well.

An interesting option is a combination of ocean algae that has undergone ionization with eucalyptus and cellulose fibers. These products are soft and pleasant to the touch. Convenient for a good rest.

Pillows with artificial fillings

Synthetic filler is the most common among this type. It is used as a single piece or in the form of small cylinder-shaped segments. Lightweight material It is easy to wash, lightweight, non-toxic and retains the volumetric shape of the product well.

Another filler is Comforel. It consists of large quantity small silicone fiber beads. Their diameter barely reaches seven millimeters. They are non-toxic, envelop the head and neck, and have the effect of a micromassager during sleep.

The new kind pillow filling – natural latex. It is most often used for orthopedic purposes.

Orthopedic pillows

Latex is used in special orthopedic donut-type seating pillows for the prevention of spinal diseases and hemorrhoids. Elastic material allows you to comfortably fix your head and neck while sleeping. The product can be made in a regular rectangular flat shape or embossed. May have a “memory effect”. In this case, the foam contained inside follows the shape of the lying body.

Orthopedic pillows also include pillows for pregnant women. They are made in a special shape of a large letter U from a pair of rollers with a jumper.

Decorative pillows

This category includes products that serve to improve the interior. They can be various shapes: small or large, rectangular, roll-shaped, heart-shaped or resembling soft toy. The filling composition can be either natural or artificial content. Most often, foam rubber is used for this purpose. Among these pillows, it is convenient to sit in front of the TV on the sofa or take them with you on a picnic.

Video on the topic

One of the conditions for good sleep is the right choice of pillow. To choose a good pillow, you need to decide on the shape, size, and internal filling.

Instructions

Pay attention to the size. U good pillows square or rectangular shape. Nowadays there are almost no products whose size is 70x70 centimeters. You can find square 40x40 or 50x50, or elongated pillows (40x60 or 50x70) in stores. Pillow manufacturers in Russia are now focusing on European ones. As for bed linen, more and more sets are now being produced with pillowcases of accepted standards.

You can get a good night's sleep on an orthotic. It supports both the head and spine in an anatomically correct position. Thanks to it, you will take the load off your neck and blood flow in soft tissues will not be violated. An orthopedic pillow comes in different heights: rectangular with a recess under the back of the head, with a multi-layer “filling” and so on. However, it is still better not to use an orthopedic pillow without consulting a doctor. If you have insomnia, falling asleep will be even more difficult.

Great importance has pillow filling. For example, the highest quality and luxury sleep products are made from granulated wool, which, as a rule, never wrinkles. Pillows made from camel and sheep wool. Wool pillows are quite practical - they can be washed, and they will dry on their own without any additional ventilation.

The worse the pillow, the worse the material from which it was made. So, the models themselves are made of synthetic filler, which tends to pill. Pillows filled with holofiber provide free air circulation and keep their shape perfectly. You can safely wash pillows with synthetic filling. In addition, they will last quite a long time - about nine to ten years. True, they have one drawback - they will not immediately take a shape that is convenient for you due to their elasticity, and some also squeak slightly. You can sleep well on expensive down pillows, but they also have their own. These pillows do not dry well, so they often harbor mites. Silk pillows are considered the best - they easily restore their shape and always remain dry. Silk cannot act as an independent filler; it is mainly combined with other materials.

The quality of a pillow directly depends on the filling inside. Therefore, when choosing a pillow, you need to have a good understanding of what is right for you.

A pillow that would suit any person has not yet been created. After all, when choosing, it is very important to consider individual characteristics body anatomy and even your favorite sleeping position.

If you sleep all night on an uncomfortable pillow, in the morning, instead of vigor and lightness, you will be plagued by pain in your neck, head, arms and back. If the quality of sleep decreases, there can be no question of feeling good. Painful sensations will be complemented by a state of weakness and fatigue. And that is not all. Using an incorrectly selected product can lead to curvatures in the cervical and thoracic spine, as well as to the development of osteochondrosis. But a quality bedding with the right firmness and height helps support your neck and relax your body. A correctly chosen and comfortable pillow is the key to health and good sleep.

Comfortable pillow parameters

Do you suffer from insomnia or snoring, do your shoulders go numb in the morning, does your neck and back hurt? Pay attention to your pillow. It is possible that its hardness or thickness is not suitable for you. When a person puts his fist or folded palms under his head while sleeping, this means that he needs to buy a higher product. If your head periodically moves from it to the mattress, you should look for a wider option.

To choose the pillow that is right for you, you must take into account the following criteria:

Dimensions. As a rule, they are standardized. Therefore, there will be no problems with buying pillowcases. Pillows come in 2 types: 70x70 cm (the most popular size) and 50x70 cm (the so-called Euro size). The choice should be based on the age of the future owner of the product, his personal preferences and the width of the mattress (it should not be too narrow).
Rigidity. If you have spinal diseases or sleep on your side, it is advisable to purchase the most rigid bedding possible. The medium firmness level is suitable for those who primarily sleep on their back. Soft product Those who like to sleep on their stomach will appreciate it (note that in this case you need a soft mattress).
Height. If a person has an ordinary build, this figure can range from 8 to 14 cm. Large and broad-shouldered people should pay attention to options from 14 to 17 cm.

The shape of the classic bedding is rectangle or square. However, with diseases of the spine, they are not able to properly support the neck and head.

For those who have back problems, it is advisable to use orthopedic products. They have the shape of a semicircular roller or a rectangle with a special recess intended for the head.

How to choose the right one

After resting on a comfortable pillow, a person should not experience discomfort. A properly selected product ensures proper sleep, morning vigor and restoration of strength. Incredibly, this sleeping accessory can have an impact on your level of performance, well-being and even your mood.

Neck pain and numb shoulders that appear in the morning most often signal that the pillow you are using is not suitable for you in terms of hardness or height.

If you decide to buy a new one, you need to consider the following points:

the ideal option is when the height of the product is equal to the width of the shoulders of its future owner;
The height of the pillow should be selected according to the degree of hardness of the mattress (if it is very hard, then you will need a high one);
How hard the sleeping accessory should be depends on your favorite sleeping position (you can read about this above).

cozy, comfortable to sleep on;
retains its original shape;
does not emit unpleasant odors and does not absorb them from the outside;
does not contain allergens;
it is easy to care for;
strong enough;
It allows air to pass through well, does not retain moisture, retains heat, and harmful microorganisms cannot develop in it (this item applies to fillers).

Before you buy the bedding you like, remember this list and make sure that it meets all the listed requirements.

Natural fillers

Fillers belonging to this category can be of both plant and animal origin. Vegetables are most often represented by buckwheat husks, various dried herbs (including medicinal ones), latex, eucalyptus and bamboo fibers.

Animal stuffing is material that a person receives from an animal (usually feathers, down and wool). Important point: pillows filled natural material, not recommended for allergy sufferers.

Vegetable filler

These can be dried herbs and buckwheat husks. The “herbarium” inside the pillow is not as popular today as other types of stuffing. But buckwheat husk is in demand. It is considered very beneficial for health. Sleeping materials filled with it are quite rigid.

A grass cushion is not suitable for constant use. It can be used in medicinal purposes(for example, for insomnia) and no longer than a week.

Latex

This is solidified milky juice rubber plant. It is one of the best natural fillers. It very successfully combines softness and elasticity. Another significant advantage is the long service life.

Bamboo

This is true unique material for stuffing. It is not only natural, but also breathable, antibacterial and hypoallergenic. Additional advantages are durability, ease of care and affordability.

The disadvantage of bamboo fiber is that it is completely unsuitable for use in high humidity air. Such a pillow quickly absorbs moisture and simply does not have time to dry well.

In addition, in user reviews you can find complaints about the increased level of rigidity.

Pooh

This is a time-tested classic filler. It is soft, pleasant and light. Down carefully retains heat and keeps the shape of the pillow. At the same time, this material is extremely attractive to dust mites.

To prevent bedding from becoming hazardous to health, you should have it cleaned and restored every 5 years.

Camel and sheep wool

Like down, it retains heat excellently. It also has a healing effect on the body (many have probably heard about the often advertised sheep's wool belt). A wool pillow can be used not only for sleeping, but also for warming sore areas of the body.

However, it must be borne in mind that it is just as attractive to dust mites as down or feathers.

Artificial padding

Artificial (also called synthetic) fillers are a man-made product. Most often, padding polyester, silicone, holofiber and comforter are used in pillows. Pillows stuffed with such materials are very light, soft, pleasant to the touch and, most importantly, hypoallergenic. They do not harbor dust mites. Caring for synthetic products is extremely simple. You can even wash them yourself. A significant drawback is considered to be severe sagging.

Sintepon

Pillows filled with it are the most affordable. Perhaps this is their only advantage. The synthetic winterizer quickly wrinkles and loses its shape. The head sweats on it, as it does not allow air to pass through well.

Silicone

Combines elasticity and softness. Thanks to him the pillow long time retains its original shape and volume. Silicone allows air to pass through well and is easy to care for. There are products on sale with different heights and density. Thus, everyone can choose the right option for themselves.

Minor minus of this material- ability to accumulate static electricity.

Comforel

Today it enjoys the highest popularity among artificial fillings. What does he look like? These are soft, non-creasing balls that allow the pillow to maintain its original shape.

Holofiber

Excellent replacement for feathers and down. The composition of this material is 100% polyester. Has good thermal insulation and does not emit bad smell and does not contain toxic substances. A pillow with holofiber can be washed at temperature conditions 40°C. The disadvantage is relatively high rigidity.

Orthopedic products

Many are firmly convinced that orthopedic pillow healthier and better than ordinary ones. Indeed, it is so. But not for every person. Let's try to figure out whether it is worth giving preference to such bedding.

When a person sleeps on an orthopedic pillow, his head and spine are supported in the correct anatomical position, blood circulation in the soft tissues is not disturbed, and the neck is also relieved. True, if you are used to sleeping on your stomach, you don’t even have to spend money on it. IN in this case she is completely unsuitable.

Today on the market such products are represented by two rollers of different heights:

a rectangle with a central recess for the back of the head;
a classic square with a “puff filling” (following the example of a mattress).

Note that orthopedic models always harder than usual. This doesn't suit everyone. However, the degree of hardness and rigidity also depends on the filler. Thus, you can choose the most comfortable option. It is important that the shape of most models does not change during sleep.

If the sleeping accessory was chosen incorrectly and the cushion turns out to be too hard, instead of the expected cheerfulness and surge of strength, the person suffers from a morning headache and a stiff neck.

Such a product will not save you from insomnia either. After all, even those who don’t have sleep problems will have to get used to it within a week. Therefore, do not buy an orthopedic pillow unless you have an appropriate purpose.

If you have any problems with the spine, then before purchasing orthopedic sleeping equipment, you should consult with your doctor. He will help you choose exactly the model that will alleviate the condition in your case.

Making a pillow with your own hands

First of all, you need to decide on the style of your future pillow. Appearance should be presentable and evoke only pleasant emotions. You can browse online stores to find examples. But it is much better to go to several real stores and examine in detail the models that interest you from all sides. There you will not only choose a design, but also understand what size your new bedding will be.

When the dimensions and style are finally approved, we move on to choosing the fabric for sewing the cover. It is better to prefer natural textiles. It is very pleasant to the body, hypoallergenic and perfectly breathable. Since you will use the pillow every day, the fabric must meet these criteria.

During the cutting process, do not forget about seam allowances. When all the parts of the product are carefully cut, you can begin to connect them with each other. It should be remembered that on both sides (where there will be small and large bolsters) you need to leave space to fill the pillow with filler. It is advisable to sew a zipper here. Then you can, if necessary, unfasten it and update the roller (add or remove padding).

When filling the rollers with filler, you need to make sure that they are not too high. To ensure an even position for your neck, you need to focus on the shoulder width of the person for whom the pillow is intended.

Well, of course, before using the finished bedding, you need to sew a pillowcase for it.

After the fact

It is impossible to give a clear answer to the question of which pillow is most comfortable for sleeping. The comfort of this product is a purely individual concept. Basically, it depends on the characteristics of physiology and health status, which, as you know, are different for everyone.

For example, a teenager will not be able to feel comfortable on a medium-sized pillow. An allergy sufferer will not be able to sleep on a product with natural filling. Some people are disgusted by the subtle smell of sheep's wool.

The most common mistake made is buying the same pillows for all family members. If you select bedding for each individual individually, taking into account age and physiological characteristics, a comfortable and healthy sleep will be ensured.

We spend a third of our lives sleeping. Therefore, we must rest comfortably. We don’t think about it at all, but our health and our sleep largely depend on the pillow.

Sleeping on different pillows is different; on one you sleep like a baby, while the other can cause harm. An incorrectly selected pillow can cause headache and lead to problems with the spine.

The first pillows were completely different from modern ones. They served as a stand for hairstyles and were made of stone, phosphorus, metal, and wood. Soft pillows appeared in Ancient Greece, they were a work of art, embroidered with patterns and were very expensive.

There are so many pillows to choose from these days that choosing the best one can be a real challenge. So today I want to tell you how to choose best pillow for sleep.

Height of the best sleeping pillow

The height of the pillow is great value, if you choose too thick, the chin will be pressed against the chest, which is harmful for the cervical spine. The physiological curvature of the spine can gradually level out and disappear completely, and this will lead to neck pain.

A pillow that is too thin is also wrong; the head should not be lower than the shoulders, since the muscles of the spine and back will be in constant tension, and they should relax and rest.

The pillow should take the weight of the head and relieve the load on the spine. Doctors recommend choosing the height of a pillow based on the width of your shoulder. A child has one width, an adult another, so we take measurements and go to the store.

People with respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis, are better off sleeping on a pillow higher than 17cm. The upper body rises, breathing becomes easier.

Which pillow should I choose, soft or hard? Lying on the side on a soft pillow, the head presses through the airy surface and leans toward the shoulder, the spine is forced to adjust and bend, of course, neither comfort nor benefit. And you’re unlikely to get a good night’s sleep on a hard pillow.

In this case, choose a pillow depending on the position in which you sleep, if on your side, then hard, if on your back, then medium hard.

The best pillow is pressed down easily, but not completely, and quickly returns to its original position. Lying on your side, there should be a 90 degree angle between your shoulder and neck.

For healthy sleep Soft and orthopedic buckwheat pillows with height adjustment are suitable.

The best filling for pillows

Pillows are filled with natural or synthetic material. Natural is down, feathers and their mixture. They may be suitable in terms of rigidity and height, but from a hygiene point of view they are not ideal. They collect all the dust, dirt, sweat and ticks start in them.

Disadvantages of pillows with natural filling:

cannot be washed;
sleeping longer than 4 years is not recommended;
not for allergy sufferers.

Sheep wool pillows:

not for allergy sufferers;
roll off quickly.

But such pillows are good for health.

Pillows made of natural latex or filled with silk threads are environmentally friendly and non-allergenic, but sleeping on them is not comfortable, and they are expensive.

Pillows with buckwheat or rice husks, hops advantages:

support the weight of the head well;
remove tension;
do a head massage.

Disadvantages of such pillows:

serves no more than two years;
It rustles, and many people don’t like it.

Bamboo pillow:

A natural latex pillow has the following properties:

bactericidal;
orthopedic;
hygienic;
follows the contour of the head and neck;
will last a long time.

But the price of such a pillow is high.

What is the best pillow filling?

Synthetic fillers - synthetic winterizer, comforter, holofiber advantages:

suitable for allergy sufferers;
serve for a long time, more than 10 years;
they do not harbor ticks;
they do not absorb excess moisture;
washes well.

There are memory foam pillows made from viscoelastic foam. Such pillows are recommended for those suffering from headaches and osteochondrosis. But they cannot be washed.

Synthetic filler has many more advantages, but some people constantly use such pillows, while others are categorically against it.

Orthopedic pillows in the form of a bolster or with a recess for the head for normal sleep and are not intended for the prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They are designed for people with certain pathologies.

So, the best pillow:

does not cause allergies;
comfortable for sleeping;
lasts a long time;
erased;
allows air to pass through well;
does not lose shape;
it does not harbor mites and mold;
with strong seams.

Now you can choose the best pillow for yourself and you will be guaranteed a comfortable sleep.

And in conclusion, I want to say that no matter how carefully you choose a pillow in a store, you need to evaluate it, and for this you need to use it for at least a few days. Because the comfort of a pillow depends not only on its shape, filling and other qualities, but also on your mattress.

Therefore, before purchasing, ask if you can test the product for a few days and return it if it doesn’t suit you. As a rule, now many stores are aware of the Consumer Protection Law and meet them halfway, allowing pillows to be tested for several days. If you realize that the pillow is not suitable for you, then do not hesitate to return it to the store and ask for an exchange of goods or a refund.

Best regards, Olga.

To choose a pillow, it is not enough to just have the desire to go to the store; you need to take into account a number of nuances that will help you get a truly sound sleep.

Types of sleeping pillows

According to their shape, pillows are divided into:

classic ones - a rectangle, familiar from childhood. There are printed and solid ones;
anatomical (orthopedic) - curved for better physiological rest according to the shape of the body of the mind. Made from a material that can retain “memory” for a long time- latex, polyurethane foam, “memory forms”.

By type of filler there are:

Natural, containing wool, feathers, raw materials of animal origin (silk). Contains allergenic filler.
From plant materials, sometimes exotic: algae, grass, eucalyptus, corn, buckwheat, bamboo.
Containing artificial fillers: hollow siliconized fiber, all kinds of “fibers”.
Consisting of orthopedic materials: memory form, polyurethane foam, latex, which have a “memory” of shape.
Combined - with inclusions differing in composition (additional inserts).

Selection rules

For better sleep you need to know the following nuances:

Having allergies. Do you have a reaction to animal fur? Please read the annotation to avoid any surprises.
Orthopedic medical problems with the spine, the surface of the bed, including the pillow, must have combination features.
Sleeping position – the choice of height depends on this.
Conditions of everyday use, cost, material. If it is not possible to wash it regularly (take bedding to the dry cleaner), discard natural fillers.

General requirements for selection

Size and shape

The classic square suits everyone. Also produced:

soft “donut” (a roller specially adjusted to the shape of the body that unloads spinal column);
anatomically curved pillows (rectangular with protrusions, corrugated);
combined, combining several types (standard with a bend in one direction, having stiffeners, protruding parts).

The following size formats are available: 70 by 70 or 50 cm; the “donuts” are longer due to their shape.

Rigidity

Three options will please all couch potatoes:

hard (filled with horsehair, synthetic materials, latex);
medium hardness (combination of artificial and natural materials, buckwheat);
soft (down, feather, synthetic padding).

Combined pillows contain springs, inflatable parts, filler inserts of different densities, which serve structural elements increasing practicality, convenience, and health benefits.

Height

High pillows are considered to be a decimeter, low - less than 6-8 cm. It is necessary to select the parameters based on your sleeping position and the habit of tossing and turning.

For those in doubt, the variable height option, additional bolsters, and built-in inflatable devices are suitable.

Case material

A mandatory criterion is the naturalness of the shell material, since you will have to spend most of the night in close contact with the skin and fabric:

silk – gentle, pleasant, delicate, durable;
cotton (cambric, percale, teak) - soft, low price, wears out quickly;
linen – easy to care for, provides high level comfort, has the ability to retain its original qualities for a long period of time, cools the skin in summer.
wool – warms, comfortable to the touch, requires special attention when processed, may cause skin irritation.

This filler will require a cover to hold the fluff. The more “volatile” the filler, the denser the latter.

Which natural filler is better to choose?

Animal origin

This includes litters obtained from pets.

Feather. High price, contraindicated for allergy sufferers. The higher the percentage in ready-made version, the more expensive the pillow will be. Use only dry cleaning (every six months), after a couple of years you will have to update your “bed wardrobe” (down quickly breaks down during use). Firm pillows contain more feathers. But they are hygroscopic, fluffy, and completely natural.
Sheep's wool. Strictly contraindicated for people with allergies. If there is no such problem, then keep in mind that exploitation entails the irreversible option of “felt” the wool. Woolen items must be exposed dry cleaning every six months of service, manual (automatic) washing is excluded.
Horsehair is rare, technologically difficult to use; if necessary, a combination of soft fillers is added to increase rigidity. Repels moisture and dust, retains its shape, and becomes the basis for orthopedic products. Will last at least ten years.

Vegetable origin

Plant raw materials are the oldest known material for making bedding. You can choose the following options:

This is a foamed porous orthopedic substance made from the thickened sap of the Hevea tree, which retains its given shape. Convenient for the production of orthopedic products: high hypoallergenicity, the ability to repel sweat, a long service life (15 years) make sleep comfortable and care simple.

The price is high - the precious raw materials are collected by hand from the trees and must be thermally processed while the juice is liquid. Separately, there is artificial latex (polyurethane foam), which also retains its shape and is cheap to produce. Serves 5-10 years.

Which synthetic filler is better to choose?

On the market wide choose the following artificial fillers:

Russian stores sell bedding products from the following companies:

Christian Fischbacher – luxury class, supplied bed sheets, accessories high price category. Material: top quality down, polyester, silk, teak. Country: Switzerland.
Hefel is an Austrian manufacturer. The high cost is due to handmade(a number of technological stages, preparation, processing of fabric), as well as our own original technologies sewing thin cambric and making branded fillers.
Sonex – make orthopedic accessories using Thinsulate, artificial materials, mixtures. Production - Ukraine. Part of the raw materials is exported from outside (Germany, Austria, USA).
TAC is a large Turkish company, specialization: textiles, bedding, materials: satin, jacquard self-made. It has reasonable prices.
Serafimovskaya Pushinka is an old Russian supplier of down and feather bedding products. They also sell “recyclables” (by-products of goose farming, clothing). The price is low.
Crystal – “Turks”, use synthetics and natural fillers. The covers are calico, cotton from our own company. The products are cheap and short-lived.
Le Vele – the choice of those who prefer Turkish high quality. They make all types of bedding, orthopedic, children's, down, bed linen, and related products.
Kaufmann is a company that has existed for more than two centuries. The Austrian company's assortment includes many models, including children's accessories. Used predominantly natural materials(silk, teak, cashmere), original fillings from our own suppliers: goose feather, eiderdown. Prices are high.
English Home is a telling name, but this is again a Turkish company. The list of fillers is quite scarce; you can choose: viscose, cotton, artificial fillers, wool. Middle price segment.

When sleeping on your side, to determine the correct height, take a measuring tape, then measure the distance between your shoulder point and the base of your neck. Let's get the shoulder width, it should be taken as the height of the pillow (it should be 10-13 cm).

To sleep on your stomach or back, take smaller values (8-10 cm). Moreover, if the mattress increased rigidity, choose a high "dumka".

If you have already decided on the basic introductory parameters (material), pay attention also to:

quality of seams - choose even, smooth ones so that the filler material does not extend beyond the stitches;
the presence of a zipper - even if the pillow itself cannot be washed, this will greatly facilitate the task of maintaining hygiene;
having no health contraindications, choose natural material for sleeping;
the categorical absence of an unpleasant odor, for example, serving as a sign of marriage;
cost – high can mask shortcomings, be more careful in your choice;
the filler of your own mattress - the softer it is, the harder the pillow you should choose;
annotation (labels) describing care methods, storage parameters, and origin of the product.

Does the shape depend on the sleeping position?

Sleep completely on flat surface harms the spine, such a luxury is only allowed for children under the age of one year. The choice of “support” depends on the preferred position of the body when traveling to the kingdom of Morpheus.

If you snore, it is advisable to maintain a “lying on your side” position while sleeping, purchasing a design consisting of two bolsters. Thanks to the subcervical eminence, it will be uncomfortable to sleep in any other way, as a result of which the body will automatically take the desired position. Here the shoulders and neck relax, and the spinal column is anatomically correct. Apnea will go away forever, the circadian rhythm will improve, and the body will thank you with its mood in the morning.
The “fetal” position in sleep is more often chosen by pregnant women and people with problems lumbar region spine. It is best for them to purchase a “roller” that relieves a tense back.
Sleeping “face down” is harmful, as a number of important arteries are pinched. Small thin pads with a small amount of filler that make the situation easier will help minimize the consequences.
On your back is one of the most common positions that allows you to rest comfortably. Use a firm, low pillow and additional bolsters under your lower back and legs to relax your body muscles.

Sign wrong choice– uncomfortable sensations after sleep, the desire to place your hand under your cheek, making a high roller.

Orthopedic pillow

If you sleep on your side, measure from the base of your neck (above your collarbone) to the edge of your shoulder to make your choice. Add a couple of centimeters to the obtained value and you will get the height of the orthopedic roller. It may vary slightly (centimeter or less, perfect match it is not necessary to follow), then the roller will wash under the weight of the body.

If you have doubts about your own calculations (when purchasing a pillow for a child), look for products stuffed with natural buckwheat husks (option: with adjustable height, inflatable material), capable of adjusting down to the millimeter.

Remember, any accessory only alleviates symptoms, preventing the development of the disease.

For cervical osteochondrosis

Patients with osteochondrosis should be guided by the following list when choosing an orthopedic companion on their journey through dreams:

the optimal body position is as relaxed as possible, so constant sleep “face down” is harmful; the choice of pillow takes into account position factors;
It is better to lie on your side (back), choosing a moderate (10-11 cm) bending height;
format – only rectangular (square), no “crescents”;
Prefer medium hardness, the width of the pillow exceeds the size of the shoulders.

The main criterion that proves the correctness of the choice is the absence of discomfort in the morning after sleep.

For a child

The selection parameters are proportional to age. When a child is already a schoolboy, “adult” rules are used. Otherwise:

Newborns do without “thoughts”, the only exception is the side bolster for the baby, which prevents turning over (when the sleeping baby is restless, is able to take the “face down” position, then cannot turn back).
Children over 2 years old should choose a cozy pillow filled with buckwheat, a natural plant material that is breathable, repels moisture, and molds to the shape of the body.
When setting up a bed for a preschooler, your choice is an orthopedic pillow measuring 50x40 cm, flat, less than 10 cm high, forming a natural anatomical curve, and having a neutral material (filler).

Children's bedding must be treated: washed, changed on time.

Pregnant

The main materials filling such pillows are holofiber and polystyrene foam balls. Outer case you should choose a two-layer one, woven from natural fabrics, ensuring reliable retention of the contents bulk material inside - for example, small filler parts.

The following pillows are offered to pregnant women:

Shaped like the letter “C” (“banana”). A length of 170 cm will be enough for petite women; tall women will have to look for a larger size. It will be useful to sit or recline, the “banana” will save a tense back.
“Rogalik” is a variation of the previous one, characterized by “long” ends, reaching 3.5 meters. Allows you to wrap yourself completely.
I-shaped, 170-190 cm long, 30-35 cm wide, suggests the option of sleeping “with your leg thrown over”. Simple, convenient, and therefore cheap.
“Corner” – about two meters. Any change in its position at night will entail the need to turn it completely over. Convenient when the expectant mother sleeps more or less peacefully.

Once you pass the pregnancy period, wait to throw out the bagels. They will serve during the period of breastfeeding the baby (sitting and lying down are doubly comfortable).