What does your pillow do for you?

Pillows should do more than just add an ornamental value to your bed.  Although some pillows are designed to be simply decorative, your sleep pillow should not be one of them.  With just a little thought, buying the correct pillow for you should help in getting that much desired restful night sleep.

In order to give you the correct support and comfort, you must first figure out if you are a back sleeper, side sleeper, or stomach sleeper.  The back sleeper needs support for the head, neck, and shoulder.  A pillow that has firm ends and yet softer in the middle for the head is a good choice.  Also wedge pillows help support the natural curve of the spine.  The side sleeper needs the support between the shoulder and neck to avoid neck pain.  The contoured, memory foam or gusseted pillows are recommended.  The mid section of contoured pillows allow the head to rest more naturally, also a body pillow may give a side sleeper additional support and comfort. The stomach sleeper needs a thinner supportive pillow. Pillows with tapered sides and medium firmness give comfort with just enough support.

There are also pillows that aid with such things as pain relief and allergies.  A therapeutic pillow made of memory foam and gel reduces pressure points; supports the head, neck, and shoulder area; and alleviates pain.  Allergy suffers also benefit from gel or memory foam pillows that allow air to travel through and ward off the collection of dust particles. Pillows made with hypoallergenic materials or down alternatives also help relieve allergies.