To sleep well, it’s important to have certain bedding accessories, such as a pillow. This small support on which we rest our heads greatly enhances sleepers’ comfort, regardless of their sleeping habits. There is a wide variety of pillow shapes and sizes on the market, which doesn’t exactly make choosing one any easier. However, for people who suffer from neck pain and need to maintain a natural sleeping position, the choice of a pillow becomes clearer. Ergonomic memory foam pillows are certainly the ideal choice for comfort in these circumstances, but in practice, some models may prove far more effective than others. To make the right choice, you need to consider a few criteria. Let’s find out how to choose the right ergonomic pillow.
Ergonomic Pillow: Definition and Benefits
It's a good idea to clearly define what an ergonomic pillow is before listing its benefits.
What is an ergonomic pillow?
An ergonomic pillow is a pillow designed using technology that helpsrelieve pressure points on the sleeper's head. It is completely different from a conventional pillow, which has no special features.
Ergonomic pillows can be made of memory foam, latex, or natural materials such as grain husks, goose feathers, or duck feathers. These materials help reduce or eliminate neck pain.
So, in reality, it is the material that gives the pillow its ergonomic properties. However, depending on whether the material is synthetic or natural, the feel will be different when you go to bed.
Why buy an ergonomic pillow?
An ergonomic pillow offers many benefits; that is why it attracts so much interest from both adults and children.
In general, experts recommend that people suffering from neck pain use an ergonomic pillow. This type of pillow is designed to protect the neck, prevent or treat stiff neck, and relieve muscle tension. When paired with an ergonomic memory foam or latex mattress, it helps maintain proper spinal alignment. This is the ideal combination for a restful night’s sleep.
While ergonomic pillows were originally designed specifically for medical use, today the situation has completely changed. Anyone can use these pillows and enjoy their benefits on a daily basis. In fact, regardless of how they are used, users experience optimal comfort, which helps them fall asleep more easily.
However, it is important to choose a high-quality model. What are the key factors to consider when buying an ergonomic pillow?
How to Choose the Right Ergonomic Pillow?
People generally spend a lot of time choosing a mattress, sometimes at the expense of their pillow. However, the pillow plays a major role in sleep quality. Therefore, special attention should be paid to choosing the right pillow. Identifying a few selection criteria is even more important when it comes to an ergonomic pillow. In this case, the user should consider the filling, firmness, shape, thickness, treatment, and price.
The Filling
When we talk about ergonomic pillows, we immediately think of memory foam pillows. That’s not entirely true. Not all ergonomic pillows are made of memory foam. Some contain polyester, latex fibers, or natural materials such as:
- natural latex (composed of at least 80% rubber tree sap), which promotes air circulation;
- feathers and down (from ducks or geese), which make the pillow softer;
- spelt, which is known for its ability to effectively regulate moisture and heat.
Whether synthetic or natural fibers, all options have their pros and cons. It’s up to the user to make a choice based on their needs.
Firmness
Since different materials have different properties, the level of firmness can vary significantly from one model to another. Depending on whether it is a memory foam pillow, a natural latex pillow, or a pillow filled with feathers and down (from ducks or geese), the surface will be softer or firmer. In fact, there are four levels of firmness: very firm, firm, medium, and soft.
The choice will depend on the sleeper’s body type. Smaller individuals would be better off choosing soft models. Conversely, larger individuals are more likely to be satisfied with firmer models. The sleeper’s sleeping habits also play a role—albeit to a lesser extent—in choosing the firmness of an ergonomic pillow.
The Form
There are several shapes of ergonomic pillows available on the market: round, oval, square, rectangular, and so on. Manufacturers compete to come up with innovative designs that are both high-performing and aesthetically pleasing. If, in addition to these natural functions, the pillow is meant to enhance a room’s decor, it’s best to opt for more unique shapes, such as wave- or star-shaped designs. For children, these are also the best possible choice. However, for optimal comfort, classic rectangular models are more suitable.
Thickness
The thickness of the pillow determines how comfortable it is to sleep on. It is therefore a factor that must be taken into account when choosing a neck pillow. Pillows on the market range in thickness from 8 to 13 cm. The choice of thickness depends on the sleeper’s body type and sleeping habits.
For a smaller sleeper, an ergonomic pillow that is 8 to 10 cm thick is ideal, while models that are 10 to 13 cm thick are better suited for a larger person.
Furthermore, while thickness isn't a key factor for people who sleep on their backs, those who sleep on their stomachs need a thin mattress, and those who sleep on their sides need a very thick one.
Treatment
Like certain bedding accessories—such as mattresses and mattress toppers—ergonomic pillows are treated to provide sleepers with all the comfort they need for a good night’s sleep. Generally, three types of treatments are applied:
- an anti-mite treatment and an antibacterial treatment: to prevent the proliferation of mites and all kinds of bacteria and microorganisms on the surface of the pillow;
- an anti-sweat treatment: to keep the pillow dry even if the sleeper sweats heavily.
The price
The price of an ergonomic pillow varies from one brand to another. There is a fairly wide price range on the market, ranging from 17 to 100 euros—or even more at some specialty stores. As a result, shoppers will always find a model that fits their budget. However, it’s best to avoid purchasing cheap models priced under 20 euros. Below that price, the quality is truly lacking. While a pillow priced between 20 and 45 euros offers a basic level of comfort, it’s not until you reach 50 euros that you really start to feel the benefits. You should budget at least 70 euros to fully experience the effectiveness of an ergonomic pillow.
In conclusion, it is important to have good bedding to ensure maximum comfort at bedtime. An ergonomic pillow plays a key role in this. With the selection criteria listed above, it is easier to make an informed choice that will help you achieve a certain level of well-being.
We recommend these other pages:
- Should I choose a memory foam pillow?
- How to Choose a Neck Pillow
- How do you choose a pillow for a child?
- How do you choose a pillow for a baby?
- How to Choose an Orthopedic Pillow
- Should you choose a firm pillow?
- How to Choose a Flat Pillow?
- When should you choose a feather pillow?
- What size pillow should you choose?