It Might be Time to Break up With Your Pillow, Here’s Why:

When it comes to a good night's sleep, your pillow plays a more important role than you might think. The right pillow supports your neck, keeps your spine aligned, and prevents aches and pains. But with so many choices out there, how do you know which pillow is right for you? The answer starts with understanding your sleep position, body type, and personal preferences.

1. Start with Your Sleep Position

Your primary sleep position should guide your pillow selection. Here’s what to look for based on how you sleep:

Side Sleepers:
If you sleep on your side, you’ll need a pillow that fills the space between your ear and shoulder. Look for a firmer pillow with a higher loft to maintain proper neck and spinal alignment. Without the right support, side sleepers can wake up with stiff necks or shoulder pain.

Back Sleepers:
Back sleepers should aim to support the natural curve of the neck. A medium-loft, medium-firmness pillow usually offers just the right balance. However, if you tend to snore, a slightly higher loft may help open your airways.

Stomach Sleepers:
Sleeping on your stomach can put strain on your neck and spine, so a soft, low-loft pillow is best. It allows your head to rest comfortably without excessive elevation, helping to keep your spine aligned.

Combination Sleepers:
If you switch positions throughout the night, flexibility is key. You may want to try adjustable pillows or keep a couple of options handy (e.g., one firmer for side sleeping, one softer for back sleeping). Finding the right fit may take a bit of trial and error.

2. Factor In Your Body Type

Your body’s size and shape also influence how well a pillow supports you.

• Shoulder Width: People with broader shoulders may need a higher-loft pillow, even if they sleep on their back, to properly fill the space between the head and mattress.

• Weight: Heavier individuals may compress their pillow more during the night, so a firmer pillow helps maintain support and loft.

• Body Frame Size: Match the pillow size to your body. If you’re petite, a smaller pillow might suit you better. Larger-framed individuals may benefit from larger pillows to ensure adequate support and coverage.

3. Understand Firmness and Loft

Two key terms to know when shopping for pillows are firmness and loft:

• Firmness: How much the pillow resists compression. Firmer pillows offer more resistance and support, while softer pillows feel plush but may offer less structure.

• Loft: This is the pillow’s height or thickness. Higher lofts keep your head more elevated, while lower lofts are flatter and better for stomach sleeping.

Pro Tip: Try pillows in-store whenever possible. Lie down in your typical sleep position and test how the pillow feels after a few minutes. What feels great in your hand might not feel right under your head for eight hours.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right pillow isn't just about comfort — it's about your health. The wrong pillow can lead to poor spinal alignment, headaches, neck pain, and restless nights. By understanding your sleep position, body type, and preferences for firmness and loft, you’ll be well on your way to finding your perfect match.

Sweet dreams start with the right pillow!

Explore Your Perfect Pillow Today

Not sure where to start? Come in for a complementary Sleep Assessment and let one of our expert consultants fit you to the perfect pillow for your body and sleep style. It’s totally free — and could completely change the way you sleep.

👉 Click here to explore pillows or visit your nearest Modern Mattress location to get started!