Pillows and Position Devices

Body Alignment and Sleep

A well-designed pillow properly supports your head and neck, aligning your spine and limiting the risk of neck, back, and shoulder pain.

Pillows, Breathing, and Sleep

Because pillows are used to position your head and neck, they also contribute to the quality of your breathing at night. Certain pillow types have even been shown to decrease snoring.

How to Choose a Pillow

• Sleep Position: Side sleepers need thicker pillows, back sleepers require medium support and stomach sleepers benefit from flatter options.
• Temperature Needs: Opt for breathable materials and cooling features if you sleep hot, or warmth-retaining options if you tend to feel cold at night.
• Materials: Select fill and cover materials based on your preferences and potential allergies. Consider hypoallergenic options if needed.

Different Types of Pillows

• Loft: Consider your sleep position. Side sleepers require thicker lofts for proper spinal alignment, while back and stomach sleepers may prefer medium or low lofts to avoid neck strain.
• Firmness: Match firmness to your comfort and support needs. Soft pillows suit stomach sleepers, while medium-firm options offer balanced support for most. Side sleepers and those with neck pain may benefit from firmer pillows.
• Temperature Regulation: Hot sleepers benefit from breathable materials like wool or buckwheat, or cooling features like gel-infused memory foam.
• Fill: Natural fills like down and wool are breathable but may trigger allergies while synthetic fills like memory foam and latex are usually hypoallergenic but may retain heat. Combination fills are also available.

Who Might Benefit from a New Pillow

• Neck Pain Sufferers: A supportive pillow that aligns your spine can significantly reduce pain and improve sleep quality.
• Snorers: Certain pillow types can improve airflow and reduce snoring, benefiting both snorers and their partners.
• Hot Sleepers: Cooling pillows made from breathable materials or infused with cooling gels can help regulate temperature and improve sleep comfort.
• Allergy Sufferers: If dust mites or synthetic materials trigger your allergies, consider hypoallergenic pillows filled with natural materials like down or latex.
• Anyone with Pillows Over 2-3 Years Old: Replacing older pillows old may improve sleep hygiene and comfort, as older pillows may lose shape and accumulate allergens over time.

Who Would Not Benefit from a New Pillow

Pillow selection is a mix of physical, medical and personal preference criteria. Individuals that have the following conditions may benefit from a consultation with a provider or physical therapist:

• Chronic Neck or Spinal Problems
• Severe Sleep Apnea
• Allergies to Pillow Materials
• Migraines or Headaches
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)