One of the essential things for optimal physical as well as mental health is quality sleep. And the key to good sleep is a comfortable pillow according to your sleeping position. They come in a variety of comfort levels, materials, and sizes. Buying the right pillow is very crucial. Purchasing the wrong one can interrupt your sleep cycles, and you will not get quality rest.
We should remember that pillows can harbor dust mites and bacteria. So, if you wake up sneezing for most of your days, there is an indication that you should change your pillow. Try a hypoallergenic one and see if your sleep enhances or not. Some other signs that tell you it is time to replace your pillow include:
- Bad smell
- Discoloration or stains
- Flatness
Buying considerations for the perfect and comfiest pillows
Material:
There are several options available in the market when it comes to material. However, like a mattress, choosing a pillow depends on your need and preference.
- Down alternative: a synthetic version of down, down alternative pillows are more affordable and need replacing as they get lumpy over time. They are also hypoallergenic.
- Gel: made from gel, easy to care for, and give a cooling effect. Although gel pillows are firm, if you sleep hot or are allergic to other materials, you should try them.
- Cotton: they are breathable, hypoallergenic, versatile, and work for every sleeping position. However, cotton pillows have a few cons too. They do not contour well and need regular cleaning. And if you are allergic to synthetics, the cotton pillow is an excellent alternative. It is affordable as well.
- Feather: these are the fluffiest and softest pillows. They are soft, moldable, lightweight, and incredibly supportive. They are affordable but hard to clean and need regular fluffing.
- Down: they are flexible, soft, and lightweight. Down pillows provide above-average head and neck support. Compared to other materials, down can harbor more allergens and retain body heat- So this is not for everyone.
- Memory foam: ideal for all sleeping positions as they contour to the body. If you sleep hot, low-density memory foam is not the right choice for you as they are not breathable.
- Latex: they are breathable, durable, biodegradable, and moldable. If you sleep hot, latex is perfect for you, as latex is a cooling pillow. One thing to look for before buying a latex pillow is ensuring you are not allergic to it (latex is a common allergen).
- Polyester: referred to as poly-fill pillows, polyester is the most inexpensive and common one. They are so popular because of their budget-friendly price points. Since polyester pillows are made with low-quality material, they lose shape quickly.
Size:
After making up your mind to buy a new pillow, one of the factors to consider is the size. Always choose the size that best suits your bed and needs. If you do not know what pillow to purchase and how many, take your mattress as a guide. However, it is not a universal law; you can always add or subtract the number of pillows per your preference.
Typical pillow sizes are:
- Euro: 26 x 26 inches (Mix- your preference)
- Standard: 20 x 26 inches (two per queen bed)
- Queen: 20 x 30 inches (two per queen bed)
- King: 20 x 36 inches (two per king bed)
Cost:
Cost is not an issue when buying a pillow, as you can purchase budget-friendly, affordable pillows from the markets. Moreover, you can buy a pillow as low as S$10 or as expensive as S$1,000. It all depends on your budget and preference. However, most of the pillows cost less than $200. The prices of the headrest vary according to the material used in it. Some of the ranges of pillows made with different materials are as follows:
- Memory Foam- S$50- S$150
- Down- S$15- S$250
- Cotton- S$50- S$100
- Polyester- S$10- S$80
- Gel- S$40- S$50
- Down alternative- S$20- S$30
- Feather- S$25- S$50
- Latex- S$100- S$150
Choosing a pillow:
It depends on several factors, such as the size of your bed, the way you sleep (position), and whether you have any allergies. So, the next time you go for your pillow shopping, considers these points to optimize your sleep.
Pillows according to different sleeping positions/styles:
- Stomach sleepers: a flat, soft pillow would be perfect for these sleepers. It will give the ideal support and will not raise your neck and head too far. Other good options include cotton, gel, down, memory foam, polyester, and feathers.
- Back sleepers: if this is how you sleep, you should go for medium-to-firm pillows. Consider a pillow made from materials, such as gel, down alternative, polyester, cotton, latex, feather, and down.
- Side sleepers: if you like to curl up and sleep on your side, a firm-to-extra-firm pillow will be best for you. This pillow will ensure that your spine gets proper support. Feather, down, memory foam, latex, polyester, cotton, and down alternative are a few other options.
In this guide, we have chosen the top 5 best pillows to buy in Singapore [2024 review] to help you make a better purchase.