A sound and restful sleep of 6-8 hours is essential for good health. When you sleep, your body cells renew and rejuvenate so that you can recover from fatigue and restlessness. A restful sleep depends on several factors such as the light and temperature of the room as well as the comfort that your bed offers. Something that is usually neglected is the type of pillows you use. Superficially, the shape, size, and firmness of the pillow seem to be the factors that might affect sleep. However, it is the filler inside the pillow that has a significant impact on the sleep quality. Let’s see the most widely used pillow fillers and their pros and cons:
Down
The best down pillows are soft and light and are ideal for people who prefer a soft place to rest their head. These are made if duck or goose fibers and the latter are softer and more expensive. They not only contain pure down but also have feathers and other fillings too. The only concern about this filler is that some people are allergic to it and this can cause allergic reactions. However, such reactions take place only if the down used is of inferior quality or is not cleaned properly. Pillows with natural down are expensive. The less expensive options such as synthetic and polyester down are also available in the market.
Wool
Wool is another popular option that is right for people looking for firm pillows rather than soft ones. The best benefit of wool pillows is that they are effective for regulating the body temperature, keeping you warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Moreover, they are ideal for people with allergies as wool is naturally hypoallergenic as well as resistant to mold and dust mites. If you look for a wool pillow that is on the softer side, opt for one made with alpaca wool instead of cashmere fiber.
Cotton
Cotton pillows are a good option because, like wool, they offer resistance to mites and mold, making them just apt for sensitive people. They are firm and flat, which means that they work well for those with neck and back problems. Another benefit of cotton pillows is that they are low-maintenance.
Memory Foam
A pillow filler material that has gained popularity these days is memory foam. These pillows are flexible as it aligns with the shape of the body and responds to the weight and body heat. It contours itself to adjust comfortably with your neck, head and shoulders. This makes it useful for people suffering from neck and head pain. However, it retains heat and can cause some discomfort in the hot weather. Some people also find the odor of new pillows repulsive.
Latex
If you are looking for a pillow filler material that is neither as soft as down and nor as firm as wool, then latex is just the right choice for you. These pillows are comfortable and hold their shape as well. They also offer extra support to the neck and head. Additionally, they prevent allergies sick as mold and mites.
Besides choosing the right material, it is also important to select the right shape and thickness of the pillow. Timely cleaning and periodic replacement are also needed to ensure good health and restful sleep.