Treat Yourself to New Bed Pillows
A new bed pillow (along with getting a new mattress) can make a big difference in the quality of your sleep. Find the right bed pillows for your body, habits and décor by considering these key factors.
Pillow Materials
The first thing to consider when shopping for new pillows is the fill material. This not only affects the feel and support of the pillow, but it can also determine how warm or cool it feels and whether or not it’s hypoallergenic.
- Down pillows feel luxurious and fluffy beneath your head. However, they don’t provide much support and may contain allergens.
- Down-alternative pillows have a similar feel to down but aren’t made from natural feathers.
- Synthetic-fill pillows are a bit firmer but still soft beneath your head. They’re good all-purpose pillows.
- Memory foam pillows are more supportive than other types, but some people find them too hard to be comfortable. Gel memory foam is cooling, which is perfect for hot climates or warm sleepers.
Less common fillings include cotton, foam and latex foam.
Pillow Shapes
A pillow shouldn’t just be cozy; it should also be supportive. The amount of support you need depends on how you sleep.
- If you sleep on your back, choose a pillow that supports your head, neck and shoulders. It should be medium-firm.
- If you sleep on your side, you’ll probably want a firm, thick pillow that supports your head in a neutral position so that your spine stays in alignment.
- If you sleep on your stomach, opt for a soft, thin pillow that doesn’t put tension on your neck.
- If you want to read or elevate your head, get a back pillow for your bed or a wedge pillow. These pillows look like an armchair or wedge and support your back better than other pillows.
- If you’re pregnant, a pregnancy pillow or body pillow may make it easier for you to find a comfortable, supported position.
Most pillows are a standard size. If you have a king-size bed, you’ll want wider pillows.
Decorative Bed Pillows
Make your bed cozier and more inviting with decorative pillows. Choose pillow shams that coordinate with your bedspread to cover standard-sized pillows and then add a few smaller pillows in front. Experiment with different shapes — like round, square or novelty-shaped pillows — to get the look you’re after. Mix and match different colors, patterns and materials to add more visual interest or to coordinate with other décor items in the room.
When it’s time to go to bed, don’t throw the pillows on the floor. Instead, place a cloth hamper or large basket at the foot of the bed to keep decorative pillows clean and out of the way at night.
Maintaining Your Pillows
When you choose pillows, take a look at the care instructions. Not all pillows can be cleaned in the washing machine. It’s smart to use pillow protectors to protect pillows from perspiration, wet hair, and general wear and tear. Wash the protective cover often to keep your pillows smelling fresh.
If your pillows begin to sag or look flat, you may be able to fluff them up in the dryer (again, check the instructions on the tag). Set the dryer to low and let the pillows tumble around for a few minutes until they look as good as new.