How to choose a pillow?

If you need to choose a pillow for sleep, pay attention to several important criteria.

Size of pillow. Normally, cushions are produced by standardthe length of the pillow can vary from 40 to 80 cm, width - from 30 to 50 cm. You can choose a pillow of this size, which is convenient for you personally. But it is worth considering that on the pillow should be placed not only the head, but also the neck. The cushion should not be wider than the mattress. Well, make sure that the pillow does not have more pillowcases available at your house.

Pillow height. From the height of the pillow depends comfort during sleep,so it is very important to choose a pillow suitable for you height. Usually the height of the pillows varies from 6 to 16 cm, for most people the optimal height is 10-14 cm. It is worth choosing a pillow higher if you have wide shoulders, a hard mattress, or if you sleep on your side and the pillow is lower - if you have a soft mattress, or if you are used to sleeping on your back or stomach.

From the posture during sleep depends also on cushion stiffness. A hard pillow is needed for those who sleep on their sides. Those who prefer to sleep on their stomach, need a pillow softer. And if you sleep mainly on a sleeping place, you should choose a medium-hard pillow. The cushion should be elastic, not excessively rigid, not too tightly packed.

Shape of pillow. You can choose a pillow of the usual classicalshape (square or oblong) or orthopedic. The orthopedic pillow has one or two half-loops to support the neck. There may be other variations of orthopedic pillows (for example, with a recess under the head), but the goal for all orthopedic pillows is the same - as best as possible to support the neck during sleep. Pillows of unusual shapes (round, triangular, rollers, pillow-toys) for sleeping are not suitable.

Filler material. You can choose a pillow made of synthetic or natural material - each type has its own disadvantages and advantages. Orthopedic pillows are usually synthetic, they are made of latex (foamed rubber). They are elastic and soft, well maintain the shape, hypoallergenic. Synthetic pillows can be washed, you need to do this 2-3 times a year in a delicate washing mode.

Some cushions made of latex or synthetic foam (polyurethane) have "Memory effect": reacting to heat and pressure, they takeshape of the body. But keep in mind that such pillows can not be washed, after washing they lose the "memory effect". With an unaccustomed cushion with a "memory effect" may seem too tight.

As natural fillers feathers and feathers are used (goose, duck, less oftengag), wool (sheep, camel), much less often - buckwheat or rice husks (husks). They keep the heat well and let in air, cushions with natural gasket weigh very little. The softness and elasticity of the pillow is affected by the amount of filler and the quality of the down mixture (the ratio of down and feather in the filler). Woolen pillows are tougher than downy

Please note that down pillows absorb moisture very much, so they need 1-2 times a year for several hoursor even dry the day in the sun. If the pillow smells damp and moldy, you need to change it. In the case of allergies to fluff or asthma, you can choose a pillow filled with its synthetic analog, a comforter.

Case material. The cover of the pillow should be made of a dense weave fabric, through which the filler can not penetrate. In this case, the fabric should be light and air-tight.

Quality of tailoring. Make sure that all the seams on the cushion are shallow anddurable. If the pillow is filled, make sure that there are no holes through which it can get out. Punctures from the needle should not be large - otherwise holes will appear, even if now they are not. So when buying, you need to carefully consider the seams and pull them a little.

Whichever pillow you choose, remember that the pillow should be changed approximately every three years (natural - every six months or a year if you do not hang them to dry).

And by what criteria do you choose your pillow? Are you satisfied with your choice? Share your experience with our readers!