Everyone wants to sleep in a comfortable and cozy bed because nobody wants to experience back pain, neck pain, fatigue, headache and other associated conditions that come with sleeping on the wrong mattress or pillow.

How then do you know the right mattress or pillow for you? There are numerous mattresses and pillows available, made from various materials, which may be natural or synthetic, but certain factors are put into consideration in the choice of the right pillow or mattress for you.

These factors include sleep positions, body weight, firmness, health condition and personal preference, and these should make the basis for your buying decision. Here you will read on certain factors and points to guide to make the purchase.

How Old Is Your Pillow? When Should You Replace It?

If you have difficulty answering this question, it is high time you changed your pillow. A pillow has a lifespan of two to four years. It is necessary to replace them for sanitary reasons. Most people don't consider pillows as a breeding ground for microbes and dust, but sadly this is the case. The covers should also be washed frequently as they also come in contact with the body.

Different Types of Pillow

​Goose Down Pillow

The interpretation of the word 'goose' is not always literary feathers for pillows. A goose's bottom holds a lot of memories and history, but nowadays is made from a variety of sources: Goose of Polish or Hungarian origin, Waterfall, usually Stork and Turkey, and Ducks of eider species. Sleepers love this kind of soft pillow, irrespective of the age.

Down Alternative (Synthetic)

They are made from synthetic filling, polyester puffs similar to original down pillows. They are hypoallergenic, therefore suitable for people with allergies and those who don't like feather plucking.

Memory Foam Pillow

The memory foam is a competent alternative to feeble feathers, being a thick foam block with a history, initially developed for use in aircraft seats in the 1970s. In recent times, the Memory Foam has become a popular choice in the market.

Shredded Memory Foam

These are an advanced version of memory foams with a mixture of different brands. These shredded pieces are flexible and adjustable, but bounce like memory foam; firm and provide support, great for side sleepers.

Latex Pillow

These pillows contain materials from rubber trees growing in the tropical regions. Environmentalists can spend extra money on purchasing a latex, but the benefits are numerous: resistance to bed bugs and dust mites and relieves back and neck pain. Have an allergy problem? Latex is just what you need.

Body Pillow

The body pillow is often termed the next fantastic thing after falling in love. It is flexible and is designed for cuddling while providing support to the skeletal structure, irrespective of how long you stay in bed. It is structured at least all night hugs and is fit for pregnant women.

Adjustable Pillows

Adjustable pillows are manufactured using a different filling that can be adjusted to meet your desires. Like its shredded memory foam counterpart, it is famous because of the filling that can be removed easily.

Feather pillow

Just like down pillows, they are soft and conventional, and reflective material for recycling. However, they are problematic, especially for hypertensive with allergies, but there are benefits, and can be bought anywhere, from sleep shops and internet vendors to big stores.

​Buckwheat Pillow

Most definitely, people with allergies will love this buckwheat pillow as it guarantees ecological sustainability. Its casing is usually made from synthetic or natural textiles, but on the inside, it has 100 percent of buckwheat hulls gotten from the husk of plants.

Kapok Fiber

Kapok fibers are obtained from the Ceiba tree, a common rainforest tree. They are used as filling for natural bedding and are similar to feathers in hypoallergenicity. Although they are light and soft, they require frequent fluffing and should have an excellent loft.

Water Pillow

Today's water pillow is similar to a sandwich you can sleep on, characterized by layers of polyester with gel or water chambers as part of the pillow's interior. It is heavy and dense, not your typical fluffy pillow for hugging, with sleep comfort.

Gel Pillow

Like water pillows, these have gel fillings and maintain the coolness of the pillow, firmness, and consistency. They prevent flattening but are flexible enough to be re-shaped or molded to give extra comfort. In rare cases, one may see memory foam pillows with gel layers enclosing them.

Microbead Pillow

If you've gone through the description of the buckwheat pillow, you'll have an idea of the function of microbeads. Although microbeads are smaller than the regular beanbag contents, the expectation is that your head will fit in instantly as soon as it gets into this pillow.

Cotton Pillow

Although cotton is a popular bedding material, it is not often considered a pillow filler. Most pillows have other filling materials but outer cotton cover. Pillows with cotton fillers have natural benefits; firmer than down pillows and naturally absorbent.

Wool Pillow

If you want nothing but a pillow with an all-natural filling, you can also get one fitting this specification but with wool fillings. Some of the benefits of this type of pillow include dust mite resistance and natural flame retardant, a sound absorbent, and release moisture. It is flatter and firmer.

Choose The Right Pillow For You

Pillows For Snoring

These are handy, although exercise is an effective way to eliminate snoring and reduce it before sleeping. It is healthy and gives results quickly.

Benefits

• Reduction in snoring
• Improvement in sleeping
• Reduced noise

Pillows For Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain occurs as a result of various factors; an injury, tendinitis, or an overstressed workout. For some, sore shoulders come with age advancement. Whatever pain you feel, with the aid of your pillow, it can reduce. A good pillow reduces pressure on your shoulder, maintaining spinal alignment, and supports your head and neck.

Benefits

• Useful for pregnant mothers with back and shoulder complaints.
• Shoulders can go below the pillow and support the neck properly with its ergonomic design
• A great remedy for neck and shoulder pain and relieves knee pain as well.
• Comfortable for reading or watching TV in bed

Pillow For Back Pain

People who suffer from back pain know the importance of getting a good rest at night, but are aware of how difficult it is to get this when facing a persistent backache. This results in distress and poor sleep. However, some pillows help relieve back pain and perform other functions, such as reducing sleep apnea, heartburn, severe snoring, and posture correction.

Benefits

• Pillows for back pain not only ease discomfort in the back, shoulder, and neck, they also help alleviate certain conditions such as acid reflux, sleep apnea, and heartburn.
• Most medical conditions, like respiratory illnesses (COPD), tend to benefit from the therapy involving the inclination of an elevation wedge.
• Lumbar support pillows also help to reduce knee pain symptoms and restless leg syndrome.

Pillows For Side Sleepers

Waking up in the morning with a backache, stiff neck, or chronic headache in the morning can be attributed to sleeping on a mattress that isn't comfortable, or we just take it to be a symptom of aging. Side sleeping, one of the most typical sleeping positions, is likely to experience aching and pains from sleeping with an inappropriate pillow.

Benefits

• Research has shown that there are numerous health benefits you tend to gain from sleeping with the right pillow, which include sleep apnea, reduced fatigue, and snoring.
• To keep the head and neck in a good position, it is advisable to go for a medium to large size.
• Side sleepers benefit from medium loft pillows of three inches or more.

Pillows For Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that disrupts breathing. Having sleep apnea makes you breathe ceaselessly, starting, and stopping through the night. This becomes annoying and can be a very deadly condition. The two kinds of sleep apnea pillows work with CPAP wedges and machines. Pillows usually take the shape of wedges, and this is so because they can be used to treat various conditions like sleep apnea.

Benefits

• Pillows made for this condition are available in different types, and they increase breathing through the night. 
• This shape elevates your head and neck, encouraging normal breathing and opening airways.
• These pillows are designed to keep the face and mask holding the device while holding the CPAP machine's pressure off your neck and face during sleep.

Pillows For Combination Sleepers

If you toss and turn while sleeping, shift, or wake up with another sleep style in the morning, the chances are that you are a combination sleeper. These sleep habits are the commonest, and satisfying their needs may be tricky. Although their needs are broad, the choice of an appropriate pillow is vital for wellness and overall health as it relieves pressure and provides support.

Benefits

• Suitable for various sleeping positions
• It retains support and shape and promotes proper spine and neck alignment.

Pillows For Stomach Sleepers

You enjoy cuddling and pillow talking while sleeping on your side. ​Reduction in snoring and sleep apnea by sleeping on your stomach.

Benefits

• It keeps your spine in alignment. Its thinner pillow makes it recommended for orthopedic use. In an inclined surface, it creates the right angle for spine alignment as you maintain a neutral position.
• Prevents neck bending upwards. A pillow with two and a half thick inches prevents bending can help stomach sleepers on their back and shoulders.

Pillows For Neck Pain

Incessant neck pain can pose as a hindrance for many, especially in carrying out daily activities, affecting productivity and general performance, irrespective of the activity. A good solution to this is getting a pillow that helps reduce neck pain. A wide variety of options are available with lots of benefits.

Benefits

• They are durable and last long
• Provide comfort while sleeping at night
• Suitable for various sleeping positions
• Provides relief from neck pain

Pillow For Hip Pain

People who have sedentary jobs or are always in the car may likely experience hip pain. More often than not, chairs are not designed to keep the spine properly aligned, and this results in damage after a long time. However, pillows for hip pain provide a solution to this by keeping your hip and spine safe. They are built with memory foam to suit your hip region and reduce pain.

Benefits

• Promotes Proper Posture: It provides support to the hip region and also prevents pain that may occur in the long run.
• Keeps You Focused: You can improve your focus by staying in an upright position. These pillows, while working, help ease hip pain.
• Extra Comfort: Apart from the health benefits, it is very comfortable and improves your sitting experience.

Pillows For Back Sleepers

Back sleeping is categorized as the least position in popularity, with other positions like side and stomach sleeping topping the list. It is, therefore, important to choose a suitable pillow for this sleeping position.

Benefits

• Pillows for back sleepers offer support to the head and neck, making their sleep very comfortable than when they use pillows that are either too large or too thick to fit their needs.

Pillows For Pregnant Women

It is often difficult to get enough sleep while being pregnant and even after delivery. With constant body changes and growth of another being inside you, it is often difficult to get into those positions you used to be comfortable with.

Benefits

• Pillows for pregnant women provide comfort and support to fit the changes.
• They are usually made with soft to medium materials to suit you.

Cooling Pillows

Some people sleep warm, while others are hotter. The choice of a pillow for those who feel very warm at night is one that should be taken seriously. Some pillows are made with breathable fabric covers and interiors and are cool. Others absorb body heat and make the sleeper warm, although it is uncomfortable for hot sleepers. A cooling pillow provides a neutral temperature and cool sleep. They are made with materials such as latex or gel-infused memory foam, down alternative, etc.

Massage Pillows

If you've ever had back pain or aching muscles, you'll know what a good soothing massage feels like. It's not always feasible to run down to a spa or massage therapist. A massage pillow helps you benefit from a good massage in your home or office.

A massage pillow is a small electronic pillow that can be charged by an electrical outlet or rechargeable battery. There are pads inside the pillow that knead your muscles through various massage procedures, and this is effective for eliminating neck, back, and shoulder pain.

Knee Pillows

It is a habit for most people to sleep and place a pillow between their knees. This is mostly applicable to side sleepers who use a pillow to get spinal alignment and for pregnant women who often experience severe back pain. They prevent knee rubbing by providing a cushion, thus avoiding pains and aches in the hip and back. They are shaped to fit the sleeper's natural contour, usually in hourglass and wedge shape, and they are mostly manufactured from memory foam.

It is suitable for side sleepers, back sleepers, pregnant women, people with back or knee pain, restless legs syndrome, and even stomach sleepers.

Pillows For Sitting In Bed

These pillows provide a comfortable and relaxing position for you while reading novels or watching movies as they prevent cramps and muscle pain as a result of poor sitting positions. These pillows offer therapeutic value and support for the neck, back, and arms.

Benefits

• They improve the quality of sleep and eliminate discomfort.
• Supports your neck and back while watching TV, reading, or using your laptop so you can sit upright.
• The presence of small and side pockets for storage.

How Old Is Your Mattress? When Should You Replace It?

How long have you had your mattress? We're aware that the choice of purchasing a mattress is a long-term investment representing a prolonged relationship. But, even though you love the mattress, it won't stay with you forever.

For mattresses, it is important to replace it every eight (8) years to ensure the firmness of the mattress and effectiveness.

How Much Firmness Do You Need

The decision of which firmness you need for your mattress is often dependent on body, weight, sleeping positions, and personal preference—firmness range from soft to medium to firm.

Soft mattresses are within a scale of 3 and 5 out of 10.

Medium mattresses fall between 6-7 out of 10

Firm mattresses are between 7.5-9 out of 10.

Types and Materials of Mattresses

 Innerspring Mattresses

This is another mattress in popular demand in the market. They are manufactured using steel coils for support, consisting of springs connected to form a single unit. They are supportive of various types of sleepers; belly, side, and back and is not the best option for sleepers who toss and turn.

Memory Foam Mattress

For optimum comfort and support, especially for one who sleeps on the side, the memory foam is the best choice. It has a way of conforming to the body during sleep; that is why people love it. Comfort isn't compromised as it satisfies customer's satisfaction.

Gel Mattress

In your search for a bouncy mattress that returns to its original state when pressure is released, then look no more because the gel foam mattress is your best option. It is a bit different from traditional foam mattresses in feel so that testing may be required. It helps dissipate body heat effectively.

 Latex Mattresses

This is another mattress in popular demand due to its durability and low price, great for special needs, pregnant women, children, and middle-aged women. It is unique in processing methods. Other features include resistance to mold and dust, excellent for pain relief, and spine alignment.

Organic Mattress

Organic mattresses have innerspring beds, natural padding, and latex mattresses. Cotton and organic wool are familiar sources of padding and fabric. These foams can be processed as Dunlop to get organic latex beds.

Polyfoam Mattress

Polyurethane foam is a popular material used in furniture restoration with numerous benefits, not ignoring its drawbacks.

 Hybrid Mattresses

A combination of memory foam and innerspring mattresses, the hybrid mattress is another innovation with qualities of both. Benefits include good pressure, temperature regulation, reduction in motion transfer.

Pillow-top Mattress

They are also referred to as Ease top mattresses, with layers like pillows. These mattresses are used in conjunction with innerspring and premium coils and are manufactured with materials that provide extra comfort, cooling, bounce, and durability. Materials used are wool, fiber film, wool, or memory foam.

 Adjustable Beds

This is a mattress with a base capable of being lowered at the head and foot. They create different sleep angles, making sleeping enjoyable as you and your partner can adjust independently. Other features include heating and cooling, massaging surfaces, and remote configuration.

Airbeds

For air beds, the air-filled chamber is the primary support system, with adjustable foam or fiber upholstery. For some models, you can adjust separately. This is great for back sleepers.

Waterbeds

People born in the 80s are fully aware of waterbeds, or they have slept in one. These are mattresses filled with water, manufactured with polyvinyl material and a stretchy top layer. These are an excellent alternative to regular beds.

Choose The Right Mattress For You

If You Have A Partner

The choice of getting a mattress as a couple is often tasking. This is so because each of you may have individual differences. Therefore, you ask yourself how to know which mattress works best, materials, firmness, and other factors. In terms of support, a good mattress provides support to your body in various sleeping positions to maintain spinal alignment.

If You Are A Hot Sleeper

For most people, sleeping hot is another common occurrence, as most people sweat more than others. This could be as a result of age, body weight, bedroom temperature, amongst other factors. Another major factor is the mattress. Some mattresses absorb body heat resulting in hotter conditions, thereby causing discomfort to the sleeper and disruption of sleep. While some materials absorb less heat, making the environment cooler.

The most appropriate for hot sleepers is a mattress with a neutral temperature, sleeping neither too hot or too cold. They require more cooling because of their body temperature. Other factors that affect temperature neutrality in mattresses include firmness and materials. Bodyweight and bedroom sets are also considered factors.

If You Are A Light Sleeper

During sleep, our bodies pass through four different phases; Light sleep, into a deeper sleep, then restorative, and lastly, rapid eye movement (REM), with a cycle lasting 90 minutes. Since sleeping is vital for tissue repair, health, and mental stability, it Is important to choose a good mattress as a light sleeper and enable you to rest fully.

For Arthritis Sufferers

There are more than 100 forms of arthritis, from inflammation of the ankles, knees, and feet to bone cartilage deterioration and they are all characterized by the same symptoms; swelling, pain, stiffness, and decrease in motion. If you want to buy a mattress, there are certain factors to put into consideration. One of which is Firmness. This means the softness or firmness of the mattress, and these are categorized in various forms: Soft, medium, and firm, depending on body weight.

For Side Sleepers

Side sleeping being one of the commonest sleeping positions results in good sleep when you use the appropriate mattress and pillow. In buying a mattress for a side sleeper, it is important to consider the firmness of the mattress. This is, however, dependent on the shape, weight, and personal preference of the individual. For side sleeping, the most appropriate is a medium or the medium-soft mattress to support the body, with a focus on the lower back and midsection.

Heavyweight people need firmer mattresses while lighter ones go for softer ones.

For Back Sleepers

For back sleepers, the right mattress is medium to medium-firm, and firmness is dependent on preference, weight, and body. The aim is to have a mattress with enough back support and proper body alignment, spine, and lower back. For back sleepers, the recommended comfort level is from 1 to 10.

For Stomach Sleepers

Firmness is always the major factor, and if you're on the heavy side, your best hey is a sturdy hybrid mattress. For smaller people, you can go to anyone.

Although mattresses soften with time, it is better to get a firm, sturdy mattress, than one that will wear in no time. If you suffer from back pain, it is important for a supportive and firm bed.

For Your Bodyweight

Large People

Large people tend to go for medium to firm mattresses as they provide the necessary support, especially for side sleepers. The individual exerts pressure on the mattress, and it contours the body causing lesser pressure points.

Small People

Smaller persons prefer soft to medium mattresses in terms of firmness. This is because they do not mount so much pressure on a firm mattress to make it conform to the body. The outcome is discomfort and various pressure points.

Conclusion

You have made a wise decision to read through our comprehensive guide from the start to finish. We believe it will help you make an informed purchase decision as you put your health and comfort into consideration.