What are pillows?
Lying comfortably in bed and sleeping does not always mean adopting a healthy posture. As a result, many people wake up in the morning feeling completely out of sorts. This leads to back pain, which is often a long-term problem as it does not disappear easily. All of this is influenced by various bedding and the mattress. Above all, however, the pillow is a real problem, as many of the models available today quickly become flat. If you want to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep without waking up with back pain in the long term, you should purchase a high-quality pillow that meets your needs. But which type is best? There are basically two types of pillows:
- Models with a supportive function
- Models without a supportive function
Whichever way you look at it, both types are regularly criticised. Some because they flatten, others because they are difficult to get used to. Below, we would like to summarise what you should know about pillows in general and how you can recognise a high-quality model.
Who is the target group for pillows?
A large number of people use pillows to sleep. However, many still choose the wrong model. Pillows are aimed at people of all ages, and it doesn’t matter whether you are male or female. Once they have outgrown the cradle, people use pillows to improve their posture while sleeping and to give their bodies the support they need to avoid developing pain. Accordingly, it is difficult to narrow down the target group. Basically, it is recommended that everyone try to purchase a high-quality pillow.
What can you do with pillows?
The use of a pillow is not limited to the bedroom. Many people also use it when napping on the sofa in the living room to positively influence their posture. It is up to you to decide what you want to use the pillow for. However, the fact is that users can benefit from a good pillow in all areas of life where relaxation plays a role.
Technical facts about pillows
In terms of technical facts, it can be helpful to look at the characteristics of the pillow. This information makes it easier to choose a pillow, because you yourself will certainly have a few requirements that you want the pillow to meet. Here are a few important characteristics:
- Size: Many pillows are either 40 x 80 centimetres or 80 x 80 centimetres in size. At least the regular standard sizes of bed linen are available for these pillows. Alternatively, there are also models that are only 50 centimetres long and 40 centimetres high. Basically, any size is fine as long as you are comfortable with it.
- Cover: Ideally, this should be made of cotton and be washable. Even if you change the pillowcase regularly, sweat secreted during the night will penetrate the cover. It is therefore advisable to wash the pillowcase itself regularly. At the same time, the cover should ensure that sweat is wicked away effectively and is breathable. This generally ensures a more comfortable night’s sleep.
- Fastening: The fastening of the cover itself is also crucial. Many pillows have integrated zips to make it easier to remove the cover. Others, however, only have a seam. This means that they have to be put in the washing machine whole for cleaning.
- Filling: Pillows come in many different designs in terms of their filling. In addition to feathers, polyester balls or natural fibres are also used. Other pillows, on the other hand, are filled with foam. It is important to consider the different materials and how they wear out. If you place particular value on a certain material, this can also be a deciding factor for or against a pillow.
What quality features should you pay particular attention to?
Quality plays a major role in choosing the right pillow. Although the technical properties are also important, there are other factors that determine whether the pillow ensures good posture and thus supports the body or not. Let’s take a look at these below:
- Allergies: These are particularly important when it comes to the filling. If you are allergic to goose feathers, you are unlikely to choose a pillow that contains them. The same applies to products that use different types of animal hair. If you have an allergy, you can do your body a favour by choosing synthetic fibres as the filling.
- Oeko-Tex Standard: A pillow should always have the Oeko-Tex Standard. This means that the materials and raw materials used are not harmful to your body and offer a high level of safety.
General opinions on pillows
If you already have a rough idea of the type of pillow you would like to buy, you can confirm your impression by reading reviews. These summarise how well users got on with the product. They are useful as a guide, but you should always bear in mind that these are subjective reports.
Possible advantages and disadvantages of pillows
Pillows have certain advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of. We have summarised them for you below.
Advantages:
- Many pillows benefit your posture
- Back pain is significantly alleviated and prevented
- Available in different sizes
- There is the right pillow for every need
- Covers can usually be removed and washed
Disadvantages:
- Supportive models often take some time to get used to
FAQs about pillows
Finally, we would like to take a look at the frequently asked questions and provide you with a comprehensive overview of information.
Q: How quickly do the pillows help to improve posture?
A: Most pillows usually help to drastically reduce back pain within a few weeks. However, this statement cannot be generalised. Many people quickly get used to a new pillow and the pain subsides, while others need a little longer for their body to get used to the new product.
Q: Does a support pillow always have to be curved?
A: The curve causes problems for many users, especially at first. They adopt a poorer posture, but this quickly corrects itself. The curve helps the body to relax. However, it does not need to be particularly large to do this.
