Are you planning to buy a new pillow? One tip to getting yourself the best pillow is by knowing your sleeping position. Different pillows do well with different sleeping positions. The main reason of incorporating a pillow to your sleep is to ensure your head is in ‘neutral alignment’. Neutral alignment means that your head is parallel to your shoulders, not reaching forward and not bending backwards too far. That’s why experts’ advise us to first think of your sleeping position before purchasing a new pillow.
Related Blog: What Are the Most Healthy Sleeping Positions?
Best Pillows for Various Sleeping Positions
There are various sleeping positions that people use. Most people have a preferred sleeping position that makes them feel comfortable and relax in their sleep. These sleeping positions include:
Sleeping on the back
Sleeping on the side
Sleeping on the stomach
1. Sleeping on the Back
For those who prefer sleeping on their backs, the best pillow is one that will adequately support the cervical spine’s curvature. The pillow should be able to offer adequate support to the head and neck as well as the shoulders.
While sleeping in this position, always ensure that the height of your pillow is slightly lower than when sleeping on your side. You can also use this sleeping position to get rid of strain off your back by placing a pillow under your knees.
2. Sleeping on the Side
For those that prefer sleeping on their side, the pillow should give adequate support to the head and the neck. The position of your spine should be horizontal and straight. The pillow should be at the same height with the shoulders so that your weight can be evenly distributed to avoid piling pressure on a single part of the body.
It is a common habit for some people to place a small pillow under the waist for more support.
3. Sleeping on the Stomach
For this position, you should opt for a small-height pillow so that your head is not raised above your shoulders. You can also opt to place a small pillow under your belly so as to maintain a spine’s natural alignment.
Over time, you will note that your pillow will lose its firmness and get compressed. It will no longer offer adequate support to your head. Once your pillow gets to this stage, consider replacing it with a new pillow for quality sleep.
