Picking the proper pillow?

[fire_breeze]

A quick search yielded nothing, and I hope that my fellow how-toers could give me some sound advice.

I just bought a new mattress, which while I absolutely adore, and gives me a good night sleep (finally!), I still wake up with a stiff neck. A quick internet search and discussing it with several friends seems to indicate that my pillows are not up to par. Granted, they are pretty old and were cheap when I bought them.

So... how does one go about choosing one? More precisely, I don't have one specific way of sleeping, although I tend to sleep somewhere between on my stomach and on my side (not quite either).

Does anyone have any recommendations, insight, experiences? I'd really like to actually wake up with no soreness and then being a pain in the neck in the morning .


Thank you all in advance.

 

[bumlicker]

yup just one peice of advice

DONT use a pillow its very bad for your back and neck and try putting a pillow under your stomach if you lie face down this will straighten out your back

 

[fire_breeze]

DONT use a pillow its very bad for your back and neck and try putting a pillow under your stomach if you lie face down this will straighten out your back

Thank you for your piece of advice, - when I take naps, I do eschew pillows (as I only sleep on my stomach for quick naps). However, as I do not only sleep on my stomach, I feel I need more support than no pillow. Sleeping without some support while I'm on my side is not only uncomfortable but I feel that it throws my spine out of alignment.

 

[Cattypuss]

They're not cheap, but with my ten years' experience of using one, I'd say they're worth their weight in gold -

http://www.tempur.co.uk/pillows/original-pillow.html

 

[bailadora]

I've heard good things about the buckwheat/millet pillows, but haven't taken the plunge yet because they are very pricey.

Currently, I have a 18 year old goose down pillow (it was a wedding gift) for my head, but I also use a body pillow to support the rest of me (I also sleep not quite on my stomach and not quite on my side).

 

[dollface007]

I invested in a good goose down pillow and I love it. I also have a bad neck. It's squishy and fluffy at the same time, so the pillow conforms to the head and neck rather than your head just lying on top of it like a synthetic pillow.

You can get a good deal on these at Overstock.com.

 

[okatty35]

I've heard good things about the buckwheat/millet pillows, but haven't taken the plunge yet because they are very pricey.

Currently, I have a 18 year old goose down pillow (it was a wedding gift) for my head, but I also use a body pillow to support the rest of me (I also sleep not quite on my stomach and not quite on my side).

Yes these are supposed to be amazing pillows....very pricey but sound like they are well worth it!

 

[newlegz]

A couple things- you need to either wash or replace your pillows yearly (I'm a little fuzzy on the frequency). Pillows accumulate a lot of dust/ tiny particles of "dirt". Also, pillows wear out, they become less supportive and thus more neck problems.

Also, it sounds like you want a more specialized pillow, but for a good, inexpensive option, I'd actually lead people to Sams Club. Limited selection as far as brands, but I've consistently seen Serta brand in a variety of firmness. 2 for somewhere around $14.

If anyone does try washing their pillows, I'd recommend tossing them in the dryer w/ tennis balls to "re-fluff"

 

[SweetErika]

I have pretty severe neck problems, and a contoured memory foam pillow is pretty much all I can use. I even got my husband to swtich (our latest ones came in a 2 pack from Costco; I think it was about $40, which is FAR less than the Tempurpedic brand), and he wakes up with far fewer stiff necks and such.

I will warn you that you have to give it a month, though. It can be a tough transition because it's definitely a more supportive pillow and you may very well wake up with your ear or neck hurting during the transition phase. I think it took my husband about a week to get used to it, but I can take several weeks to fully settle in because of my preexisting issues.

It doesn't eliminate problems, but it definitely minimizes them for both of us.

If you're going to try something different and perhaps more expensive than a regular pillow, you might want to get it somewhere w/ a good return policy so you're not out a lot if it doesn't work for you after a trial period.

 

[Angeline]

I really like the Pacific Coast pillows they use at Marriot hotels. They are super comfortable. They're pricey though so I ended up buying a similar type at Bed Bath and Beyond for around 30 bucks apiece. They did have the Pacific Coast brand there and I just felt the other brands until I found a cheaper alternative that felt the same. Also if you have allergies, the down alternative version (instead of goosedown) is a better choice. We love ours and I wash them every spring and fall and they come out great.

 

[TBKahuna123]

I've heard good things about the buckwheat/millet pillows, but haven't taken the plunge yet because they are very pricey.

I've used one of these for over 10 years. I haven't found anything more comfortable or supportive.

 

[fire_breeze]

Thank you all so much for your responses . This is why I absolutely love the How-To. Clean, clear and well thought out answers.

They're not cheap, but with my ten years' experience of using one, I'd say they're worth their weight in gold -

http://www.tempur.co.uk/pillows/original-pillow.html

This is something I was looking at. At the mattress store, they had this pillow and I almost stole it. At the moment, I'm not really concerned with price, because I know in the end, if it's good quality, it's worth it.

I've heard good things about the buckwheat/millet pillows, but haven't taken the plunge yet because they are very pricey.

Currently, I have a 18 year old goose down pillow (it was a wedding gift) for my head, but I also use a body pillow to support the rest of me (I also sleep not quite on my stomach and not quite on my side).

Thank you! And from the other responses, it seems to be a popular choice.

Someone suggested a body pillow - I sleep as if I drape over a body. Perhaps an inexpensive alternative to check it out. I can always the pillow for something else if it doesn't work out.

I invested in a good goose down pillow and I love it. I also have a bad neck. It's squishy and fluffy at the same time, so the pillow conforms to the head and neck rather than your head just lying on top of it like a synthetic pillow.

You can get a good deal on these at Overstock.com.

I love Overstock.com, and thanks for the tip on checking out the deals there! I have a goose down pillow, so I might just use that instead of the combination that I have been using right now (a synthetic pillow on the bottom, goose down on the top).

Yes these are supposed to be amazing pillows....very pricey but sound like they are well worth it!

Another millet supporter! Thank you.

A couple things- you need to either wash or replace your pillows yearly (I'm a little fuzzy on the frequency). Pillows accumulate a lot of dust/ tiny particles of "dirt". Also, pillows wear out, they become less supportive and thus more neck problems.

Also, it sounds like you want a more specialized pillow, but for a good, inexpensive option, I'd actually lead people to Sams Club. Limited selection as far as brands, but I've consistently seen Serta brand in a variety of firmness. 2 for somewhere around $14.

If anyone does try washing their pillows, I'd recommend tossing them in the dryer w/ tennis balls to "re-fluff"

No Sam's Club in Canuckistan! But I'll check out Costco.

However, I think I might give your suggestion of washing the pillows first before I invest. It might be the trick it needs to spruce it up.

I have pretty severe neck problems, and a contoured memory foam pillow is pretty much all I can use. I even got my husband to swtich (our latest ones came in a 2 pack from Costco; I think it was about $40, which is FAR less than the Tempurpedic brand), and he wakes up with far fewer stiff necks and such.

I will warn you that you have to give it a month, though. It can be a tough transition because it's definitely a more supportive pillow and you may very well wake up with your ear or neck hurting during the transition phase. I think it took my husband about a week to get used to it, but I can take several weeks to fully settle in because of my preexisting issues.

It doesn't eliminate problems, but it definitely minimizes them for both of us.

If you're going to try something different and perhaps more expensive than a regular pillow, you might want to get it somewhere w/ a good return policy so you're not out a lot if it doesn't work for you after a trial period.

Thank you for your words of wisdom. Are contour pillows for back sleepers or can schizophrenic side/tummy sleepers use them? From the looks of the photos, it seems to be geared to those who sleep on their backs. Am I dreadfully wrong?

Thank you for the tip! I figured that if I'm going to invest a considerable sum, I'd like one that has a guarantee.

I really like the Pacific Coast pillows they use at Marriot hotels. They are super comfortable. They're pricey though so I ended up buying a similar type at Bed Bath and Beyond for around 30 bucks apiece. They did have the Pacific Coast brand there and I just felt the other brands until I found a cheaper alternative that felt the same. Also if you have allergies, the down alternative version (instead of goosedown) is a better choice. We love ours and I wash them every spring and fall and they come out great.

Thanks for your input! I'll give the Pacific Coast a look - if they have it here. Barring a visit to the Marriot, can you describe the feel/firmness so that if they don't have it here, I can look for something similar?

I've used one of these for over 10 years. I haven't found anything more comfortable or supportive.

And a third vote for the millets


Thank you all. I'm still open to suggestions.

I think I'll be washing my pillows first, to see if that doesn't make a difference and purchasing a body pillow to support myself.

And if those don't work, I'll definitely need to be pillow hunting!

Thank you once again

 

[SweetErika]

Thank you for your words of wisdom. Are contour pillows for back sleepers or can schizophrenic side/tummy sleepers use them? From the looks of the photos, it seems to be geared to those who sleep on their backs. Am I dreadfully wrong?

Thank you for the tip! I figured that if I'm going to invest a considerable sum, I'd like one that has a guarantee.

I think they're best for back and side sleepers. I'm a side sleeper, though I need to re-train myself to be on my back because that's best for my neck. If you're using a body pillow to stay on your side, you should be golden w/ a contour. If you do get one, make sure it's thick enough to fit you properly and each side has varying heights. Some of them are really thin and/or unvaried.

I wonder how hard it'd be to make your own buckwheat/millet pillow.

I think you're on the right track with the body pillow then checking Costco's store and website. Their return policy is hard to beat, which is why we end up buying a lot of stuff there (plus, it's a FAR better company than Walmart, which owns Sam's Club).

 

[fire_breeze]

I think they're best for back and side sleepers. I'm a side sleeper, though I need to re-train myself to be on my back because that's best for my neck. If you're using a body pillow to stay on your side, you should be golden w/ a contour. If you do get one, make sure it's thick enough to fit you properly and each side has varying heights. Some of them are really thin and/or unvaried.

I wonder how hard it'd be to make your own buckwheat/millet pillow.

I think you're on the right track with the body pillow then checking Costco's store and website. Their return policy is hard to beat, which is why we end up buying a lot of stuff there (plus, it's a FAR better company than Walmart, which owns Sam's Club).

Thank you
I do sleep on my back on occasion, but I'm not a fan of it. However, if it's made for side sleepers as well, there's no harm in trying!

It would be an interesting project; I might have to look into it! Thank you for the idea.

If I'm not mistaken, some body pillows are on sale at Costco - I'll drop by and give it a look. And if a body pillow doesn't work out, I can always use it as a floor pillow/corner lounge, so it wouldn't be a waste in any case.
It's the primary reason why I don't set foot in Walmart. I had no idea that it owns Sam's Club - that is good to know.

 

[bailadora]

Someone suggested a body pillow - I sleep as if I drape over a body.

Precisely! I got used to sleeping with a body pillow when I was pregnant and now I HAVE to have one in order to sleep comfortably. I tuck the top of it underneath my chin, throw my right arm and leg over it and sort of "snuggle" in. Ah, bliss!

IIRC, most body pillows are pretty affordable, running about 10 bucks US, so there's not much of a loss if it doesn't work out for you. Best of luck and sweet dreams!

 

[Angeline]

The Pacific Coast (Marriot) pillows (and the similar ones I got) are soft and fluffy. They feel like goosedown, but are a little springy, like a foam pillow, just a little. They take your shape on but don't flatten like cheap pillows. To me they're super comfortable.

 

[fire_breeze]

Precisely! I got used to sleeping with a body pillow when I was pregnant and now I HAVE to have one in order to sleep comfortably. I tuck the top of it underneath my chin, throw my right arm and leg over it and sort of "snuggle" in. Ah, bliss!

IIRC, most body pillows are pretty affordable, running about 10 bucks US, so there's not much of a loss if it doesn't work out for you. Best of luck and sweet dreams!

Thank you so much! I've been perusing the circulaires and saw that a couple of mattress stores are having a sale on various pillows, so I'll check them out.

I'm leaning towards trying out body pillows. I quasi created one last night from various pillows and felt much better.

And if it doesn't work out, my cat will have something to sleep on than my leg.

The Pacific Coast (Marriot) pillows (and the similar ones I got) are soft and fluffy. They feel like goosedown, but are a little springy, like a foam pillow, just a little. They take your shape on but don't flatten like cheap pillows. To me they're super comfortable.

Thank you! Now I know more what to look for!

 

[bumlicker]

im telling you

right now!!!! DO NOT USE A PILLOW AT ALL!!! your just making your problems worse go a few weeks with out youll see a HUGE difference

 

[glynndah]

I have a contour pillow {which I love} and a solid foam pillow. I liked the buckwheat pillow, too.

 

[fire_breeze]

right now!!!! DO NOT USE A PILLOW AT ALL!!! your just making your problems worse go a few weeks with out youll see a HUGE difference

I sleep on my side/stomach, not only on my stomach. Therefore, my head droops, causing an odd angle, only to be rectified with a bent arm underneath my head, which causes pulled muscles.

Could you please show the research that indicates that pillows are a cause of muscle strain and is bad for general health? Wouldn't it depend on what position one is sleeping?

I'm now very curious

 

[lauren26f]

The proper way to sleep is in the fetal position according to doctors. No pillow needed unless it is a body pillow.

 

[fire_breeze]

I have a contour pillow {which I love} and a solid foam pillow. I liked the buckwheat pillow, too.

Another vote for contour pillows! I wonder if they make buckwheat contour pillows?

The proper way to sleep is in the fetal position according to doctors. No pillow needed unless it is a body pillow.

Thank you for your input . I do know that some advocate fetal positions and I just can't (plus the study that I have seen about it is contested... go figure). I suppose whatever feels the most comfortable is the best, eh?

 

[lauren26f]

Another vote for contour pillows! I wonder if they make buckwheat contour pillows?



Thank you for your input . I do know that some advocate fetal positions and I just can't (plus the study that I have seen about it is contested... go figure). I suppose whatever feels the most comfortable is the best, eh?

Not sure your age. I'm only 26 so the fetal position has worked for me since I was a kid. Laying on my girlfriend's tummy isn't bad either.

 

[fire_breeze]

Not sure your age. I'm only 26 so the fetal position has worked for me since I was a kid. Laying on my girlfriend's tummy isn't bad either.

I'm a bit older than you, however, I've always slept as if draped over a body (half on the side half on the stomach) ever since I was a baby. No matter how much I was rolled over, I ended up in this position. *shrugs* Different strokes and so forth.

However, again, thank you for your input. More and more suggests body pillow

 

[RedheadKevin]

I have pretty severe neck problems, and a contoured memory foam pillow is pretty much all I can use. I even got my husband to swtich (our latest ones came in a 2 pack from Costco; I think it was about $40, which is FAR less than the Tempurpedic brand), and he wakes up with far fewer stiff necks and such.

I have a similar story... I found some memory foam pillows in a 2-pack at BJ's, and they are incredible! They're not the molded memory foam, but crumbled chunks of memory foam. The best way that I can describe it is that it's like sleeping on a soft sandbag. It conforms to your head perfectly, and holds it there. It's very supportive, and really really comfortable. I'm a side sleeper, and these hold my head a just the right level to keep from getting angle-neck.