A prerequisite for good health and well-being is a full night's sleep. And for a good rest, we need to create the appropriate conditions. This is fresh air, subdued light, silence and a soft comfortable bed.
Perfect pillow
In order to make the place of our sleep the most cozy and comfortable, we should take care of the right accessories. And first of all, about choosing a decent pillow, because it helps to maintain the neck and head in the correct position, which allows us to wake up alert and rested.
Is it necessary or can it be dispensed with?
There is an opinion that the most useful dream is a dream without a pillow. The spine is in absolutely equal position, which is the prevention of all possible curvatures. However, to date, it has been proven that this is not so, and the statement is a big mistake. During sleep on a flat surface, the cervical vertebrae are in tension, so the body can not relax and rest. This can subsequently lead to various problems, such as headaches, pain in the neck and shoulders, curvature of the spine and others.
What to keep in mind when choosing a pillow?
The main condition for choosing a pillow is its support not only of the head, neck, but also of the sleeping person's shoulders. It is this situation that will help you wake up cheerful, cheerful and avoid the development of diseases.
The shape, size and rigidity of the main bedroom accessory should be selected taking into account the main position for sleep, physique and your preferences.
General recommendations
There are some general points that require special attention.
- The standard size of the pillow for sleep is 50 to 70 cm.
- If you prefer sleep on your side, then opt for higher pillows. This option will help you ensure proper neck support and avoid bending it.
- If you spend most of your sleep on your back or stomach, then your right choice is a flat pillow.
- If you are the owner of wide shoulders, then you should look at the wide pillows. They will help compensate for bending of the vertebrae.
- The ideal height of the pillow is considered equal to the width of the shoulder.
What size are the standard pillows?
Now on the market there are many options with non-standard sizes. Popular in Soviet times, large square pillows, the standard sizes of which are 70 by 70 cm, are already a thing of the past. Making your choice, chasing originality will be a mistake. For example, unusual round and oval options are far from the most convenient and practical. Pay attention to the square and rectangular shapes of the pillow. The standard sizes of the main bedroom accessories are 40-80 cm wide and 30-50 cm long. Square-shaped pillows are more often 50 by 50 cm or 40 by 40. For example, Americans believe that the ideal pillow size for a good rest is 50 by 70 cm.
Orthopedic models
In addition to the usual options, orthopedic pillows are also on the market . Their standard sizes do not differ from ordinary ones. They also have a variety of forms and functions. For example, an ergonomic pillow has a special recess for the head, which helps reduce the likelihood of developing osteochondrosis; a cushion shaped pillow helps reduce stress on the cervical vertebrae. Fillers are used natural (such as, for example, latex, bamboo and some others) or new proven synthetic options. Many of them have the effect of remembering your position of the head and neck, so they are well supported throughout the night. Orthopedic pillows, the standard sizes of which are 50 by 70 cm, do not look much different from ordinary ones. However, it is their properties that sometimes can cause poor sleep due to unusual behavior, and they are recommended, as a rule, for people who already have any medical problems.
Stiffness pillows for sleeping
Your favorite sleeping position will help you determine the level of rigidity of the main bedroom accessory. If you prefer sleep on your side, then your option is a stiff pillow. It will keep the neck and head in the correct position and help to avoid flowing. If you choose sleep on your back, then you will like a pillow of medium hardness. Well, if you spend all night on your stomach, then the soft option is right for you.
Fillers
On the shelves you can find a large number of options for fillers. They can be divided into three groups:
1. Synthetic fillers. Among them are:
- Synthetic winterizer. Very economical option. It perfectly withstands washing, is lightweight and does not cause allergies. However, this filler does not hold well, the pillow quickly becomes very thin, and lumps may appear in it. She will not be able to serve you for a long time.
- Comforel It is a filler in the form of soft silicone balls. It is easily erased, light and hypoallergenic, while, unlike sintepon, it holds its original form well.
- Hollofiber. It resembles fluff in its properties and is its best substitute. It tolerates machine wash, but the water temperature should be no more than 40 degrees. Non-allergenic. Suitable for lovers of soft pillows. However, excessive softness is also a minus of holofiber. In order to avoid excessive softness, this synthetic filler is often mixed with other species.
- Silicone It is a very versatile and popular filler, as it has a large list of positive qualities: it is hypoallergenic, convenient and practical to care for, it is easily erased and does not lose its shape, it passes air well. Its only minus is the ability to electrify.
- Memorix. A wonderful filler with a lot of pleasant properties. Memorix does not cause allergies, it passes air well and does not absorb moisture and odors, it takes the form of your head and neck, which contributes to proper support and even distribution of the load. Its only minus is the price.
Thus, we can distinguish such disadvantages of artificial fillers: softness, not everyone keeps their shape well, some creak a little.
Advantages of artificial fillers: reasonable price, good air permeability, easy to clean, do not absorb odor and moisture, do not cause allergies.
2. Natural fillers of animal origin. Among them are:
- Fluff and feather. There are pillows containing only feather, only fluff or a mixture (feather and fluff). Many of us are accustomed to this type of fillers since childhood, and it has its advantages. For example, fluff and feather warm well and keep their shape perfectly. However, such a filler is difficult to maintain, as it easily absorbs moisture and requires periodic drying. In addition, feather and fluff can cause allergies, as they are an excellent habitat for the mite to live and breed.
- Wool. In such pillows, sheep or camel wool is used, as a rule. The option is more likely to be an amateur, since the healing effect and breathability can be distinguished from the pros. While there are enough disadvantages for wool: it has a specific smell, which will not suit everyone, it requires special care (it cannot be washed, you will have to give pillows for cleaning to a specialized salon), it can cause allergies.
- Horsehair. It absorbs moisture well and keeps its shape, but such pillows are quite stiff.
Thus, the advantages of fillers of animal origin are: the ability to pass air well, absorb moisture, cure some problems.
Cons of fillers: often a specific smell, the possibility of developing allergies, difficulties in care.
3. Natural fillers of plant origin.
- Latex. An allergy-free filler that holds perfectly in shape, machine washable and can last a long time. It is mainly preferred by manufacturers of orthopedic products. The only negative is the price.
- Seaweed. These pillows allow air to pass through and absorb moisture, do not cause allergies, but you may have difficulty cleaning and handling it.
- Buckwheat. The therapeutic filler, therefore, has both pluses and minuses. Such a pillow helps to massage the head and neck, helping to improve blood circulation and remove clamps and swelling, but the husk rustles and requires special care. This filler will not be able to serve you for a long time.
- Silk. Such pillows are very light, elastic and hold their shape well, allow air to pass through and do not cause allergies. The only negative is the price.
- Bamboo. This type of filler is becoming increasingly popular among consumers. It is easy to care for, does not cause allergies, keeps its shape perfectly, prevents the growth of bacteria and can please you for a long time. The only caveat - for some it may seem harsh.
Thus, the advantages of natural fillers of plant origin are: hypoallergenicity, breathability, possible therapeutic effect.
Cons: not everyone keeps their shape well and can last a long time.
Pillows for children
This is a separate category of pillows. And one must approach their choice with particular care. On the shelves of stores presented a huge selection of pillows of various shapes and sizes. Do not chase originality, it is better to dwell on time-tested options. The standard size of the baby pillow is 40 by 60 cm. The height of the baby pillow should correspond to half the width of the baby’s shoulder. When choosing a pillow for your child, you need to consider that it should be:
- hypoallergenic;
- allow air to pass through and absorb moisture;
- keep fit;
- to be elastic;
- easy;
- easy to care.
Decorative pillows
Decorative pillows have long been an integral element of the interior. They help to relax, create mood and comfort. Their sizes and shapes are very diverse. For example, the standard size of a sofa cushion is 40 by 40 cm. On the shelves of shops you can find pillows in the form of squares, rectangles, rollers, round shapes and many others.
A sleeping place implies the obligatory presence of several pillows for sleeping, everything else is just an element of decor. In addition, you can pick up several decorative pillows, for example, in the color of wallpaper or bedspreads, slightly changing their tone. The standard sizes of decorative pillows are 40 by 40 cm. However, creating your own space, you can experiment, create.
Pillowcases
You need to choose bedding not only by its color scheme, but also focusing on its size. So, the standard sizes of pillowcases for pillows are 70 by 70 cm (Russian models), while choosing the European version of the pillow, do not forget to choose the appropriate set of linen.
The organization and design of your bedroom is a very important process, an integral part of which is the right choice of pillows. Be careful when buying, and your sleep will be sound, and your awakening will be pleasant.