What makes the “perfect” pillow?

Asking for myself.

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In a Nutshell I've been on a pillow hunt since April. I've tried seven different types from five major brands, and NONE of them have worked out. Consider this my SOS: What on earth should a person look for when searching for a quality pillow? I tapped a sleep expert for answers, which you can read below. First, here are some new stories you might enjoy: • Pee colors explained • How to handle relationship anxiety • Pictures and symptoms of shingles Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota November 10, 2023 • 3 min read

what's got us buzzing Here's how to find your dream pillow 🛏️ Seven months ago, I leveled up my sleep game. After years spent sleeping on a mediocre bed, I wanted to upgrade to the dreamiest setup ever. Saatva hybrid memory foam mattress? Amazing. Casaluna jersey cotton sheets? Luxurious. Cozy Earth bamboo duvet cover and silk comforter? Truly cozy. Pillows? Absolute nightmare. 😴 The never-ending pillow quest. I started off with Nautica pillows from Marshalls, which were a total flop. I've since tried six pillows of ranging sizes and materials from big brands (that I won't name drop), and every single one has been too soft, too stiff, or downright uncomfortable. My neck is still recovering from the last one I tested 3 weeks ago that offered zero support. So, here I am, still on the hunt, dreaming of better sleep. 🌟 The "perfect" pillow is different for everyone. It depends on a few key factors. According to founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine Alex Dimitriu, MD, your sleeping position, mattress sinkability, and anatomy all matter. Apparently, the height needed to support the pressure points in our neck and shoulders vary from person to person. Who knew! 👀 Which pillow might work best for you. You can start your search with Healthline's best pillows of 2023. Otherwise, Dimitriu offers more guidelines to consider when it comes to pillow size, material, and height: Most folks benefit from a breathable, cool pillow, ideally in a natural fiber cover or case. Side sleepers may sleep best with a larger memory foam or down-filled pillow. Stomach sleepers tend to do well with a larger pillow filled with down, feather, or cotton. Side and stomach sleepers with a soft mattress need less pillow to keep their neck straight. Firm mattresses call for more pillow. Back sleepers might like a smaller pillow of any high quality material. Pick a pillow that keeps your neck and spine in a nice straight(ish) alignment. What's your sleep style?

Great finds Turn down the volume       Hearprotek Sleeping Earplugs As an extremely light sleeper, I'm a big fan of using earplugs at night, especially when my neighbors are being noisy before bed. You, too? Check out Hearprotek's ultra soft earplugs, Healthline's 2023 pick for best reusable earplugs to use when sleeping. Whether you want to muffle the sound of a partner snoring or just get a quieter night's rest, they can reduce noise by 30 decibels (with the small size for smaller ear canals) or 32 decibels (using the standard size for most adults). Buy now Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health.

health stories you need What we're reading next ☀️ How much vitamin D should you take per day? And how much of this "sunshine vitamin" is too much? 💪🏻 Habits to form now for a longer life. Your lifestyle choices play a stronger role in your longevity than you might think. 💤 Ways your immune system works while you sleep. Ever wonder how sleep affects immunity? Here's the answer! 🔗 Is lupus caused by genetics or environmental factors? Learn the potential causes, according to available research.

Thanks for reading! Have you found a pillow that you love? If so, please send your recommendations to wellnesswire@healthline.com. No pressure, but I could really use some help.

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