One of the most important parameters when choosing a pillow is size. The wrong choice of height, length and width of the accessory negates all the positive qualities of the accessory, no matter what quality the filler is inside. Discomfort in the neck, pain and stiffness, uncomfortable sleep, the need to change position during rest are sure signs that the pillow is not selected correctly.
If the pillow is not selected correctly, the spine will be in a curved position all night.
So, what size should the pillow be? Read our article so as not to make a mistake when choosing the size of a sleeping accessory!
What Are The Sizes Of Pillows For Sleeping
Depending on the manufacturer, pillows can be both standard sizes and non-standard.
Standard Sizes
The following sizes are most often found in domestic stores: 40×40 cm, 50×50 cm, 40×60 cm, 50×70 cm and 70×70 cm. It is easiest to choose a pillowcase for standard-sized pillows.
Dimensions Of Orthopedic Models
What Are The Sizes Of Orthopedic Pillows?
Non-standard sizes are more common among orthopedic products. When making them, manufacturers focus primarily on the shape so that the pillow optimally supports the head and cervical region. That is why their sizes and shapes can be completely different. For example, Ormatek pillows in the form of a star or crescent.
The sizes of orthopedic pillows vary from 20 to 50 cm in width and 30 to 80 cm in length. For people of standard build, products 40×60 cm are suitable.
The disadvantage of pillows with a non-standard size is that it is difficult to choose a pillowcase for them. Therefore, among the non-standard options, it is better to purchase models with removable covers.
Pillowcases For Pillows Of Non-Standard Sizes
Height Matters
An equally important parameter when selecting a pillow is height. Not only the comfort, but also the condition of the upper spine directly depends on it.
The main rule: the head should be at the same level with the body. Only in this case, the upper spine will get rid of the load and have time to recover overnight.
If the accessory is too high or low for you, then the head and neck will be in a curved position. This is fraught with pain and unpleasant sensations. Due to an excessively low pillow, the head is usually tilted back. Because of this, the arteries in the spine are compressed. They feed blood to the brain.
The height of the pillows varies from 2 cm (children’s models) to 18 cm.
When choosing a height, focus on the type of filler. If it is a classic version made of down or artificial volumetric fiber, it is better to take the height with a margin, because the filler clumps and loses volume. But orthopedic models made of modern materials such as latex, polyurethane foam, soy foam or memory do not cake over time.
7 Tricks When Choosing A Pillow
How To Choose The Perfect Pillow
- Focus on the mattress: The softer it is, the lower the pillow should be. This is due to the fact that the body seems to be slightly immersed in a soft mattress. And the head, which in the meantime is lying on the pillow, remains at the same level. As a result, the cervical spine will be in a deformed state all night. If you have a soft mattress, for example, made of memory mold material, then it is better to pay attention to lower models – up to 11 cm.
- Pillow height and sleeping position: One of the main parameters for selection. If you sleep on your back, it is better to choose low pillows of medium or high firmness. For sleeping on the side or on the stomach, you should choose soft or medium-hard pillows, preferably orthopedic. In this case, the height of the pillow should correspond to the width from the shoulder to the neck. Sometimes our own behavior hints at the wrong choice of pillow. If you constantly want to put your palm under your head while sleeping on your side, then your pillow is too low. But if you try to lie on the edge of the pillow, then, on the contrary, it is too high.
- Pillow width: Usually, the width is selected depending on the complexion. Measure the approximate width of your shoulders – this is exactly the size of your pillow.
- Do you often toss and turn in your sleep? In this case, you should choose a pillow that is wider so that your head stays on the pillow, despite the constant change of position during sleep. In this case, classic and orthopedic models of at least 70 cm in width are suitable for you. The Tempur Sonata pillow is made especially for those who like to toss and turn before falling asleep – its crescent-shaped shape will not allow you to slip off the pillow.
- Shoulders should not lie on a pillow: If you can’t lie down in a different way, then the pillow is too big.
- Please note that it is easiest to choose pillowcases for pillows of standard sizes. But for a product with non-standard sizes, you will have to order pillowcases of individual sizes or use the standard one that comes with the kit. But in this case, you will not have a second replacement set while one is in the wash. In addition, not all pillows are equipped with removable covers.
- How to choose the size of a pillow for a child? In the first years of life, children are not recommended to sleep on pillows at all. But if there are special indications (for example, a doctor’s recommendation), pay attention to products up to 2 cm high. Children from 3 to 5 years old should sleep on a pillow up to 6 cm high, school-age children – up to 10 cm.
Doctors’ Recommendations
The ideal pillow for healthy sleep is the accessory that you have chosen based on your physiological parameters. The tips described above are intended for healthy people. If you have orthopedic diseases, it is better to consult a specialist before buying a pillow. The doctor will help you decide on the stiffness, height and size of the accessory that is suitable for you. Some additional recommendations:
- The pillow should be comfortable: This is one of the simplest tests for the suitability of a pillow for sleep. If a new pillow seems uncomfortable to you, then it is better to replace the accessory, no matter how expensive it is.
- Fillers should be breathable: If air passes through the pillow, this will guarantee that moisture and dust will not accumulate inside. Dust attracts bed mites, and due to moisture, microbes actively multiply.
- Hypoallergenic Materials Are The Right Choice.
- Wash pillows every three months: It is advisable to do this in a dry cleaner. Some fillers (for example, soy foam) can be washed in a regular machine. The more often you do this, the better.
