Tired of wrestling your pillow all night and waking up sore? Memory foam pillows are just the solution your neck and back have been begging for. Originally developed by an aeronautical engineer at NASA, this extraordinary material has been transforming sleep for decades. It moulds to the contours of your head, neck, and shoulders, allowing for pressure relief on your joints, resulting in supreme comfort and proper support.
While it’s been around for quite some time, many people don’t know exactly how to use a memory foam pillow to its full potential. Let’s dive in and discover how this wonderful sleep solution can elevate your sleep experience.
Why Are Memory Foam Pillows So Popular?
One of memory foam’s most impressive properties is its response to heat and pressure. Thanks to its viscoelasticity, it conforms to the shape of your head and neck, providing personalised support. This results in gentle cushioning for your pressure points and helps your spine shift into its natural alignment. With all their benefits, it’s no surprise that memory foam pillows are the crème de la crème of bedding accessories.
Memory foam pillows are a godsend for those suffering from neck pain, tension headaches, or discomfort from traditional pillows that flatten quickly. Whether you’re a side, back, or stomach sleeper, there’s a memory foam pillow perfectly suited to your needs.
How To Use a Memory Foam Pillow
Selecting the Right Memory Foam Pillow for Your Sleep Style
With memory foam pillows, the one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. The pillow you choose should be specifically designed to align with your sleep preferences. Here are the most common types of memory foam pillows:
This type features a curve that follows the shape of your head and neck. The slight dip in the middle cradles your head while the higher side supports your neck, encouraging natural spine alignment. Ideal for side and back sleepers.
Traditional Memory Foam Pillow
Shaped like a regular pillow but filled with memory foam, this versatile option suits every sleep position. It’s the Goldilocks of pillows: not too firm, not too soft, but just right.
Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Filled with loose pieces of foam for enhanced flexibility, these pillows are more moldable than traditional memory foam, making them a great choice for stomach sleepers.
Now that you’ve found your perfect match, you’re one step closer to the best sleep of your life.
Positioning Your Pillow
You’ve chosen the best memory foam pillow available. But are you positioning it correctly to reap the benefits? Here’s how to position it based on your sleep style:
For Back Sleepers
Use a traditional or contour memory foam pillow positioned to support the natural curve of your neck. The pillow should cradle your head without pushing it too far forward. For contour pillows, rest your head on the lower side while supporting your neck with the higher side.
For Side Sleepers
Position your memory foam pillow to fill the gap between your head and shoulder, keeping your spine aligned without straining your neck. A contour pillow is especially helpful, providing extra neck support.
For Stomach Sleepers
Although sleeping on your stomach isn’t ideal, if you prefer it, choose a thinner memory foam pillow or a shredded memory foam option. Position it under your head or chest to reduce neck pressure.
Adjusting to Your Pillow’s Magic Powers
Knowing how to use a memory foam pillow effectively is key to a peaceful night’s sleep. Memory foam pillows contour to your body, but they may take a few minutes to adjust to your body heat when you first lie down.
Give It Time
Memory foam responds to heat, so when you first lay your head down, the pillow might feel firmer than expected. After a few minutes, it will mould perfectly to your head and neck.
Fluff It Up
For shredded memory foam pillows, give it a quick fluff to redistribute the foam for optimal support.
Adjust the Height
Many memory foam pillows allow you to remove layers to adjust the height, just like the Air Active Deluxe Classic Pillow. If it feels too tall, simply take a layer out for a less lofty yet supportive pillow.
Taking Care of Your Memory Foam Pillow
All good things need some TLC to last longer. For all the hard work your memory foam pillow does for your sleep, it deserves extra care.
Air it out regularly to eliminate trapped heat and moisture. For stains, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent, letting it dry completely before use. Consider investing in a pillow protector to shield against stains and allergens.
Final Thoughts
A memory foam pillow is your knight in shining armour, rescuing you from the woes of a bad night’s sleep. For ultimate comfort, pair your memory foam pillow with a memory foam mattress for consistent support from head to toe.
Even on its own, a memory foam pillow will elevate your sleep experience. Thanks to its shape-contouring abilities, exceptional comfort, and superior support, you’ll be snoozing like a bear in hibernation. By selecting the right pillow, positioning it properly, and caring for it, you’ll enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.