What should a good pillow meet?

There are an incredible number of pillows for sale. They are available in literally all kinds, sizes, colors, shapes, fabrics, and fillings. Is one pillow really better than another? A pillow is a pillow. Wrong! Have you ever slept in a hotel with a pillow that was way too hard or too soft? Then you know exactly what we mean. With a good pillow, you can prevent neck, shoulder, and back pain. But... What makes a good pillow? In this blog, we will tell you exactly what to look for when buying a pillow.

What are the best pillows?

Well... An answer to this question and you would be done reading. Of course, we can simply tell you that the orthopedic pillows from Ella Health are the very best. And while we are certainly not afraid to speak positively about our pillows, it is all a bit more nuanced. What is actually more important is; Which pillow is the most suitable for you? Every body is different. Are you looking for the best pillow? Then look for a pillow that fits your body best. Keep in mind:

• Your sleeping position;
• The width of your shoulders;
• How hard or soft your mattress is;
• Your physical characteristics such as sweating and allergies;
• Your preference for the moldability of your pillow.

The influence of your sleeping position on your pillow

A good pillow ensures that your back forms a straight line with your spine*. When you sleep on your side, this line is different than when you sleep on your back or stomach. This means you need to consider your favorite sleeping position when choosing a pillow. How do you usually sleep? Pillows for side sleepers: Do you usually sleep on your side? Then make sure that your shoulders are against the pillow and therefore not on your pillow. When your shoulders are on your pillow, your neck makes an unnatural curve, which can lead to neck problems. Pillows for back sleepers: Are you a back sleeper? Then choose a pillow that is higher in the neck compared to the back of the head. Your back of the head protrudes more than your neck. When you choose a pillow that is too thick at the back of the head, you will notice that your head tilts too far forward and your neck remains slightly bent. This is not good! Pillows for stomach sleepers: Not many people are stomach sleepers. It is also a bit of an unnatural position. Your breathing is hindered by sleeping on your stomach, and thick pillows often cause stomach sleepers to develop neck problems. Are you a stomach sleeper? Don't worry, we are not going to ask you to give up your favorite sleeping position. If you are a stomach sleeper, it is best to choose a thin pillow. *Did you know: The orthopedic pillows from Ella Health are suitable for both back and side sleepers? Our pillows have a high side and a low side, allowing you to flip it and find the best position for yourself. The pillow is also suitable for stomach sleepers, but it is not specifically designed for that.

Broad shoulders

Do you have broad shoulders? Then the distance between your head and the mattress is greater. In this case, we recommend choosing a thicker pillow. This is often only advised for side sleepers. If you mainly sleep on your side, you will indeed benefit the most from this. However, many back and stomach sleepers also often turn onto their side while sleeping. Are you unsure whether to choose a thicker pillow? Opt for a pillow filled with memory foam or one where you can remove the filling.

How firm should my mattress be?

How firm your mattress is also affects your choice of pillow. Test the firmness of your mattress by lying on it without a pillow. A soft mattress requires a thinner pillow than a hard mattress. This is because you sink deeper into a soft mattress, which reduces the distance between your head and the mattress. With this Mattress Comparator from the Consumers' Association, you can filter mattresses by their firmness.

The filling of your pillow

Most pillows are filled with one of the following materials:

• Down and feathers
• Synthetic material
• Memory foam of traagschuim

Down and feathers

• Easy to shape filling
• Sensitive to house dust mites

Synthetic material

• Available in countless shapes, sizes, and price ranges
• Easy to wash
• Less easily moldable

Memory foam

• Forms itself to the posture of your body
• Suitable for both stomach, back, and side sleepers
• "Do not collect dust, ideal for a dust allergy such as house dust mites."

Tips for buying your pillow

We hope that you now have a bit of an idea of what to look for in a good pillow. Before you buy a beautiful pillow from Ella Health (or elsewhere), we would like to give you a few extra tips before you make your purchase. Are you still with us?

• Try out your pillow first!

"Are you buying a pillow in the store? Then it's quite easy to test it out. But even when you order a pillow online, you should actually test it first. Therefore, always order only from websites where you can return your pillow if it doesn't suit you."

• Are you a warm sleeper?

Make sure your pillow ventilates well. This way, you won't have a damp, sweaty pillow.

• To wash

Make sure your pillow has a washable cover. Research has shown that pillows are indeed a breeding ground for germs!

• When to replace?

Even when you regularly wash your pillow, bacteria will eventually accumulate in it. Therefore, we recommend replacing your pillow every 3 to 4 years. Looking for more sleep tips? Check out our best sleep tips for a better night's rest!

About Ella Health

Ella Health has been selling products that ensure a better sitting or lying posture since 2018. We do this by introducing sustainable and especially affordable products. As soon as the term orthopedic or physiological is mentioned somewhere, people often have to dig deep into their pockets for a solution. And that is not necessary at all! "Check out our range and start today with a new, healthy sleeping position." p.s. do you have the ideal tip for choosing a pillow? Leave a comment below this article?