No matter what style you like to sleep in, you must select your pillow type according to your sleep position to avoid any injury to your spine or neck. A proper pillow according to your sleep position also helps you to get rid of the stuffed neck when you wake up.
In this article, we have gathered all the information you might need about the correct pillow according to your preferred sleeping position.
Importance of Good Sleeping Posture
Your sleeping position and pillow play a vital role in supporting your head and providing a proper posture for better spinal health.
Your spine loves the neutral position, and if you sleep in a proper neutral position, it helps to keep all the pieces of your back in the best posture. It will prevent any extra pressure on any muscle or joint.
Different people have different types of sleeping postures. Some prefer sleeping on their side, and some love to sleep on their back. Some people prefer sleeping on their stomachs, and some have a mixed sleeping posture. Choosing the correct sleeping posture and pillow is essential.
Types of Pillow according to Sleep Position
None of us completely control how we sleep. Some move very little, whereas some people move a lot. Thus keeping all the factors in mind, let’s jump into the best pillows for your sleeping positions.
Pillows for Back Sleeping Position
If you prefer sleeping on your back, you must always choose something that supports the natural curvature of your neck and spine.
Thin Low-loft Pillow
It is the best pillow for people who prefer sleeping on their backs, as it provides the perfect elevation required by your head. If your head is elevated more, it will result in strained muscles and nerves. These pillows need to be supportive as well as malleable.
You can also roll a towel between the neck and the pillow to provide extra support. You can find some pillows which have the roll effect in the region for resting the neck and a shallow region for your head. The best pillow will keep your head straight to avoid the lateral twist in your neck area and is easiest on your spine. You can also use a pillow underneath your knee if you feel uncomfortable.
Pillow for Side Sleeping Position
If your general sleeping posture is on your side, you must choose something that supports your head and neck and maintains a straight line.
High-Loft and Thick Pillow
If the mattress you sleep on is firm enough, you must choose a thick pillow. The main reason for choosing a thick pillow is that there is a lot of gap between your head and the mattress compared to any other sleeping position.
Always wear a thick pillow when you sleep on your side because it will fill the gap between your head and mattress. The pillow needs to be firm enough so that your head does not lose support and end up hurting your neck while you are in your dream world. You can also fold a flat pillow if you do not have a thick one.
Pillows for the Stomach Sleeping Position
It is not a recommended sleeping position because it does not provide any type of neutral position to your neck and spine. The neck gets into an asymmetrical position.
Low Loft Pillows
Although it is a very bad position to sleep in, a person can only change their sleeping posture slowly. People who sleep on their stomachs require less fill between their heads and the mattress.
If you choose a thick pillow, it will result in your spine being in an uncomfortable position. It will bend so that it will cause more aches and numbness in your neck. It would help if you placed a thin pillow near your forehead so that your neck remains neutral.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect pillow is not rocket science. All you need to do is to identify your sleeping position and purchase a pillow accordingly.
Suppose you still need help getting the correct pillow. In that case, it is advisable to consult a physiotherapist who will examine your neck for any problem and suggest the best pillow.