Mattress Toppers of 2022

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How to Choose a Mattress Topper？

Mattress toppers serve two essential functions: adjusting the feel of your mattress to make it softer or firmer, and protecting the surface from long-term wear and tear. In today’s mattress topper market, you can choose from a wide selection of models that vary by material, thickness, firmness, price-point, and overall performance. The best topper for you will depend entirely on your personal needs and preferences.

Below, we’ll take an in-depth look at the pros and cons of different mattress materials, explore the various benefits of using a topper, and answer a few frequently asked questions about these products.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Mattress Topper

Think of a new topper as an additional comfort layer for your mattress. You should judge different topper materials and models the same way you might evaluate a new mattress. Important factors include temperature control, conforming ability, durability, and motion isolation for couples. Pricing is another key variable, as well.

Keep in mind that some manufacturers use misleading marketing jargon to discuss how well their toppers perform. Watch out for descriptions such as “universal comfort” and “endless support,” as well as labels like “green” or “natural” for materials that are mostly composed of synthetic components. When shopping for a new topper, here are the most important points to consider:

  • Cooling Properties: As is the case with mattresses, some mattress toppers bottle in body heat and sleep somewhat warm as a result. Memory foam, polyfoam, and non-ventilated latex tend to trap more heat than other topper materials, such as down and feathers or wool. Topper softness can also play a role in temperature regulation. If you sink too deeply into a topper, this can restrict surface airflow and make you feel too warm.
  • Price: A new topper may cost less than $100 or more than $500, but most high-quality models sold today are priced between $150 and $450. Factors that can drive up a topper’s sticker price include its material composition, thickness, and whether or not the product has received certifications for organic or other materials. Additionally, some brands have steeper price-points than others.
  • Sleeping Position: Do you sleep on your side? If so, chances are you’ll feel most comfortable on a topper that cushions the shoulders and hips to align the spine and reduce pressure points. Back sleepers generally need a firmer, more balanced feel. This ensures comfortable conforming and even support with minimal sagging around the torso and waist. For stomach sleepers, a topper should offer extra reinforcement between the shoulders and hips to prevent too much sinkage.
  • Quality Materials: Certain topper materials are associated with longer lifespans and stronger performance in different categories. These include high-density memory foam, ventilated latex, natural wool, and premium down. While these materials can drive up the sticker price by a significant margin, the topper will offer better long-term value compared to a model made from lesser components.
  • Firmness Level: Firmness level is strongly tied to sleep position and body type. People who weigh less than 130 pounds and/or sleep on their side will likely prefer a softer topper feel. Those who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds, regardless of sleep position, may be more satisfied with a mid-level firmness. People who weigh more than 230 pounds and sleep on their back and/or stomach should consider a firmer topper with stronger overall support.
  • Thickness: The average topper measures between 1 and 3 inches thick. Since toppers are placed directly on the mattress surface, you’re essentially adding 1 to 3 inches to your bed’s overall profile. If you sleep on a bed that is already thick, then a high-profile topper may make the mattress feel too tall. This can make getting in and out of bed more difficult. Thin toppers, on the other hand, may not adjust the firmness of your mattress as well as thicker models can.
  • Pressure Relief: The best mattress toppers for pressure relief will conform to the body and support the spine without sinking excessively. Side sleepers may need a softer feel. Otherwise, their spines will not be aligned and added pressure is likely to occur. Back and stomach positions promote spinal alignment, so these sleepers usually need more support and less conforming for optimal pressure relief.

Which Type of Mattress Topper Should I Choose?

After reviewing the topper attributes listed above to determine which qualities are most important, you’ll be ready to choose a mattress topper based on its material composition. Every topper material carries different pros and cons related to pressure relief, durability, temperature neutrality, and other performance areas.

Memory Foam: Memory foam toppers are ideal if you like to sink into the surface of your bed. The material conforms closely to evenly distribute your weight and keep your shoulders, spine, and hips aligned. For this reason, many side sleepers prefer memory foam toppers. Memory foam also isolates motion transfer very well and does not produce any noise, making it a great option for couples and co-sleepers. Although memory foam can trap heat, toppers can be infused with gel, graphite, copper, and other cooling materials to help the surface maintain a comfortable temperature.

Polyfoam: Polyfoam conforms to the body, but not quite as closely as memory foam. This material also feels a bit more responsive. You may find a polyfoam topper comfortable if you want a balance of contouring and surface-level bounciness. Many polyfoam toppers are convoluted with a ridged surface; these models are also known as “egg-crate toppers.”

Latex: Like polyfoam, latex conforms to the body while maintaining a responsive feel. You’ll probably feel less pressure, but your body won’t sink too deeply. Back and stomach sleepers who need more support may find a latex topper more comfortable than a memory foam model. When ventilated with small holes to promote airflow, latex also sleeps very cool compared to foam.

Down alternative: Down alternative material has different choices, the lower D specification is softer, while the high D specification suitable for the people who like the hard touch feeling. Besides, down alternative is cost competitive.

Other Materials: Memory foam, polyfoam, and latex toppers are most common, but these are not your only options. A topper made from down and feathers, for example, might be your best choice if you prefer an ultra-plush surface that is also highly breathable. Wool toppers can be advantageous because they provide insulation during colder times of the year, but also provide cooling and moisture-wicking when the temperatures rise. Lastly, many toppers padded with polyester fibers offer adequate cushioning at a very affordable price-point.

It’s also important to distinguish between toppers and Euro-top or pillow-top covers. A pillow-top is a layer of padding sewn into the sleep surface of a mattress, leaving a small gap separating it from the bed’s comfort layer. A Euro-top is also sewn into the mattress surface, but its edges are flush with the comfort layer to create a more uniform appearance.

Pillow-tops and Euro-tops offer the same cushioning and comfort adjustment as a standard mattress topper, but these layers are typically offered as customization options for a new mattress, rather than an additional layer sold separately; otherwise you’d be responsible for sewing the pillow-top or Euro-top onto your mattress.

What Are the Benefits of a Mattress Topper?

Advantages of using a mattress topper include the following:

Firmness Adjustment
A topper can significantly change the surface feel of your mattress. Most toppers offer a softer feel and are designed to be used with a firm mattress, but some models are intended to make a soft mattress feel firmer. If you’re dissatisfied with how soft or firm your mattress feels but don’t want to pay for a new bed, a topper can be a cost-effective solution.

Mattress Protection
Toppers are different from mattress protectors, which are very thin and solely designed to safeguard your mattress against spills, stains, dust, and other contaminants. However, toppers can help preserve your bed’s surface and prevent the comfort layer material from wearing out. This can extend the overall lifespan of your mattress.

Stronger Support
Over time, the comfort layer of your mattress will deteriorate. This can cause a loss of support that makes the surface feel uneven, and added aches and pains often follow. A sturdy topper adds an extra layer to keep your body on an even plane and prevent it from sagging in areas where you carry a lot of weight.

Better Cooling
If the surface of your mattress tends to trap heat and sleep warm, then a breathable topper can provide better temperature regulation to help you sleep more comfortably. The best cooling mattress topper materials include ventilated latex, natural wool, and open-cell foam.

Fewer Disruptions
Does the surface of your mattress respond quickly to movement when you or your sleep partner move around? If so, both of you may experience sleep disruptions related to poor motion isolation; this issue is particularly common with hybrid and innerspring mattresses. A topper made from memory foam, polyfoam, or latex will absorb more movement and prevent most of this motion from transferring across the surface.

Cost-Effective Solution
While prices vary, most mattress toppers cost much less than a new mattress in the same size. Toppers should be seen as a short-term solution because they are not as durable as mattresses, but using a topper instead of buying a new bed can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

Mattress Topper FAQ

  • What is a mattress topper?

    A mattress topper is a layer of cushioning material that rests on the top surface of your mattress, usually tucked beneath a fitted sheet. Unlike pillow-tops or Euro-tops, toppers are not attached to the mattress and can be removed at any time.

    The purpose of a topper is to improve how your mattress feels. As cushioning materials deteriorate and soften over time, the surface of a mattress will become uneven from body impressions and indentations. This can decrease support and lead to aches and pains. Most toppers have soft to medium feels, and are intended to add cushioning to a firm mattress. However, some toppers are on the firmer side and meant for mattresses that feel overly soft.

    Common fill materials for toppers include memory foam, polyfoam, latex, down and feathers, down alternative fibers, and wool. Most toppers measure 1.5 to 4 inches thick.

    The terms “mattress pad” and “mattress topper” are often used interchangeably, but this is technically incorrect. Pads are thinner than toppers and designed to provide minor comfort adjustments. Some pads are also waterproof and can protect the mattress from liquid damage. Toppers provide a significant comfort adjustment, and are almost never waterproof.

  • What’s the best way to clean a mattress topper?

    Many foam and latex toppers come with removable, machine-washable covers. Be sure to follow specific instructions listed on the cover’s care tag. The foam or latex core should only be spot-cleaned when necessary, as machine-washing can permanently damage these materials.

    If the cover is not removable, dry cleaning will probably be the safest method of caring for your topper. Some toppers with down alternative or wool fill are technically machine-washable, but significant shrinkage and material deterioration can occur over time. Toppers with larger sizes may also be too big for household washing machines.

  • How much does a mattress topper typically cost?

    A mattress topper’s cost depends on many factors. These include the fill and cover material, size, thickness, and brand.  Memory foam, wool, and latex models tend to cost the most, while convoluted polyfoam – or “egg crate” – toppers are often the most affordable options.

  • How can you keep a mattress topper from sliding?

    Unfortunately, sliding is an issue for many topper owners. Some toppers are equipped with elastic loops to fit around the corners of your mattress, or “anti-slip” bottoms that provide traction and prevent excessive shifting. If a topper does not include these features, it may slide across your mattress during the night – especially if it’s on the lighter side.

    Tucking the topper beneath a fitted sheet can mitigate this issue, as can covering the topper with a flat sheet and tucking its edges beneath your mattress. Also make sure the topper and mattress share the same size.

  • What are the benefits of using a mattress topper?

    If you’ve owned your mattress for a few years and already notice unevenness in the surface, a topper can help you squeeze a few more years out of the mattress before you purchase a new one. However, this should be considered a temporary fix. The topper – like your mattress – will develop impressions and indentations with continuous use.

    Toppers can also be great additions for guest rooms, especially if your overnight visitors sleep on foldout couches, futons, and other surfaces that people tend to find uncomfortable. The same is true if you have guests who sleep on the floor. Guest room toppers typically last longer because they are used less frequently.

 

Best Weighted Blankets

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How to Choose a Weighted Blanket?

If you have a hard time relaxing and falling asleep, then you might be an excellent candidate for a weighted blanket. However, these products are not for everyone. While many sleepers report more relaxation and less anxiety sleeping under a weighted blanket, others feel too claustrophobic and pinned down. A weighted blanket may not be suitable if you are a hot sleeper, either – though some models promote temperature control better than others.

When browsing different weighted blankets, you should take the following factors into account.

Price
Some models carry different price-points depending on the selected weight. For others, the price will be the same no matter which size you select. Be sure to factor shipping costs, if applicable, into your shopping budget.

Weight
The general rule of thumb is to choose a weighted blanket that is roughly 10 percent of your own body weight. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. Realistically, a blanket weighing between 5 and 12 percent of your body weight may be comfortable. The best way to determine your optimal blanket is to test out different weights.

Quality Materials
A weighted blanket made from high-quality materials may cost a bit more than average, but you can usually count on better durability and a longer lifespan from these models. Those made with cheaper fabrics and plastic pellets tend to wear out more quickly, especially if you wash and dry them in household machines.

Cover Material
You should choose a weighted blanket based in part on your desired feel or texture. Some of these blankets have covers made of cotton or microfiber material that deliver a smooth feel, while others are made with fleece for a plusher and cozier texture. A few weighted blankets have reversible designs with a distinct feel on each side.

Ease of Cleaning
Most weighted blanket covers are removable and can be washed and dried in a household machine. In some cases, the entire blanket can be laundered at home. Alternatively, you may need to spot clean or dry clean your blanket to prevent early wear and tear.

Breathability
Some weighted blankets are constructed with breathable cover fabrics and interior components to keep you cool during the night. Others may absorb and trap body heat; combined with their hefty weight, this can lead to excessive warmth.

 

What Are the Benefits of Weighted Blankets?

Weighted blankets are designed to reduce stress and promote feelings of relaxation, which in turn can help you fall asleep more quickly. For many people, the feeling of a blanket pushing gently onto their body and weighing them down is calming. This sensation is intended to simulate deep pressure touch (DPT), a type of therapy that alleviates anxiety by distributing an even amount of weight across the body. DPT is comparable to a full body hug. When administered properly, some studies have shown DPT to be highly effective at reducing anxiety in children and adults.
Weighted blankets are often touted as therapeutically valuable for those with certain medical conditions like autism, depression and PTSD, but overall, the research supporting these claims is thin. As with any product, be wary of any medical claims from manufacturers.

 

Who Is Best Suited for a Weighted Blanket?

Weighted blankets carry benefits for a wide range of sleepers. Whether or not it is officially due to sleep onset insomnia, those who struggle to fall asleep at night may feel more relaxed and less anxious under a weighted blanket. This can be true for adults, teenagers, and children age 2 or older, especially if they experience an undue amount of stress over work, family, or other concerns.

 

Which Weighted Blankets Are Best for Kids? Are They Safe?

You should consult with your pediatrician or family physician before choosing a weighted blanket for your child. For some young ones experiencing sleep difficulties, a weighted blanket may be less effective than other strategies, such as establishing and sticking to a strict bedtime or avoiding liquids in the hours leading up to sleep.

Weighted blankets are generally considered safe for children who are at 3 years of age or older and weigh at least 50 pounds. When selecting a blanket for a child, it’s wise to follow the “10 percent rule” or err on the lower side. An excessively heavy blanket can pose an injury risk for children, even if they are 3 or older.

Many weighted blankets are specifically designed for children. A weighted blanket for kids will range between 3 and 10 pounds. If your child weighs more than 100 pounds, then a blanket for adults or children may be more suitable.

Again, have a chat with your family doctor before deciding which blanket – if any – will be the most effective sleep strategy for your child.

Do Weighted Blankets Make You Hot?

The blanket provides some measure of warmth and insulation, but it should not make you overheat. As with standard blankets, whether or not a weighted blanket sleeps cool depends largely on its material composition. Most weighted blankets include an outer cover, which provides padding for your body, and an inner shell where the beads or pellets are encased. Certain cover fabrics, such as cotton and rayon, are fairly breathable, while others trap more heat. The inner shell contents also play a role in temperature regulation. Models with thicker batting tend to sleep warmer than those with little to no batting.

Some blankets also promote more airflow than others due to how they are constructed. Knitted blankets have an openwork design that allows air to pass through freely, and this can help you keep cool – even if the blanket is exceptionally heavy. Quilted blankets cannot circulate air as well and often sleep hot as a result.

How Do I Choose the Right Weight?

The best weight for your blanket depends entirely on your body. As we’ve discussed, most people tend to prefer blankets that equate to roughly 10 percent of their body weight. That said, there is some wiggle room with this estimate.

The table below lists our suggestions for the most common blanket weights. We’ve based our figures for ideal sleeper weight on the “10 percent rule.” The acceptable sleeper weight range figures are based on the general assumption that a sleeper will feel reasonably comfortable under a blanket that equals 5 to 12 percent of their own weight.

Blanket Weight Ideal Sleeper Weight Acceptable Sleeper Weight Range
5 lbs. 50 lbs. 25 to 60 lbs.
7 lbs. 70 lbs. 35 to 84 lbs.
10 lbs. 100 lbs. 50 to 120 lbs.
12 lbs. 120 lbs. 60 to 144 lbs.
15 lbs. 150 lbs. 75 to 180 lbs.
17 lbs. 170 lbs. 85 to 194 lbs.
20 lbs. 200 lbs. 100 to 240 lbs.
22 lbs. 220 lbs. 110 to 264 lbs.
25 lbs. 250 lbs. 125 to 300 lbs.
30 lbs. 300 lbs. 150 to 360 lbs.

Keep in mind that weight loss or gain can affect how comfortable your weighted blanket feels.

These are estimated ranges based on a general consensus among weighted blanket users. To determine your ideal blanket heft, test out a few models with differing weights to see what feels most comfortable.

What Size Should I Get?

You may be a bit limited in sizing options for your weighted blanket. Many models come with the same width and length measurements regardless of which weight you select. For others, you’ll be able to choose from a broader selection of sizes, such as twin, full, queen, and king. Kid-friendly child sizes may also be available, depending on the seller.

Although this is not always the case, some heavier weighted blankets are wider and/or longer than their lighter counterparts. Most weighted blankets are designed for single person use, so twin is the most common size offered by manufacturers. A common size for larger weighted blankets is 60 inches wide by 80 inches long, which corresponds to a queen size mattress.

 

How Do You Clean a Weighted Blanket?

How to clean a weighted blanket depends entirely on that specific model. Weighted blankets generally fall into one of the following categories for cleaning and care:

  • Machine wash and dry: Every component of the blanket – including the inner shell that contains the weighted materials – can be washed and dried in a household machine. These models usually come with detailed laundering instructions about water temperature, acceptable cleaning agents, and drying heat level.
  • Machine wash, not dry: Some weighted blankets can be washed in a machine as a whole, but should be air dried rather than machine dried.
  • Machine wash cover only: For these blankets, you’ll need to separate the inner shell housing the beads or pellets from its outer cover. Unless the care instructions say otherwise, you can wash and dry the cover in a machine. Spot-cleaning with water and mild detergent is usually advised for the inner shell.
  • Spot or dry clean only: Avoid using a household machine to wash or dry these blankets. This can permanently damage the outer and inner materials.

Always consult the care instructions tag that comes with your blanket before cleaning it. Also, keep in mind you won’t be able to return the blanket for a refund if it is stained or soiled (assuming the seller allows returns in the first place).

Pillows for Side Sleepers

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The Benefits of Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is the most popular sleeping position among U.S. adults. This position has a few advantages over back or stomach sleeping. For one, side sleeping can minimize snoring because it keeps your airway open; back sleepers snore more often because the tongue falls back into the throat, creating an obstruction for the airway. Side sleeping can be beneficial to people with sleep apnea and/or acid reflux for the same reason. If you’re a pregnant woman, chances are you’ll feel more comfortable on your side than you will in other sleep positions; a bolster pillow for the legs or knees can also provide comfort for pregnant sleepers.

 

Side sleeping can also align the spine and reduce discomfort in the shoulders, hips, and other areas where pressure points tend to develop. However, this is contingent on a mattress and pillow that offer enough support to align your head and neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips.

How to Choose a Pillow for Side Sleepers

The best pillow for side sleepers will provide adequate cushioning to support the head and neck. Pillows that either sink too deeply or feel too thick can interfere with spinal alignment, and neck and shoulder aches typically occur as a result. In determining the best pillow,  you should look at several factors, including loft, firmness level, and material composition. In the next few sections, we’ll discuss how side sleepers can find a pillow that will work for them.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Pillow for Side Sleepers

In your research for a pillow that is compatible with side sleeping, you’ll no doubt come across pillow manufacturers who claim their products are suitable for all sleep positions, or that their pillows’ construction and materials offer universal comfort for all sleepers regardless of body type or personal preference. These marketing claims are misleading. Each pillow is uniquely designed to provide a distinct feel. Given the demands of different sleep positions, any pillow you select will be better suited to some sleepers and less so for others.

Rather than using marketing jargon to guide your pillow search, focus on the following attributes instead.

Key Points
  • Loft: Loft, or thickness, is arguably the most important consideration for side sleeping. Most side sleepers need medium to high loft pillows that provide enough cushioning for the head and neck without sinking too low. If your thickness preferences vary by night, you may be a good candidate for a pillow with adjustable loft levels.
  • Support: Support refers to how well the pillow maintains an even surface for your head and neck. Spinal alignment is imperative for side sleepers, so you’ll want a pillow that doesn’t sink too much or elevate your head excessively. Pillows with solid foam or latex cores typically provide the best support.
  • Firmness Level: A pillow that feels too soft will probably sink too much beneath your head, leading to alignment issues and the potential for added pressure. If the pillow is too firm, then you may experience discomfort around the neck and shoulders. Pillows with mid-level firmness are usually the best choice for side sleepers because they provide a balance of contouring and support.
  • Pressure Relief: Many side sleepers feel pressure in the shoulders and hips because their mattress is not supportive enough. Likewise, pressure points may develop around the neck and shoulders if the side sleeper’s pillow does not keep these areas aligned with the spine. For this reason, side sleepers generally need a supportive pillow that also contours to the body.
  • Shape: Some fill materials compress over time, causing the pillow to flatten and feel less comfortable. You’ll need to regularly fluff these pillows in order to give them a full shape. Other materials, such as solid foam and latex, maintain their shape with less effort.
  • Price: The price of a pillow largely depends on its material components. Pillows made of polyfoam, down alternative, and feathers typically have the lowest price-points, while those with memory foam, latex, down, and buckwheat hulls tend to be the most expensive models. That said, you should be able to find a high-quality pillow with any fill material for $150 or less in a queen size.
  • Quality Materials: The materials used to construct a pillow’s cover and inner components can impact a wide range of qualities, including durability, temperature regulation, and shape retention. You may pay more for a pillow with higher-quality components, but you can also count on more longevity and stronger performance from many of these models.

What Pillow Materials Are Best for Side Sleepers?

The best pillow fill materials for side sleepers include memory foam, latex, buckwheat hulls, and other components that offer sufficient support without feeling too firm. However, However, the amount of comfort a pillow offers side sleepers depends on a few other factors. The most common pillow materials are outlined below.

  • Memory Foam: Memory foam, or viscoelastic polyurethane foam, is engineered to feel softer when it comes into contact with body heat. This creates deep conforming for your head and neck when lying on a memory foam pillow, which can help to align the spine and reduce pressure in different areas.
  • Buckwheat: Buckwheat pillows are filled with hulls, the hard outer casings of buckwheat kernels. These pillows have a very firm and supportive feel; many liken them to hard bean bags. Most buckwheat pillows can be adjusted for loft by adding or removing kernels, and they promote good airflow, too.
  • Feather: Feathers are the outer plumage of ducks and geese. While light and airy, feathers have a coarser and denser feel than down. As a result, side sleepers won’t sink as deeply into the pillow. Feather pillows also sleep very cool and offer good durability compared to other pillow types.
  • Latex: Latex is a substance derived from the sappy extract of rubber trees. When molded into a foam, latex contours to the body like foam but feels much more responsive. Side sleepers may find a latex pillow more supportive since the material does not sink as deeply.
  • Down: Down is the soft inner plumage of ducks and geese. The material is exceptionally airy and light, and it also promotes insulation. To ensure adequate support for sleepers, many down pillows are reinforced with feathers in their outer chambers. This prevents side sleepers from sinking excessively.
  • Polyfoam: Polyfoam molds to the body but it also feels more responsive. You won’t feel the same deep contour as memory foam, but the material is more adaptive than latex. Polyfoam has a tendency to sleep hot, but many manufacturers ventilate or aerate their foam to minimize body heat absorption.

Other Tips for Side Sleepers

In addition to selecting a supportive pillow that promotes spinal alignment, side sleepers can use the following strategies for sleeping comfortably each night.

Choose the Right Mattress: The best mattress for side sleepers will provide ample cushioning to the shoulders and hips in order to align the spine and alleviate pressure in different areas. Most side sleepers prefer mattresses with softer feels that conform closely to the body without sinking too much beneath their heavier areas.
Use a Pillow Between the Knees: A pillow between the knees can also improve spinal alignment and reduce pressure in the lower back and hips. Pillows filled with down/feathers, shredded foam, and other moldable materials tend to be most comfortable. You may also find more comfort and pressure relief by placing the pillow beneath your legs.
Invest in a Mattress Topper: A topper is a single layer of cushioning material placed on top of your mattress. Toppers can measure up to 4 inches thick, so using one can make your mattress feel significantly softer or firmer. For side sleepers, the right topper can mean closer conforming, better spinal alignment, and less pressure.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What pillow types are best for side sleepers?

    Some side sleepers prefer down or down alternative pillows, while others find that foam or other specialty pillows work better for them. Down and down alternative pillows have a comfortable, classic feel, but they are not always firm enough to offer side sleepers the neck support they need for proper spinal alignment. Because of this, side sleepers who use a down pillow should ensure theirs has a high enough loft to provide support.

    Foam pillows are usually firmer and are available either as a single cut piece or filled with shredded foam for easy adjustment. Single piece foam pillows sometimes have cut-outs to accommodate and support the shoulders and neck, but side sleepers should doublecheck that these will work for their sleep position before purchasing.

  • What pillow loft works best for side sleepers?

    Side sleepers usually need a medium to high loft pillow in order to keep their head, neck, and spine in proper alignment. This usually means using a pillow that is at least 4 inches thick. However, pillow loft is dependent on both the shape of your body and how much you sink into your mattress.

    People with broad shoulders may need a pillow that is over 6 inches, while people who sink deeply into their bed might find that even a 4-inch loft is too high. Adjustable pillows can be a good choice for people who are unsure what pillow loft they need.

  • What pillow type is best for side sleepers with neck pain?

    Side sleepers with neck pain should first check that their pillow is firm enough and at the correct loft. If the firmness and loft are comfortable, then a memory foam. Neck pain can result from your neck and head being misaligned with your spine throughout the night. It can also be exacerbated by an incompatible pillow.

    Memory foam pillows offer pressure relief and the right amount of compression to align your neck, while contoured foam pillows are designed to cradle the head while releasing tension from the neck and shoulders. Contoured pillows tend to be the most popular among people with neck pain, but some struggle to adjust to their unique shape.

  • How firm should a pillow be for a side sleeper?

    A medium to medium firm pillow is ideal for side sleepers. If a pillow is too soft, side sleepers may also sink so far that the pillow covers the mouth, causing discomfort. Side sleepers can also sink far enough into them that the excess filling goes over the mouth, making it difficult to get comfortable.

    On the other hand, extra-firm pillows can lead to tension and pain through the neck and shoulders. If you find a medium or medium firm pillow uncomfortable or too “hard,” consider purchasing a memory foam pillow with pressure relief for a more cushioned feel.

How Much You Know About Down Alternative Pillows?

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What is a Down Alternative Pillow?

Down alternative pillows are made with polyester fibers, or more rarely cotton fibers, that are designed to mimic the properties of down. The fibers are spun in such a way as to have a soft and fluffy feel that rivals down, but at a much lower price-point. Down alternative pillows may include technology such as gel fibers to boost attributes like softness and cooling.

Despite being more affordable than real down pillow， down alternative pillows are lightweight and huggable, just like the real thing. While actual down is made from the softest feathers of ducks and geese, down alternative does not contain any animal parts. This makes down alternative a good choice for ethically minded consumers and people who suffer from allergies.

How to Choose a Down Alternative Pillow

Loft
The loft of a pillow refers to how high it sits. Pillows with a thicker loft will keep your head at a sharper angle compared to flatter pillows. Since down alternative pillows tend to compress when you lie on them, you may consider buying a pillow with a slightly higher loft. Alternatively, you can buy a down alternative pillow with extra filling and adjust it until you find the loft that allows your head to sit at a comfortable angle.

Support
The support provided by a pillow is determined mostly by its loft, firmness, and contouring ability. Most down alternative pillows offer a medium level of support, which should be sufficient for most sleepers, but may cause neck strain in those who require closer contouring or a firmer surface. Some sleepers may find that scrunching the pillow into shape can help bolster the neck.

Firmness Level
The tighter a pillow is packed with down alternative filling, the firmer it will feel. That said, down alternative is inherently fluffy and there’s a limit to how firm it can get. Those who need a firmer surface may prefer a buckwheat or latex pillow.

Pressure Relief
Although they don’t contour to the same extent as memory foam pillows, down alternative pillows are much softer than buckwheat or latex pillows. As a result, common pressure points that tend to form in places like the ears shouldn’t be a problem with a down alternative pillow.

Shape
Unlike memory foam pillows which can come molded to any form, most down alternative pillows come in a classic rectangular shape. They can be further pummeled to fit the space you need, but left alone they will usually spring back to their original shape. Down alternative pillows are somewhat high-maintenance in that they must be constantly re-fluffed to avoid flattening out and developing lumps.

Price
Pillows can cost well into the hundreds of dollars depending on their materials and build. Down alternative pillows tend to be among the cheapest, although shoppers should keep in mind that they’ll need to be replaced every few years.

Quality Materials
The quality of the materials used to make a pillow have an impact on its durability, as well as its ability to provide support and pressure relief. Poor-quality materials may feel welcoming at first but are usually quick to break down. Down alternative made with polyester fiber is usually not very high quality. If you’re concerned about this, look for a pillow that blends down alternative with shredded memory foam or latex to make it more resistant.

Moldability
Many sleepers appreciate the ability to mold their pillow to some extent. Down alternative lends itself well to this, taking on any form you punch it into and returning to its original shape afterward.

Temperature Regulation
A pillow that traps heat can be terribly uncomfortable, especially for those who run hot or who live in warm climates. Luckily, down alternative pillows have a breathable structure and are known for staying cool throughout the night.

 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Down Alternative Pillows?

Down alternative pillows are cool, soft, and allergy-friendly. What’s not to love? The following are some of the major pros and cons.

Pros Cons
  • Soft and Lightweight: Down alternative comes close to rivaling real down for softness, and since it doesn’t weigh very much, it’s easy to move.
  • Cruelty-free: For those who like the softness of down but prefer to keep the animals out of it, down alternative may present a more ethical choice.
  • Allergy-friendly: Some pillows may trap dust, but in general, down alternative is usually made of synthetic fibers that don’t provoke allergies as real down would.
  • Easy to care for: In contrast to other pillow types, most down alternative pillows can be machine-washed and -dried.
  • Punchable: Like real down pillows, down alternative pillows are highly scrunchable and can be molded into the user’s preferred shape.
  • Affordable: Down alternative pillows are one of the cheapest types of pillows, with a much lower price tag than real down.
  • Sleep cool: Whether made of polyester fiber or cotton, down alternative doesn’t trap heat, and the fluffy composition of the pillow allows room for airflow to keep the temperature neutral.
  • Adjustable firmness: Many manufacturers offer the option to add or remove filling so users can customize the loft and firmness according to their sleeping position.
  • Odor-free: Down alternative is usually made of polyester microfiber or cotton, neither of which has a strong smell.
  • Easy to find: Down alternative is one of the most common material types, and consequently there is a wide range of down alternative pillows to choose from.
  • Not durable: While down alternative pillows can be re-fluffed to some extent, most down alternative pillows gradually lose their fluffiness and get flatter over time.
  • Loose conforming: Down alternative doesn’t conform as closely as materials like memory foam, which may affect its ability to provide pressure relief in sleepers with more sensitive needs.
  • Poor support: As with a real down or feather pillow, down alternative is known to compress significantly under the sleeper’s head, which can lead to neck and shoulder pain in side sleepers or those who weigh more than 230 pounds. A gusseted edge may help mitigate this problem.
  • Noisy: Down alternative can produce some noise when shifting positions, and some down alternative pillows also have a crackly cover.
  • Lumpy: Some sleepers may find their pillow feels increasingly lumpy as the contents clump toget

 

One-Piece vs. Shredded Memory Foam Pillows

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What Are the Pros and Cons of a Memory Foam Pillow?

Memory foam has unsurpassed contouring abilities that make it one of the best pillow materials for pressure relief and support. However, memory foam has some drawbacks as well, the most notable of which is its tendency to trap heat. The material also has a slow response to pressure that some people like, but that can be restrictive when changing positions.

Pros Cons
  • Close-conforming pressure relief: Memory foam softens in response to heat and pressure, molding itself to fit the shape of your body and prevent pressure build-up.
  • Support: Because memory foam remains fairly firm in the areas that are not immediately adjacent to the head and neck, the material forms a supportive cradle that promotes healthy spinal alignment and reduces neck pain and headaches.
  • Price: While not the cheapest pillows out there, memory foam pillows offer a luxurious feel at a much lower price than natural or organic products.
  • Noise: Memory foam absorbs movement and produces little to no noise, minimizing sleep disruptions to you and your partner.
  • Customizability: The viscous nature of memory foam means manufacturers can mold it into virtually any shape, which is why it’s commonly used in orthopedic pillows.
  • Availability: Memory foam pillows are a popular product that you’re sure to find virtually anywhere pillows are sold.
  • Hypoallergenic: Memory foam mattresses are generally resistant to dust mites and bacteria, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers as long as you’re not allergic to the foam itself.
  • Sleeps hot: Memory foam is notorious for trapping heat, leading many sleepers to find it uncomfortably warm.
  • Slow response to pressure: Memory foam is not very responsive, which may lead some people to feel “stuck” when trying to shift sleeping positions.
  • Durability: Memory foam pillows usually last three years at most, since the material eventually loses its ability to regain its shape.
  • Off-gassing: Like all synthetic foams, memory foam releases some initial “off-gassing” odors when it is first unpacked.

One-Piece vs. Shredded Memory Foam Pillows

Here are some of the major ways in which one-piece and shredded memory foam pillows differ:

  • Customization: Both one-piece and shredded memory foam pillows can be customized to a certain extent. Shredded memory foam pillows frequently have a zipper that allows users to open the pillow and add or remove filling to adjust the loft. It’s a good idea to hang on to the filling in case you ever want to make the pillow higher. Although not customizable to the same extent as shredded memory foam pillows, one-piece pillows sometimes have removable inserts that give users several choices of loft.
  • Moldability: Shredded memory foam pillows have a significant advantage over one-piece pillows in that they can be molded to virtually any shape. This is highly convenient for people who like to use their pillow in different positions.
  • Weight: Memory foam pillows weigh more than fiberfill or down equivalents, with many weighing 5 pounds or more. By design, shredded memory foam weighs less than the equivalent volume in solid foam.
  • Heat Retention: Shredded memory foam pillows generally maintain a more neutral temperature, since the design leaves room for airflow between the pieces. That said, some one-piece memory foam pillows feature ventilation or cut-out channels that allow air to flow freely and carry heat away.
  • Fluffing: One-piece memory foam pillows are low-maintenance and don’t need to be fluffed. Shredded memory foam pillows can become lumpy if not regularly fluffed, but the advantage of shredded pillows is that many of them can be machine-washed.
  • Support: One-piece memory foam pillows are usually firmer and keep their shape better than shredded memory foam pillows, which may need to be readjusted every time you switch positions.

How to Choose a Memory Foam Pillow

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What Is Memory Foam Pillow?

Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that’s been treated with chemicals to give it special properties. It’s also known as viscoelastic foam, a moniker that accurately describes the way the material softens and contours in response to heat and pressure, gradually regaining its shape once heat and pressure are lifted.

 

Memory foam is popular in pillows because it molds to the head and neck, providing a supportive surface that can be shaped to the user’s liking. This close-conforming material is unrivaled in its ability to alleviate pressure points.

In this section, we’ll delve deeper into the pros and cons of memory foam and cover some of the most important aspects to look for when purchasing a memory foam pillow.

How to Choose a Memory Foam Pillow

Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that’s been treated with chemicals to give it special properties. It’s also known as viscoelastic foam, a moniker that accurately describes the way the material softens and contours in response to heat and pressure, gradually regaining its shape once heat and pressure are lifted.

 

Memory foam is popular in pillows because it molds to the head and neck, providing a supportive surface that can be shaped to the user’s liking. This close-conforming material is unrivaled in its ability to alleviate pressure points.

In this section, we’ll delve deeper into the pros and cons of memory foam and cover some of the most important aspects to look for when purchasing a memory foam pillow.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Memory Foam Pillow

The market is flooded with manufacturers who tinker with their memory foam to give it different qualities, such as using gel infusions to achieve better temperature neutrality. Some proprietary foams do succeed in their aims, but it can be very difficult to tell before trying the pillow out for yourself.

Before you shop for a memory foam pillow, it’s important to understand the basics behind how they are constructed and what kind of options exist. Focusing on the following factors can help you see past the marketing hype to choose the best memory foam pillow for you.

Memory foam pillows come in two types: one-piece and shredded.

  • One-Piece: One-piece memory foam pillows are made of a single solid block of memory foam. This can either be in the shape of a traditional pillow, or in a tailored shape that mimics the curves of the head and neck. One-piece memory foam pillows conform very closely and have a slower response to pressure. They tend to go back to their original shape when you take your head off the pillow.
  • Shredded: Shredded memory foam pillows can either contain 100 percent memory foam or be blended with other materials such as latex or fiberfill. The advantage of using shredded memory foam is that users can add or remove filling to adjust the pillow loft to their liking, as well as customize the shape of the pillow to a certain extent. Shredded memory foam generally allows more room for airflow compared to a one-piece memory foam pillow.

Here are some other factors to consider when buying your pillow:

  • Sleeping Position: Your sleeping position is one of the main things that will dictate what type of pillow you should choose. One-piece memory foam pillows tend to be higher and better-suited to side sleepers, while stomach sleepers often prefer shredded memory foam pillows with most of the loft taken out.
  • Price: Memory foam pillows have an average price-point, with shredded memory foam pillows running at a slightly higher price-point than one-piece pillows. Some companies offer free pillows along with a mattress purchase, which can be a good option if the pillow matches your needs.
  • Pressure Relief: Memory foam offers exceptional pressure relief, and both one-piece and shredded memory foam pillows conform closely to prevent pressure build-up in the head and neck. Because of its conforming abilities, memory foam is often used in specialized orthopedic pillows to help people with neck pain or other problems.
  • Quality Materials: Memory foam eventually loses its ability to bounce back to its original shape, which in turn affects its pressure-relieving capabilities. A pillow with higher-quality foam will last longer than an inferior one – a difference that is often reflected in the price.
  • Firmness Level: The ideal firmness level for your pillow depends on your sleep position, body type, and personal preference. Most memory foam pillows are medium soft to medium. One-piece memory foam pillows offer just one firmness level, but many shredded memory foam pillows allow users to customize the firmness level somewhat by adding or removing the filling.
  • Loft: A pillow with the right loft, or height, will help keep your head and back aligned and prevent neck pain. One-piece memory foam pillows usually have a medium to high loft, while shredded memory foam pillows can have the loft adjusted to virtually any height. While not as customizable as shredded memory foam pillows, some solid-foam pillows have removable inserts for users to choose between two or more settings.
  • Cooling Properties: Heat build-up in your pillow can make you uncomfortably warm and disrupt your sleep. Memory foam is notorious for heat retention, although today’s manufacturers use many techniques to get around this. Of course, shredded memory foam naturally allows more room for airflow, so all other things being equal, a shredded pillow will sleep cooler than a one-piece pillow.

 

Bedtime Routines can give you best sleep

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What Is a Bedtime Routine?

A bedtime routine is a set of activities you perform in the same order, every night, in the 30 to 60 minutes before you go to bed. Bedtime routines can vary, but often include calming activities like taking a warm bath, reading, journaling, or meditation.

Why Are Bedtime Routines Important?

Humans are creatures of habit. Like any other routine, bedtime routines establish habits that help our brains recognize when it’s time to sleep. By performing the same activities in the same order every night, your brain comes to see those activities as a precursor to sleep.

Bedtime routines also play an important role in reducing late-night stress and anxiety — the kind of worrisome thoughts that keep you up at night. Anxious thoughts and rumination activate your mind and sympathetic nervous system. Left unchecked, these thoughts can intensify and develop into insomnia. By following a bedtime routine, you can keep your mind focused on other tasks and encourage yourself to relax instead.

Bedtime routines help your brain separate the day from the night, clear your mind and body of the day’s stresses, and relax into sleep.

What Is a Good Bedtime Routine For Adults?

Ready to dream up your ideal bedtime routine? Try these ten ideas.

1. Decide on a Set Bedtime.

As part of your natural sleep-wake cycle,   your brain starts winding down for sleep a few hours before bedtime. You can use your bedtime routine to make that process more effective. First, decide on your bed- and wake-up times, and stick to them every day. Following a consistent sleep routine helps train your brain to naturally feel tired when it’s bedtime.

Next, schedule a time to begin your bedtime routine every night, anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours before bed. Set an alarm if you need to.

2. Leave the Electronics Alone.

Despite what you may think, your favorite Netflix show does not help you relax, nor does scrolling on Instagram.  Electronic devices, including computers, televisions, smartphones, and tablets, all emit strong blue light. When you use these devices, that blue light floods your brain, tricking it into thinking it’s daytime. As a result, your brain suppresses melatonin production.and works to stay awake.

Don’t play tricks on your brain. Say goodnight to your electronics at the beginning of your bedtime routine. If you can, avoid using electronics in the evening as much as possible. Be sure to turn on your phone’s red-light filter well before your bedtime routine even begins, so if you accidentally look at it, it won’t be as disruptive.

 

3. Have a Light Snack or Bedtime Tea.

Heavy meals9 and drinking10 before bed can lead to indigestion, acid reflux11, and middle-of-the-night restroom trips that disrupt your sleep. However, going to bed hungry can also upset your stomach and make it hard to fall asleep.
Find a healthy middle ground by calming your stomach with a light snack, like a piece of fruit or yogurt. Cherries, grapes, strawberries, nuts, and oats all have high melatonin content. Non-caffeinated herbal teas, especially ones with chamomile or lavender, are another nice way to calm the mind and induce sleep. Just make sure to use the restroom before bed!

4. Take a Warm Bath.

As part of your sleep-wake cycle, your body experiences various hormonal changes throughout the day. One of these is melatonin production, which begins in the evening to prepare you for sleep. At the same time, your core body temperature drops.
Scientists have found that mimicking that nighttime drop in body temperature via a warm bath can trigger a similarly sleepy reaction. Consider taking a warm bath about an hour before you go to sleep. Your body will heat up from the water, and cool down quickly as the water evaporates, creating a sensation that makes you feel tired and relaxed.

5. Listen to Music.

62 percent of people listen to music to help them sleep. The genre isn’t important, so long as the music relaxes you. Close your eyes, listen to the music, and let it distract you from your worries and calm you down.
Other types of audio can be good for sleep too, like ambient sounds and white or pink noise. Pink noise, like rain or waves, has been shown to improve sleep quality, while white noise may help you fall asleep faster by masking other sounds. You can find playlists for different types of white noise on Spotify and smart home devices like Alexa.

6. Stretch, Breathe, and Relax.

Relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) can allow you to let go of physical and mental tension, by instead focusing on your body and mindfully relaxing. A daily yoga routine has been shown to improve sleep quality, and a few simple stretches or massage before bed can prevent cramping.
Some light yoga, stretching, and breathing exercises can go a long way toward relaxing you into sleep. See what works for you and add it to your bedtime routine.

7. Practice Meditation.

Like yoga, a regular meditation practice can improve your sleep quality. Mindfulness meditation teaches people to allow their thoughts and manage emotions, enabling sleep onset, rather than stressing about not falling asleep.
You can practice mindfulness meditation by simply closing your eyes and allowing yourself to focus on your thoughts and feelings. Observe your thoughts, but don’t judge them. Deep breathing and visualization are other forms of meditation. You can find many guided meditation exercises for free on smartphone apps or YouTube.

8. Read a Good Book.

Reading is a common bedtime routine that begins in childhood. Parents often read to their children as part of a bedtime routine.
When incorporating reading into your bedtime routine as an adult, stay away from exciting genres like suspense and action. A book with a plot that’s drama-free, even boring, can be best.

9. Write Down a To-Do List or Journal.

Many people find it restorative to journal, and doing so in the evening lets them sort out their thoughts and feelings before going to bed.
If the idea of journaling overwhelms you, consider starting with a simple to-do list. One study found that taking 5 minutes before bed to jot down a quick to-do list of tasks that needed to be done in the following days significantly sped up sleep onset.

10. Prep Your Bedroom.

Dedicate part of your bedtime routine to transforming your bedroom into a sleep oasis. Make a ritual out of making things as cool, dark, and quiet as possible.
Set the thermostat to somewhere between 60 to 71 Fahrenheit. Turn off any noisy electronics. Dim the lights and pull down your blackout curtains. Put things away and remove clutter. Enjoy your favorite scent with an aromatherapy diffuser.
Now, for the final piece of your bedtime routine: getting into bed. Make this the very last thing you do, and once your head hits the pillow, don’t do anything else other than try to fall asleep. You want your brain to see your bed as a place of slumber, and that’s all.

 

Best Pillows Of 2022

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Like mattresses, pillows play a major role in how well you sleep – and finding the right one can be challenging. Shoppers today have a lot to consider in terms of composition and fill, thickness, durability, temperature regulation, and pain relief. You should also take personal factors into account when searching for a new pillow. People with neck and shoulder pain may need a pillow with an orthopedic shape, while heavy snorers often require a high-loft pillow to keep their heads upright. Your sleeping position, weight, and body mechanics can all affect how your pillow feels.

How to Choose a Pillow

There is no single perfect pillow for everyone. To find your ideal pillow, you must consider your sleep position preferences, as well as many aspects of pillows you’re considering. Once you know what to look for, you can feel confident that you’re truly buying the pillow because it fits your needs.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Pillow

Marketing hype shouldn’t drive your decision-making as you shop for the perfect pillow. Companies may claim that their pillow feels like sleeping on a cloud, works well for all sleepers, and stays cool all night. Instead of being swayed by advertising, it’s best to evaluate the facts.

You should consider many factors when pillow shopping. First, your personal sleep position preference heavily influences which pillows best fit your body. Of course, many shoppers are limited by a budget. Keep these factors at the forefront of your mind while examining your pillow options.

Also, learn each pillow’s loft and firmness level to determine if it’s a good option for you. Identify the materials each pillow is made of, if it has cooling properties, and if it will relieve pressure in your neck and shoulders.

In this section, we provide more information about the factors to consider when pillow shopping.

  • Sleeping Position: Your preferred sleep position majorly affects which pillows you find comfortable. Stomach sleepers tend to like softer, flatter pillows, since thick pillows can prop the head too high, causing neck pain. Side sleepers generally prefer thicker pillows, which keep the head up and the spine aligned. Back sleepers likely prefer medium pillows, though they are the most flexible group.
  • Loft: “Loft” refers to a pillow’s height or thickness, specifically when the pillow is sitting flat with nothing on top of it. People with different sleep position preferences generally prefer pillows with different lofts. Loft and firmness level combine to determine a pillow’s height once weight is put on it.
  • Firmness Level: Just like mattresses, pillows come in different firmness levels. Firmness affects how a pillow feels, as well as how high it holds your head. For example, a pillow with a high loft might not hold your head up as high as you’d expect if it is extremely soft and sinks under weight.
  • Price: Pillows are available at nearly every price point, ranging from under $10 to upwards of $1,000. Most pillows are sold for under $200, however. The price of a pillow is generally determined by the pillow’s materials and construction. Price loosely correlates with quality, though there are plenty of decent pillows available at affordable prices.
  • Pressure Relief: Like mattresses, pillows can be pressure-relieving or create pressure points. Since pressure points lead to discomfort or even neck pain, pressure relief is an important pillow quality for many sleepers. Pillow materials, loft, and firmness level combined with a person’s preferred sleeping position determines how well a pillow performs in terms of pressure relief.
  • Quality Materials: There is no single pillow cover or fill material that stands out as being the highest quality. Varying qualities exist within each material type. Customers can research types of down, polyfill, memory foam, etc. to better understand what determines quality within each material type.
  • Cooling Properties: Like mattresses, some pillows sleep cooler than others. Down alternatives tend to sleep cooler than down, and buckwheat hulls are known for sleeping exceptionally cool. Memory foam pillows can trap heat, but most contain cooling gel or another cooling material to counteract that tendency.What Types of Pillows Are There?

What Types of Pillows Are There?

Pillows are constructed with a variety of materials. Understanding what these materials are and how they generally perform will help you determine which pillows best fit your needs.

  • Polyfoam: Polyfoam, or polyurethane foam, is a type of foam used in both mattresses and pillows. Although polyfoam can vary widely in terms of both quality and firmness, it’s generally lower cost than memory foam. When used as pillow fill, polyfoam is often shredded or cut into small pieces.
  • Memory Foam: Memory foam pillows often provide a soft, conforming feel. Since memory foam tends to trap heat, manufacturers often infuse it with a cooling agent or construct the pillow in a way that encourages airflow. Some memory foam pillows are constructed of full blocks of memory foam, while others contain shredded or cut memory foam.

  • Down: Perhaps the most traditional pillow fill, down is the soft, fluffy feather found beneath the outer, harder feathers of many birds. Most down pillows contain goose down, and some contain down mixed with feathers. Down is known for its durability, but it may bother some people with allergies or asthma.

  • Down Alternative: Any pillow that was created to feel like down, but does not contain down, is considered a down alternative pillow. Down alternative pillows offer options for vegans and people with allergies who like the feel of down. They are most commonly filled with a polyester microfiber filling.

  • Latex: Latex pillows are pressure relieving and extremely durable. They tend to have a high loft and be more dense, so they’re better for side and back sleepers than stomach sleepers. Latex pillows can be made of one piece of latex or shredded latex fill. Latex feels similar to foam, but is more cooling, especially when aerated.
  • Feather: Generally, the term “feather pillow” is used to refer to pillows that contain both feathers and down. Since feathers are harder than down, 100% feather pillows are less common. Feather pillows are soft, breathable, and a good option for people who sleep hot and want a lower loft.

  • Buckwheat: Buckwheat pillows are filled with buckwheat hulls, the small outer casings of buckwheat grain kernels. These pillows closely conform to the body, and some people liken their feel to that of a bean bag. Many buckwheat pillows are vegan and organic, making them appealing to eco-conscious shoppers.
  • Wool: Wool is a less common fill material that is growing in popularity as customers search for natural pillow options. Most wool pillows are hypoallergenic, organic, and on the luxury end of the price spectrum. Wool is naturally temperature neutral and not extremely conforming.
  • Water: Water pillows typically contain water along with another fill material, such as memory foam or polyfill. Most water pillows require customers to fill the pillow with water themselves. This system allows for adjustable firmness levels. Water pillows are known for being supportive and cooling.
  • PE: FLEXIBLE PE PILLOW, which has won a good market response once launched. The height of pillow can be adjusted by changing the filling weight of PE hose inside, which is a kind of new filling material, food-grade and washable.

Pillow covers also come in a variety of materials. Most pillow covers are made of cotton, polyester, or a cotton-poly blend. Some are made of other materials, such as bamboo-derived fabric or satin.

Cotton covers tend to be more breathable than polyester. Different cover materials feel different to the touch, but the feel is less important since most customers use pillow cases over their pillows.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What pillow types are best for side sleepers?

Side sleepers generally prefer pillows with medium to high loft, or about 4 to 6 inches thick (if not thicker). Due to the nature of this sleep position, extra padding is needed to cushion the head, neck, and shoulders and ensure even alignment.

Side sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds may prefer mid-loft pillows because they will sink more deeply into their mattress than lighter individuals, and thus not need as much padding. Specialty pillows for side sleepers often have contoured shapes or cutouts that mold around the shoulders and cushion the head without sacrificing loft elsewhere.

What pillows are best for sleepers with back pain?

The best pillow for any given sleeper should promote even spinal alignment by providing optimal cushioning for the head, neck, and shoulders. This factor is especially crucial for people with back pain, many of whom experience discomfort due to alignment issues in the first place.

Stomach sleepers with back pain should choose a low-loft pillow that won’t elevate their head to a significant extent. The same is somewhat true for back sleepers, though they may need a bit more loft to prevent their heads from falling back too much. Side sleepers with back pain may want to consider a medium- to high-loft pillow to ensure adequate cushioning for the head, neck, and shoulders.

What pillows are best for sleepers with neck pain?

The best pillows for people with neck pain will provide sufficient support without feeling too stiff or sinking excessively. In terms of composition, materials like solid memory foam, latex, and buckwheat hulls reinforce the head and neck quite well.

The pillow should also be firm and thick enough to maintain a full shape throughout the night. Pillows that contain down, feather, or down alternative fiber fill tend to be quite soft and overall support is fair at best, so sleepers with neck pain may want to bypass these products.

 

Have you ever bought the dream percale sheet？

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Do you enjoy crisp, lightweight bedding that sleeps cool and doesn’t drape or cling to the body too closely? If so, you’ll probably enjoy the feel of percale sheets. Percale is a type of weave that produces material with a crisp hand-feel and an airy structure. It is also known as “plain weave.” In addition to sheets, percale is used to construct men’s dress shirts. Percale sheets are normally produced from cotton, but this weave can also be used for other fabrics such as polyester and rayon from bamboo.

What Are Percale Sheets?

Some consumers mistake “cotton percale” for a specific variety of cotton. In fact, the term percale refers to a type of weave used to make bedding, garments, and other products. Percale is also known as plain weave. Most percale sheets are made from cotton, but this weave can also be used with polyester, rayon from bamboo, microfiber and other synthetic fabrics.

 

Each woven fabric consists of vertical threads known as warps and horizontal threads known as wefts. For percale, the wefts pass – or “float” – over the warps in a one-by-one pattern, forming a grid shape that leaves the material with a crisp hand-feel that will gradually soften over time. Percale’s tight structure requires fewer threads than other weaves, so its thread counts are generally lower and the fabric is relatively lightweight. This sets percale apart from other weaving techniques such as sateen and twill.

The minimum thread count for percale is 180, but most percale sets fall in the 200 to 300 thread count range. In the guide below, we’ll discuss how percale is made, key differences between percale and sateen, and what to look for when shopping for a new percale sheet set.

How to Choose Percale Sheets

Buying new sheets might seem like a straightforward purchase, but there are a few factors to consider before deciding which set is right for you. These include feel, thread count, pocket depth of the fitted sheet, and ease of care. In the next section, we’ll explain what each factor entails and how to evaluate different sheet sets based on these criteria.

What to Consider When Buying Percale Sheets

From misleadingly high thread counts to claims of sheets that “never wear out,” dubious assertions and exaggerations can be common in the bedding industry. Rather than relying on brand marketers to guide your purchasing decision, we recommend evaluating each set using the following criteria. This will help you distinguish high-quality sheet sets from their lower-quality competitors.

Weave
All percale sheets are woven with the weft threads floating over the warp threads in a tight, one-by-one pattern. Unless this technique is used, then the sheets should not be considered percale. Keep in mind that some brands prefer the more traditional “plain weave” label, which is synonymous with percale.

Feel
You’ll notice a crisp texture with new percale sheets. This can be attributed to how tightly the threads are woven together. Don’t worry if they feel too rough at first – the sheets and pillowcases will soften with subsequent washes. Percale is also relatively lightweight since fewer threads are required during the weaving process.

Fit
Before you begin sheet shopping, take a moment to measure how thick your mattress is. Every fitted sheet is designed for mattresses up to a certain height, as indicated by its “pocket depth” measurement. Most fitted sheets have a pocket depth of at least 14 inches, making them compatible with most mattresses sold today, but we recommend checking anyway. The deepest pocket percale sheets will be compatible with mattresses measuring at least 18 inches thick.

Thread Count
Technically, the fabric must have a thread count of 180 to be considered percale. When judging a fabric by quality a thread count of 200 to 300 is a good benchmark for percale sheets and pillowcases. Thread count is not necessarily an indicator of quality, especially if the number seems unusually high.

Design, Color, and Pattern
This factor is purely aesthetic, but still important to many consumers. Percale sheets are available in a wide range of designs, including neutral and earth tones, bright shades, and multi-colored patterns. Depending on the brand, you may need to pay more for certain colors and patterns, such as “limited edition” styles.

Breathability
Percale is typically quite breathable. This can be attributed to its weaving technique, which requires fewer threads and creates a fabric that allows air to pass through more easily. Many sleepers prefer percale bedding for summer months and hotter climates. Cotton percale is especially well suited to warm weather thanks to its moisture-wicking properties.

Durability
Cotton percale tends to be more durable than percale produced from other fibers. However, the material will still break down over time. Pilling, or the appearance of small bumps of cotton on the fabric’s surface, is a common sign of wear. As your sheet set nears the end of its lifespan, you may also notice rips and tears developing, and the fitted sheet’s elasticated corners may lose some of their stretch.

Ease of Care
Most percale sheets and pillowcases can be washed and dried in any household machine. However, you should not wash them too frequently because laundering breaks down the fabric and causes wear and tear. To preserve the material and extend your set’s lifespan, consider line-drying your percale sheets and pillowcases instead of drying them in a machine.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Percale Sheets?

While many sleepers love percale sheets for their crisp hand-feel and consistent breathability, the material is also susceptible to heavy wrinkling and may be too lightweight for cold weather. The table below summarizes some of percale’s most notable pros and cons.

Pros Cons
  • Due to its tighter weave and lower thread count, percale sheets tend to be very lightweight and breathable. Cotton percale is also absorbent and will wick moisture away from the skin.
  • Percale sheets and pillowcases feel crisp at first but soften over time, striking a fine balance between smooth and scratchy.
  • Percale’s tight weave structure makes the material quite durable, especially compared to sateen. The fabric shouldn’t pill too much or attract lint during cleanings.
  • Percale is a low-maintenance material. For most sets, you’ll be able to wash and dry each component at home without spot cleaning or dry cleaning. However, you may wish to line dry the items to minimize wear and tear.
  • The composition of percale makes the material wrinkle easily. Some brands discourage ironing percale sheets, which means you may need to smooth them by hand.
  • Some sleepers find percale too coarse and scratchy. This is particularly common with sheet sets made from low-grade cotton, cotton blends, and synthetic fabrics like polyester.
  • While percale is quite breathable and well suited to warm weather, the fabric is a bit too thin and lightweight to insulate you from the cold. You may want to consider a heavier sheet set for the winter months.

Who Is Best Suited to Percale Sheets?

Percale sheets are optimal for people who want a crisp hand-feel from their bedding that will become softer over time. The fabric will never drape closely to the skin like sateen due to its tighter weave, nor will it feel as smooth, but many sleepers prefer the gentle texture of used percale to the body-hugging clinginess of sateen.

Hot sleepers should also consider a percale sheet set, especially if they find sateen excessively warm. As the percale technique incorporates a lower amount of threads, air will pass through the material more easily. If you are an exceptionally hot sleeper, you should definitely pick cotton percale over blended or synthetic percale. Cotton offers natural breathability and absorbency, so you can stay cool and dry during the night.

What Is the Ideal Thread Count for Percale Sheets?

At minimum, percale sheets and pillowcases must have a thread count of 180, but the ideal thread range for this material is 200 to 300. If the yarns are exceptionally dense or the cotton staples are longer, then the thread count may be higher. Comparatively, sateen’s looser weave requires more threads to hold together, so this material’s ideal thread count range is 300 to 600.

The term thread count refers to the number of horizontal weft and vertical warp threads found in one square inch of fabric. Thread count can help you evaluate the weight, breathability, and longevity of a sheet set. However, many bedding manufacturers exaggerate both the thread counts of their products and the importance of thread count as an indicator of overall quality.

For example, some percale sheets are made by twisting – or “plying” – two or more yarns together for each warp and weft thread. Some brands that produce two-ply sheets will double their advertised thread count. If you see a set of percale sheets with a thread count of 400 or higher, then chances are the items are made of two-ply material. Thread counts of 600 or higher may indicate three or more plies. While higher thread counts often drive up the sticker price of sheets, percale with two or more plies is not necessarily of better quality or more comfortable than single-ply material. Even the best Egyptian cotton percale sheets carry a relatively modest thread count unless the manufacturer has inflated the number.

More Frequently Asked Questions About Percale Sheets

How long do percale sheets last?
A high-quality percale sheet set should last at least five years. That said, many factors will affect the durability of your percale bedding, such as the type of fibers used, the staple length if the sheets are pure cotton, and how frequently you launder these items. Percale resists pilling better than sateen, so your sheets and pillowcases shouldn’t become too bumpy over time.

How do I wash and care for percale sheets?
Unless the care tag says differently, your percale sheets and pillowcases can be washed and dried in any household machine. You should wash them with like colors, especially if you choose a white set. Percale is prone to heavy wrinkling, so you may need to smooth the sheets by hand after removing them from the dryer; many brands discourage ironing the wrinkles. Additionally, you should wash your percale bedding items sparingly in order to preserve their structure and extend their lifespan.

 

Will Twin Comforter Fit Twin XL Bed? The Answer Is Much Simple!

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Will Twin Comforter Fit Twin XL?

It’s absolutely ‘’Yes’’ to the question: Will a twin comforter fit a twin XL bed?

Why?

First off, get one thing clear: what is the difference between the Twin and Twin XL bed size?

Twin bed size comes in 38 x 75 inches in dimensions. Meanwhile, a twin XL is mildly longer than a standard twin 5 inches. Accordingly, twin XL goes well to people over 6 feet, and the twin is better for ones under 6 feet.

Therefore, a twin comforter fits the twin XL 5 inches shorter than the bed’s length.

After grabbing the difference between these two sizes, we could conclude: it’s easy to fit a twin comforter into a twin XL bed.

Still, the 5-inch deviation in length makes things a bit uncomfortable. It will cover your body full, yet it never covers the bed lengthwise, though.

Hence, a comforter draping around all sides is preferable if you insist on the entire harmony at large.

What Size Comforter Fits A Twin XL Bed?

Now that you’ve got the answer to “can you use a twin comforter on a twin XL bed?’’ Afterward, let’s optimize your search with other good options.

A twin XL bed measures 39 x 80 inches, so a comforter at least 90 inches long and 39 inches wide will be compatible with the Twin XL (even in case of the extra length).

In reality, the twin XL bed seems more sought-after. It is a perfect fit for one adult, notably college dorms, small apartments, and even studios. A twin XL bed is exactly half of a queen-size bed and equal to a split-king-size bed.

So, do twin comforters fit on dorm beds? – Yes, of course. The majority of dorm beds are twin XL ones.

What Is The Difference Between Twin Vs Twin XL Comforter?

Both twin-size comforter and twin XL comforters are comparable in width, yet the twin XL is 5 inches longer. So, how big is a twin XL comforter?

  • A standard twin comforter is 39 inches wide and 75 inches long.
  • A twin XL comforter is 39 inches wide and 80 inches long.

Grasping these sizes ensures that you’re buying the right size, fitting your bed perfectly.

FAQs

What Should You Look For In A Comforter for Your Bed?

Picking a comforter isn’t either too simple or too thorny. Nonetheless, you might as well refer to the following points before taking a product home. You will prevent yourself from wasting much time and money this way.

Match with Mattress Size

First and foremost, a comforter needs to fit the size mattress. Dorm beds are often twin XL, as aforementioned. Yet, the length can vary randomly.

So, the next step is checking the mattress size and thickness to apply the best comforter accordingly. Typically, the catalog shows the bedding’s length and width while ambiguous about its depth. Some may buy the wrong models without checking the mattress’s real thickness in advance.

Consider Duvet vs. Comforter

Many prefer a duvet cover to a comforter. Both have the same function, yet a duvet looks like a fluffier and easy-to-clean version of a comforter. Meanwhile, the comforter is fatter, easier to move, and store owing to its upper edge.

Fabric Type

It’s non-debatable when it comes to the fabric type’s importance. All users prefer ones with convenient materials and usage.

A down duvet is flawless if the weather often gets cold around the campus.

Natural comforters seem pretty well-received and popular. They’re easy to wash yet wear out in no time. Organic materials are also soft and hypoallergenic.

Washability

Most comforter covers are dry washed. Better yet, choosing a high-qualified and durable comforter is always good to go and withstand multiple-wash with tethered fabric.

A low-cost comforter had better come with effective dry cleaning. A machine-washable comforter is a good option, though a larger laundromat washer may work best for king-size comforters.