A pillow has a simple, yet critical, job: to keep your neck and head aligned when you sleep.
But finding the right pillow isn’t always as simple, especially when you’re not shopping for yourself, but for hundreds upon hundreds of potential guests.
Not every pillow type is right for your preferred sleep position, and different pillow fills and sizes have various benefits.
The search for pillows by property managers can depend on quite a few different factors.
The size of your pillow
Pillows should allow sleepers to sleep comfortably with their head, neck, shoulders, and spine all in alignment. And a good pillow needs the right pillowcase. Stuffing a big pillow into a small case will distort the shape of the pillow and make it harder to sleep.
Pillows for Side sleepers
Most people – 70 percent — fall into the category of side sleepers, Consumer Reports says. And these people are best served by a firm or extra-firm pillow.
Look for a pillow with an extra wide gusset to help cover the distance between your ear and shoulder. A pillow with a gusset is one that has rectangular panels along each side to make it thicker. Side sleepers might also find that they sleep better with another pillow between their knees for better spine alignment.
Here’s what the Mayo Clinic has to say about side sleeping:
“The most common sleeping position is on your side, with your legs and hips aligned and flexed. Because this position leaves your upper leg unsupported, the top knee and thigh tend to slide forward and rest on the mattress, rotating the lower spine. This slight rotation may contribute to back or hip pain. To prevent that problem, place a pillow between your knees and thighs…If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees to help maintain the normal curve of your lower back. You might try a small, rolled towel under the small of your back for additional support. Support your neck with a pillow.”
Pillows for Back Sleepers
Back sleepers might do well with a thinner pillow, one that cradles your head without lifting it too high and altering the curve of your neck.
Look for down alternative, latex foam or memory foam pillows that are medium-firm and medium-loft. (Loft refers to the height of the pillow when it’s on the bed.)
Consumer Reports notes that sleeping on your back is often connected to snoring or – in more serious cases – sleep apnea, a condition where people stop breathing. You may need to prop yourself up with a few extra pillows to help prevent this.
Pillows for Stomach Sleepers
A night spent sleeping on your stomach can put a lot of strain on your lower back. A thin, soft pillow is your best bet, but you might be better off with no pillow at all. If you do choose to sleep with a pillow, look for one that’s breathable. It won’t retain heat and will keep you cool.
But what kind of pillow fill do I need?
Some of the most common pillow fill materials include:
- Memory foam – This foam molds itself to your shape, a perfect choice for people with neck pain.
Sleep Chamber Down Alternative Pillow Look for memory foam that offers built-in ventilation.
- Down – Down pillows are soft and light, filled with either duck or goose feathers. Not a good option for people with allergies, although you can find hypoallergenic down or down alternative pillows that offer the same lightness.
- Down Alternative- A popular alternative to down pillows that is constructed with synthetic fibers that is a good option for those with allergies.
InnStyle Offers a Large Pillow Selection for You
InnStyle has a wide selection of pillows, so there should be many options for side, back, and stomach sleepers. There is a lot of decision-making that goes into the pillow selection process, and InnStyle has written numerous other blogs pertaining to pillows such as when it could be a good time to replace your pillows. Please give InnStyle a call about any pillow or hospitality product questions you may have. Their account managers would be happy to answer your questions and offer their own recommendations. InnStyle can be reached at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667. Their website is https://www.innstyle.com/.