It’s true that there aren’t many options when it comes to sleeping positions – you can either sleep on your back, stomach, or side depending on your preference. Well, which of the three is the most popular? That one goes to the side sleepers. Each sleeping position has its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to selecting the perfect pillow. Let’s explore why memory foam is a better choice for side sleepers.
What Is Memory Foam
Polyurethane is used to make memory foam. This is a type of plastic material that is used in a wide variety of items, including sofas, mattresses, insulation, and spray foam. Its name derives from the fact that it can change shape when subjected to pressure, but reverts to its original shape once the pressure is removed. This allows it to conform to your unique shape and provides additional head and neck support.
Challenges of Sleeping on Your Side
Side sleepers, in contrast to stomach and back sleepers, require additional support, making a conventional pair of pillows insufficient. If you want to sleep in the best posture possible, find a memory foam pillow that supports your shoulders while keeping your neck and spine straight. If you sleep on your side, you won’t be able to do so if you use an improper pillow. Pillows that are too thin don’t provide enough cushioning, and pillows that are too thick can make it hard to align your spine and cause more pressure points.
Why Memory Foam Pillow is The Ideal Choice
Finding the ideal pillow can be a time-consuming and tedious process. Memory foam pillows give you a lot of support, which helps you sleep in the best position for your spine: one that helps your cervical spine stay in its natural shape while you sleep.
As they come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from the traditional puffy rectangles to a curved orthopedic model for back and side sleepers, you can easily find one that fits your needs. Here are some reasons why memory foam is a preferred choice amongst side sleepers.
Helps maintain a neutral head and neck position.
According to many sleep experts, side sleepers often require a thicker pillow to maintain a neutral position of their head and neck. To fill the space between your shoulder and the ear, it is recommended that you select a pillow that is wide enough to lift your head and neck, which makes a high-quality memory foam pillow an ideal choice. The wider your shoulders are, the higher the loft you’ll need to fill in the empty area between them.
Sturdy, yet comfortable and doesn’t shrink or warp easily
Furthermore, depending on individual comfort levels, many sleepers prefer pillows that are both soft and firm. It is recommended by sleep experts that side sleepers use a pillow that is stiffer on the edges to support their neck and softer on the inside to support their heads.
Overall, the ideal side sleeper pillow should have just the appropriate amount of plushness; it shouldn’t be too overstuffed, but it should also be thick enough to prevent it from becoming flat. When using a pillow, the idea is to raise your head just enough to keep your neck in line with your spinal column. Neck pain can result from keeping your neck twisted in an unnatural posture for an extended period of time. Since your sleeping position affects the position of your head, it by default affects your pillow choice as well.
