Science and personal experience tell us that good quality sleep is very important. Good sleep can improve life expectancy, make you a happier person and improve your mental and physical health.
This is perhaps the reason why many people are looking for ways to improve sleep quality. Luckily, there are many easy ways to do so and one of them involves changing the type of pillow you use.
Memory foam pillows are some of the most sought-after sleep products in the market because buying a pillow is a cheap way to improve sleep quality.
But what are memory foam pillows?
Memory foam pillows are made of polyurethane materials that are sensitive to pressure and temperature. If you’ve used a memory foam pillow, you might have noticed that your head sank into the pillow and it followed the shape and contour of your back and neck. This type of material cradles and supports your head, neck and shoulders gently so that you can have a comfortable rest.
Memory foam has been around for a long time. It was originally developed by NASA so that their pilots and astronauts have comfortable seat cushioning and protection during flights. Nowadays, memory foam is also used in mattresses.
The popularity of memory foam has given rise to many different products. The variety of memory foam pillows can make it hard for first-time users to choose the best one to suit their needs.
If you’re looking for the best memory foam pillow, you’re in the right place because we can tell you how to choose one that is best suited for your lifestyle.
Types of Memory Foam Pillows
There are actually many different types of memory foam materials used by manufacturers for their pillows. However, we have decided to touch on the 3 most common types of materials.
- Traditional
This is perhaps the most popular type of memory foam pillow. There are many manufacturers that use the traditional style because it is uncomplicated and people tend to gravitate to something that is familiar to them.
Traditional memory foam pillows use a single sheet of foam to form a pillow shape. They can use, for example, 100% Visco elastic memory foam to absorb your weight and support your head and neck comfortably. Many people like this type of memory foam pillow because it provides the support they need.
Traditional memory foam pillows can be a single sheet or shredded. The latter kind uses shredded memory foam so that it is more mouldable. Since shredded memory foam pillows are more flexible, they are a good choice for stomach sleepers.
- Contoured
In some cases, a memory foam pillow can be contoured. This is because some sleepers need arch support for their necks and spine. Contoured pillows are also advisable for people who have chronic neck and shoulder pains or are recovering from injuries.
This type of memory foam pillow is also a good choice for snorers. A contour memory foam pillow cradles the head in its natural sleeping position and keeps the airway open. This type of pillow can also be used by side sleepers who need extra support for their neck and shoulder while preventing discomfort should they stay on their side for long periods of time.
Other sleepers who benefit from contoured memory foam pillows include those with lower back pain, those who need spinal alignment and those who want general support for their neck and shoulder area.
- Air Cool
One of the biggest complaints about memory foam is that it can get too hot. This is because it is designed to get soft as the material reacts to your body temperature.
Air cool memory foam pillows have an open cell structure that is used to dissipate heat as you sleep. Memory foam is a viscous material, so the open cells can help keep you at your ideal sleeping temperature. Air cool memory foam material is a better technology compared to traditional foam materials because it softens as it gets hot so that you get the support you need while it releases heat.
Air cool memory foam pillows can help you achieve a more comfortable and cooler sleep. This type is ideal for people who get hot very easily or for those who live in a temperate or tropical climate.
- Gel
Gel memory foam pillows are an alternative to the air cool variety. Instead of an open cellular structure, gel memory foam uses a cooling gel to keep you from getting too hot.
There are 2 main types of gel memory foam pillows. The first type is constructed using layers of gel near the surface to help dissipate heat. The other type is a gel-infused memory foam pillow. This means that the memory foam is treated with gel that will help keep you cool as you sleep.
Wrap-Up
There are many benefits in switching to memory foam pillows. First of all, they are better at providing support compared to traditional down or fibre fill pillows. This is because memory foam is firmer but the material softens when it comes in contact with body heat.
Memory foam pillows are also designed to outline the unique shape of an individual’s head and neck so that support is personalized. There is no fluffing needed. It adjusts to the shape of your head and then gets back into its original shape when not in use.
Memory foam pillows are ideal for people who suffer from sleep apnoea because it keeps the head and neck in the proper sleeping position. They can also be used for people who need spinal alignment to help alleviate pain in the neck and shoulder area.
Most of all, memory foam pillows are durable. They are hygienic and naturally resistant to dust and sweat, so maintenance is very minimal. The material is also hypoallergenic, making them a good alternative for people who suffer from allergies.
Now that you know there are different types of memory foam, you can choose a pillow that can give you support, pain relief and cooling power if needed.