While the hybrid design of our top sheet and supple sateen cotton are the features that make sleeping with Kitelinens Stay-Tucked a unique experience, we’d be remiss if we didn’t also talk about a very important aspect of sleep: pillows.
Each complete Kitelinens Stay-Tucked sheet set includes two pillow cases that will fit on any standard size bed pillow and can be washed just as normal pillowcases would. Our pillow cases can be used on all types of standard size pillows regardless of what materials they’re made with - cotton, down, or memory foam.
Now that your sleep and wake-up routine is upgraded with a Stay-Tucked sheet set, you might be thinking it’s time to upgrade your pillow too. So, how to find the right pillow? Read on for recommendations.
The right pillow depends on what position(s) you like to sleep in
Many studies over the years have shown there are three main categories of sleeping positions - side, back, and stomach - with many variables and pros and cons for each. For young healthy people, sleep position is usually not that important. But as we get older, sleep positions can become positive or negative for health, and your pillow choice can play a big role in the position you sleep in Your sleep position can affect:
- Back and neck pain
- Snoring and sleep apnea
- Reflux and heartburn
- Skin appearance
Don’t miss this blog post with more information on the pros and cons of all sleep positions and read on to learn about the best pillow types for each one.
How to find the right pillow for side sleepers
If you sleep on your side, experts recommend keeping your spine straight by using a pillow that is higher under your neck than your head. One pro of a feather / down pillow for side sleepers is that it will easily conform to the shape of the neck, but the downside is it will collapse over time and will need to be replaced every year or so. Memory foam pillows can provide more support for side sleepers, and some manufacturers of memory-foam pillows claim they help create proper spinal alignment.
The best pillow for back sleepers
Sleeping on your back, also known as sleeping in supine position, puts your head, neck, and spine in a
neutral position - that is, if you have the right pillow. If you have the right pillow for this position, you're less likely to experience neck pain.
If you sleep on your back, experts recommend trying a rounded pillow to support the natural curve of your neck, with a flatter pillow cushioning your head.This can be achieved by tucking a small neck roll into the pillowcase of a flatter, softer pillow, or by using a special pillow that has a built-in neck support with an indentation for the head to rest in. A feather / down pillow is also good for back sleepers, but will need to be replaced every year or so.
Another option is a more traditionally shaped memory foam pillow that conforms to the contour of your head and neck. Some cervical pillows are also made with memory foam.
How to find the right pillow for stomach sleepers
Sleeping on your belly (with or without a pillow) is sometimes called the prone position, freefall position and “The Skydiver.” People who sleep this way often have their arms wrapped around a pillow or tucked under a pillow.
While stomach sleeping with a pillow may help ease snoring, it can also worsen other medical conditions. Your neck and spine are not in a neutral position which can cause neck and back pain.
Stomach sleeping with a pillow can put pressure on nerves and cause numbness, tingling, and nerve pain. Sleep specialists recommend trying to break the habit of stomach sleeping, but if you find yourself in this position, you need a pillow that will prop your forehead up so your head and spine remain in a neutral position and you have room to breathe.
How to choose the right pillow with the right fill materials
There is a wide range of options available for pillows. No one is best—all have pros and cons. Here are the most common types:
Down pillow. These pillows are light and soft—if you like a soft place to rest your head at night, then a down pillow might be the right pillow for you. Down pillows are usually made from either goose or duck fibers. Goose down tends to be softer than duck down—and more expensive—though there is also variation in softness within goose down.
Synthetic down and polyester fill pillow. Synthetic down pillows are less expensive than natural, hypo-allergenic natural down—and will need replacing more frequently. Polyester fill pillows are a relatively inexpensive pillow choice, compared to other pillow types, so if you don’t have a big budget for your bedroom this might be the right pillow type for you.. Polyester pillows tend to be medium to soft, though less soft than down. They will flatten with time, and typically need replacing more frequently than other types of pillows.
Memory foam pillow. Memory foam pillows are designed to conform to your individual shape. Responding to your weight and body heat, memory foam pillows soften and contour to the lines of your head, neck, and shoulders. They also distribute weight evenly across its surface. These qualities make memory foam pillows the right choice for people with head and neck pain, or pressure points that cause discomfort during sleep. Memory foam pillows retain heat, which can lead to discomfort and sweating.
Wool pillow. These Pillows containing wool and are naturally hypo-allergenic, and resistant to mold and dust mites. Wool pillows wick away moisture from your head and neck and can be effective at helping regulate your temperature during sleep, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Wool pillows tend to be pretty firm. They also have longevity. If you want the benefits of wool without all the firmness, look for alpaca wool, rather than cashmere fibers.
Cotton pillow. Similar to wool in many ways, cotton pillows are also naturally hypo-allergenic and resistant to dust mites and mold. Cotton pillows tend to be somewhat flat and firm. Cotton pillows are often a smart choice for people with allergies and chemical sensitivities.
Latex pillow. Latex pillows tend to be more firm than down, but still very comfortable. These pillows hold their shape. This isn’t the kind of pillow you squish into just the position you like. Latex is resistant to mold and dust mites. Often, contoured pillows designed to deliver extra support to the head and neck, or to restrict movement during sleep, are made of latex.
How to find the right pillow for traveling
Neck support matters even for those times when you’re not sleeping in your own bed. If you’re a frequent traveler, you should definitely invest in a travel pillow for when you’re riding in a plane, train, or car. A horseshoe-shaped pillow can support your neck and prevent your head from dropping to one side if you doze. If the pillow is too large behind the neck, however, it will force your head forward, so make sure you choose the right travel pillow size for your body.