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Choosing
the Right Pillow
Pillows come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials to meet the
needs
and preferences of every sleeper. Whether you sleep on your back,
your side, or
your stomach, have allergies or chemical sensitivities, there is a
pillow
available to provide the comfort and support you need for a good
night's sleep.
Check for a reliable manufacturer's warranty when purchasing a
pillow, because a
good pillow (depending on the material), should wear well for several
years.
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Latex Pillows
Latex pillows are natural foam pillows that are derived from the sap
of the
rubber tree. Latex is a naturally elastic and resilient material, and
a latex
pillow is designed to cradle the neck and head and facilitate your
skin's
ability to breathe.
Latex pillows are available in both traditional
pillow shapes
and contoured versions, are resistent to dust mites and bacteria and
naturally
anti-microbial. There are 100% organic latex pillows that are
manufactured
without the use of any chemicals for those with sensitivities or
allergies and
even more durable Talalay models that blend both natural and synthetic
materials.
Latex pillows are available in different consistencies—
some are granular or
shredded and others feature solid rubber cores. All offer the
benefits of
latex, a material that is naturally cushioning, supportive, and
resilient.
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Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam pillows are made from a visco-elastic material first
developed by
NASA and now used for a number of sleep-related products. Memory foam
pillows
are ideal for relieving jaw, neck and shoulder tension, because they
conform
to your individual shape and offer a sleeping surface that is
supportive, yet
malleable. Like all memory foam products, memory foam pillows alleviate
pressure points by molding to your contours, but regain their
original shape when
you rise. Memory foam pillows help to keep the neck and spine
properly aligned
and are available in various shapes and sizes for back, side or stomach
sleepers. Because memory foam is a temperature-sensitive material, it
is important to
keep this pillow away from high heat sources to insure its longevity.
Memory
foam pillows should not be placed in a washer-dryer, and should be kept
covered for cleanliness and cleaned according to the manufacturer's
instructions.
Memory foam pillows emit a slight odor when new, but this will
quickly dissipate
within 48 hours.
Down Pillows
Down is the soft, inner plumage of waterfowl, such as geese and ducks
that
has abundant light, fluffy filaments without the quill shaft of a
feather. If
you find that you are a head-tosser at night, a down pillow may be
the ideal
pillow for you. Available in multiple sizes and densities, down
pillows can be
filled to meet your individual comfort preference for either more loft
(firmness), if you sleep on your side, or less loft if you sleep on
your back or
stomach. Regardless of your sleeping position, a down pillow will
mold to your head,
neck and shoulders and provide healthy, breathable comfort. Down
pillows are
natural and resilient, and can last for up to ten years. Luxurious
down pillows
are available in hypo-allergenic, washable models to insure
cleanliness as
well as comfort in your sleeping environment.
Combination Memory Foam Pillows
A foam pillow will have to be replaced approximately every two years,
but it
does offer supportive benefits that some sleepers prefer. For the
best of both
worlds, there are foam and down pillows available that combine the
firmness
of foam with the luxurious comfort of down. These models offer a foam
core
wrapped in warm, gentle goose down, and are available in many
different sizes and
shapes to meet individual preferences.
Specialty Pillows
Specialty pillows include contoured pillows, side-sleeping pillows and
pillows composed of non-traditional materials. These pillows come in
an array of
shapes, sizes and materials, and offer options tailored to meet
consumers'
specific needs or desires. Specialty pillows include:
Side-sleeping pillows, which are manufactured, naturally enough, for
people
who consistently sleep on their side. These pillows are designed to
accommodate
the angle between your head, and shoulders while you sleep to alleviate
tension in your head, neck and jaw. Side-sleeping pillows are
available in a
variety of materials, but all are designed to keep your spine aligned
and body
weight supported comfortably while you sleep.
Contoured pillows are designed to meet the need of every sleeper. The
shape
you might choose for a contoured pillow will depend very much on what
it is you
like to do when you sleep. Do you like both your arms under the
pillow? Do
you need to relieve tension in your back and neck? Butterfly-shaped
pillows, for
example, are perfect for pillow huggers. They will support your head
and neck
and accommodate your particular sleeping style.
Water-base pillows superbly cushion and support your head, neck and
shoulders
and adjust to your changing positions as you sleep. These contain a
water
bladder that can be filled precisely to be soft or firm, and are
usually combined
with other materials to keep them insulated and unaffected by body heat.
Water-base pillows are clinically proven to relieve neck pain caused
by arthritis,
stress or injuries.
Silk-filled pillows offer the natural benefits of 100% pure silk and are
luxurious, cuddly and supportive at the same time. For those with
chemical
sensitivities or down or wool allergies, hypo-allergenic, layered
silk pillows
provide an alternative, healthy option for achieving a restful
night's sleep.
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