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 What Type of  Pillow Should You Sleep With?


Product picture of a MLILY pillow

The earliest known use of pillows dates back to 7000 B.C.E in Ancient Mesopotamia, where pillows were hard and made of stone. They were also used exclusively by the wealthy during this time, and the more pillows you had, the higher your social status was.

Fast forward to today, and almost everyone sleeps with a pillow at night. The price of a pillow today can range anywhere between $3 and $57,000. (yes, you read that right!)  Although you may not need a pillow that expensive, it does raise the question of what type of pillow you should use.

Let’s take a look at the history of pillows, different types of pillows, which pillow you should sleep with, and how many pillows you need. 

History of pillows

Interestingly, some of the earliest examples of pillows throughout history came from animals. Examples included reptiles and mammals resting their heads on themselves and one another to support their head and neck. Sometime between 5 and 23 million years ago, tree-dwelling great apes began building sleeping platforms, which included wooden pillows and were believed to help improve their sleep quality.

Pillows were not mass produced until the industrial revolution, which is when they became a standard household product because they were more affordably priced. 

Today there are plenty of affordable options for pillows, but it’s important to understand the different types of pillows and the benefits they offer.

Types of pillows

There is no doubt that memory foam pillows stand out from the rest of the pillows on this list. When subjected to pressure and heat, these pillows mold themselves to fit the contours of each individual, allowing them to support the head and neck more effectively than any other pillow.

We at MLILY prefer foam and are committed to producing the highest quality foams with our patented technology.

Memory foam pillows are recognized for their ability to contour your head and neck and offer superior comfort and support. These pillows can be an excellent option for all sleeping positions as they contour to your body’s specific shape.

Notable pros include:

  • Superior support
  • Flexibility
  • Cushions pressure points
  • Cooling sensation
  • Hypoallergenic

If you’re in the market for a new memory foam pillow, the Serenity Contour Pillow is the most versatile option available. This pillow has a straight side which is excellent for back and stomach sleepers. While the contour side hugs your shoulders, making for a more comfortable sleeping experience for those that prefer sleeping on their side!

Shredded memory foam pillow

A great alternative to a traditional memory foam pillow is a shredded memory foam option. Again, an excellent choice for all sleeping positions as the shredded memory foam can be added or removed for the most customized sleep experience possible.

Notable pros include:

  • Comfort
  • Durability
  • Support
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Cooling sensation

Harmony Classic is a top-notch shredded memory foam option that offers total comfort at an affordable price.

Our Adjustable Pillow is available in three different thicknesses, filled with shredded memory foam and polyester fiber to meet the needs of every sleeping style.

Fiber pillow

Fiber pillows are a synthetic alternative to down pillows. Popular amongst consumers because they are affordable and hypoallergenic without compromising their soft feel.

Notable pros include:

  • Affordable
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Soft
  • Durable

The Hybrid Shoulder Pillow is an incredibly soft and breathable fiber pillow stuffed with DUPONT Sorona Fiberfill. The molded memory foam conforms to every curve and angle of your head and neck, relieving pressure points and helping you fall asleep.

Down Pillow

Down pillows contain feathers from the underbelly of geese, swans, and ducks. They are a great choice for the stomach, side, and back sleepers.

Notable pros include:

  • Head and neck support
  • Durability
  • Adaptable
  • Light
  • Soft
  • Insulating

Down alternative pillow

Similar in feel to a standard down pillow, but are made of synthetic materials instead. Filled mostly with polyester, down alternatives offer the same feel at a more affordable cost and are more hypoallergenic. This pillow is a great option for back and side sleepers.

Notable pros include:

  • Affordable
  • Breathable
  • Easy to clean
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Ethically sourced

This list is not comprehensive, but these are amongst the most popular pillows on the market and can get you the most bang for your buck.

With all this being said, we still need to dive into exactly which pillow is best for you. 

What type of pillow should you sleep with?

Choosing the right pillow depends a lot on your sleep preferences, but with so many options available it can get confusing. Let’s break down what pillow you should sleep with based on your preferred sleeping position. 

Pillows for side sleepers 

If you enjoy sleeping on your side, you are not alone. Nearly 85% of the population sleeps on their side, and while it’s a popular sleeping position, it can put your body in poor alignment if you don’t have the right pillow. 

For sleeping on your side, you need a pillow with enough loft to keep your neck and back aligned with your spine. This is why we suggest using a firmer pillow. 

Best pillow for side sleepers: 

Pillows for back sleepers 

Those suffering from chronic neck pain may benefit from sleeping flat on their back. This position uses gravity to give your spine the ideal alignment throughout the night. 

For back sleepers, it is recommended to use a pillow with medium firmness and one with a high loft in order to support your head and neck. 

Best pillow for back sleepers: 

Pillows for stomach sleepers 

This sleep position is potentially the most harmful, especially if you don’t have the right pillow. The excess pressure on the neck, jaw, and shoulder can cause both neck and back pain. 

If you do choose to sleep on your stomach, you’ll want to choose a pillow that is soft and more importantly, flat. 

Best pillow for stomach sleepers: 

How many pillows should you sleep with?

The general consensus amongst sleep experts is that we should only sleep with one high-quality pillow. It is believed that with one pillow, you offer your body the best chance to be in the correct sleeping position, which keeps your head, neck, and spine in a neutral position.

However, if you are adamant about sleeping with two pillows, you aren’t totally out of luck. For side sleepers, place one pillow under your head and one between your knees for a comfortable yet optimal sleeping position. Back sleepers may wish to use a second pillow under their knees for the best sleep position. Lastly, for stomach sleepers, you might consider placing a second pillow underneath your stomach and pelvis to provide your body with the proper support it needs for a healthy sleeping position.

We aren’t here to tell you how to sleep, but instead give you the tools you need to achieve the best sleep possible. MLILY offers high-quality pillows for every sleeper at the right price. Shop our pillows today and see why one pillow is all it takes to achieve better sleep!

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