How to choose the right sleep pillow?

Choosing a pillow for sleeping or relaxing is not as easy as it sounds. It is necessary to take into account the size and shape, determine the advantages and disadvantages of different fillers, choose the right cover. This bedding has many varieties, so before buying, you should carefully familiarize yourself with the various models on the market today in order to choose the best option.

No one will say for sure when the pillow appeared. Both stones and a piece of log wrapped in linen were placed under the head. Since the days of Ancient Egypt, the more noble classes have used special coasters in order not to spoil their hairstyles. Later, straw or grass was stuffed into woven bales.

It is believed that the Greeks were the first to come up with the idea of ​​stuffing pillows with a feather. Couches and benches with bolsters and bolsters were an integral part of the workplace and the place for receiving guests. And now the inhabitants of the East are constantly using these accessories.

A riot of colors and an abundance of jewelry should have told about the wealth and power of the owner. This is how beautiful pillows appeared, which today are decorative. Their number was used to determine the degree of prosperity. Until now, this decorative element, along with ordinary pillows, is used to decorate houses.

In different parts of the world, different types of pillows have been used as a heating pad, a footrest, a semi-rigid seat for a woman's saddle, and a knee pad during church services.

The classification of pillows is a very conditional thing.

The sleep pillow helps support the cervical spine. She may be:

• Classic pillow - this is a square or rectangular case with a variety of fillers. It is placed under the head, therefore its dimensions are appropriate. It can be one- or two-chamber (two types of filler, separated by a partition).
• Anatomical pillow - this is a special relief, notches, smooth lines that adapt to the human anatomy. For example, a collar pillow.
• Orthopedic will fix the posture of a person so that he is comfortable. It is a prophylactic agent for diseases of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. Very often it is monolithic, made, for example, from a piece of latex. The rubber pillow is also popular.

• Therapeutic Wedge Pillow - non-drug salvation from heartburn. To prevent stomach contents from returning to the esophagus, buy yourself a tilt pillow.
• Cosmetology pillow - this is how you can call a product with a cooling effect. It relaxes and rejuvenates the muscles of the face and neck and is always colder than room temperature.

• Herbal or sleepy pillow in fact, it is filled not only with herbs, but also with wood shavings. Whether you will be able to sleep on it all the time is a big question. But this is not necessary. Its aromas will relax the nervous system and make sleep restful and sound.
• Inflatable pillow does not get lost, does not lose shape from time to time. Suitable for sleeping while sitting.

• Decorative or interior pillows Is a decoration for creating comfort and good mood. There are many design works among such products. The handmade pillow knot can be crumpled while sitting in an armchair or on the floor, soothing and relaxing.A brocade roller with a gold tassel is a classic masterpiece pleasing to the eye, and a funny yellow smiley with a beard will make even the most gloomy smile smile.
• For drivers (and not only cars) use lumbar rollers and "horseshoe" for the neck. An irreplaceable thing on a long journey. People suffering from osteochondrosis should definitely have them in the car.
• Transformer - a pillow for all occasions: suitable for expectant mothers and travelers. There are many models from different manufacturers. They are multifunctional, and therefore convenient.

• But for pregnant they also produce special pillows that help women feel more comfortable in bed. The configuration of such products is very different.
• Lumbar flat cushion or cushion the spine is used in order to relieve tension in the lower back. It is needed not only for long sitting. People suffering from herniated discs experience pain even when lying on a flat surface. Such a product will ease the suffering.

• Harder product in the form of a roller or a dummy used to fit under the knees or heels. Blood flows from the feet, relieving fatigue and pain from the legs. It will help with varicose veins, arthritis and arthrosis, restless legs syndrome.
• Baby cocoon pillow - this is the protection of a newborn baby from the possibility of unsuccessfully rolling over or "escape". It can be used on the bed and floor. The cocoon has bumpers or special fasteners to fix the child.

Since the pillow can be made independently, it is impossible to say exactly how many of their forms exist.

The most common pillows are rectangular, square, round. They can be flattened at the seams (like ordinary products) or be of a strict geometric shape of a parallelepiped or cube, ball. Such products can be assembled into a modular sofa or bed. Wedge-shaped (triangular), with a notch, contour - these are treatment models.

But there are also unusual ones in their form. Long is one pillow for two across the entire width of the bed. There are a lot of products in the form of animals and plants: a cat pillow, hares, a flower, owls, a panda, a turtle. The numbers will help the child in learning, and the cloud, donut, heart, crown will also appeal to an older audience.

The question of fillers is most important when choosing a pillow for your sleep. By the nature of origin, the contents are artificial and natural. And natural fillers are of plant or animal origin.

Natural materials for pillow stuffing can also be divided into plant and animal materials.

They perform the function of an aromatherapist and masseur, hard, prickly, rustling when in contact with the body:

• buckwheat husk;
• shavings of cedar or juniper;
• corn fiber;

• bamboo fiber;
• cherry pits;
• fiber based on eucalyptus wood;

• flax fiber;
• herbs with a calming and relaxing effect (eg, mint, lavender, St. John's wort, shamrock, primrose, hops, valerian, heather, buckthorn, chamomile)
• seiba (kapok);

• seaweed;
• fiber from rose petals;
• vata - the cheapest, quickly cakes;

• natural latex from rubber foam hevea;
• Tencel (manufacturers call this filler natural).

For many, such a filler is allergenic. It could be

• swansdown;
• goose down and feather;
• silkworm fiber;

• camel's wool;
• cashmere (goat down);
• sheep wool (including merino wool).

Most often used in pillows:

• komerel - hypoallergenic synthetic balls made of polyester fiber;
• silicone - soft, breathable material;
• artificial swan down - the price compared to natural is democratic, and the qualities are excellent;

• foam rubber (polyurethane) - a cheap but short-lived material;
• polyurethane foam (sometimes with a memory effect) - a more modern material;
• fiber - 100% polyester - breathable, hypoallergenic, soft;

• holofiber - fiber derivative with spring spiral hairs;
• ecofiber is one of the most hygienic fillers;
• cooling gel with the addition of polyurethane foam with memory effect.

Artificial fillers is a production area that is constantly moving forward. Therefore, you may find pillows with some other fillings.

But the fundamental difference between natural and synthetic fillers lies:

1. In the nature of origin.
2. In the subconscious: if you are a principled supporter of everything natural, then you may not consider the obvious advantages of synthetic materials (hypoallergenic, breathable, elastic, water-repellent or good moisture absorption).

The task of the cover is to protect the filler from spillage and dirt. Therefore, the fabric must be thick enough. But the rest of its properties depend on the functionality of the pillow: for sleep and rest, the pillowcase should be pleasant to the touch, hygroscopic, breathable, not electrified. There can be absolutely different materials for decoration. In addition, it is possible that during the day your pillow is used as a decorative element, and a pillowcase is put on it at night.

So, the pillow cover for sleeping can be made of:

• cambric, which retains the shape of the product well;
• jacquard - elastic breathable blended fabric;
• lyocell (tensel) - hygroscopic textile fiber obtained by chemical means;

• percale - an excellent wear-resistant cotton fabric;
• satin - dense but soft cotton fabric;

• teak, which retains fluff better than others;
• flax - the advantages of this fabric are naturalness, lightness, air permeability, and the disadvantages are low wear resistance, high cost.

• Microfiber is often used for travel pillow covers. The material is very abrasion resistant, easy to clean, multi-color, breathable.
• Polyester can also be used for such pillows, especially since the cheap material is always easy to replace.

Vegetable fillers are used to flavor the room, which means that the covers for them must be breathable. For example, from cotton, wool or knitted yarn. Leather, fur, velvet, lace covers will play a decorative role.

The selection of colors depends on the functional use of the pillow. For sleeping, they usually use pillowcases from a sleeping set. Everyone has different color preferences. Someone loves colored pillowcases, someone classic white. Girls might like a pink pillow, while brutal men might like a black satin one.

By the way, some experts recommend choosing black bedding for insomnia. Green color has soothing properties. A blue pillowcase will help you relax your brain. Travel options are often worn in this color. The turquoise color will smooth out problems at least overnight.

Popular colors are stretch marks, or a gradient, that is, a transition from one color to another. If this is a smooth transition, then it will play the same psycho-emotional role. People who do not like halftones will be attracted by the striped version of such a multicolor.

Optical print is a kind of drawing that can turn your head spinning or send you to nirvana. It is impractical to use bright colors of such a print, but for decorative pillows this is a good find. The 3D effect print will definitely grab the attention of guests. If you put such a pillow on a solid, deep-colored canvas, it will add even greater contrast.

With the help of the letter print, you can make any inscription on the pillow. So it will become a personalized or gift one.

The cover (pillowcase) can be decorated with edging in a contrasting color. It will look exquisite on satin or silk underwear. A quilted pillow will look beautiful. This will create an extra light bouncy effect.

But for decorative pillows, there are much more decor options. Lay out the drawing with sequins. It is impossible to lie on such a cover. But if this dummy is used as a headrest, then the other side needs to be covered in soft fabric. A dumka or a roller with rhinestones is a beautiful thing, but you need to use it carefully so that it does not become vulgar.

It is much more common to use embroidery or decorate the cover with lace. Knitted covers look nice and cozy. A pillow with a volumetric applique, a bow and a fluffy hare will definitely attract attention.

If the room is made out in a certain style solution, the following information will be useful:

• Products in the oriental style are decorated with velvet and silk, gold tassels, beads and embroidery. The color will vary, from yellow and gold in the Arabian style to the color of the flesh of the nutmeg gourd in the Indian. Japanese-style design - soothing colors and pastel shades. Deep green and sapphire are inherent in the "bright East".
• Pillows in the classic style can be square, round, and cushions. But the colors should not be flashy. White, green, blue, gold are what defines wealth and luxury.
• A young sailor can decorate a bedroom in a nautical style, not forgetting to "put on" pillows in suitable "clothes": a vest or jackets.

• Having rummaged in the closets of older relatives, you can pick up interior items for decorating a bedroom in vintage style. Pillowcases with ruffles, lace and naive flowers will definitely decorate a room in this style.
• Modern minimalism is closest to the concept of Scandinavian style. The elegant simplicity of the pattern, the subtle colors and the elusive divination of the pattern are what these pillow cases are all about.
• "Provence" is tenderness and simplicity, spontaneity and grace, flowers and cage, monochrome and color variety. The style is suitable for decorating a simple country house.

• Loft style pillows are freedom of thought and action. They can easily be someone's portrait. Deliberately coarse stitched with fringed edges - just what you need for this style.
• "Country" - rustic simplicity and naturalness, unobtrusiveness of natural motives and natural colors.

Small pads are used for decoration. Their size starts from 20 cm. For relaxation, choose products with a width of 30 cm and a length of 40 cm. For a medical product, the most popular size is 50x70 cm, and for children's models it is even smaller and depends on age.

But different manufacturers set their own sizes. And it may very well turn out that you need a pillow with other parameters. If possible, it is better to lie on the product before buying, compare the rigidity of the mattress and the elasticity - it should be comfortable on it, especially if there are problems with the musculoskeletal system.

Large lounging floor cushions come in a wide variety of sizes. For example, full-length harness pillows are indispensable helpers for pregnant women. It is very important not to forget about the height of the future purchase.

The height will depend on the elasticity. Pillows are soft, medium, elastic.

When choosing, you need to consider the following points:

• if you press your palm on the product, after a few seconds it should be the same,
• no matter how much the filler is inside, it should be evenly spaced (if you take the pillow by the corner, it should not be half empty),
• if an unpleasant smell is felt, then it is better to return the goods to the seller,
• you need to take into account your favorite posture during sleep - the choice of elasticity will depend on this (a too springy pillow will make your neck unnaturally bend).

A height of 10-13 cm is considered common for most people. A person with a height of up to 1.65 m, who prefers to rest on his side, needs to choose a pillow with a height of 11-12 centimeters.With growth above 1.65 m - 13-14 centimeters. For a more accurate selection, measure the distance "neck-shoulder", add 1-2 centimeters - this will be the desired height of the pillow.

You can determine that the pillow is "wrong" if:

• I want to put my hand under my head,
• discomfort is felt in the neck, the shoulders are numb,
• the chin is practically on the chest,
• the cervical vertebrae are tense.

If you wish, you can switch from a regular pillow to an orthopedic one, but the body needs to get used to it. In case of discomfort in the first days, you should not give up this product. With the correct selection of the pillow, the body will get used to it and the pain will recede.

The pillows require daily beating and turning. After sleeping, let the bedding air out, so do not make the bed with rhinestones. The humidity in the sleeping room should be no more than 65%.

Before washing, you should read the manufacturer's instructions, if it is lost, use the general rules:

• Pillows with natural fillers are cleaned every one to two years (at home, you need to open the pillowcase, rinse the fluffy composition and spread it in a thin layer to dry; it is much easier to clean it in specialized dry cleaners).
• Orthopedic and anatomical products made from a bar do not wash. A damp sponge and liquid detergent are all you need for maintenance. Do not dry such products on batteries or in the sun.
• Synthetic fillers in the pillowcase will easily withstand a delicate machine wash. Do not twist such items.

A large number of pillows for sleeping, bolsters and bolsters on the bed are a classic example of interior decoration. That being said, this idea is suitable for almost any style. For a sofa, rollers are often used along the width of the sofa instead of an armrest. But they themselves, with the proper decor, are a beautiful decorative element: cylinders and sweets, robots and dogs - any idea can be embodied if desired.

Orthopedic pillows do not require decoration. But the floor ones can significantly decorate the interior. Large pillows can be used to cover the entire floor and create a home theater lying on the floor. You can make a "nest" from the bundles and read a book in it comfortably. The child will appreciate the jigsaw puzzles when the color print forms into a favorite cartoon character.

ANO "Russian quality system Roskachestvo" conducted tests in a laboratory in 29 items for sleep, which are most often purchased by customers. This large study included samples of pillow contents as well as covers, resilience and hygiene, fire hazard and appearance.

The Quality Seal was awarded to the Dargez brand. High quality goods are produced by trade brands: Lezheboka, Sweet Dreams, German Grass, Kariguz, Nature's, Togas House of Textile. Quality goods are produced by Asabella, Dream Time, Ikea, Mona Liza, Primavelle. The nice thing is that most of the companies are Russian.

But Roskachestvo has compiled another list - a list of manufacturers, why the product does not correspond to the level of safety or the data on the product (size, composition, specified properties) are incorrectly indicated in the label.The list of unscrupulous pillow manufacturers is as follows: Pilushkino, Pierrot, Everyday, Comfort Line, Ecotex, Green Line, TekStil, A'Elita, Sortex, Ol-Tex, Samson.

How to choose a pillow, see the video below.