Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Next Pillow

“A quality pillow can be the single most important investment you make in a good night's sleep. Old pillow, and pillows overdue for the washing machine, can significantly downgrade the sleeping experience,” says Dan Schecter, Carpenter Company’s vice president of sales and marketing, consumer products division. “We’re seeing an increased demand for well-researched products that answer this need.”

The ideal pillow should be able to support the neck in the ideal position, regular replacement is also necessary too. Believe or not, one recent study found out that up to half a kilo (about 1lb) of skin, hair and the microscopic organisms live in old pillows!

Here are a few points you should consider when choosing and buying your next sleeping pillow:

1. Pillow Fills

There are only two basic choices: either natural or synthetic. Natural pillow fill consists of feather, down, or a combination of both. Synthetic fill is most made of polyester.

Needless to say, you get what you paid for. The best natural filled pillows are made of down and will provide long-lasting, comfortable and luxurious head and neck support. Feathers are also very soft but not quite as fluffy as down, and provide firmer support.

Of course, if you are allergic to down or feather, your only choice is a polyester filled pillow. With current advanced technology, some brands of the good quality synthetic pillows also provide the most supportive and comforting, but make sure you buy the products from well-known manufactories.

2. Thread Counts

Thread counts is calculated by the number of threads per square inch of fabric. Generally speaking, the higher the thread counts, the more quality, durability and softness the fabric will be. Thread will keep the insert in place and keep out the dirt or skin remains penetrate in. Thread count is an important factor to consider if you want the durability and quality of a pillow.

3. Sizing

The proper size of pillow can satisfy your body needs as well as decorate the overall look of your bed. These are the verities of sizes you can find on today’s market:

Standard size: measures 20 x 26 inches, it is used with a standard size pillowcase. Your can use one pillow on a twin bed, two on a full or queen bed, two or three on a king size bed.

Queen size: measures 20 x 30 inches, it is used with a standard size pillowcase. Can be used the same combination on a bed as standard size pillow above.

King size: measures 20 x 36 inches, it is used with king size pillowcase. King size pillow provides the best looking and harmony when used across the top in a king size bed.

Euro size: measures 26 x 26 inches. They are large square-sized pillows, ideal to support your back and relieve stress on the neck when you are sitting or half-laying reading on bed. They can also be used as decorative items when covered with a decorative pillow sham.

Travel size: measures 12 x 16 inches. It is for the convenience of carrying around to travel with. Take a travel size pillow whenever you need some added comfort and support on the road.

4. Firmness of your mattress

The firmness of you mattress influences how you pillow will perform. If your have a firm mattress, generally you will need a thicker pillow. If you have a soft mattress, you may choose a thinner pillow.

5. Warranty: a good manufactory normally backs up their products with a longer warranty, the warranty period should be clearly labeled on the product.

When talking about choosing a perfect pillow, everyone is different and will have different opinion. The important thing to keep in mind is to choose the one that you feel comfortable with and support the positions you sleep in most of the night.