According to our Sleep Census, 1 in 2 Singaporeans wake up with back pain. While your mattress is a key factor for nightly comfort and support, your pillow is just as important for spinal health and sleep quality. If you are one of the many people who sleep on their side, you may be wondering whether you’re using the right pillow. In this article, we discuss what makes a good side sleeper pillow and why you need one.
Why do I need a pillow for side sleepers?
Orthopaedic support is one of the key considerations here at Sealy. It is vitally important that your mattress has the technology to maintain your body’s natural posture while you sleep.
This concept is equally relevant when it comes to pillows. Without a supportive side sleeper pillow, you are likely to put excess strain on your neck, shoulders and back. The wrong pillow can cause neck pain, disturb your sleep, and impact your overall health and wellbeing.
To achieve good side sleeping posture, your head, neck and shoulders should be aligned with the rest of your body. Sleeping with a poor posture causes your muscles to strain, resulting in tension and stiffness. To combat this, avoid sleeping in an unnatural posture where your head is tilted too high or dips too low.
How to choose a pillow for side sleepers
Regardless of how you sleep, the best pillow is one that keeps your head in a neutral resting position. For side sleepers, this often means that you will need a pillow that has more height than a flat pillow, often used by back or stomach sleepers.
This does not necessarily mean stacking your pillows for more height. Too many pillows can be unstable as you sleep throughout the night, and they may elevate your head and neck too far, causing further discomfort.
Here are some things to consider if you’re looking for pillows for side sleepers:
Loft — check that your neck and shoulders form a straight line with your back. Your pillow should not be too flat or too high. This is dependent on your stature, the width of your shoulders, and your natural posture.
Firmness — many pillows offer soft, medium and firm options. Opt for a pillow that does not sacrifice the alignment of your neck and shoulders. For this reason, medium to firm options are often best for side sleepers.
- Materials — you may also need to consider what your pillow is made of. Pillows often differ in terms of fabric, filling and cooling properties. If yours is filled with feathers or down, your head is likely to ‘sink’ throughout the night.
The best pillow for side sleepers
We suggest that you look for a pillow with a contour. This is an ideal shape for side sleepers because the groove sits in the natural curve of your neck, propping your head and maintaining neutral alignment.
The best pillows for side sleepers in Singapore are the Sealy Contour Pillows. These pillows offer a rounded ridge for neck support. The Sealy Contour Memory Foam features memory foam for added support and Ice-Touch technology for a cooling sensation throughout the night. The Sealy Contour Shape Latex Pillow has breathable latex for improved circulation and cooling comfort.
Pillows for side sleepers - FAQs
The best pillow for neck pain is one that maintains your body’s natural alignment while you sleep. Look for a contour pillow, like the Sealy range.
The best pillow for you depends on your sleep position and personal comfort. Shop the range of Sealy pillows for the best in Singapore.
A contour pillow has a raised ledge that fits into the groove of your neck. It is designed for side sleepers to keep the head, neck and shoulders in alignment while you sleep.
