Most of us know that the pillow we pick will have a profound effect on the quality of our sleep. A wrong pillow can cause sleeplessness and body aches such as back and neck pain.
Without a doubt, memory foam mattresses are known for their comfort and the support they offer your body and joints. But, when you think of upgrading your pillow to a memory foam pillow, you have to be sure that the effects will give you rest throughout the night.
What is a contour memory foam pillow? A contour memory foam pillow has a design of a contour shape, which means it has a slight dip around the middle, which mirrors the curve of your upper spine and neck.
This design was first used in 1991. The first contour pillow had an egg-crate shape design and had a foam support layer on the bottom. Today, the pillow has lost the egg-crate shape for the more favorable smooth cover design.
Benefits of using a contour memory foam pillow
1. Head and neck support
Generally, pillows should allow your spine to be straight without overly or under supporting it. When the spine is overly or under-supported, it causes an upward or downward bend, resulting in neck, back, and shoulder pains.
A contour memory foam pillow takes your head’s shape, releasing pressure points and supporting your neck, so your spine retains its natural curve.
2. Hypoallergenic
Contour memory foam pillows today are technologically advanced, but they remain safe and non-toxic. One of the best advancements in these pillows is hypoallergenic properties, which means they inhibit the growth of mold, fungus, bacteria, and dust mites.
These allergens find their way to your pillow and cause respiratory illness and even physical ailments such as pillow acne. With proper care, contour memory foam pillows significantly reduce your exposure to these pesky microbes.
3. Luxurious comfort
If you spend hours tossing and turning in bed before you finally fall asleep, it could be because you are uncomfortable. Comfort helps you fall asleep faster since your body is relaxed and ready to rest. It also enables you to stay asleep longer, so you don’t wake up in the middle of the night with body aches.
This way, your body can relax, and you don’t have to keep adjusting to find a comfortable position. A contour memory foam pillow is soft and cozy, and because it takes the shape of your head and supports your neck, comfort is guaranteed.
4. Reduces snoring
Snoring or sleep apnea can be uncomfortable, especially when you are on the receiving side. Years of clinical trials and tests prove that the dip and raised shoulder indentions keep your head at the perfect height, cradling you to an ideal sleeping position.
The wavy design is also meant to keep your airwaves open, so you get enough oxygen while you sleep, which significantly reduces sleep apnea and snoring.
5. Temperature sensitive
Temperature sensitivity is the most unique feature of memory foam. In fact, this feature allows the contour memory foam pillow to offer the custom-contouring the material these pillows are known for.
These pillows react to body heat, yielding, and softening it such that it creates a surface unique to you, no matter what position you sleep in.
Warming up means it creates a cozy space for you to sleep in, especially in colder months. Because of recent tech, contour memory foam pillows will even help you keep cool when the weather or night is hot.
Drawbacks of contour memory foam pillows
1. It may be slow to recover position changes
Some people complain that contour memory foam pillows take a while to recover to its natural state. The same memory that causes it to be oh so comfortable also makes it slow to recover, but it does return to its original form.
If you change sleeping positions a lot at night, this may be a problem since you have to wait for the pillow to recover before you settle back to sleep.
2. Not waterproof
While taking fluids in bed is a great idea when you are tired or just relaxing, it could cost you your memory foam pillow.
Like other pillows, contours memory foam pillows don’t do well with moisture. Just because they are hypoallergenic does not mean it should be kept with spilled water, teas, wine, pet urine, or blood.
Moisture creates a conducive environment for mold and mildew to grow. In fact, you should dry your contour memory foam pillow as soon as it gets wet.
3. It’s sensitive
Memory foam is generally a sensitive material and can’t take a lot of abuse. For instance, when washing your pillow, you should avoid wringing the pillow as it may break or crack. Instead, it’s better to squeeze the pillow.
4. Strong odor
When the pillow is new, the pillow may produce a chemical-like smell, making sleeping impossible. Off-gassing is caused by VOCs, common in manufactured products such as plastics, adhesives, and foam.
The smell usually lasts for a few weeks before it finally wears off. Most times, it only needs a few days. Luckily, you can deodorize the pillow by sprinkling baking soda and letting it sit for a few hours, usually two hours, and you’ll have a ready to use, fresh pillow.
Pillows come in different shapes and sizes, depending on your personal preference. If you aren’t sure what to go for, a standard size pillow will do just fine. Remember also, the heavier you are, the firmer your pillow should be. Most adults do well with a medium-firm pillow. Memory contour pillows are best for side or back sleepers.