This post is part of the complete memory foam pillow buyers guide
An uncomfortable pillow will not only ruin your night but can also affect your well-being. We put a lot of dollars and time when considering the best mattress for ourselves, but forget that our pillows can majorly impact how well we sleep.
Bed pillows come in different materials, firmness levels, and heights. But when did you last think about the content that your bed pillow is made of and how it affects your sleep?
Why should you use a memory foam pillow? There are 7 major benefits of using a memory foam pillow:
- It retains contours
- It can relieve back pain
- it’s energy absorbent
- It accommodates a wide range of sleeping preferences
- It reduces snoring
- It’s hypoallergenic and hygienic
- It’s durable and inexpensive
Pillows made from memory foam are currently prevalent in the market, and in this article, we are going to look at the pros and cons of using a memory foam pillow.
Benefits of Using a Memory Foam Pillow
1. Retains Contours
The primary selling point of memory foam pillows is that they retain the neck and head’s excellent contours.
The pillow distributes weight evenly, relieves pressure, and helps with neck and back pains. As a result, the pillow guarantees perfect cushioning and support for your upper body and hence better night sleep.
2. Relieves Back Pain
If you always wake up with some neck or back pain, it means that your pillow is failing you.
A memory form pillow provides the help you need to sleep in the best position. It takes the natural curve of your spine, ensuring that you enjoy your sleep time without straining.
So, if you suffer from neck, shoulders, or back pain, a memory foam pillow will help to relieve the aches, giving you a fresh morning.
3. Energy Absorbent
If you sleep on the same bed with a restless sleeper, your nights may feel uncomfortable and seem longer than usual. However, using a memory foam pillow will make you think that you are having the bed all by yourself because of its energy absorbent properties.
The turning, tossing, and restlessness of your sleeping partner on a foam pillow will have little or no impact on you. If you have a squeaking mattress, the pillow absorbs the noise so your sleeping isn’t interrupted.
4. Accommodates a wide range of sleeping preferences
It does not matter if you nap on your side, back, or stomach; memory foam pillows come in different shapes and sizes to meet individual sleeping preferences.
From traditional rectangle pillows to curved orthopedic models for side and back sleepers, foam pillows got you covered. If you are back sleeper, you can use a contoured memory foam pillow to support your neck and the rest of your head.
5. Reduces Snoring
Yes! You read that correctly. Most non-foam pillows tilt your head and neck upwards, causing your air passages to close, resulting in snoring. But when your upper body remains aligned with the spine, your air passages remain open, often minimizing the chances of snoring.
Due to the manner in which the memory foam pillow supports your head and neck, your breathing system remains unrestricted hence reducing the frequency of snoring. This makes this pillow a perfect choice for those who suffer from sleep apnea.
6. Hypoallergenic and Hygienic
Memory foam is manufactured from a synthetic material that naturally prevents the growth of bacteria, fungus, and dust mites, making it a safer and hygienic choice for everyone.
If you are allergic to feathers, or other natural pillow material, memory foam will save you the hustle of waking up every morning with allergies.
7. Durable and Inexpensive
When investing in your sleep, you need a pillow that will last for years. Memory foam pillows are denser than regular cushions making them long-lasting. Given that they are becoming more and more affordable, you can grab one and enjoy your sleep.
Although they are pricier than the traditional feather or cotton pillows, a memory foam pillow will give you coziness that you may not be able to get from other pillow models.
Disadvantages of Memory Foam Pillows
1. Unpleasant Chemical Smell
One common complaint by users of memory foam pillows is an unpleasant and unhealthy chemical smell. Memory foam is made using polyurethane and several other chemicals, so it’s not surprising that it emits a chemical odor. However, after some time, the smell dissipates.
2. Inhibits Breathability
Memory foam pillows retain heat, which can be uncomfortable, and it may feel warm and quite sweaty.
However, some of these pillows are designed with special air chambers that can help keep the pillow fresh and comfortable throughout the night. Also, using breathable pillowcases can help you address this issue.
Who Should Use Memory Foam Pillows?
Memory foam pillow is best suited to:
- Side Sleepers: People who like sleeping on their side require a higher, firm pillow design that supports their heads and eases the pressure on their shoulders. Memory foam pillows fit this description as they maintain the natural curves of the neck and head to ensure the needed support.
- Back Sleepers: If you prefer to sleep on your back, your spine needs to be in its natural angle for you to sleep comfortably. Memory foam pillow has the ability to compress in response to pressure allowing one to sink far enough to a comfortable height with respect to the body, making it a perfect choice for back sleepers.
- Sleepers with neck or back pain: The need to relieve neck and back pain is one reason a memory foam pillow is ideal for you, thanks to its ability to maintain natural curves to provide the needed body support.
Who Should Not Use Memory Foam Pillows?
- Babies: Adults can enjoy the benefits of the memory foam pillow, but it’s not safe for infants and small children. This is because the kids can get stuck in the contours and struggle to breathe.
- Individuals allergic to chemical Smell: Memory foam pillows are made from various chemicals, giving a bad smell when the pillow is new. People who are extra sensitive to the odor may suffer from breathing, headaches, nausea, and restless sleep; hence should avoid this type of pillow.
- Individuals who get hot when they sleep: Memory foam pillows trap heat as you lie on them, hence not the best choice for those who naturally get hot at night as it will make them sweaty.
Our Verdict
Without any doubt, we can say it’s very safe to grab yourself a pair of memory foam pillows and enjoy all the benefits that come with it. As long as you keep in mind who should and shouldn’t use these pillows, you are good to go.
Getting a pillow fitted with memory foam and sticking to one can drastically prolong your upper body’s health and minimize the likelihood of severe injuries and sleep discomfort developing in the future.
Invest in your sleep as your night sleep determines your health, and your next day’s productivity at work. We recommend that you buy the right memory foam pillow, depending on your sleeping pattern, to maximize your sleep quality.
Memory Foam Pillows: A Complete Buyers Guide – Parts:
1. Why Should You Use A Memory Foam Pillow? The Pros & Cons
2. Are Memory Foam Pillows Better Than Regular Pillows?
3. Are Memory Foam Pillows Safe? Is The Smell Toxic or Not?
4. How Often Should You Replace Memory Foam Pillows?
5. How to Clean a Memory Foam Pillow: Step by Step Guide
6. Can Memory Foam Pillows Grow Mold? And How to Avoid it!
7. How to Dry a Memory Foam Pillow: Step by Step Guide
8. Should You Put a Pillowcase on Your Memory Foam Pillow?
9. Why Are Memory Foam Pillows so Hard? How to Soften Them!
10. Best Memory Foam Pillows of 2021 – Full Guide and Review
