Side sleeping pillows have a raised contour for the neck and use memory foam. They can reduce snoring, help with apnea and digestive issues, but may not be suitable for all. Research and testing are recommended to find the right fit.
A side sleeping pillow is in theory a pillow that keeps the neck in neutral alignment while the head rests on its side on the pillow. To achieve this, the side sleeping pillow typically features a raised contour at the bottom edge, where the neck should rest, while the head rests on the flattest part of the pillow. Many of these pillows use memory foam or viscoelastic foam as it tends to conform well to the contours of your neck and head.
Some people very confidently state that side sleeping pillows are the best choice if you are a habitual side sleeper. Others say they don’t see much benefit in these pillows. Side sleeping is recommended for people who snore or suffer from apnea, as it tends to reduce the incidence of apnea and can make snoring lighter. It’s also the best choice for women in the later stages of pregnancy, and anyone with digestive issues can be slightly helped by sleeping on their left side.
The problem is that the side sleeping pillow is usually a one-size-fits-all pillow, although some are made in more than one size. The raised contour where the neck fits can feel too high for some people and not high enough for others. A good way to test this is to hold the pillow to your head when standing, then test it when lying down. If the foam pushes against your neck when you’re standing, or if your head has to fall to the side when you’re lying down, that particular side sleeping pillow might not be right for you.
Another difficulty may be using a side pillow for sleeping if you don’t stay in one position during the night. If you switch from side to side, or even your stomach, the contour of the pillow could prove frustrating. On the other hand, it may encourage you to stay on your side if no other position is comfortable.
On the plus side, many find that if they use regular pillows they wake up with sore neck and shoulders, and a side sleeping pillow can help remedy this. There are a number of different types on the market, and you may want to do some research before choosing one. A little internet research at companies like Amazon.com can be helpful because customers can offer reviews of each pillow, which are independent of the company that makes them. But you could try a few pillows at a store, instead of buying one off the internet, to see if the pillows physically fit the shape of your neck and head.
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