To live a healthy life, you need not only adequate sleep; you need quality sleep. In order for you to get quality sleep, you need the right sleeping conditions. One crucial factor for that is to have a pillow that fills your needs.
A fact most sleepers aren't aware of is that their pillow has very specific roles in their sleep. The pillow you sleep on will have a considerable impact on the quality of sleep you get, how rested you feel, and your overall well-being.
Basic Functions of a Pillow
Your pillow serves two basic functions during your sleep time. It provides you support for your upper back and neck along with a level of comfort you can't achieve without a pillow. When you search for your next pillow, consider these two functions as they will have a significant impact on how well you sleep.
How comfortable a pillow will be is a personal choice. Some people prefer a firmer pillow, while others want one that melts like a marshmallow. What your body size is will also be a deciding factor in a good pillow for your choice. Other factors that need to be considered are what position is your favorite while asleep, and if you have any health considerations that need to be met while you sleep.
The support from a pillow is essential for your upper back and neck while you sleep. This support is critical as the human spine is naturally curved. With the proper support for your neck and head, you maintain proper alignment for your spine. If you do not have the right support, it can cause a negative impact on your sleep, which may result in a stiff back or neck.
Latex Pillows versus Memory Foam Pillows
A natural latex pillow comes from the foam made from the sap of a rubber tree. These pillows are designed with an open cell structure that provides breathability so it doesn’t sleep hot, and provides you with a bouncy, soft texture. There is synthetic latex on the market; however, this product is not going to give you the durability you deserve in a quality pillow.
Memory foam comes from viscoelastic polyurethane and was originally intended to be used by astronauts. It was also used in wheelchair seat cushions and padding used for surgeries before it moved on to become bedding materials.
The difference between the memory foam and natural latex pillow is that the latex is a natural product, while memory foam is synthetically made and can produce chemical off gassing. The natural latex pillow is soft and will quickly return to its original form, and doesn’t get hard in colder climates, while the memory foam is much slower to regain its shape.
Another significant difference is the price of the pillows. The memory foam pillows come in a variety of quality and price, while the natural latex pillow is typically a quality product with a price tag to match.
Benefits of a Natural Latex Pillow
A natural latex pillow is a much more durable pillow than the standard down feather pillow. These types of pillows outlast feather and polyester in terms of hygiene and comfort. The natural latex pillow will mold to the shape of your neck and head but doesn't hold you rigidly. This pillow is much softer to the touch than a memory foam pillow.
The natural latex pillow is naturally hypoallergenic and antifungal and is an excellent hygienic pillow choice. These pillows also have better water and heat dissipation than a memory foam style and are much more comfortable during hot weather or if you suffer body temperatures that cause you discomfort.
As with most things, your pillow choice is a personal one. When you make your next choice, you should consider the natural latex pillow that offers appropriate support, will last you longer, contains no allergens, and maintains your ideal sleeping temperature.
