In Pursuit of the Perfect Pillow

We spend an astounding one-third of our lives asleep – with much of those hours spent lying on our pillows. So it’s no wonder that we start to experience neck and shoulder pain when we’re using the wrong pillow.

In fact, many of us are using pillows that are actually working against us, causing more pain in our necks, shoulders, and backs.

But there is hope! The right pillow can relieve pain, support your entire body well at night, and help you wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free.

If you are in pursuit of the perfect pillow, read on for what to look for and our top five picks.

The Perfect Pillow: Optimal Neck Support & Blissful Comfort

When it comes to finding the perfect pillow, there’s more to it than just picking a pretty pillowcase.

In order to get the full support you need, there are four main factors to keep in mind: Fill, firmness, shape and surface. Let’s break down each:

Fill Material

Different fill materials of the pillow can offer beneficial properties.  These can be particularly useful for different people.  It’s important to understand the differences between them.  Some of the most popular materials include:

• Memory foam: Memory foam conforms to your head and neck, providing support and pressure relief. It is a good choice for side and stomach sleepers.
• Down or down-alternative: Down is a natural, fluffy material made from goose or duck feathers. It has a gentle, soft feel, and is best used in combination with other materials like memory foam or gel for optimal cervical support. For those with allergies, down-alternative is a synthetic material that mimics the feel of down.
• Gel: Gel is a non-porous, fluid-like, supportive material that is similar to pressure-relieving foams. However, it resists absorbing heat and is more durable. It is a good choice for side sleepers or those that get hot at night.

Firmness Level

The firmness level of your pillow is another important factor to consider.  It is quite an individual choice – just like choosing the right mattress – and is connected strongly to your sleep position.  Don’t be fooled by anyone who tells you there is a singular option that is best for everyone!

Side Sleepers: Side sleepers need a pillow that is firm enough to support their head and neck in alignment with their spine. However, it should be soft enough in the shoulder area such that it does not strain the neck.

Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers need a pillow that is soft enough to allow their head to sink down. A pillow that is too firm will push their head up and cause pain in their neck, shoulders and back.

Back Sleepers: Back sleepers need a pillow that is somewhat soft to provide support for the natural curve of their spine. A pillow that is too firm will cause their chin to fall towards their chest, which can cause neck pain and sinus problems.

Shape & Thickness

Thick and fluffy is not always the best way to go! The third factor to consider when shopping for a pillow is it’s shape and thickness.

Those with broad shoulders should look for thicker pillows to support the curve of their neck adequately.  The pillow should fill the gap between your shoulder blades and the back of your head.  Without the right support, your shoulder muscles will be firing all night long to support the weight of your head.

Those with long or short necks should experiment with contoured pillows that have curves for built-in shoulder support, or cut-outs that allow the pillow to curve around the shoulder.

Surface Material

The final factor to consider is the part that is closest to your skin.  The surface material of the pillow is important to keep you sleeping without interruption.  No matter what your sleep position or body shape, the right pillow should prevent over-heating, the number one cause of interrupted sleep.

Look for a pillow with ventilation, a temperature-neutral surface material like gel, or pillow fabric made from phase change materials (PCMs).  PCMs release or absorb heat when they change state, helping to moderate the temperature.

Sometimes, simply the addition of soothing essential oils can calm the body or improve breathing.  Lavender, Jasmine, and Eucalyptus are popular scents.

Top Five Pillows for Neck and Shoulder Support

Now that you know what to look for in the perfect pillow, here are our top five picks to help you get a great night’s sleep:

1. CarbonCor Cervical Pillow

First on our list is the CarbonCor Contour pillow – the perfect pillow for a good night’s sleep. The contoured design of the pillow provides support for the head and neck, and is comfortable for all sleeping positions.

The pillow is made from high quality materials, is hypoallergenic and machine washable.

2. Dreameasy Lavender Pillow

If you’re struggling with insomnia or anxiety, it can be hard to get the rest you need. Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to promote relaxation and improve your sleep quality.

One of those things is using this memory foam pillow that is infused with lavender. Lavender has been shown to ease anxiety and promote relaxation, making it the perfect addition to your bedtime routine.

3. Dreameasy Eucalyptus Pillow

If you’re looking for a memory foam pillow that will help you sleep better, the Eucalyptus Memory Foam Pillow is a great option.

This pillow gently cradles your spine, making it ideal for side and stomach sleepers. Infused with Eucalyptus essential oils, this pillow also improves breathing and reduces snoring.

4. TechnoGel Deluxe Pillow – Available in 3 Thicknesses

This pillow features a classic shape that is perfect for small-to-medium built back or side sleepers.  Available in three different thicknesses, there is a thickness that is perfect for all body shapes.

The pillow also features Technogel’s patented gel technology that is molded seamlessly to a high-density memory foam base.  The ventilated gel sleep surface prevents over-heating, and is one of the “coolest” pillows available!

5. Blue Ice Shoulder Cut Pillow

Looking for a pillow that will keep you cool and comfortable all night long?

The BlueIce Cool ShoulderCut Pillow features an ergonomic concave curve that is designed for side or back sleepers.

Find Your Perfect Pillow at Ultramatic

At Ultramatic, we know that a good night’s sleep is essential for your overall health and well-being. That’s why we offer a wide range of adjustable beds and pillow options – each with its own unique set of features to suit your individual needs.

The Supreme Adjustable Bed, for example, comes with our trademarked Pillow-Tilt™ feature that enhances the neck support of any pillow.  This is especially useful if your sleep position changes from time to time, or if you watch TV in bed.

Finding the perfect pillow means choosing the right material, firmness level, shape and surface material. The key is to keep your head and neck in alignment with your spine, while providing a cool, soothing sleep surface.

If you’re looking for a way to get a better night’s sleep, come and visit us at Ultramatic today. We’ll be happy to help you find the perfect pillow and bed for you.

Receive a free consultation: Call 1-866-413-4169, email [email protected], or visit one of their unique showrooms in Toronto / Mississauga / Oakville.

Plus, CARP members receive special savings:

1. 25% OFF All Sleep Accessories (like Pillows and Sheets) ($100 minimum purchase)
2. $100-$500 OFF  Adjustable Bases, Mattresses, or Walk-in Bathtubs