How to Pick a Pillow for Multi-Position Sleepers – Most Comprehensive Guide

Are you a combination sleeper struggling to find the right pillow? Well, you are not alone. At some point, every combination sleeper gets tired of the pillows they use because of limited practicality. There are loads of options available on the market for side and back sleepers. But, is there anything that fulfills the needs of people who don’t limit themselves to one position? Let’s find out!

So, how to pick a pillow for combination sleepers? To pick the right pillow, you have to consider several factors during the buying process. These factors include firmness, cooling properties, materials used, and obviously, the price. As requirements are high in the case of combination sleepers, you have to choose very carefully. Without any further delay, let’s dive deeper to find the best option for you.

Factors To Consider

After observing keenly, I have concluded that combination sleepers can be further divided into two groups. The majority prefer to sleep on the sides and their back. However, the number of people who switch from side to stomach is not negligible either. Therefore, in the end, you have to keep your preferences in your mind and choose accordingly.

Following are the factors that play a crucial role in maintaining the comfort level of combination sleepers: 

Firmness

The most crucial factor you have to consider while choosing a pillow is firmness. Considering all the positions and their specific requirements, I have concluded that medium-firmness is ideal for combination sleepers. While you are sleeping on your sides, a pillow with medium firmness will keep your spine aligned with your shoulders and neck.

When you switch to your back, a medium firmness pillow will save you from snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. It happens because a pillow with such firmness keeps your tongue from falling into the back side of your throat. 

However, you won’t be able to get maximum comfort with this pillow if you choose to sleep on your stomach. But, worry not, because there’s a solution for it. You can simply put the pillow aside while sleeping on your stomach. This will ensure that your shoulders, neck, and spine are at the same level.

Heat Dissipation

Overheating is one of the major concerns of combination sleepers. Therefore, it should be your priority to choose a pillow that doesn’t trap heat. There are a variety of pillows that are made up of breathable materials. Going for a pillow that doesn’t get very hot will help you say goodbyes to sweaty days. 

If you spend most of the nights sweating while sleeping, you can also opt for pillows with cooling gels. 

Cost Of The Pillow

Now, there are a variety of pillows that offer all the amenities and still manage to cost less. While keeping your preferences in mind, compare different options before taking the decision. All that glitters is not gold. This also applies to pillows. Don’t make your decisions based on the marketing of any brand. Rather, decide according to the value you will get in the longer run.

Size Of The Pillow

King-size pillows are often considered comfier than standard-sized pillows. This is not always true. If you prefer sleeping on the sides and stomach as well, then a king-size pillow is not suitable. If you choose to put the pillow aside while sleeping on your stomach due to its size, the pillow will keep waking you up. Hence, making standard-size pillows ideal in this situation.

Difference Between Materials

Keeping in mind the characteristics of different materials used in pillows is very crucial. Down below, we have given a brief overview of each material so that you can have clarity of mind:

Memory Foam

We all know that doctors recommend memory foam to people with neck and shoulder pain. It is because of the shape-changing properties of this material. Therefore, if you wake up with pain in your neck or shoulder, memory foam is the best option for you. 

However, memory foam is also famous for another thing, and that is notoriously trapping heat and causing discomfort. Therefore, if you are thinking about going for a pillow with memory foam, consider this as well. 

Latex

The next material on our list is derived from rubber trees. Being organic, pillows made up of latex are biodegradable, dust-mite resistant, and breathable. The only drawback of these types of pillows is that they cost much more than their counterparts. It is because the manufacturing cost is significantly higher than standard pillows. 

But, latex pillows also last longer than pillows made with cheaper materials like down or synthetic down.  

Down

If you like soft and fluffy pillows, then you will love Down Pillows. This material is very similar to feathers but without that irritating element of feather tips coming out. The only thing you need to note here is that down pillows are high maintenance. To keep them fluffy, you will have to shake and distribute the material equally almost every day after waking up. 

Synthetic Down

If you are on a budget and would like to enjoy the comfort of down pillows, then, for you, we have synthetic down pillows, commonly known as alternative down pillows. As the name states, this material is synthetically made to mimic the feel of Down pillows. In several aspects, this material surpasses down pillows. For instance, down alternative pillows are more breathable, hypoallergenic, cooler, and budget-friendly. 

All of these features come at the cost of a short lifespan. Alternative down pillows usually last around 1 to 2 years and not more than that.

FAQs 

Which pillows are best for combination sleepers with a snoring problem?

A pillow with medium loft and firmness is considered an excellent option for people with a snoring problem. The loft and firmness of the pillow keep your tongue in place, reducing the chances of snoring.

Is double pillow design suitable for combination sleepers?

Some manufacturers are offering pillows with another smaller pillow inside. Usually, both of the parts contain different types of material. If you succeed in grabbing the right combination, it can improve your sleep considerably. Therefore, yes, double pillows can be termed a good choice for multi-position sleepers.

Pillows For Multi Position Sleepers Summed Up

The biggest challenge that multi-position sleepers face is finding the right pillow for their sleep. In today’s post, we have discussed the factors you should consider while making this decision. The factors that are important in this matter are the firmness, size, and cooling properties of the pillow. 

To clear all your confusion, we also discussed the pros and cons of different materials. Hopefully, after reading this guide, you will be able to choose the right pillow that suits your needs.