Memory Foam Pillows Guide - What To Look For When Buying

If you’re looking for the perfect pillow to get the best night’s sleep, then a memory foam pillow might be the answer. Memory foam is designed to conform to your head and neck shape, providing optimal support and comfort. Learn more about these pillows and find out what features to look for when shopping so you can make an informed decision. Understand the Different Types of Memory Foam Pillows. Memory foam pillows come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and densities. To get the most out of your pillow, you need to understand the three main types – Traditional Foam, Gel Foam, and Latex Foam. Traditional foam is the most affordable option and gives excellent support and cushioning. Gel foam helps keep you cool while sleeping due to its really open cell structure for air circulation. Finally latex provides optimal comfort with built-in 'bounce' for a more luxe feel to your sleep. Knowing which type to buy can be a difficult task. If you’re looking for the classic 'memory foam' feel, traditional foam is the way to go. However, if you need additional support or temperature control, both gel and latex offer superior results. When it comes to memory foam pillows, understanding your needs is half the battle. With the right information at hand, shopping for the perfect pillow will be easy and comfortable! Traditional memory foam pillows offer supportive contours and cushioning. It conforms to your body shape while helping to eliminate pressure points, but it doesn’t provide much cooling or breathability. Latex pillows are firmer beasts, offering a bouncier feel that many people prefer. They’re not quite as good at distributing weight but they still offer good contouring and head support, along with additional temperature control features. Finally, gel-infused memory foam pillows bring together the best of both worlds. They’re softer than latex while providing superior cooling since they don’t retain as much heat from your body. Ultimately, the decision is yours - so make sure you do enough research before purchasing! How to Choose the Firmness of Your Memory Foam Pillow. One of the most important things to consider when choosing your memory foam pillow is its firmness. You'll want a pillow that's soft enough to provide maximum comfort, but firm enough to offer adequate support for your neck and head. The perfect combination of support and comfort will vary from person to person, so it's important to find the right level of firmness for you. Look for pillows with adjustable layers of foam that can be easily changed out or added based on your preference. When shopping for memory foam pillows, be sure to check the density of the foam. High-density foam is more supportive and firmer compared to low-density, which is softer and squidgier. You'll also want to look at the type of memory foam. For example, open cell memory foam is breathable and helps keep you cool while closed cell memory foam is denser and more supportive. Choose a pillow that is made with quality materials such as viscoelastic or gel-infused memory foam, which are both known for providing superior comfort and support during sleep. With the right knowledge and shopping tips, you can get the most out of your memory foam pillow. You should also consider the size and shape of the pillow. If you are prone to neck tension, pick a pillow that is designed to provide greater support for your head and neck. Good memory foam pillows come in different shapes such as contoured, wedge-shaped, and trapezoid designs. It’s important to pick the right size so that it fits comfortably between your shoulders without putting too much strain on them. And with any quality memory foam pillow, be sure to look for certifications, like CertiPUR or OEKO-TEX Standard 100 which ensures that the materials used are safe and free from hazardous substances. Breath-ability and Temperature Control in a Memory Foam Pillow. Memory foam pillows are typically quite hot and can make it difficult to sleep. Look for memory foam pillows that feature a breathable or temperature regulating cover or layer, so you can stay cool while sleeping. A breathable layer will help to disperse body heat, while still providing the comforts of a traditional memory foam pillow. Plus, if you suffer from allergies, dust mite resistant layers can offer added protection from allergens in your mattress. Generally, firmer memory foam pillows provide more support and help to keep the head and neck in alignment. The softer version of memory foam offers more comfort and plushness for side sleepers, who need a bit of extra cushioning along the neck. For back sleepers or people with larger frames, a high loft pillow can offer firmer support by keeping your head off the mattress. Look for memory foam pillows filled with visco-elastic material that responds to body temperature and weight, adjusting to the contour of your head for optimal comfort and support. Memory foam pillows can offer many advantages to sleepers, but often struggle with heat regulation. If you’re the type of person that prefers colder temperatures for a better nights sleep, look for a breathable or temperature regulating cover or layer. The cover should be composed of air-permeable material and will help dissipate body heat while still offering the plush comfort of memory foam. Dust mite resistant layers are also ideal if you suffer from allergies, as they create an extra barrier to protect against dust mites, mildew and mold. When selecting a memory foam pillow, make sure you choose one that is suited to your sleeping position. A firmer version provides more support and helps keep your head and neck in alignment. For side sleepers however, consider opting for a softer piece which offers more cushioning along the neck area. Back sleepers may prefer something with higher loft which keeps their head elevated above the mattress for added support. Memory foam pillows filled with visco-elastic material respond to body temperature and weight, adjusting to comfortably contour your head shape as you move throughout the night. Safety Features for Memory Foam Pillows: CertiPUR-US Foam and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Fabrics. Memory foam pillows should also be made with safe and non-toxic materials. Look for certifications like CertiPUR-US® foam, which is a certification that ensures the foam has been independently tested to fulfill certain criteria for physical performance, indoor emissions and environmental stewardship. And look for fabrics like Oeko-Tex Standard 100®, an international certification that ensures the textiles are free from any known substances considered as dangerous to human health. CertiPUR-US foam is a valuable certification, and one of the top considerations to look for when purchasing any memory foam product. When shopping for memory foam pillows, look for this certification on the label or on the product’s website to ensure your pillow is made with responsibly produced materials. Additionally, you should look for Oeko-Tex Standard 100 fabrics, an international safety standard that verifies textiles have been tested and certified to be free from any dangerous chemicals or other hazardous substances that could potentially harm your health. Consider it as your due diligence before investing in a memory foam pillow. Both of these standards ensure that any materials used in the manufacturing process are products created without volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ozone depleters, heavy metals, and formaldehyde. Memory foam pillows are designed for comfort and support, so it’s important to choose one that is not only comfortable but also safe for you and your family. CertiPUR-US foam and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 fabrics can help you determine if a memory foam pillow is the right choice for your needs. Cover Considerations for a Memory Foam Pillow: Washability, Cooling Benefits, and Comfort Features. When choosing a memory foam pillow, think about the types of fabric and covers you’d prefer. Look for covers that are soft, comfortable, machine-washable and temperature regulating. Also look for removable or zippered covers for easy cleaning or changing the look or feel of your pillow. If you tend to sleep hot, opt for fabrics designed with cooling features like breathable mesh or moisture-wicking technology to keep you as cool as possible all night long. When shopping for a memory foam pillow, consider how it will fit with your bedding or the type of atmosphere you want to create in your bedroom. Look at patterned and colored fabric covers as well as ones with texture, silky sheens and solid neutrals. Memory foam pillows are meant to be comfortable so it’s best to touch and feel different fabric types before making a decision. Make sure the cover is machine-washable to keep your pillow hygienic and fresh-looking. Memory foam is an excellent material for pillows, but the cover matters too. If you’re looking for a memory foam pillow, consider the types of materials used for the cover and how cooling features, comfort features, and washability can make or break how much enjoyment you get out of your purchase.