​What Kind of Sleeper are You?

Pillows come in shapes and sizes designed to satisfy every comfort and decor; however, one common thread in all pillow information and mattress information as well is the opening question, “What kind of sleeper are you?”

Why is that question important? The information sought is simply to determine how you prefer to sleep or how you usually find yourself positioned in the bed when you are comfortably asleep.

The question is important because modern bedding is available in a wide selection of firmnesses, materials, and construction methods, all designed to help achieve one of life’s pleasures - a good night’s sleep. Note that hotel pillows use the best upholstery and cover materials and combine the softest and finest cover material with the appropriate amount and type of filling.

A solid majority of people sleep primarily on their sides, as it seems most people find their spine alignment and pressure points well-distributed by sleeping in this position. To do a quick check, look at your hair in the morning. Is it flattened on one or both sides? If so, you are a side sleeper.

Side sleepers need a bit of “give” in their mattresses to protect their hips and shoulders. A medium or medium-firm mattress is ideal for side sleepers. Back and stomach sleepers usually appreciate a slightly firmer mattress than side sleepers.

When shopping for pillows, side sleepers need to keep in mind that proper neck support is essential. Traditionally, relatively soft pillows are best for back sleepers, and an extra-flat pillow is suited for stomach sleepers. However, when sleeping on your side, there is a space created between your pillow and your neck, which, left unsupported, can cause tossing and turning, or worse. If you are a side sleeper with softer pillows, have you ever found yourself bunching up the soft pillows as you rotate during sleep? This activity is your body looking for neck support.

On the other side, too thick and firm of a pillow can interfere with a side sleeper’s alignment and pressure point distribution, causing lost sleep and potential back pain.

Medium to firm pillows, ideal for side sleepers, are available in various constructions and materials (for example, down pillow versus down alternative pillow). Each of our pillows is rated for firmness to help in your selection process. Our customer service representatives are also available for a quick chat if you have a question.

For example, one of our most popular pillows for side sleepers, the White Goose Chamber Hotel Pillow, falls here on the firmness scale:

For a slightly firmer feel, go up the firmness scale to a Tommy Bahama Cooling Nights Pillow, which features a bit more support:

If you are undecided about firmness or want to see what a change might be like, here’s an idea. Try adding a pillow protector in a smaller size than your pillow. Add one of our reasonably priced queen-size pillow protectors if you have a king-size pillow that you would like to firm up. This simple measure will scrunch the filling together, resulting in a firmer pillow experience. This helpful trick also works for any size-filled pillow.

If you would like personalized assistance or professional advice before ordering your bedding, you may contact our customer service representatives, and they will assist you in your decision-making.

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

More sources:

• https://www.downlitebedding.com/blog/can-i-have-more-than-one-pillow/
• https://www.downlitebedding.com/blog/why-does-my-pillow-feels-different-than-it-did-at-the-hotel/
• https://www.downlitebedding.com/blog/why-just-buy-one-pillow-for-now/
• https://www.downlitebedding.com/blog/do-you-remember-the-last-time-you-changed-your-pillows/
• https://www.downlitebedding.com/blog/bed-pillows-come-in-different-shapes/
• https://www.downlitebedding.com/blog/why-do-people-steal-hotel-pillows/