Ask A Physio: What pillow do you recommend?

You asked:

What is the best pillow for me to use?

Our response:

Pillows are not one size fits all. Finding a pillow that is comfortable and suits your body as well as your way of sleeping is important. After all, we spend many hours a day in this position!

The basics of finding a good pillow are simple. You need one that will support your neck in a “neutral position.” What do we mean by a neutral position? This means in the middle; not bent or rotated to either side. Typically, if you’re a back sleeper, you’ll need a thinner pillow as compared to a side sleeper who will need a thicker pillow. If you’re a smaller person, you’ll be looking for a thinner pillow than one a broad shouldered person would require. Contour pillows may appear to be a good idea, but they are really only useful if they fit you perfectly which makes them not always on the top of our recommended list.

The other thing to consider when selecting a pillow is how it will pack over time. For example, a simple poly-fill pillow may fit you well and provide comfortable support, but keep in mind they tend to pack fairly quickly over time. It may still be a great choice for you, but you’ll just need to realize that it will require more frequent replacement to ensure continued fit and support. 

In summary, there is no perfect pillow for everyone. Try them out when you can, consider the above factors, and ensure it feels good to you.

-Team STRIDE