Category Archives: Sleep well

The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Mattress Pad

Just in case you haven’t heard, the quality of your sleep may actually be just as important to your health as diet and exercise. You’ll need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night to get sufficient rest. So to make that possible, you’ll need the right bed, the right mattress, the right pillows, and the right sheets and blankets. But sometimes that’s not enough.

Before you start going crazy figuring out what to change or what combination of mattress and pillows to try out, maybe you should try to get a mattress pad instead. The best mattress pads will really improve your quality of sleep in ways you never thought possible. Isn’t technology great?

Finding the Right Fit and the Right Size

In a way, finding the right mattress pad is like buying a mattress. You need to check the thread count, because a pad with a higher thread count will be better able to keep the fill in while it keeps the dirt out.

Then of course you need the right size. You should measure your mattress before you start shopping for a pad, so that you know the dimensions you need.

There is also the matter of how the pad is attached to your mattress.

Anchor. This is when the mattress pad has elastic bands just on the corners of the pad. This can help attach your mattress pad to your mattress, but this is the least secure attachment method.
Fitted. The pad will resemble a fitted sheet. The top is typically quilted. You also have elastic bands on the corners, the top, and the sides.
Wrap. This is the steadiest and most secure attachment style of them all. The elastic goes around fully: the top, the sides, and the bottom. Even the sides are quilted too, so that it really stays in its place.

Finding the Best Mattress Pads

One way of doing this is to just read as many mattress pads reviews you can find online. There are plenty to be found, believe me. Some are obvious product placements, while others are so unreasonably negative that they don’t make sense at all.

Typically, the best mattress pad review will cover the cost, the features, and the durability of the mattress pad. But everything depends on what you want the mattress pad for.

Protection against normal wear and tear. If this is your primary objective, then you just need something basic. A regular cotton mattress pad will do.
Protect against spills. If you like to drink stuff while you’re on your bed, then you may want a mattress pad with waterproof features. That should save you a lot of trouble when you line to drink juice or coffee in bed.
You’re worried about bedbugs. If this is true, then you may want to use boiling water to get rid of the bedbugs from your mattress. Or you can even have a professional cleaner take a look at it.

But that’s not an option if you like staying in cheap motels, and if that’s the case you can always bring a mattress pad with you which comes with bedbug barriers.

Preventing allergic reactions. There are actually some mattress pads with antiallergenic features.
You want to feel warmer or cooler. If so, then a mattress pad can be an effective measure making you feel comfy about the temperature. A cooling mattress pad, for example, will use up less than 100W of energy, unlike an air conditioner which can guzzle up to 900W.

It may also be about the material used for the mattress pad, and natural fibers like cotton and wool can really help.

You want more support, or firmness. You can use latex or a memory foam mattress pads. The memory foam gets soft where you press on the pad, so it stays firmer elsewhere. You can also a cotton mattress pad with a lower fill count.

You may also want to try an egg crate mattress pad, which offers a dimpled support that helps prevent bed sores. An egg crate foam mattress pad is also called a convoluted mattress pad, and it looks like an egg crate or the surface of a golf ball.

You want your bed to be softer. Hard bed mattresses can really feel like you’re sleeping on wooden furniture, and again the memory foam mattress pad can really help. You may also want to try a therapeutic mattress pad specifically designed to help people feel better and avoid aches and pains.

You may also want to look at pillow top mattress pads, which are designed to have the look and feel of a pillow top. They have more filling for your comfort.

You don’t want to be disturbed whenever your partner moves in their sleep. More than a hundred years ago, having separate sleeping beds for a husband and wife were quite common. Now modern couples have to endure sleep disruptions whenever their bed partner turns over. Fortunately, that can be minimized with a memory foam mattress pad.

The Best Mattress Pads

If you really want to come to a quick decision as to what you should buy, then here are some of your best options:

Best general mattress pad

For this, what you want is something that has everything you need. They have the features which makes you comfortable and relaxed when you’re in bed. They should also be very durable. Finally, they have to be super affordable.

That’s where the Pinzon Basics Overfilled Ultra Soft Microplush Queen Mattress Pad comes in.

But the main problem here is that you really need to either have it washed by a pro or just have it dry cleaned. It’s huge and really fluffy, and your washer and dryer won’t be able to handle it.

You can choose among several sizes, and all of them offer ultimate comfort while also protecting your mattress from wear and tear. These pads offered the best bang for the back, as the price is really low.

Best heated mattress pad

On the cold winter months, your blanket won’t be able to help you get warm. If you want to save on energy costs, then a heated mattress pad is your best bet.

You need something way more than just a pad that’s merely comfy. You need something that can really make you feel warm throughout. The Soft Heat Micro-Plush Top Low-Voltage Electric Heated Queen Mattress Pad, White is a great example of what you need. For one, it is extremely plush and soft while offering ample support. It’s even every easy to wash and dry, and it won’t stretch or shrink when you wash it.

But it’s the heating elements which really takes the cake. Other pads use really bulky wires to heat the pad, but here you have wires that are super thin so you don’t feel them at all. The wires are spread out efficiently so that you don’t have cold or hot spots that can make you feel distinctly uncomfortable.

If you’re worried about safety, you shouldn’t. It’s very safe. It uses low voltage tech, and it has over-temperature protection. It even shuts off automatically after 10 hours of continuous use.

And, here’s the best part: it has two separate zones so that you and your partner don’t have to compromise on what temperature to sleep on. Each zone has its own adjustment controls, so if you are feeling warm while your partner is feeling cold, each one can be accommodated. There’s a dial you can use so you can really be exact in the temperature you want, unlike some pads which has just low medium, and high settings.

And finally, despite all these marvelously hi-tech features, it’s still very affordable, as its price is even lower than many of its competitors.

As for the cons, some who admitted to having super-sensitive hearing may hear some high-frequency noise, but even if you are one of these rare types of people you can get used to that. After, all, it’s using power, and that can’t be helped.

Best mattress pad for college students

So you’re off to college, huh? Congratulations. Don’t let the thought of the high tuition fees give you sleepless nights. You have more immediate things to worry about, such as doing well in your studies and making new friends.

A lot of scientific studies show that too many young students today can’t get enough sleep, and that can really screw up your grades. So if you have to sleep in a dorm, you may want to buy some ear buds and an eye mask.

Of course, you should also invest in a good mattress pad. You don’t want to think about how that mattress in your dorm bed has been used by previous students. Also, a lot of these mattresses can be really hard on your body.

What you need is something that’s really comfy, and at the same time it should also be affordable. You want something that’s durable, and which can also protect the mattress it’s on. The temperature it offers should be good enough for both warm and cold seasons. And it should protect against allergens and dust mites.

While this list may seem impossibly long, it’s actually possible to get a pad with all these features and with a very affordable price tag. Check out the Sleep Innovations 2-Inch Memory Foam Twin XL Mattress Topper if you don’t believe me.

This uses memory foam, so there are no unusual pressure points that can cause you to toss and turn, and your spine gets all the support it needs. It gives you that feeling of being cuddled as you fall asleep.

Yet this memory foam is much better, because it does not retain heat. That helps feel cool during the warm season. The airflow is much better so, you get a cool night’s sleep when you need it.

It’s also very durable. Advanced foam technology has been used here, so the recovery is much better as well as the durability. It’s actually made in the good ol’ US of A, so you know that proper quality control measures have been taken.

It is also resistant to allergens and dust mite, so that’s covered. Now if you still can’t get good grades, you have bigger problems than just an inadequate mattress.

Best pillow top mattress pad

If you’re looking at pillow top pads, then softness must really be your most important factor. The thing with pillow tops, however, is that it offers an extra layer of softness, but it can be too soft.

That’s what makes the Iso Cool Memory Foam Mattress Pad with Outlast Cover, Queen really unique. Yes, it’s a memory foam mattress pad, but there’s an additional layer in the form of the Outlast Cover.

The cover helps make you feel cool, which can be a problem with memory foam. And the memory foam and the extra layer combination can really work wonders in making you feel really comfortable. If you have any aches and pains when you sleep or when you wake up, then this is really what you need for a pain-free nigh of sleep.

Even the cost is amazingly low, which really makes the value for money soar. You don’t need a new memory foam mattress—this memory foam mattress pad will be more than sufficient.

So there you have it! All these candidates are extremely affordable, while their features are quite impressive. Now you just need to figure out why you really want a memory foam mattress pad so you can choose the right product for you.

The ultimate guide to the Best Pillows For Side Sleepers

Leave a reply

Here are our top recommendations for 2015. Keep reading below the table for full reviews and our in depth guide on choosing the right pillow.

ComfySleep Buckwheat Pillow	Our favorite for 2016
Core 200 Tri-Core Pillow	A great value option
Shredded Memory Foam Pillow with Stay Cool Bamboo Cover	A fantastic shredded memory foam pillow, ideal for side sleepers!

Are you looking for a specific type of side sleeper pillow?

LATEX PILLOWS – CLICK HERE

KNEE PILLOWS – CLICK HERE

SHOULDER PILLOWS – CLICK HERE

PILLOWS IF YOU SUFFER FROM SHOULDER PAIN – CLICK HERE

THIN PILLOWS – CLICK HERE

SOFT PILLOWS – CLICK HERE

DOWN PILLOWS – CLICK HERE

Reviews

The Shredded Memory Foam Pillow by Good Life Essentials may just be the pillow you have been looking for. On the plus side, this pillow, unlike others similarly filled with memory foam material, will not build up heat because it provides excellent air ventilation.

This simply means that the pillow remains cool for the user even in warm or hot temperatures, meaning no sleep disruption in any climate or weather. Neck, shoulders, and head are firmly supported by this pillow to prevent and alleviate pain in these areas upon waking up in the morning.

The pillow’s bamboo cover is eco-friendly, a deal maker for those who prefer only natural materials. This pillow is 100% made in the U.S. Because we all spend a third of our lives sleeping, rest assured that this is manufacturer-guaranteed never to go flat or out of shape.

Side sleepers will find themselves more comfortable if they use pillows especially designed for their particular needs. One such pillow recommended by medical professionals and chiropractors is the Core 200 Tri-Core pillow that has a trapezoidal center to gently cradle the head yet firm support the neck of the side sleeper.

This tri-core pillow’s support for the mentioned areas helps maintain a naturally-straight and horizontal line for the spine and distributes the user’s weight evenly to prevent unnatural pressure or bending that can lead to a crooked spine and chronic pain the neck, head, and shoulder areas. Made of wrinkle-free and crease-proof Fortrel material, the Core 200 is the leading pillow in its class with orthopedic benefits.

Made of 50% polyester and 50% cotton, the pillow measures 24 inches by 16 inches that fits any standard-sized pillowcase. If you would like to eliminate pain in your neck, shoulders, and head upon waking up in the morning, try the reasonably-priced 200 model on for size.

If you have sleep problems because of extremely-soft pillows that “trap” your head and neck with their sides, you should consider buying the Iso-Cool Memory Foam Pillow. Admittedly, this pillow can be a tad firm for those who have been used to soft pillows. Those who want to improve their spinal alignment, however, should get an Iso-Cool precisely for its firmness.

Additionally, this pillow is very affordable for its class as well as for its numerous features, especially the PCM beads that make the Iso-Cool versatile. The major buying point for the Iso-Cool pillow is the fact that gives twice the benefit of having two separate pillows: one that keeps you cool when the temperature is soaring and another that keeps you warm when the temperature is freezing.

Those who sleep on their back sides will benefit much from the pillow’s gusseted design and the visco-elastic material of the memory foam as the fill provides the sleeper with neck and head support with its higher loft. And the hypo-allergenic material of the Iso-Cool ensures that you don’t sneeze while you snooze, a feature that will be appreciated by those who are allergy-prone.

What To Look For In A Pillow If You Sleep On Your Side

Did you know that between the three most common sleeping positions, sleeping on your side is the most common? That should mean that a majority pillows are designed with side sleepers in mind, and that side sleepers would have the most universal choice when shipping for new bedding right? Well, to answer your question: yes and no. People who sleep on their side do benefit from a plethora of options that are a good compromise between the thin, almost non-existent, stomach sleeper pillows, and their firmer cousins designed for back sleepers.

Take a step back and look at the shape of the body, which sections of the body do you usually lay on when you are asleep in bed? When you are on your side, regardless of which direction you are facing, the hip and the shoulders are going to take most of the impact from the mattress, and the side of your skull next to your ear is going to support the weight of your head against the pillow.

When you sleep on a pillow that is too thin, your head and neck are going to lay parallel, leaving a minute space against your neck and forcing those muscles to keep your neck upright and in line with your head. If the reverse is true and you sleep on a pillow that is too firm or too thickly padded, your entire head and neck is going to be forced upward which will un-align your spine from its natural positioning. That means that the best choice for your well-being and health is going to be a medium to medium-soft pillow that gives enough resistance to your head to support the weight of your head with enough inflation to support your neck.

Try and analyze how much you move during the night when purchasing a pillow because this can help you to decide on the right type of material for the pillow. If you are someone that likes to toss and turn throughout the night, you might prefer a buckwheat organic pillow or a feather pillow whose content moves around as you do. The only problem with some of the buckwheat pillows is they do have a tendency to make more noise when you move, so do not invest in this type of pillow if you are a light sleeper.

Optimally, if you are a sedentary sleeper that tends to stay in the same place, you want to shop around for an ergonomic design that differs from the traditional rectangular and flat shape of most pillows. Some pillows have extra padding or filling along the lower half of the pillow where you place your neck so that the concentration and the location of the filling inside your pillow is not as dependent on whether or not you get a good nights sleep. These pillows already have a pre-set shape in most cases so again, if you move around, this pillow may not be the best choice for you.

What Should Side Sleepers Look For?

After taking into consideration all of the ideal factors that should go into your purchasing decision, what is the best type of pillow? The best type of pillow depends on you and what you prefer to sleep on, but some of the recommended options that would suit side sleepers are memory foam, latex, and buckwheat pillows.

Memory foam and latex foam pillows have become one of the more popular options in the last few years because of their incredible ability to retain the shape of your body and provide equal support to both your neck and head. These options, unlike down filled pillows, do not let your head slump down into the pillow; rather they meet individual resistance requirements to provide optimal support. The cost of these options are decreasing and can now be found for as little as $20 at some stores, but they still remain one of the more expensive types on the market; however, memory foam pillows often come with some type of warranty and are expected to last for several years, whereas their latex cousins have been known to last up to 20-years in some extreme cases.

Buckwheat pillows

Buckwheat pillows are an eco-friendly design made out of 100% natural buckwheat hulls. Sometimes companies will also use hops, grass, or other natural materials instead of buckwheat for the same purpose. Buckwheat doesn’t collapse like foam or feathers so you get an extra level of support .These pillows also don’t retain as much heat as other types on the market so they are great if you hate sleeping on a hot pillow or always find yourself flipping over the pillow in the middle of the night to find some relief. The only downside to buckwheat is that it is rather heavy, with some brands weighing as much as 4-5 pounds, and they will need to be replaced about every other year.

How to Choose the Right Pillow for Shoulder Pain if you Sleep on Your Side

There are as many sleeping problems as there are sleeping positions. The way you position your body as you sleep determines what kind of problems you encounter when you wake up.
Side sleepers usually deal with shoulder pains in the morning. This is because their necks are bent at an awkward angle and kept for hours in that certain position, causing the muscles to cramp and get damaged over time.

This is why side sleepers need pillows that are designed to provide good support for the neck, all the way to the shoulders. This is a bit tricky because you need a specialized pillow to make side sleeping both comfortable and natural.

In line with that, you’ve got memory foam pillows and waterfill pillows in the market as well. To find the right pick for you, go with something that you’re personally comfortable with. Pillows are like clothes. You’ve got to try them on before you can say they’re good on you.
And if you’re budgeting, go for a smaller pillow size with a good brand so you can still save and sleep well at the same time.

Finally, you want to ask if a certain pillow is chiropractor-designed. Nothing puts your mind at ease better than a pillow that’s designed for therapeutic purposes.

Knee Pillows if you are a Side Sleeper

Chiropractors recommend sleeping on the side, also known as the fetal position, which we all assumed as babies in our fetal development in the wombs of our mothers for nine months. While we are comfortable sleeping on our sides, we shouldn’t forget to safeguard our posture, even if it means buying another new pillow to give our necks, shoulders, and heads the proper support and our spine the correct alignment.

Assuming that you have the correct knee pillows, place one or two of these under your head and your neck, and an additional pillow between your knees to keep your hips open, and your knees and legs separated. Most knee pillows are priced affordably, albeit some brands – such as Tempurpedic – are relatively more expensive. The knee pillows in the previously discussed reviews, however, are all good quality brands.

Shoulder Pillow if you are a Side Sleeper

Shoulder pillows for side sleepers like you will be ideal if you lay in a perpendicular position with your mattress, meaning they will work best for people who maintain relatively few sleeping positions during their sleep. But that is not always the case because even side sleepers shift positions while asleep. Pillows that are too malleable will not provide the firmness needed by the side sleeper.

For people who sleep on their side, keeping the spine straight during sleep is non-negotiable. The space between your outer shoulder and your ear is empty when you are a side sleeper and that is where a pillow should be, a firm one to be precise, to keep your weight distributed evenly and not suspended or bent unnaturally. Without the correct pillow, a side sleeper’s body and neck will not be well positioned during sleep.

Sleep is an integral part of all our lives and you deserve to get a sufficient amount of it regardless of whether or not you sleep on your side. Side sleepers, however, need to choose their pillows more carefully because they have special needs, so to speak, that may not be met with a one-size-fits-all kind of pillow.

Choosing the Right Thin Pillow for a Side Sleeper

Sleeping on the side has been proven good for reducing acid reflux, and preventing or treating snoring. Sleeping on the side can also prevent neck and back pain. This sleeping position is recommended for pregnant women as well.

With these benefits it is easy to understand why you’ll continue to sleep on your back. Having the right pillow, however, can mean the difference between feeling refreshed and young in the morning, or feeling stressed after tossing and turning all night long.

As mentioned earlier, the pillow you must have in your bed should not be too thick or too thin. Having a pillow that is too thin would allow your head to tilt towards the bed. On the other hand, a pillow that is too thick would have your head tilting away from the bed, and potentially causing stiff neck in the morning. Or you can end up having stiff and achy muscles, or numbing sensation in the arms and hands.

While shopping online for a pillow is convenient, there is also the disadvantage of not being able to test the pillow. Hence you really have no clue on how the pillow would feel, or how well it would support your neck and head.

Fortunately, most of the makers of thin pillows do offer a refund to their customers who are not satisfied with the products they bought online. You can also minimize the risks of ordering the wrong pillow by looking for customer testimonials on the thin pillow that you are interested in getting.

Keep these pointers in mind the next time you shop for a pillow online, and chances are, you’ll get a pillow that suits you.

The Best Pillow For Back Sleepers

Leave a reply

The position that you sleep plays a large part in the type of pillow that you should purchase. Certain sheets and pillow sets are designed for different sleep positions to enhance the quality of your sleep based on what type of support your body needs. For instance, side sleepers (the most common sleep style) require a soft pillow and mattress style that will conform to their body, but stomach sleepers require a hard mattress and pillow that won’t cause strain on their lower back.

If you are a back sleeper, it can be a little bit trickier as the best pillow for back sleepers is something in-between the ideal side sleepers pillow and the ideal front sleepers pillow. To help you make the right purchasing decision, here is what you should look for and the types of pillows that are right for you.

What To Look For In A Pillow If You Sleep On Your Back

Back sleepers need pillows that are relatively thin with medium-low fluff. The purpose of a pillow is to provide support for your neck, and if you are a back sleeper, dosing off on a pillow that is stuffed thick with filling will arch your head too far forward and cause strain on the neck. This type of strain may cause neck and shoulder pain in the morning and might cause you to begin snoring.

If possible, you should look for a pillow whose extra-bulked stuffing is located in the lower 1/3rd of the pillow. This style of pillow will provide support for your arched neck but won’t tilt your head any farther than it needs to be. As a result, your spine will line up comfortably and you will wake up feeling refreshed and energized.

As for the makeup of the pillow such as thread count or whether it is hypoallergenic or not, that comes down to personal preferences. Pillows with lower thread counts are lighter options, but won’t last as long and aren’t as good at repelling dirt and sweat from the stuffing.

Pillow stuffing will determine the weight of the pillow you are sleeping on and how hot that it gets. If you hate sleeping on hot pillows and find yourself flipping your pillow every night to try and find the cold relief, buy something with synthetic fillers. Synthetic fillers are lightweight, air-penetrable and are usually filled with an organic material such as grass, buckwheat husks, or hops; the only problem with this style of pillow is that it will most likely need to be replaced every two years. On the flip side, goose down pillows or wool filled pillows are soft and comfortable, but they retain heat and can get very warm during the night.

What Types Of Pillows Suit Back Sleepers

So you now have a general idea of what to look for when shopping for a back sleeper pillow, but what types of pillows are really best for you? Here are the three main pillow options available and how they are designed to get you the best nights sleep.

Memory Foam Pillows (Best)

Memory foam pillows are one of the top choices because they come in all different thicknesses to suit any different style of sleep. Even the thinnest memory foam pillows made for back or stomach sleepers will give you enough support to sleep comfortably without your head sinking to the mattress as it would with a cotton filled pillow. These pillows are a little bit more expensive than some alternative options, but they can last for several years, which can easily make up for the cost.

Latex Foam Pillows (Great)

Latex foam pillows are the most expensive option but they have been known to last up to 20-years and are eco-friendly options. Talalay latex comes from a rubber tree and is manufactured through a pressurization that can shape and design the pillow to the specifications of the manufacturer. One of the best qualities of latex foam pillows is that they don’t collect mold, fungus, or bacteria like other pillows; they also do not use chemicals in their production like memory foam so you won’t get the odor or perfume-type smell that other pillows can give off. Latex is also firmer that cotton pillows so that you can get the comfortable yet thin pillow option you are looking for.

Medium-Soft Down Pillows (Okay)

Medium-soft down pillows are still a viable choice if you are looking for something affordable or you want to stick with a brand that you are familiar with; however you will have to wash and replace these pillows more often so that they do not collect mold or dust mites. As stated in the previous section, look for something that is thin and won’t force your neck upward. Just because a pillow doesn’t look thick and cushiony doesn’t mean that it is not going to be comfortable; in fact, you may find that the well-cushioned pillows you have had in the past might have been causing your poor sleep habits in the first place.

What to Look for When Buying the Best Mattress For Side Sleepers

Leave a reply

Are you a side sleeper that always ends up tired in the morning, or do you find yourself waking up intermittently throughout the night? Believe it or not, not all mattresses are made for everyone, and chances are that you may just not have found the right option for you. This guide is going to help you to determine what you should look for when buying a new mattress and the types of mattresses that are best for side sleepers, to help you get the best sleep you have had in years.

Comparison Chart

DynastyMattress New Cool Breeze 12-Inch Gel	Our favorite for 2015
Brentwood Home 10-Inch Gel HD	A great value option
LUCID 12 Inch Gel Ventilated	A lovely product from LUCID

What To Look For In A Mattress If You Sleep On Your Side

If you are a side sleeper, the number one thing you need to keep in mind when searching for a new mattress is to avoid a firm options. The reason being is that when you sleep on your side, the pressure from your body is placed primarily on your hips and shoulders. Firm models don’t give enough support to your hip and shoulders because they are pushing back on your body and preventing your spine from falling into natural alignment. To maintain the natural curvature of your spine and to achieve the best possible rest, you want a softer model that is going to hug your body rather than push against it.

Although you should avoid firm options at all costs, don’t take that to mean that you should make a purchase with absolutely no support whatsoever. Purchasing a mattress because it is soft with little resistance is sure way to wake up with muscles aches and pains that can be worse than being tired in the first place. Ideally, you want to look for a medium-soft model that gives you the best of both worlds.

Reviews

People who sleep on their side rejoice. The Brentwood 10″ HD has come to your rescue and give you the benefit of not having to wake up with soreness and ache in your shoulders, necks, and hips. With ten inches of high density (HD) memory foam, this model has two layers that are medium firm to fully support your body’s side sleep position and give you uninterrupted slumber.
The top layer’s 2.5-inch is supported by a 7.5-inch therapeutic base that helps eliminate motion transfer reduce the incidence of tossing and turning in bed that often awaken those who sleep on their side. Firm support with a cushiony feel is how side sleeper customers who have purchased this Brentwood model reported their satisfaction with it.

Although this model is a conventional memory foam model, you don’t have to worry about sleeping on a bed of coals because it doesn’t get hot even without the gel infusion found in Brentwood’s other models. If you want something cooler to sleep on, though, you may prefer the models that have built-in gel beads.

There are plenty of memory foam models that claim to offer relief for those sleeping on their side who also have back pain, but the DreamFoam Ultimate Dreams 13-Inch Gel is a cut above the rest in terms of features and performance. To provide the utmost support for your back, the mattress comes with multiple layers, the first acting as the base, the second the back support and the third conforming to your spine’s alignment.

The use of multiple layers, each with a specific function but working together, makes this ideal for sleeping on the side and easing back discomfort. Although foam mattresses resemble each other, the makeup varies and this makes a huge difference when you lie down and rest.

What makes the DreamFoam effective is you won’t just feel comfortable when you lie down and sleep, but this extends to when you wake up in the morning. In other words, it is not just for sleeping, but for recuperating as well.

Few foam mattresses have elicited as much positive responses as the Sleep Innovations 10-Inch SureTemp, and most of the positive feedback comes from people who suffer from back pain and sleep on their sides.

Sleep Innovations is no stranger to be furniture, and the SureTemp is one of their better products yet. This model , first and foremost, feels comfortable, and you just need to press your hands on the poly cotton cover to know this.

However that’s only the tip of the iceberg as this model also provides other benefits like therapeutic support, eliminating tossing and turning, and relief from body aches and pains caused by pressure. Besides offering spinal alignment support, the unit is also resistant to dust mites and allergens, common problems with other similar models. Although there are a lot of models like this on on the market, the SureTemp is just way ahead of the rest in terms of features.

There’s been a lot of talk about the LUCID 12 and how it’s been able to help those who prefer to sleep on their side to sleep better, and for once, here’s a product that actually lives up to the hype. There’s plenty in the LUCID 12 to go over, but at the heart of it is the 12 inches of luxurious foam with gel infusion that distributes heat evenly, essential for alleviating back pain and make sleeping on the side much more comfortable.

This model also has an antimicrobial cover and special pin core technology that boosts airflow all through the layer. Just like other Lucid products, this model has a long warranty –good for 25 years-, and the open cell construction ensures the material will last longer and be more resilient than others. The combination of increased air flow, conforming to the body and allergen resistance makes this a very compelling proposition.

Just because you don’t want to spend thousands of cash on a good quality bed product doesn’t mean all you’re ever going to get is a lemon. The new DynastyMattress Cool Breeze which comes in several other sizes as well, dispels this common notion. For its price, this model packs a wallop and is easy on the budget.

With nine sizes to choose from, including those specifically built for RVs, it doesn’t get any better for the customers who buys this Dynasty model. Designed with the use of state of the art technology, this is the only known model in its class with four layers.

Dual cool airflow two-inch foam, high density (HD) five-inch base support foam, and a three-inch layer of gel memory foam on top all combine to give the sleeper the ultimate in sleeping comfort. The premium gel beads in this model ensure that you are warm during winter and cool during summer.

What Types Of Mattresses Suit Side Sleepers

Spring Mattresses (Economic Option)

Spring models are low cost, but they are not likely to be the right option for you if you sleep on your side. This is because the springs place all of the resistance on the heaviest parts of your body rather than distributing it equally across your entire body. People who sleep on their sides rely on their hips and shoulders to hold their body up, and spring options will put most of the pressure on your joints and bones. Choosing this type of mattress is sure to give you all types of aches and pains in the morning and any cost saved on the total purchase price is likely going to have to be spent on coffee in the morning to wake yourself up!

Latex Mattresses (Average)

Latex is used to produce a natural rubber material that is incredibly durable and not as susceptible to permanent body impressions as other models This means that you are going to be able to keep your purchase for a long time and it is going to give you long lasting support without causing you to sink into the same impression every night.

The two main types of latex models are Dunlop latex and Talalay latex; you’ll want to purchase a Talalay mattress. Dunlop models are much firmer than Talalay because of the way they are produced, whereas Talalay models can be customized to be either soft or firm. Talalay latex brands do not retain as much as heat as their memory foam cousins and don’t give off smells or gasses from chemicals used in the production of foam.

Latex models have motion isolation so that they don’t move around when you or your partner are moving or getting out of bed. The only major downside of a latex product is that they are one of the most expensive choices. The average price of a low-end latex unit starts at around $1,000.

Foam Mattresses (Best)

Foam models are one of the best options in terms of value and quality of sleep because they can give you full body support. Models of this type let your body sink just enough so that your spine is able to bend into its natural shape, whilst also giving adequate lumbar support and resistance so you can sleep comfortably. Foam also contours to the sides of your shoulders and hips to hug your body nicely and give you all round support if you happen to turn or shift around during sleep.

One of the most common complaints of these types of mattresses is that they retain a lot of heat; if sleeping on a hot surface bothers you, you may want to go with a latex option. Another common concern is the potentially harmful chemicals used in the production of these models. Many of these odors are masked with commercial perfumes and deodorizers that can cause breathing difficulties among those with asthma. Good quality entry-level options can start at $400 and up depending on the level of thickness you desire; a recommended thickness level for you so that you can get the best sleep possible is approximately 4 inches.

The Best Memory Foam Pillows Reviews Guide

Leave a reply

When most people picture a pillow in their mind, they probably picture a white, fluffy, down-filled object. But recent changes to the technology used to manufacture pillows may force many to change their perception of the ideal, or typical, pillow. Memory foam pillows have been growing in popularity in recent years, as sleepers have enjoyed the many benefits they offer.

Originally developed by NASA, this high-density foam conforms to the shape of anything that puts pressure on it, and temporarily holds the indentation for a brief time after the object’s removal. For example, if you were to press your hand into memory foam and remove it, you would see the shape of your hand in the foam for a moment before the foam bounced back, or recovered. Because of its density, memory foam is also relatively heavy.

Our favorite memory foam pillows of 2015

Here are our 7 favorite memory foam pillows, keep reading beyond the table for more tips on how to pick the pillows that will be right for you.

Memory Foam Pillows	Size	Machine Washable	Hypo-allergenic	Cost	Rating
Sleep Master 2-Pack Traditional Memory Foam Pillows, Standard Sleep Master 2-Pack Traditional Memory Foam Pillows, Standard	21″ x 15″	Cover Only	Yes	***	4
Sleep Innovations Contour Memory Foam Pillow, Standard Size Sleep Innovations Contour Memory Foam Pillow, Standard Size	20.8″ x 14.2″ x 4.8″	Yes	No	***	4
Sleep Better Iso-Cool Memory Foam Pillow, Gusseted Side Sleeper ,Standard Sleep Better Iso-Cool Memory Foam Pillow, Gusseted Side Sleeper ,Standard	22 x 16 x 7 inches	Cover only	Yes	***	4.2
Classic Brands Conforma Memory Foam Pillow, Ventilated Memory Foam, 100-Percent CertipurUS Certified Classic Brands Conforma Memory Foam Pillow, Ventilated Memory Foam, 100-Percent CertipurUS Certified	27 x 16 x 4.5 inches	Cover only	Yes	***	4.5
Sleep Innovations Cool Contour Memory Foam Pillow Sleep Innovations Cool Contour Memory Foam Pillow	20 x 15 x 5 inches	Cover only	Allergen proof	***	4.2
Sleep Innovations Memory Foam Classic Pillow Sleep Innovations Memory Foam Classic Pillow	16 x 22 x 5 inches	Cover only	Yes	**	4
Sleep Master 2-Pack Contour Memory Foam Pillows Sleep Master 2-Pack Contour Memory Foam Pillows	20 x 15 x 4 inches	Cover only	Yes	**	4

In pillow form, then, memory foam has a unique ability to provide even support to all parts of the sleeper’s head and neck. This prevents uneven pressure in any area of the neck, preventing soreness that can sometimes happen when uneven support forces the neck into a misaligned position. Because it conforms to the shape of the head and neck, memory foam helps to hold the spine and neck in proper alignment. For this reason, memory foam pillows are often recommended for those who experience neck pain or headaches. The way one’s head sinks into the pillow can also help reduce excess movement during sleep, resulting in more restful sleep. Some memory foam pillows also claim to reduce snoring, since their body-contouring style won’t force the neck and throat into unnatural angles, but still provide appropriate support.

If you’ve decided that you’re interested in memory foam, there are still a number of other decisions to make. Memory foam pillows come in various thicknesses, densities, and shapes. Besides the standard pillow shapes, some memory foam pillows are contoured, with one or more larger bumps intended to provide even more support by following the lines of the head and neck more closely. When considering thickness, think about whether you currently prefer to sleep with one or two pillows, and whether you are often trying to flatten or fluff your current pillow. If you like your head higher, you may want to choose a thicker pillow or one with more resistance to keep your head where you like it to be. You may also want to consider your sleeping position when selecting a memory foam pillow. Side sleepers usually need thicker, denser pillows because their position leaves more space between their heads and the mattress, while stomach sleepers commonly prefer thinner pillows.

Memory Foam Pillow Reviews

Memory foam pillow reviews tend to be generally positive. Many reviewers declare their memory pillow to be the best one they’ve ever had, claiming they’ve gotten the best sleep of their life while using it.

That said, some common themes in consumer complaints can also be found, though manufacturers have worked hard to address them. Odor is one complaint—some consumers note that an initial odor faded away, while others noted that following the instructions of airing the pillow out before using it helped. Some pillow makers have tried adding pleasant scents to solve the problem. Another issue often cited with memory foam pillows is heat retention. The density of the material could trap heat, leading to the pillow becoming uncomfortably warm. Manufacturers have responded by creating more breathable fabrics, and some offer pillows with “cooling gels.” Finally, the relative firmness of memory foam is just too much for some users. While many sleepers love the extra support that memory foam offers, a minority of those who try them find that they feel too rigid or hard. Of course, each individual needs to find out for themselves whether a memory foam pillow is right for them.

Some memory foam pillow reviews rank the top options for this type of pillow, so let’s take a look at some of the products that came out on top. Good Housekeeping’s reviewers awarded a grade of A+ to the Megaflex Memofoam Comfort Pillow, the Leggett & Platt Brisa Memory Foam Pillow, two different Cannon memory foam pillows, and the Carpenter Thera Gel pillow by Isotonic. Sleep Mentor’s unbiased reviews give top scores to the Sleep Better Iso-Cool, Sleep Innovations Contour, and Dream Supreme Plus. Sleep Like the Dead reports the highest buyer satisfaction rates for Bodipedic Standard Contour, the Italian 6-inch from Overstock.com, and the Classic Memory Foam Pillow from WalMart.

These are just a few of the options available to those looking for a sleeping solution. Whether your search is based on sleeping discomfort, back or neck pain, or just the desire for a better night’s sleep, memory foam pillows offer some unique abilities that may be just what you’re looking for.