Pillows come in a variety of materials, and finding the right kind can help you wake up each morning feeling well rested and energized. For some people, choosing a pillow simply involves personal preference while for others, it means finding proper support for an injury or medical condition. Here are some common pillow filling materials you’ll find on the market today:

 

Cotton. This is a classic filling material that’s popular for many reasons. According to The Bedding Site (www.thebeddingsite.com), cotton filling offers a firmer, flatter design that holds its shape reasonably well over time. It also breathes better and keeps cooler than many other pillows. Individuals who require basic support for their head and neck often find that standard cotton pillows do the trick.

 

Down. Feathery favorites, like goose down pillows, are great for those who love a super soft, cloud-like feel. You can even fold down pillows or reshape them to fit your head, then re-fluff in the morning. Many manufacturers sell hypoallergenic down pillows for individuals with allergies. Bedding-A (www.bedding-a.com) notes, however, that down pillows are not as supportive as some other options and may not be recommended for people with back or neck injuries.

 

Buckwheat. Pillows stuffed with natural buckwheat hulls are popular for several reasons. First, they tend to stay cooler since the hulls vary in size and aren’t packed tightly together, therefore letting air circulate. In addition, they conform to your body shape, a feature that many people argue can help ease pain from joint and muscle injuries. Many smaller buckwheat pillows can be placed in the freezer or microwave and wrapped around a sore body part to provide pain relief. Check out a video about buckwheat pillows at www.buckwheatpillowsite.com.

 

Memory Foam. Made from a synthetic material with chemicals that react to body heat, memory foam pillows conform to the shape of your head and neck. When you get up, the pillow responds to the room temperature by returning to its original form. Because these products keep their shape well, and some varieties are contoured to support different parts of the body, they are often recommended for people with pain or injuries. Learn more at www.livingincomfort.com.

 

Pillows are not always inexpensive, so be sure to do your research and read reviews about a specific brand or style before making a purchase. If you can test the pillow out, even better. When you get a good night’s sleep, it can change the course of your entire day, so invest in a pillow that won’t leave you tossing and turning. For more information and help in choosing the best pillow for you, visit www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/snuggle-up-with-the-perfect-pillow.