How many pillows should I sleep with?

Every individual sleeps every night on a pillow, spending around 8–10 hours each day. These days, you don’t have the option of only choosing cotton or feather pillows. Instead, you can select from biodegradable to buckwheat pillows, latex pillows, memory foam pillows, copper-infused, organic pillows (check 8 amazing organic pillows), and others.

Pillow fever is one of the common things that we see these days because people love decorating their beds with four to six pillows, making them look chic. You can keep extra pillows handy, offering extra support over the neck, head, and shoulders (check the best selling pillows for neck and shoulder pain).

Wondering how many pillows I should sleep with? Let’s find out.

Why Sleep on More Than One Pillow?

People usually use one to two pillows during sleep, but it’s better to choose only one pillow at a time to keep their neck and head at rest with even distribution. It allows you to sleep peacefully without being disturbed. Using two pillows at a time can result in bending the neck in the wrong direction, resulting in stiffness, inflammation, and pain.

If you use two pillows regularly, it can result in neck bending and misalignment within the body. However, people with broad shoulders can use two pillows at a time to keep the head in a proper direction, especially for side sleepers. Apart from it, if you have soft or low-loft pillows, you can use two to properly support the head and neck.

Generally, it is seen that you need a single pillow for the head; however, there are some instances where you need two or more pillows.

Old Pillows

Old memory foam or feather pillows lose their structure and become soft and thin over time, even though they claim to last longer. To avoid buying new pillows from the market, you can try using old pillows by putting them together and creating a height that offers proper support to the head and neck.

If you sleep on your side with thin and soft pillows, you may need an extra pillow to maintain a comfortable posture (check the top rated pillows for side sleeper). However, if you plan to use the old pillows, it’s great to choose the ones free from any allergens, mold spores, dust mites, etc.

Wrong Material

If you sleep on the wrong pillow or the wrong material type, it can result in back pain or neck pain. For ultimate body support, using two or more pillows is effective. For example, stomach sleepers usually develop lower back pain (check the top rated pillows for stomach sleeper), which can be easily eliminated by using standard pillows over the back and front to prevent rolling down and help you sleep on the side.

Body Support

For people who sleep on their sides, it is better to choose small pillows underneath the neck to keep the spine and head in proper alignment. It is highly suggestive that you can stack a pair of pillows, providing better support for the head and neck throughout the night. Make sure to keep the back and spine in proper alignment to eliminate back pain.

Arranging Your Pillows

Next, you can try arranging pillows to maintain the spine’s proper alignment, reducing back pain and misalignment.

Standard pillows are usually rectangular or large and are typically purchased by all individuals. However, some people like buying European or large square pillows, which allow them to sleep on their backs with the proper neck and head posture. Dive in to look at certain options for pillows you can use while sleeping.

Are Pillows Even Necessary for Good Sleep?

Along with the beautiful mattresses, you need modern pillows for sleeping properly and eliminating any back pain, neck pain, joint pain, etc. Choose the pillows that are great for supporting the head and neck, resulting in an even distribution of weight that comforts you at all levels. Along with the sleeping position, it is important to choose pillows that are compatible with sleeping.

Stomach Sleepers

For stomach sleepers, it is best to choose low-loft pillows to avoid any pain in the neck because the head is flexed forward. Stomach sleepers can sleep without pillows, making them feel at ease.

Side Sleeper

Side sleepers are highly comfortable with the medium-loft pillow, which allows them to sleep comfortably with their arms and heads in a proper position without any chances of suffering from needle and pin sensations or paraesthesia. Using an extra-firm pillow can result in extra pressure over the neck, jawline, and face, leading to the jaw, head, and neck pain.

Back Sleeper

Back sleepers typically use high- to medium-loft pillows to avoid neck and shoulder pain. It is advised to avoid thin pillows, which cause the shoulders to rotate backward and forward easily.

According to the experts, people who don’t sleep on pillows might suffer from back pain, neck pain, migraines, or headaches, leading to snoring or breathing issues. It is therefore recommended to select one or two pillows.

How Do I Pick The Right Pillow?

For people who want to pick up a perfect pillow that works well for the neck and spine, keeping them comfortable and in a neutral position, they might confuse when choosing from the diverse range of pillows available on the market.

Which one is the best for your overall body support?

You can tell whether you’re using the right pillows or the wrong ones by how you feel when you wake up in the morning. Another important factor to consider is the material of your pillows.

People who use pillows for support during the sleeping position should use one at a time rather than two. Down pillows serve as the best supportive and comfortable pillow choice for users (check the most comfy pillows).

Other options include memory foam pillows, which are popular for their pressure-relieving effect and ability to relax the muscles completely. Adjustable pillows on the market allow you to remove or add filling to create a customized firmness level.

Finding out what you need specifically is the very first step. Consider what issues you regularly deal with keep you from getting the best night’s sleep.

Do You Frequently Suffer From Back or Neck Pain?

If so, you might be sleeping in an uncomfortable posture every night. Therefore, picking a pillow that fits your spine and neck at the ideal height is crucial.

You can refer to these suggestions if you need assistance choosing the right pillow to relieve neck pain. Examining your sleeping posture is a good idea if you suffer from back pain. For side sleepers, the one-pillow rule does not work well.

Use Two Pillows If You Are A Side Sleeper

According to a research study in University of Rochester, placing a pillow between your knees can help keep your top leg from dragging your spine out of alignment. If you prefer to sleep on your side, consider side sleeper pillows.

Use One Pillow If You Are A Stomach Sleeper

Although it is never advisable to sleep in this position, you will eventually drift off or stay asleep. One pillow should be used if you want to sleep flat on your stomach.

Use A Flat, Single Pillow for Front Sleepers

Again, one flat, single pillow is ideal for front sleepers, while a second pillow is for keeping underneath the hips.

A medium-thick pillow underneath the hips will aid the spine’s alignment.

Different Pillow Types:

The original pillow has the right supportive, down alternatives. The fluffiness of one pillow and the stability of the two are combined in a distinctive pillow design. Not to mention that even on the hottest evenings, the 100% cotton pillowcase keeps you cool.

The foam pillow is ideal for side or back sleepers requiring neck support (check the top rated pillows for back sleeper). Without compromising comfort, it strengthens spinal alignment.

The down pillow feels like sleeping on the clouds because it is full of down feathers that are entirely ethically sourced. The cozy support this cushion offers will appeal to those who seek softness in a pillow. This pillow is a great option for back, front, side, and stomach sleepers.

It may be worthwhile to use two pillows on occasion. One cushion should be under the head, or one pillow should be between the knees if you sleep on your side.

A full-body cushion that can help generate space for breathing or air flow may be beneficial to stomach sleepers since they have difficulty finding balanced spine or neck alignment.

Key Takeaways: The Pillow Conundrum

The Role of Pillows in Sleep

Every individual spends a significant portion of their day sleeping, with pillows playing an essential role in comfort and support. The modern market offers a variety of pillows, from biodegradable to memory foam, reflecting the importance of personalizing one’s sleeping experience.

Number of Pillows and Sleep Posture

While the aesthetic appeal of multiple pillows on a bed is undeniable, the number of pillows one should sleep with largely depends on individual comfort and posture. Using multiple pillows may look chic, but it’s essential to ensure that the neck and head are aligned correctly to avoid discomfort or pain.

The Material Matters

Not every pillow is suitable for every sleeper. Different materials offer varying levels of support and comfort, so it’s essential to choose the right pillow to prevent neck or back pain. From memory foam’s pressure-relieving qualities to the soft comfort of down pillows, the material can significantly impact sleep quality.

Understanding Sleep Positions

Stomach sleepers, side sleepers, and back sleepers all have different needs when it comes to pillows. For instance, side sleepers might benefit from a medium-loft pillow, while stomach sleepers might find a low-loft pillow more comfortable. Recognizing one’s sleep position and adjusting pillow choices accordingly can enhance sleep quality.

The Necessity of Pillows

While some might argue the necessity of pillows, they undeniably offer support and comfort during sleep. The right pillow can alleviate pain, distribute weight evenly, and provide a more restful night.

Conclusion:

Have you recently wondered if your cozy pillows are to blame for your restless night’s sleep? Despite being soft and comforting to the touch, these puffy, mystical nighttime headrests may be doing more damage than good for a restful night’s sleep.

We’ve highlighted various elements that determine the explanation, all of which support the idea that you only need a single pillow for regular sleep. However, it all varies from person to person, and you might need different types and numbers of pillows to sleep comfortably.

References:

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=4460

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0012369215325253

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1057740808000582