Choosing the right pillow has a significant impact on the quality of your sleep. A suitable pillow supports the correct alignment of the spine and relieves pressure on the neck and shoulders. It helps to reduce tension and pain in the neck area and promote an ergonomic sleeping position. In addition, the right pillow also helps to reduce snoring and breathing difficulties during sleep. Overall, the right pillow contributes to a good quality of sleep and is therefore an important aspect for the recovery of the body and general health.
In this article, we look at different types of pillows, including ergonomic, orthopaedic and neck support pillows, and discuss their respective benefits and features.
We also take a look at the role of material in choosing the right pillow and compare natural materials with synthetic materials and down with polyester. Choosing the right pillow can vary depending on your sleeping position, so we also discuss the best choice for side sleepers, stomach sleepers and back sleepers.
We also look at important factors such as support and comfort as well as breathability and allergy friendliness. Finally, we look at the care and lifespan of pillows, including washability and care instructions, as well as how often you should change your pillow.
Different types of cushions and their properties
Ergonomic and orthopaedic cushions
Ergonomic (and orthopaedic) pillows are specially designed to provide comfort and support for the head and neck. They are effective in different sleeping positions, breathable and often anti-allergic, which improves the quality of sleep. Many are even washable, which makes them easier to care for.
One example of ergonomic down pillows is the Edition 3C Trio 3-chamber pillow.
Neck support pillows and their advantages
Depending on your sleeping position, a neck support pillow can help prevent headaches and promote restful sleep. Neck support pillows such as the orthopaedic Pro-Pil-O products from Kauffmann offer a range of benefits that make them an ideal choice for many sleepers. Ergonomically and orthopedically designed, they offer optimum support to relieve neck and back pain and improve sleep quality.
Comprehensive information on the Pro-Pil-O neck support pillows can be found here!
Further differentiating features of pillows
When it comes to filling, the question often arises as to whether down or synthetic materials are better. It should be noted that natural materials such as down are often more comfortable, but synthetic materials are generally more durable. Ultimately, the choice of the best pillow depends on individual needs and preferences.
Breathability is another important aspect that helps the sleeper to feel comfortable during the night. Anti-allergic properties and the ability to wash the pillow increase the pillow’s hygiene and longevity.
Which pillow filling has which effect / advantages?
Many aspects play a role in choosing the right pillow, from ergonomics and comfort to the specific sleeping position.
But one of the decisive criteria is the material of the cushion. Whether it is a neck support pillow or an ergonomic down pillow, the material can have a considerable influence on the quality of sleep. It largely determines the pillow’s supporting power and helps to alleviate complaints such as back pain and headaches.
Kauffmann offers 3-chamber down pillows, for example, which offer particularly good support and maximum comfort at the same time. The inner chamber is filled with feathers, which have a significantly higher supporting power than down. The outer chamber, on the other hand, is filled either with a mixture of feathers and down or only with down, which is particularly fluffy and offers maximum comfort.
In addition, natural materials can have advantages and disadvantages compared to synthetic materials, and the decision between down and polyester can also be important. Aspects such as breathability, anti-allergic properties and washability are also important.
In the following section, we take a closer look at the differences between natural and synthetic materials and compare the advantages and disadvantages of down and polyester fillings.
Natural materials or synthetic materials?
A good pillow is characterized by an ergonomic shape, the right support and a high level of comfort. For many people, neck support pillows are the best choice as they are breathable and provide ergonomically correct support for the neck and spine. They promote relaxation and can relieve headaches and back pain.
But the choice of material is also crucial. Natural materials such as down are often more breathable and softer (see e.g. 3-chamber Weidegans “Limited Edition” pillow), while synthetic fillings such as Viscomed are more durable and washable.
However, the best pillow filling depends on the individual sleeping position and personal preferences. Pillows with high support are ideal for side sleepers, for example. Regardless of the material, the pillow should be changed and cleaned regularly to ensure optimum sleep quality.
Down versus polyester: which is better?
The question of which pillow is good for the back and which pillow filling is best depends on individual needs and preferences. Down pillows are made from natural materials and offer soft and adaptable support. However, they are less suitable for allergy sufferers and can lose their shape over time.
Polyester pillows, on the other hand, retain their shape better and are known for their support. They are hypoallergenic, washable and often cheaper than down. However, both can improve comfort and sleep quality if they are used ergonomically correctly. Whether down or synthetic materials are better therefore depends on the preferred sleeping position, the desired support and any allergies.
Which pillow variant is suitable for which type of sleeper?
In this section, we will focus on how different pillows are suitable for different sleeping positions. We will explain the benefits of ergonomic pillows specifically designed to provide comfort while relieving back pain and headaches. We will also highlight the benefits of neck support pillows, which are known for their ability to retain their shape and provide effective support.
The right pillow for side sleepers
The right pillow for side sleepers should be high enough to keep the head and neck in a straight line with the spine. The neck must not overstretch either upwards or downwards. The degree of firmness should be adapted to the body contour (broad or narrow shoulders) and lying position in order to reduce pressure on the shoulders and hips. A pillow with a contoured shape or a recess for the shoulder can be particularly helpful. It is also important to choose a pillow that is made of breathable materials to prevent overheating during sleep.
Pro-Pil-O neck support pillows specially designed for people who sleep on their back or side provide optimum support and improve the sleeping position. They relieve pressure on the neck and can prevent headaches and back pain.
However, the 3-chamber pillows with “medium” support or “firm” for broad shoulders are also well suited for side sleepers.
The right pillow for stomach and back sleepers
Ergonomic and orthopaedic pillows, especially neck support pillows made of thermoelastic Viscomed foam, breathable latex or open-cell comfort foam are a good choice for stomach and back sleepers. They offer optimum support and are dimensionally stable, which can contribute to improved sleep quality. They are also breathable and often hypoallergenic, which ensures a pleasant sleeping environment. They are also washable, which makes them easier to care for. Changing your pillow regularly can help prevent back pain and headaches and promote a good night’s sleep.
Stomach and back sleepers who prefer down pillows should choose a flat pillow without a supportive feather component, such as the pillows from the Kauffmann De Luxe collection.
When choosing, you should look for a comfortable filling. Natural materials are a good option here, as they are breathable and adapt well to the sleeping position. However, whether down or foam filling is better for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Which pillow should sleepers with neck problems choose?
Sleepers with neck problems should choose an ergonomic pillow. We recommend our PRO-PIL-O neck support pillow for muscle tension in the neck area.
Important factors when choosing a cushion
The most important criteria for choosing the most suitable pillow are support and comfort. But breathability and allergy-friendliness are also relevant, especially if you sweat easily or suffer from allergies.
Support and comfort
A good pillow combines ergonomic support and comfort. A neck support pillow with orthopaedic properties and a foam or latex filling is ideal. These materials adapt perfectly to the contours of your body and retain their shape, which is particularly important for side sleepers. The breathable nature of lastic or latex fillings promotes relaxation and improves the quality of sleep. These cushions are also hypoallergenic and washable, which contributes to hygiene and durability.
But down pillows, especially 3-chamber pillows with a supportive feather core, are also very popular as they are softer and fluffier due to the down used for the outer chamber, without sacrificing good support for the head.
Breathability and allergy friendliness
Breathability and allergy-friendliness are decisive factors when choosing a good pillow. Natural materials such as down are often more breathable than synthetic materials such as foam, but they are not always hypoallergenic. The advantage of synthetic foam fillings is that they are easy to wash, which makes them allergy-friendly.
A good example of a natural filling that is highly breathable, easy to wash and particularly durable is the Kauffmann bamboo quilted pillow, which offers excellent temperature regulation thanks to its bamboo fiber filling.
Cushion care and service life
How often should I change the cushion?
The lifespan of a cushion depends on various factors, including the material, care and use. It is generally recommended to change the pillow every two years to ensure optimum support and hygiene. However, natural materials such as down can lose support more quickly than synthetic materials. Regular cleaning, preferably with washable covers, can extend the life of the cushion. Changing your pillow can sometimes reduce back pain and headaches and improve the quality of your sleep.
Washability and care instructions
It is important that pillows are washable in order to remove sweat residues and allergens such as house dust mites. Pillows with natural fiber fillings are the easiest to wash. Foam-filled pillows such as the Pro-Pil-O neck support pillows have a zippered cover that is easily machine washable – the foam core, on the other hand, should not be washed. Pillows with down or feather fillings are more difficult to care for – you should always follow the care instructions. As a general rule, regular cleaning helps to ensure optimal sleep quality and relaxation.
Conclusion: which pillow is right for me?
In summary, it can be said that a good pillow is of great importance for a restful night’s sleep and improved sleep quality. There are different types of pillows, such as ergonomic, orthopaedic or neck support pillows, each with their own advantages and properties.
Choosing the right pillow depends on the individual sleeping position and personal preferences. The material of the pillow also plays an important role and can influence the support as well as the breathability and allergy friendliness. Even the pillow size depends on individual preferences – for example, a 40/80 size is well suited for back and side sleepers, as the shoulder does not rest on the pillow.
Natural materials such as down are often more comfortable, while synthetic materials are more durable. It is important to change the pillow regularly and maintain it properly to ensure optimum hygiene and comfort. The life of a cushion can be extended by regular washing and the use of washable covers.
But one thing always applies: if you use the right pillow, you will enjoy a more relaxed and restful night’s sleep!