_PNG.png)
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Side Note:
Identify the root cause of your neck pain with a CHIROPRACTIC SPINAL WELLNESS CHECK-UP!
Are you waking up each morning with a stiff or achy neck? The culprit might be your pillow. Having the right pillow could be the difference between a good night’s sleep and a pain in the neck!
Pillow preference is personal, and choosing a pillow can be downright confusing with all the options on the market. However, some basic knowledge will help narrow the field and make finding the right pillow easier.
I have listed ten pillows that promote spinal health and are well suited for Singapore's hot climate, helping you make an informed choice.
Tips for Choosing the Right Pillow
Know your sleeping style.
Stomach sleeping is not ideal because it puts much rotational stress on your neck, which could be the primary cause of neck pain. Changing this sleeping habit alone could be the solution to your problem. However, if you just can’t get over your love for tummy time, find the softest, thinnest pillow possible. That will put the least stress on your spine as you sleep. You may even consider going without a pillow, which might be the most comfortable option.
However, if you are a back or side sleeper, the rest of this article is for you.
Pillow Size and Height
Back sleepers need a pillow that is soft to medium in firmness, low to medium in height, and supports the natural curve of their necks.
Side sleepers need a medium-to-firm pillow of medium-to-high height to keep their head aligned with their spines as they lie on their sides.
Picking a Suitable Pillow Material
The four most common pillow materials are memory foam, latex, down feathers, and synthetic filler. Memory foam and latex maintain a more consistent shape over the pillow's life, whereas down and synthetic pillows can change shape.
If you prefer to fluff or shape your pillow to your comfort level each night, a down feather pillow might be the right choice. Synthetic filler pillows will deform slightly as you lay on them, but they are not as “customizable” as down pillows.
Memory foam and latex pillows primarily differ in how much they “envelope” your head. Memory foam pillows will tend to shape around the contours of your head more than latex pillows, which will tend to have less “give” to them. There are pros and cons to each.
Memory foam
PROS
Contours to your head more for a softer fit.
Reduces pressure point pain due to the contoured fit.
Getting the right size pillow for your neck is less critical than with latex, as memory foam is more conforming in shape.
CONS
A more contoured fit could mean a warmer experience, as more of the pillow is in contact with your head. However, many memory foam pillows use materials with cooling properties.
Latex foam
PROS
More consistent shape when laying on the pillow as there is less “give.” Good if you prefer a firmer feel of support.
It may feel cooler as less pillow is in contact with your head.
CONS
Getting the sizing right is essential, as the pillow will not contour to your head as much as memory foam.
A higher price tag for pillows does not necessarily equate to better sleep quality. Many reasonably priced pillows outperform more expensive models and brands. Also, within a brand, the less costly models sometimes perform as well or better than their more expensive siblings. I tried identifying the pillows that get the best “bang for your buck,” accommodating both back and side sleeping styles.
Top 10 Best Pillows in Singapore
1) TEMPUR Original Pillow
It is ergonomically shaped and made from Tempur’s proprietary memory foam, accommodating both back and side sleeping styles. Tempur foam falls on the firmer end of the scale for memory foam, similar in firmness to a latex pillow. Because of this firmness, getting the correct size is critical. In my experience, people either love or hate this pillow. If you get the sizing right, you can fall in love with it; however, if you are in between sizes or get a size too large, you may find yourself cursing this pillow and the amount of money you spend on it. It is made of quality materials and comes with a 3-year warranty, so it may justify the price, as the pillow will remain consistent in its shape over many years.
Measurements: Vary depending on size (need to get fitted for the correct size)
Before spending your hard-earned money on this pillow, I advise you to visit your nearest Tempur showroom, try it out, and have it adequately sized by one of their staff.
Price:
S$339-S$429 (depending on size). The “Smartcool technology” version ranges from S$439-S$529. Tempur Online Store
Starting from S$322 at HipVan.
2) IKEA Klubbsporre Pillow
This ergonomically shaped memory foam pillow accommodates both back and side sleepers. Its cooling gel material on one side prevents your head from overheating, but you can flip it over to the other if you need more warmth.
Measurements (L x W x H): 70 x 41 x 13cm
Try out this pillow at your nearest IKEA.
Price: On sale at S$39.90 (UP S$49) at IKEA Online Store.
3) MONGZE Ergo Airnet Pillow
The most unique design on this list is the Mongze Ergo Airnet Pillow. Its shape is lower in the middle and higher on the left and right sides, accommodating both back and side sleeping styles.
This brand uses a proprietary pillow filler that it claims is more breathable than Memory Foam, Latex, and cotton. The filler design resembles uncooked instant noodles, allowing airspace between the pillow fibers. This unique 3D mesh design keeps the pillow cool. The filler can be removed and washed with water without worrying about pillow deformation.
The pillow cover combines TENCEL, Lyocell, and linen, keeping your skin dry and cool during use. A 2cm insert to adjust the pillow's height is also included.
Measurements: 60 x 36 x 5.5~10.5cm (Including cover height) error range +/- 1cm
Users have described the pillow as firmer than average, providing good support for the neck during sleep. Mongze has a showroom at Marina Square where users can test the pillow before purchasing it.
Price: S$139 at Mongze Online Store
4) EPITEX Brace Contour Pillow
Another uniquely designed pillow, made from dermatological-grade elastomer polymers (silicone), provides support while absorbing pressure from your head and neck. Its hyper-elastic foam characteristics allow the ergonomically shaped memory foam to contour nicely to your head. The triangular grid-like cell design allows for a cooling experience while sleeping. The pillow is suited for both back and side sleeping and comes with a machine-washable Cooling Knit Cover.
Measurements: 62 x 36 x 16cm
Price:
On sale (UP S$299) for S$164 on Shopee
S$169 at Epitex Online Store
5) AKEMI Medi + Health Contour Hydro Gel Bamboo Charcoal Memory Pillow
This is a no-fuss pillow that won’t break your piggy bank. It is an ergonomically shaped medium-firm pillow that supports both back and side sleeping. It features a hydrogel pad to keep your head cool and is infused with bamboo charcoal to protect against odours and allergens.
Measurements: 60 x 36 + 12/9cm
Price: S$32.50 on Shopee
6) KING KOIL StyleMaster Pedic Memory Foam Pillow
This value-priced, medium-firmness memory foam pillow from the well-regarded mattress maker supports both back and side sleeping. It is treated with Tencel and Ultrafresh, which prohibit the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, and dust mites, making it hypoallergenic. It comes in both contour and standard versions, with the standard version favoring side sleepers.
Measurements:
Contour: 60 x 35 x 10-12 cm
Standard: 60 x 40 x 13 cm
Visit the King Koil showroom at Marina Square for a test try.
Price: S$45 at King Koil Online Store
7) JEAN PERRY Mlily AirCell Contour Memory Pillow
This ergonomic pillow uses Aircell Technology to keep your head cool while providing adequate support for both back and side sleeping. However, the memory foam is on the soft end of the scale, making it more comfortable for those who spend most of the night on their back versus sideways.
Price: S$71 on Shopee
8) ETOZ Classic Gel and Gel Contour Pillows
This pillow comes in the Classic Gel and the Classic Gel Contour models. Both pillows are made from high-density bamboo charcoal memory foam, which gives them anti-odor and anti-bacterial properties. They have also been treated to make them anti-dust mite and anti-fungal. They both feature a cooling gel pad to keep your head cool as you sleep. The Classic Gel pillow is medium-firm and has a 15cm pillow height. It favors side sleeping. The Classic Gel Contour pillow is medium-soft, and depending on which side you place under your neck, you can choose a 9cm or 12cm pillow height. The Contour model favors back sleeping.
Measurements: Classic Gel Pillow 60 x 40 x 14cm
Contour Pillow 60 x 35 x 9/12cm (lower end 9cm, higher side 12cm)
Price: S$39.90 on Shopee
9) SONNO The Memory Foam Pillow
This pillow is made from a single piece of CertiPUR-US certified memory foam which guarantees it is free from harmful substances. Its pillow cover is made using Outlast® technology, designed to regulate heat and temperature for optimal thermal comfort. The pillow features a 2-year warranty and free delivery. Moreover, SONNO offers a 30-night trial to guarantee it is the right pillow for your needs. With a thickness of 12cm and a firmness level described as medium-soft, this pillow will suit both back and side sleepers.
Measurements: 70 x 40 x 12 cm, 2kg
Price: On sale for S$129 (UP S$149) at SONNO Online Store
10) BUTTERFLY Memory Pillow
The butterfly pillow refers to a type of pillow design shape that various companies have made versions of. It is unique because it features an area to support your arm while side-sleeping and a lower center area to support back sleeping. I have included one on this list as an example.
Measurements: 62 x 41 x 13/11 cm
Price: S$29.90 at Lazada
Conclusion on your Pillow
Good sleep is a product of several lifestyle factors, such as good posture, regular exercise, good joint mobility, a balanced diet, and a consistent bedtime routine. Your pillow and mattress are just tools to help keep your spine relaxed throughout the night, allowing for maximum restoration.
We hope this list helps you on your journey towards achieving restful, restorative sleep!
Lastly, a SPINAL WELLNESS CHECK-UP is a good next step if you want to learn more about your own spinal health and address any underlying issues that may impact your sleep.
To your health and sweet dreams!
Comments