7 Best Pillows in India 2021 (Recron, The White Willow, and More)

Back sleepers must look for a semi-firm pillow. As compared to side sleepers, they don’t need much height and weight. So, a medium-firm one not only keeps the head comfortable but also provides enough support to the neck and maintains a more or less straight position. This helps reduce any possible strain on the neck, shoulder, and back muscles.

It is better to avoid a firm pillow as it would unnecessarily pressurise the neck and back muscles, which might lead to a strain. If you’re a back sleeper, the body will have more contact with the pillow, thus allowing the lesser possibility of air circulation; therefore, a medium-firm pillow will be best for this situation. 

According to Ayurveda, side sleeping is the best position, especially the left side. It increases the Kapha, meaning it would give you deep sleep, better heart functioning and digestion, and also suitable for pregnant women.

Side sleepers need thick and firm pillow because both their neck, as well as their head, needs to be supported appropriately, to keep the spine in a straight position. Using a pillow that doesn’t provide this support can increase the risk of neck and back pain for such sleepers.

Those who prefer sleeping on their stomach should go for soft pillows, as anything too firm will strain their neck and spine, and make mornings even more uncomfortable.

Stomach sleepers are also recommended to use a pillow under their bellies to keep the spine in a proper position to decrease the chances of getting lower back pain. Also, to avoid any skin problems, check for hypoallergenic and antimicrobial ones as the skill will be in contact with the material constantly. 

Memory foam pillows are perfect for those with neck and spine issues as they distribute the weight evenly and contour the head and neck according to the need of each person. One of the most popular shapes among memory foam pillows is curved and an almost S-shaped one. As these shapes help align the neck to the spine and works incredibly well for side sleepers.

One of the disadvantages of memory foam pillows is that they trap body heat, giving an uncomfortable sleep to those who have a higher body temperature or those who stay in hot areas.

Lastly, these are also good for those who are side sleepers because they require a certain amount of firmness and memory foam pillows give that level of cushioning because of their height. 

These type of pillows are made of goose or duck feathers and down, and they can last for several years if they’re properly taken care. Since these are quite warm, they’re great for those living in colder regions like upper north India. These are just right for back sleepers because of their softness.

Their up-keep is often difficult, especially for those living in places with high levels of humidity, as the feathers do not do well with moisture. These pillows also tend to have a distinctive odour, which may not be tolerable for everyone.

Additionally, if they’re not densely packed, or re-fluffed properly, they will become too soft and low, and won’t offer enough support to the neck and shoulders.

It will give you the exact firmness you need and properly align your neck and spine. Buckwheat hulls or husks are also better for hotter regions, as they do not retain as much heat.

They can be a bit too noisy for those who change their sleeping positions often. Furthermore, the hulls need to be changed every two months or so, to make sure they don’t get infested with weevils. This can make them quite an expensive investment, and their upkeep a lot harder compared to some other options.