Okay, here’s a topic that I don’t think has been addressed before. I’ve been thinking about buying a really “good” pillow, and looking through the local department store the other day, I suddenly realized two things.
One, I know nothing about pillows.
Two, a “quality” pillow is going to be damned expensive.
So here are my questions for the collective wisdom of the Forum: First, is there really any difference between, say, a goose down pillow and a garden-variety type? I’m not talking about allergies or anything like that, just in terms of comfort. Also, assuming that one doesn’t have any sort of neck problem, nerve impingment or anything else, do you think that there’s any real benefit to paying for one of those foam-contoured deals? Anyone noticed better recovery from a trap workout or anything? Finally, if there are any pillow experts out there, what brand would you recommend, and generally what does one look for when selecting a pillow? Thanks in advance…
I gave up pillows long ago in my quest to become the ultimate TMan. I now rest my head on a rough-hewn granite boulder, which incidentally, I also use for clean and press and grinding berries to paint my face. Did I mention that I also sleep outside, with a cedar branch for a blanket?
I have one of those “foam-contoured deals” and wouldn’t trade it for anything. That space age foam stuff keeps your head at the perfect temperature and is the most comfortable thing ever. Last weekend i layed on a matress made of the stuff. The first $2000 i make out of college is buying me one of those.
There is an ‘off-topic’ forum that I think would be better suited for this and YES there is a difference in pillows. Unless you’re a badass T-man and don’t need a pillow anyway.
Certainly not an expert but I can speak from experience. A couple months ago I was experiencing a nagging back/neck pain that was often present upon waking. I was tempted to try one of those $90 Swedish or whatever pillows that I’ve seen on infomercials, but just ended up throwing down $30 on a lesser quality foam contoured model. This pillow made all the difference in the world for me. Within a few days, pain: gone. I also felt that I was getting a more restful night’s sleep. I’d recommend just trying something that feels like it would be comfortable (go to a store, don’t order it), and I do feel that the contour makes a significant difference.
I think I’m the only person in the world who sleeps without a pillow. When I was little my parents told me that they’re bad for your neck, and since then I’ve never used one. Anyone know if there’s merit to that?
And here I was thinking Char was all tough and stuff, and then I see his wussy pillow post:) Nah, I’m just kidding, but seriously, The Bus Driver isn’t the only one who doesn’t like/use pillows. After switching on and off from using them over the past year or so, I have been going without for the past month. My neck and traps defintely don’t feel as tight the next morning.
To Steve: I might point out that, while I do enjoy a nice pillow, I also sleep on the floor (and have for the past decade or so). So if you’re one of those wussy matress-flatteners, you have no room to comment on my toughness.
Nah, I appreciate the feedback from everyone. I guess I’ll go ahead and get a contoured pillow and see how it works. There are some very high-tech Swedish products offered close to home, and they do look interesting (if exhorbitantly expensive). Expect to see another pillow post later in the year, detailing just how much my quality of life has improved because of this miracle product…
My mother keeps an old pair of tennis shoes, washed clean, hanging in her laundry room. Periodically she places them in the dryer, set on “fluff”, with a pillow. This fluffs them back up again, like new. Try it–but definitely remember to use CLEAN tennis shoes.
D, I think the bed your a referring to is the Tempur, my dream bed(no pun intended). I think they have a website. I tried one of those in a store and it felt great. $3K for queen here in Toronto. Not all that much when you consider what you are getting and how important rest is, especially for growth and repair. I currently have a KingsDown that I paid $2K for and I don’t think it compares to the Tempur.
If you are a side or back sleeper go for the contour pillow. Just try to get one that is made out of the “memory” foam as previously mentioned, not just regular foam. They cost a little more but will last longer, be far more comfortable, and keep your head cool. If, however, you are a stomach sleeper, bite the bullet and invest in a high quality 100% down pillow. You want to look for a high fill power with regard to the down content, and a high thread count outer casing, usually in the $100+ range. If you do go for down, also buy an all cotton pillow protector (that is the actual name) and use that in addition to a pillow case. It will lengthen the life of your pillow exponentially.
Yes, yes they are. I really don’t like sleeping on any other pillow now. My girlfriend bought me one for when I sleep down at her place. You really don’t have to worry about fluffing or any of that crap, it’s always comfortable and doesn’t get hot.
I have a Tempur-pedic bed and a set of pillows. I replaced a no-flow water bed with them. I got them to help relieve some pain in my lower back. So far, the back pain is still there a bit (I keep stressing it at the gym), but I feel like I get a much better nights sleep. As for the temperature, initially you may feel a bit warmer - your body’s circulation is a bit better with no presure points, so you stay a bit warmer - you get used to it in about a month. Also initially it feels really firm - you also get used to that in a few weeks.
One last thing - they claimed that you will toss and turn less. I’m a really restless sleeper, and haven’t found that to be true at all yet for me.
The Bus dude is not the only one sleeping without a pillow. I, too, have never used one. My mother also felt that is was bad for the neck/spine. I don’t know if it’s true or not, but I still don’t use one.
I have a a Tempur-Pedic pillow, the one you are referring to. It is great and I don’t seem to toss and turn as much at night. I have been using it for about 4 years or so now and have no complaints. Be sure to buy the Tempur-Pedic pillow that is suited for your weight. If you were to do like someone I know and buy the bigger pillow for a bigger person thinking it will be more comfortable then you will most certainly hate it. Oh, and about the bed, may want to check out the Tempur-Pedic mattress pad before you drop the dough on the full-blown mattress. I have had one for over 2 years now and love it. One more thing and I will shut the hell up about tempur-pedic stuff…my college roommate’s parents have a Tempur-Pedic bed and love it. His dad had major back surgery so I guess he thinks the bed helps. Hope this helps!
Yeah, they’re funny, eh? Nothing like having your pillow make crunchy noises for a restful sleep. (I guess if you’re used to it…) Anyway, much as I’ve tried to acclimate myself to this culture, adzuki-bean pillows are not part of the program (neither is cold fish for breakfast). Nah, I’m gonna “tempur” my nights with some high-tech sleep gear.
Anybody waking up in the middle of the night numb from the deltoid down? Side sleeping has gotten to be a challenge as the shoulders have gotten wider.
Skilover, I did EXACTLY that a couple years ago – I bought the extra-thick Tempurpedic pillow thinking I was “bigger” or “broader” than most people, and it was too damn high for me. My neck was always bent up towards the ceiling when I would lie on it. I finally gave up, and it now sits on the floor of my closet, having been replaced by 2 mushy down pillows, which suck. I suppose I should give Tempurpedic another shot, though, and buy one of the thinner (regular sized) ones, as a friend of mine SWEARS by his.
Steve-O, I’ve lain (?) on a Tempurpedic bed in a store, and it felt fine, although it’s tough to make a judgement after 1 minute on the thing. My question is this, though: the way the material works, you kind of sink into it the first couple seconds, then your body finds its “settling point.” When you’re lying on your back, though (having “settled”), and now want to roll onto your side, isn’t this a bit tough, as you kind of have to roll uphill (or “through the dough” that you’ve now sunken into)? Know what I’m saying? It seems to me like you’d almost be “stuck” on your back, although I haven’t actually spent a night on it, so I don’t know for sure, and I’m probably exaggerating this effect, but you get the point. Any insight? Thanks.
