Why choose a contour memory foam pillow? What are the benefits and how do you use one? If you’re thinking of switching to memory foam, we’re here to answer all of your questions to help you achieve the best sleep of your life.
Memory foam mattresses are well known for providing optimum comfort and support for our bodies and joints. But what happens when you upgrade your pillow with the stuff?
From choosing the perfect pillow to cleaning and care tips, here’s everything you need to know about sleeping on a contour memory foam pillows.
What is a Contour Memory Foam Pillow?
First things first, let’s make sure we’re on the same page when it comes to contour pillows.
A contour memory foam pillow is designed in a contour shape with a slight dip in the middle to mirror the curve of your upper spine and neck. By allowing your head to rest in the hollow, this innovative pillow design supports your neck and encourages the natural alignment of your spine.
Contour Memory Foam Pillow Benefits
A memory foam filled pillow comes with all the benefits of memory foam, as well as extra neck support provided by the shape.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits;
- Superior head and neck support
- Promotes healthy spine alignment
- Hypoallergenic
- Luxurious comfort
- Retains its shape
- Can reduce snoring
- Can help with sleep apnea
- Reduces pressure on joints
- Orthopedic
- Temperature sensitive
Are Contour Memory Foam Pillows Good for Neck Pain?
Contour memory foam pillows can be good for neck pain because they help facilitate a good sleeping posture. While there are many possible sources of neck pain, research suggests that ‘poor sleep posture may be a factor’. That’s because of how some common sleeping positions can impact the cervical spine – the first seven bones in the spine, located between the base of the skull and the top of the back.
Some experts believe that ‘sleeping posture is related to musculoskeletal disorders of the shoulder or neck, as well as to headaches'.
Studies have shown that people with neck pain in the cervical spine typically change position more often during the night, spending more time in undesirable sleeping postures. These undesirable positions put additional stress on the cervical spine; stress that all of us could do without!
Ideally, the spine should be straight. However, when lying down, the cervical spine is prone to curvature because regular pillows elevate the head, shoulders, and top of the back, all at once. This puts pressure on the four cervical facet joints which connect the vertebrae together.
To achieve a straight spine, we need to lie down in a position that’s almost exactly like a flat version of standing upright. And this is where contour memory foam pillows come in. Memory foam doesn’t force the head into a specific position; it moulds to the natural position that the body wants to be in, supporting the neck in alignment with the back.
When we sleep like this, we’re less likely to wake up feeling sore and stiff.
Are Memory Foam Pillows Hot to Sleep On?
Memory foam often gets a bad rep for getting too hot and stuffy. However, recent innovations in sleep technology mean that it’s now possible to find memory foam pillows that help keep you cool throughout the night.
Our Coolmax contour memory foam pillow is made up of intelligent Coolmax fibres which whisk excess heat and moisture away from the body, keeping you cool and dry all night long.
Similarly, the 4G Aircool pillow makes use of an open cell foam structure, allowing up to 95% more airflow. It even comes with a Coolmax pillow cover for extra freshness.
How Often Should You Replace a Memory Foam Pillow?
Most people use the same pillows for years- only replacing them when they are seriously lumpy or flat.
However, when you think about the amount of dead skin cells and sweat that gets absorbed over the years, you might be more inclined to opt for a pillow refresh. We recommend changing your memory foam pillow every 2-3 years for optimum sleep.
Here are a few signs that your pillow is in need of an update;
- Lumps in the foam or filling
- If when you fold it in half it stays folded for polyester or feather pillows or if it takes longer to spring back for memory foam pillows
- Sweat or body oil stains
- Neck or shoulder pain on waking
- If you experience worsening allergy symptoms
- Waking up feeling tired or uncomfortable
How do you Wash a Memory Foam Pillow?
To remove stains or marks and keep your pillow looking and smelling fresh, remove the pillow cover and sprinkle with baking soda. Leave for an hour before vacuuming with the small attachment for upholstery on your vacuum cleaner.
Alternatively, use warm water and a small amount of detergent to gently rub away stains with a clean cloth. Allow the pillow to air dry completely before using.
If you want to deep clean your memory foam pillow, carefully submerge the pillow in a tub of lukewarm water and a little gentle washing detergent. Squeeze gently before rinsing and squeeze again to remove the water.
Avoid ringing the pillow and don’t wash the pillow in the washing machine.
Luckily, our memory foam pillows come with a machine washable cover, allowing you to keep them clean the easy way.
Check out our guide on how to clean a mattress for more tips.
What Should I Look for in a Memory Foam Pillow?
If you’re thinking of taking the plunge, here’s a few things to look out for to know you’re buying quality;
The Pillow Size
Pillows can come in the following sizes: standard, Queen and King sized.
However, a standard size pillow should suit most adults.
The Pillow Firmness
This depends on personal preference and the weight of your head. The heavier you are, the firmer or denser you need your memory foam products to be.
Our pillows come in medium firmness to suit the majority of sleepers.
The Pillow Filling
There are two types of memory foam pillow; a shredded memory foam pillow and solid memory foam. While shredded foam is more mouldable, you can lose out on support.
Your Preferred Sleeping Position
The way you sleep could affect the type of pillow you need. Memory foam pillows work best for side sleepers and back sleepers (more on sleeping positions below)
How To Use a Contour Memory Foam Pillow
You’ve heard the benefits of using a contour memory foam pillow – but now you’ve got it home, you’re not sure which way it’s supposed to go on the bed. No worries, we’ve got the answers you need.
Using Your Pillow: Back Sleepers
How to use a Contour Memory Foam Pillow: Lie your Contour Memory Foam Pillow on your bed so that the slimmer side of the pillow runs in line with the head of the bed. The larger end of the pillow should run underneath the hollow of your neck when you lie down, with the curve of your neck resting in a natural position on top of this hump.
Memory Foam Contour Pillow: Side Sleeper
The larger end of the pillow again needs to be underneath the hollow of the neck. Ensure the pillow is as close as possible to the top of the shoulder, seamlessly supporting the natural curve of your neck and allowing for full relaxation and muscular rejuvenation during the night.
What About Stomach Sleepers?
For tummy sleepers, a Contour Memory Foam Pillow isn’t necessarily the most suitable option. Usually, tummy sleepers feel more comfortable with a slimmer, softer pillow which prevents unnatural arching of the neck during the night.
What is the Best Contour Memory Foam Pillow?
If you’re looking for a quality memory foam pillow that combines maximum comfort with cooling technology, we’ve got two options for you;
Coolmax Memory Foam Contour Pillow
This supportive orthopedic pillow comes with the following features for a great night’s sleep;
- Cooling Coolmax fabric
- Hypoallergenic
- Dust mite resistant
- Removable, washable cover
- Made in the UK
- 1 year warranty
4G Aircool Memory Foam Contour Pillow
Or for extra cooling technology with a softer feel, here’s what you get with the 4G range;
- Luxury orthopedic foam
- High density foam
- Open cell 4G cooling technology
- Medium soft support
- Hypoallergenic
- Dust mite resistant
- Washable cover
- 1 year warranty
Need a Little Extra Support?
If you like to sit up and read or watch Television in bed, a little extra back support could help you sit comfortably and encourage healthy spine alignment.
The Coolmax back support wedge makes a perfect addition to a lazy Sunday morning in bed.
Should I Get a Memory Foam Pillow?
Are you considering investing in your sleep with a memory foam pillow?
At Memory Foam Warehouse, we design and produce an extensive range of pillows to suit every preference and budget. Contour pillows, soft pillows, cooling pillows – you name it! And every single memory foam pillow comes with our stamp as a British manufacturer, direct from our Yorkshire factory.
Browse our full range of memory foam pillows to find the right one for you.
