The Importance of Pillows

I think everyone, whether they have sleep apnea or not, struggles to find the right pillow for their own body's needs. Would it be more important for someone with sleep apnea? Especially since some people with sleep apnea have other health issues? I don't know about you, but I would have to say yes, it would be more important!

Why pillows matter

Now, I'm not a doctor or someone who knows about the best body alignment while we are sleeping; this is strictly my opinion.

We not only use pillows for the comfort and coziness that we feel as we lay our head down on them, but pillows give us support for our head and neck while we sleep. The proper pillow with the proper support for your head and neck is very important. To me just as important as a CPAP machine.

On top of having obstructive sleep apnea, I have reversed cervical lordosis, degenerative disc with arthritis in the cervical spine, and a Chiari malformation (brain herniated into the spinal column). That's a lot going on right there at my neck and throat!

Many types of pillows

There are so many choices of pillows. From feather pillows (with a variety of feathers to choose from) to natural down and/or alternative down. Plus plain foam, memory foam...and the list just keeps going.

Then there are the choices of pillows based on sleep position. There are pillows for back sleepers or side sleepers, and last but not least, stomach sleepers. There are so many options! And pillows aren't cheap to buy.

Choosing the right pillow for you

Well, first off, you have to know your sleeping style – whether you sleep on your back, side, stomach, or a combination of those. Then you go from there. I personally utilize all the sleeping styles, not just 1 or 2.

Second, you need to look at any other health conditions that could affect which pillow you decide on. Like I said earlier, I have a lot of things going on that involve my neck and throat due to other health conditions. So, for me, it's not just 1 pillow. Each night may require something different. For now, my choice of pillow is a travel pillow. It keeps my head in alignment while not allowing my head and neck to roll.

Third, you need to look at whether you like to cuddle your pillow while you're sleeping. Some people like to lie on 1 side of the pillow and hug it like a teddy bear, making the really firm pillows pretty much out of the question to use.

Don't forget to consider pillow stuffing

For someone who likes the feel but is allergic to natural pillow stuffing, the alternative down is just as good, in my opinion. All the rest of the pillow stuffing choices come down to personal choice. That personal choice can change from time to time. There are some people who just prefer a rolled-up towel or a small soft blanket tucked under their neck.

What type of pillow do you prefer? Share with us in the comments below.