Having a great night’s sleep is essential to your health and wellbeing. Sleeping well can boost your immune system, increase productivity, and helps to prevent weight gain. In fact, sleeping well improves your mood. When polled, people who slept 8 hours of sleep per night ranked themselves a 65.7 out of 100 in their well-being. While those who slept less than 6 hours per night ranked their well-being a 59.4 out of 100. Great sleep is the key to a well-functioning person and in turn, a good life.
Preparing for good sleep is half the battle. Having great sleep accessories can help you get to sleep quicker and stay asleep. One important accessory is your pillow. Finding the right pillow for you is key.
King-size pillows are a luxury anyone can enjoy. They are the perfect pillow size for great comfort. King pillows are extra-long with a 20X36 measurement. Two king-size pillows will fit perfectly next to each other on a King mattress. One king-sized bed pillow is the perfect fit for a single twin. They are a great option to help you reach great sleep.
Do I Need a New Pillow?
Pillows have a lifespan for a reason. Pushing past the recommendation of a new pillow every one to two years can be a mistake.
Your hair and skin come into direct contact with your pillow every night. If you are experiencing dull skin, hair, or breakouts your pillow can be the reason why. In addition, waking up with allergies symptoms like a stuffy nose or sneezing can be another sign you need a new pillow. Your pillow collects dust, dust mites, and bacteria similar to your mattress. This is highly increased if you choose to sleep with your pets.
Sweaty sleepers may need to get a new pillow even more frequently. The average pillow holds one million fungal spores according to one study. Sweating only increases these statistics. A pillow that once provided cooling properties can now be the reason for your sweat. After a time, the magical cooling technology will lose its luster.
If you are waking up with shoulder or neck pain, your pillow can also be the main reason. The materials in your pillow will break down over time. The average human head weighs 11 pounds. This amount of weight every day will definitely cause a breakdown of materials. This can also be the cause of a lumpy pillow. Waking up in the morning to a flattened pillow is not great. It is even worse to have to wake up in the middle of the night and fluff up your pillow. Pillows are meant to provide supportive comfort to you, not a cause of disdain. If you are experiencing these issues, it is time for a new pillow.
You may also need a new pillow due to medical reasons. Pregnant women are recommended to sleep on their side. If a pregnant woman was previously a stomach sleeper, her soft pillow will not be enough support for her new sleeping position.
What To Look for in King Size Pillows
It is important to create a list of needs when it comes to your pillow preferences. King-size pillows are one of the biggest options on the market. But bigger doesn’t always mean better. You will need to address what factors will help you make the right pillow choice. When you have a lumpy lifeless pillow, size doesn’t really matter. Take into consideration these factors to find your perfect pillow match.
The Firmness of Your Pillow
One of the most important factors in your pillow is deciding your preferred level of firmness. There are a wide variety of options for you to choose from.
Soft Pillows
Soft pillows are great for stomach sleepers. But, if you sleep on your side or back it will not provide you with enough support. Soft pillows may seem plush and cloud-like when you first lay your head down. But, after a few minutes, it is easy to see that they will not provide you with enough support.
Medium-Soft
Medium soft pillows are one of the happy middle options. It leans toward a soft pillow but will provide a bit more structure and support. This pillow is a great option if you need to keep an aligned spine but don’t like too much elevation.
Medium
Medium pillows are the Goldilocks option. Not too firm but not too soft. This is a great choice for combination sleepers. Medium pillows will provide the support your body needs regardless of how you lay. This is the most common choice of pillow firmness.
Medium Firm
Medium-firm pillows are on the loftier end of the pillow spectrum. They provide great support while still keeping some softness. This option helps to keep your neck and spine in alignment and provides great support. The medium-firm pillow will not flatten to ensure you get a great night’s sleep.
Firm
A firm pillow is a great choice for back sleepers. It will be more resistant to the weight of your head. A firm pillow can take some getting used to, but it is still a comfortable option. The firm pillow will be the most supportive.
Fill Material
You also need to consider what is inside your pillow. Fill materials will support you in different ways. Finding the material that works best for you is important.
Down Pillows
The down filling comes from the underside of a duck or goose. It is naturally very soft. Down is usually high quality and can be very durable. Goose down pillows are generally more expensive but can last you a long time.
Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam is one of the most popular pillow fill options. It will adjust its shape to your body. Memory foam pillows are often said to be the best adjustable pillow choice. It is also great for relieving pressure from your body and should keep you cool. But, some memory foam options aren’t breathable. Depending on the cover used, they can trap in heat and make a hot sleeper miserable. A memory foam pillow also comes in a shredded memory foam option. This can provide some breathability as air can move more easily through the fibers.
Feather Pillows
Feather pillows are similar to down pillows but the feathers for this pillow come from the wing and back. The feather pillow is still soft and fluffy but it does have a downside. Feather pillows have quills that can stick out from the fabric and poke you. Some pillows have both feathers and down and this can help eliminate the possibility of being poked.
Latex Pillows
Latex is a great option for hot sleepers. Latex is one of the coolest options available. It is also hypoallergenic, antifungal, and mildew resistant. Latex pillows are also soft and durable. But, latex can have a bit of a smell when it is first used. If you open up a latex pillow, let it breathe in a different room for a day or two to remove the smell.
Cotton Pillows
Cotton is a very natural choice for a pillow. It doesn’t have any synthetic materials inside and will not contain any smell. Cotton pillows are soft and breathable. It will provide plenty of support and is easy to clean. On the other hand, cotton pillows aren’t super durable. They tend to get lumpy after a short period of time. If you choose a cotton fill, you will likely need to replace your pillow once a year.
Pillow Cover Options
Choosing the best pillow means you will need to consider the long-term issues. Many pillows have a specific type of cover. Some are removable for cleaning while others are not.
Cotton is a good choice for a pillow cover. It provides a soft surface that is also breathable.
Another popular choice is bamboo. Bamboo covers feel soft and are easy to care for.
No matter what pillow cover options are available you need to consider whether or not a removable cover is important to you. If you are a sweaty sleeper, your pillowcase is likely not enough to keep your pillow clean.
Pillow Thickness
Considering the thickness of your pillow is essential for proper spine alignment. The right thickness will provide you with comfort and support. You can choose the right pillow thickness based on your preferred sleeping position and the weight of your head. You may also want to consider the firmness of your mattress as that will affect the height of your back and shoulders. Pillow thickness is also called the loft. Pillows fall into three loft categories. The low loft option is less than 3 inches thick. The medium loft selection is 3 to 5 inches thick. Choosing a high loft means your pillow will be more than 5 inches thick. Pay attention to these measurements to find the best fit for you.
Sleep Position
Your sleep position is likely the most important factor when choosing a pillow. Each of the qualities to consider when choosing a pillow also takes into account your preferred sleeping position. However, many people change positions throughout the night and throughout their lifetime. Pay attention to any sleep changes you experience so you can be sure you are meeting the needs of your body.
Side Sleepers
Most side sleepers need high loft pillows. The extra thickness provides strong support between their head and shoulder. Side sleepers also need a firm or medium-firm pillow. Memory foam can be a good option for side sleepers as it contours to your body. But, if you are a hot sleeper you should consider other options as well.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers need a medium to a medium-firm pillow. This pillow option will provide the head support they need. They also need a medium loft to maintain proper spine alignment.
Stomach Sleepers
Maintaining spine alignment is probably most difficult for stomach sleepers. A low loft pillow will allow stomach sleepers to remain mostly flat. Keeping your head and neck at a comfortable angle is essential as a stomach sleeper. Down pillows are a great option for stomach sleepers.
Temperature Features
It is essential to pay attention to specific keywords when reading pillow descriptions. Cooling technology is a great source for pillows that will keep you cool. No one wants to be a sweaty sleeper. Sweat can create moisture, bacteria, and even mold in your pillow. Another great keyword for temperature is breathability. Having a breathable pillow will allow you to get great airflow and maintain a cooler temperature.
Top King Size Pillow Picks
The factors to pay attention to when choosing a pillow are unique to each person. But, a great pillow can be versatile and support the needs of many. There are so many choices when it comes to King size pillows, but these are our top picks.
by Beckham Hotel Collection
Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows
The Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows come in a pack of two. They are made from down alternative and have a 250 thread count cover. They are breathable and machine washable. This makes keeping them clean very easy! The pack of two is $65 making them an affordable choice. These pillows score a 4.4 out of 5-star review and have over 180,000 reviews. This is quite impressive. Beckham Luxury Linens provides a great option for your next set of King pillows.
by Utopia
Utopia Bedding Gusseted Pillow
This option comes in 5 colors and is also a two-pack. The cover has double stitching for increased durability. It is made of a combination poly-cotton filling. The Utopia Bedding store states this pillow is a very versatile option. It can meet the needs of a stomach, back, or side sleeper. It is a popular choice with a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. It is available for $36 making it a great deal.
by Cozy Bed
Cozy Bed Medium Firm Pillow
The Cozy Bed King Pillow pack is filled with polyester. It offers a 250 thread count cover for extra comfort and durability. The medium firm option can provide comfort to a wide variety of sleepers. It is also well-rated with a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. One reviewer states, “I needed king-size pillows for decor but plopped down on my bed one night and just sunk into these pillows, it was like heaven. They are fluffy enough to fill out the pillow shams but they are soft when laid on.” A pack of two pillows is only $24 and is sure to meet the needs of almost any budget.
by viewstar
View Star King Pillows
This hotel-quality King Sized pillow is made with down alternative. The View Star King pillow is soft and supportive to meet your sleeping needs. This option is also machine washable. The pillow was created to hold its shape and help you get the sleep you need. A pack of two is $46. It has good reviews as well. 67% of reviewers rated this product 5 stars. It must be a great choice!
Brooklinen Down Pillow
The Brooklinen Down Pillow is an upgraded choice. It is filled with down clusters and has a 100% cotton sateen cover for extra comfort. This option is extra fluffy and comes in plush, mid-plush, and firm support options. Choosing a firmness level that is specific to you, is a great benefit. The king-sized Brooklinen Down bed pillow is $129. This is a bit pricier than the other options, but considering the quality of the fill, it is still a great choice. This pillow is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars. Reviewers love this option and you will too!
Purple Harmony Pillow
If you have a little more room in your budget, check out the Purple Harmony Pillow. This luxury option is made of hypoallergenic latex. It has a stay-cool design and will not fall flat. You can choose from a low, medium, or tall loft based on your preferred sleeping position. The Purple Pillow scores 4.4 stars out of 5 stars by over 12,000 people. The king-size selection is $219 making it the most expensive option. But, it can be well worth your money if it meets your needs.
From a medium memory foam pillow to the soft plushness of a down pillow, there are a wide variety of pillow options. Making a decision about what works best for you can be overwhelming. The pillow type that works best for you is a personal decision. Just know, if you aren’t getting the sleep you need, it may be time for a new one. The best mattress and the perfect pillow are a great combination for quality sleep. With the proper gear, your well-being can soar to a 90 out of 100 or better. Do not sacrifice great sleep because you have a bad pillow. Investing in your bed pillow is crucial to being a well-rested and happy person.
