A pillow’s “loft” refers to its height as it lays flat on the bed. A pillow with a low loft will be thin, while a pillow with a high loft is thick. There is no exact measurement that marks the difference between a high- and low-loft pillow.

Is a high or low pillow better?

The one true pillow you need The right pillow should support your sleeping position, keeping your spine aligned while you sleep. A pillow cannot be too high or too low. It has to be just the right height. Otherwise, it forces your neck out of alignment with the rest of your spine.

What loft should my pillow be?

Back sleepers on average prefer a pillow with about medium loft. Side sleepers on average prefer a pillow of medium to high loft as they need to fill the area between the end of their shoulder and the side of their head. Stomach sleepers on average prefer a low to medium loft pillow (or in some cases no pillow at all).

How high is too high for pillow?

Body size and preference are likely to influence pillow size, but usually the pillow should maintain a height of 4 to 6 inches to support the head and neck (and shoulders when lying on the back).

What is a loft pillow?

What is Pillow Loft? Loft refers to the height of a pillow, with pillows considered low-loft, medium-loft, or high-loft. Low-loft pillows typically measure under 3 inches thick, medium-loft pillows range from 3 to 5 inches thick, and high-loft pillows are 5 inches or more.

Is it bad to have a high pillow?

A pillow that’s too high can put your neck into a position that causes muscle strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. Choose a pillow that will keep the neck aligned with the chest and lower back. Your pillow should be adjustable to allow you to sleep in different positions. Replace your pillows every year or so.

What happens if your pillow is too high?

If the height of the pillow is too high when sleeping sideways or on the back, the neck is bent abnormally forward or to the side, causing muscle strain on the back of the neck and shoulders.

What does high loft mean?

A term given to a fiber structure that contains more air then fiber. It is a lofty, low-density material that is used in such applications as fiberfill, insulation, etc. In general, higher loft retains more warmth.

How high should your pillow be for back sleepers?

Back sleepers need a pillow that doesn’t push their head too far forward, causing strain on the neck. A pillow height between 4 inches and 5 inches is ideal for adult back sleepers. Stomach sleepers, like back sleepers, need a pillow that doesn’t elevate their head, causing neck pain.

How do I know what kind of pillow to buy?

Look for one that’s as thick as the distance between your ear and outside shoulder. Stomach sleepers may need a soft pillow—or no pillow at all—underneath their head. A pillow under your stomach and pelvis may help prevent back pain. Back sleepers may need a flatter pillow, to keep your head and neck in alignment.

Should shoulders be on pillow when sleeping?

Your shoulders should not be on the pillow. Not So Great: On your side, with your legs curled up towards the chest. This does not provide spine alignment for the shoulders and neck. It also does not evenly distribute weight throughout your body and can lead you to waking up in the morning with back pain.

What kind of pillow should stomach sleepers use?

Stomach sleepers may benefit from a soft to medium firm pillow, as long as the pillow keeps the head and neck at a comfortable angle. The materials used impact pillow firmness. Down, down alternative, and memory foam pillows are typically soft, while buckwheat and latex pillows tend to be firmer. 6

Can your pillow be too low?

If your pillow is too low it will cause your neck muscles to sag into the pillow, leaving your spine curved. As said in the above paragraph, this will cause neck pain and stiffness. One study found that latex pillows are best for sleeping, and feather pillows are more likely to cause neck pain.

What’s the difference between a high and low pillow?

Highs and Lows A pillow’s “loft” refers to its height as it lays flat on the bed. A pillow with a low loft will be thin, while a pillow with a high loft is thick. There is no exact measurement that marks the difference between a high- and low-loft pillow.

What pillow do chiropractors recommend?

Best overall pillows for neck pain

• Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Pillow.
• Tempur-Pedic Ergo Neck Pillow Firm Support.
• BioPosture BioMemoryFoam Cervical (Wave) Pillow.
• puredown Goose Down Feather White Pillows.
• MedCline LP – Shoulder Relief System.
• Pancake Pillow Adjustable Layer Pillow.

Is a high pillow good for neck pain?

Avoid using too high or stiff a pillow, which keeps the neck flexed overnight and can result in morning pain and stiffness. If you sleep on your side, keep your spine straight by using a pillow that is higher under your neck than your head.