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A comfortable pillow is essential for a good night’s sleep after a long day. But more often than not, pillows fail to retain their original shape, become lumpy, or lose firmness. This not only makes you increasingly restless during your sleep but can also have adverse effects on your health in the long term. Are contoured memory foam pillows a solution? The answer is yes!
How exactly are contoured memory foam pillows better for your sleep, you might ask. These pillows provide much-needed support and comfort to your head and neck while sleeping, maintain their firmness over time and help with pain relief. They also restrict the growth of fungus and bacteria and are easily washable!
The Best Contour Memory Foam Pillows
1. Elviros Cervical Contour Pillow
2. Ecosafeter Contour Memory Foam Pillow
3. TheComfortZone Orthopedic Memory Foam Pillow
An Introduction to Contoured Memory Foam Pillows
What exactly are they? The most prominent feature that sets contour memory foam pillows apart from regular pillows is their unique contour shapes, comprising of grooves and ridges that mimics the curve of your upper spine. This allows your head and neck to rest in a natural position, ensuring lasting comfort. Introduced a couple of decades ago, these pillows are quite popular today, with an increasing number of people making the switch from regular pillows.
Our Best Selections
1. Elviros Cervical Contour Pillow
PROS
- Double-sided with different heights for each side.
- Ergonomic design gives great support.
- Fits into a normal size pillowcase.
CONS
- It may have a slight smell when first received.
- It will take some time to adjust to this style of pillow.
The Elviros pillow is a cervical contour pillow providing orthopaedic support for neck and shoulder pain. It is designed to keep the head in a naturally supported position, required for good sleeping posture. The rest area for the head is ergonomic and has a removable cover. This pillow comprises high-density memory foam with a slow rebound. As a result of this, the pillow keeps its shape extremely well and you will only need one of these pillows to be well supported as you sleep.
With a 1.3 kilogram weight and available in two different sizes, the pillow is sure to suit a wide range of sleepers. The cover of the Elviros Cervical contour pillow comprises 38% ice silk and 62% polyester. This makes the fabric breathable, hypoallergenic and has a comfortable, soft touch. On Amazon, over 5,200 people give it 4.2 stars and it is highly placed among Amazon’s highest rating and best selling pillows.
2. Ecosafeter Contour Memory Foam Pillow
PROS
- Good design to suit all types of sleeping positions.
- Contains anti-allergenic properties with the pillow.
- Made from high-quality memory foam.
- Pillow comes with a 30-day money-back trial period.
CONS
- Smaller than the average pillow, this can make finding a pillowcase more difficult.
- Has a slight chemical off-gassing smell when first opened.
The Ecosafeter memory pillow supports the head and neck by having a curved shape that allows you to sleep with the major joints being kept in alignment. The different levels allow for the neck and head to get the different levels of support they require. This pillow is highly rated among the vast majority of buyers. It has received over 1300 reviews on Amazon and ranks as the top-rated within its category. Reviewers’ comments include ‘Finally found the pillow of my dreams and ‘2 years on and I can’t go anywhere without this trusty pillow!’
The core of this pillow is all fully high-density memory foam. This makes it good at keeping its shape over time, it cannot be washed, however. The outer cover is made from a blend of 60% polyester and 40% bamboo fibres. The outer cover is fully removable and machine washable, allowing you to keep the pillow fresh and hygienic. This pillow also features an inner cover that is dustproof, keeping the pillow in good condition for longer.
3. TheComfortZone Orthopedic Memory Foam Pillow
PROS
- Contours of the pillow support the necks natural shape.
- The cover is removable and machine washable.
- Maintains its shape well.
CONS
- Slight memory foam chemical smell when first received.
TheComfortZone Neck Pillows are meticulously designed to offer exceptional support for individuals experiencing back, shoulder, and neck pain. These pillows boast a unique contoured shape that effectively maintains its form, providing targeted support to alleviate discomfort and promote a restful sleep experience. Crafted with a hypoallergenic cover, these pillows ensure a safe and cozy rest for all sleep positions, catering to side, back, and stomach sleepers.
One of the standout features of these pillows is their ability to facilitate uninterrupted breathing throughout the night, fostering a more comfortable and refreshing sleep. Unlike lower-quality memory foam pillows that may lead to morning headaches and decreased energy levels, these neck pillows excel in aligning the spine, reducing muscle stress, and providing stability for a more relaxed and rejuvenating sleep experience.
What sets these pillows apart is their adaptability to individual body contours, aiding in the recovery process from headaches, neck, and back pain. They create a stress-free sleep environment by promoting airflow and reducing pressure on muscles, ensuring a breathable and comfortable rest. Moreover, these pillows incorporate strategically designed ventilation holes, which not only facilitate easy breathing but also function as an effective anti-snoring solution.
In summary, TheComfortZone Neck Pillows are more than just supportive cushions; they’re a complete sleep solution. Their thoughtful design caters to diverse needs, promoting not only pain relief but also overall relaxation and improved sleep quality, making them an ideal choice for anyone seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating night’s rest
4. CPAP Memory Foam Pillow for Side Sleeper
PROS
- Head and neck support keeps the neck in a good position.
- Excellent for side sleepers.
- 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗖𝗣𝗔𝗣 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗸
CONS
- May be too firm for some sleeping positions/sleepers.
Innovative Pillow for CPAP Users: Tailored specifically for individuals using CPAP masks, this uniquely designed pillow is a game-changer. Its intricate structure is ingeniously crafted to alleviate the discomfort associated with CPAP masks and hoses during sleep. Featuring strategically placed indents and cut-outs along its sides, this pillow is a reliable solution to keep CPAP tubing organized and prevent air leaks, ultimately promoting a more restful night’s sleep.
Tailored Support for Various Sleepers: With dimensions resembling standard pillows, this specialized CPAP pillow caters perfectly to both back and side sleepers. Its thoughtfully measured size—22.83″x14.96″x3.93″/3.74″—ensures an optimal balance between comfort and support. Offering remarkable spinal alignment, this orthopedic pillow is meticulously engineered to maintain proper posture by aligning the head, neck, and spine throughout the night, promising a rejuvenating sleep experience.
Advanced Comfort and Durability: Crafted from premium, odorless memory foam, this CPAP nose side sleeper pillow guarantees prolonged durability without compromising on comfort. Its carefully engineered mid-level firmness provides substantial yet gentle support to the head, neck, and spine, ensuring you wake up refreshed and free from any discomfort or stiffness.
Enhanced Sleep Environment: The pillow’s specially designed pillowcase goes beyond mere aesthetics. Its breathable fabric facilitates excellent heat dissipation, allowing a steady flow of fresh, cool air to circulate around you as you sleep. Easily removable for machine-washing, the pillowcase’s fabric lining offers a pleasing sensation against the skin, promising the comfort and quality sleep you’ve always desired.
5. ComfyCozy Luxury Memory Foam Pillow with Silk Eye Mask
PROS
- Holds its shape extremely well
- The double cover layer helps the pillow last for longer
- Bonus silk eye mask is included with the pillow
CONS
- Might get too warm if you tend to overheat as you sleep
- It may be too firm for some sleepers
The ComfyCozy memory foam pillow is a well built, quality pillow choice at a reasonable price. It is extremely well rated on Amazon, receiving over 500 reviews, over 80% of them being rated as 4 or 5 stars. Reviewers leave comments such as ‘Kiss neck pain goodbye!’ and ‘I am so impressed that I am going to buy my husband one in the hope it helps with the snoring.’
The size of this pillow is quite close to a normal pillow, measuring 60cm x 35cm, it has a depth of 11cm at one end of the pillow and 8cm at the other. Featuring a washable outer cover and a protective inner cover to keep the memory foam core free from sweat, dirt and dust. There are a few different variations of this pillow shape available on Amazon but this one comes out top due to its great build quality and the bonus Silk eye mask that comes with every order.
What to look for in a memory foam pillow
Choosing a quality memory foam pillow goes a long way towards ensuring you get the most out of your sleep. One thing to factor in when buying one is the durability of the memory foam. A good memory foam pillow should feel springy but firm when compressed lightly. This indicates that your pillow won’t get “flat” quickly with extended use.
Another thing to pay heed to is the cover of the pillow. The cover should be light, breathable, as well as easily removable to wash when needed. Most memory foam pillows have covers that are designed to repel common toxins, so keep an eye out for that as well.
How do I choose the best memory foam pillow?
Picking out the perfect memory foam pillow for yourself can be a daunting task, given the plethora of options available in stores. It all comes down to your sleeping style and preferences and how you intend to use the pillow. Here are a few pointers to help you decide.
Concerning firmness, memory pillows mainly come in two variants: shredded (soft, breathable) and solid (firm, more support). If you suffer from frequent neck and/or back pain, the latter is a better option as it provides greater support. Interestingly, some pillows also offer adjustable firmness, for those who prefer having that choice.
How you intend to use your memory foam pillow is also an important question. Do you need one for sleeping at home? Go for the king or queen variants. Do you want one as a travelling accessory to help you relax during lengthy trips? Choose the travel variant.
Head over to Amazon, eBay or Target when you’re ready to buy one; all of them have diverse collections of memory foam pillows.
Are contoured memory foam pillows better for side and stomach sleepers too?
Let’s be honest. Not all of us have a proclivity for sleeping on our backs. Some of us find sleeping on our sides or stomachs far more comfortable. Fortunately, contoured memory foam pillows come in special variants that cater to these sleeping positions. Side sleepers can opt for any memory foam pillow based on their preferences. For stomach sleepers, the pillow has a shallower dip to accommodate the head comfortably. Since these variants also mirror the curve of the spine, they’re better for side and stomach sleepers as well, as opposed to traditional pillows.
What makes contoured pillows better than traditional pillows?
Traditional pillows can easily cause some of us to develop neck and/or back ailments as they offer no ridges to cushion the curve of the upper spine. As a result, you might remain restless throughout your sleep and wake up feeling fatigued. Contoured pillows allow your head to rest in a natural position, alleviating pressure on the spine.
Benefits of using a Contoured Pillow
Switching over to a contoured pillow can have numerous benefits. Your upper spinal curve remains in its natural position and thus the chances of developing neck pain are greatly reduced. This improves your quality of sleep and your overall health. Contoured pillows are also effective in healing various injuries. For this purpose, special arm and leg contoured pillows are available that keep the affected area at a particular angle so that it heals faster.
Pros and Cons of Contoured Memory Foam Pillows
Contoured memory foam pillows offer several benefits that can positively impact your health. However, they also have a few drawbacks.
The good
Contoured memory foam pillows are highly durable and firm. They are easier to wash and maintain and their lifespan is considerably longer than that of traditional pillows. These pillows help avoid neck and back pain and expedite the healing process of various injuries. In addition, contoured memory foam pillows have special covers that restrict any bacterial or fungal growth, making them safe and hygienic to use.
The bad
Making the switch from traditional pillows may not be easy. Some new users may find it hard to get accustomed to the new, perhaps unusual sleeping position. Furthermore, if contoured memory foam pillows are exposed to moisture (water, blood, beverages, etc.), their toxin-repelling property may be undermined, leading to fungal growth.
The Verdict: To contour or not to contour
For anyone fed up with the woes of traditional pillows, contoured memory foam pillows are a promising alternative. They solve nearly all of the issues associated with traditional pillows and greatly improve the quality of your sleep. Although they come with a few problems of their own, for anyone brave enough to make the switch, the benefits are numerous!
Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API