7 Benefits Of Memory Foam Pillows

Written by JaRoy Buffong

When was the last time you woke up feeling ready to tackle the day?

Hopefully, the answer was today. But this isn’t the case for many of us. From sore necks to headaches, the universal sleep experience is declining — especially as we age.

Thankfully, some techniques and tools can elevate your sleep quality and leave you feeling refreshed when that pesky alarm sounds. In this article, we’re exploring the numerous benefits of memory foam pillows and how they assist sleep. Let’s get into it.

Why are memory foam pillows better?

Simply put, memory foam pillows outrank standard pillows because they support your head and neck, align your posture, and cushion your pressure points. Thanks to their ability to change shape under pressure, they adjust to your body to provide extra comfort and better sleep.

With more and more of us working online or spending our time looking at screens, poor posture is becoming a common issue. This leads to poor sleeping posture and further complications (AKA frustrating neck pain and headaches).

Dealing with the results of poor posture is challenging and often downright painful. But this is where memory foam pillows can help. Memory foam pillows mold to the contour of your spine and prevent it from becoming misaligned (Ferchak, D. 2021). An aligned spine keeps you healthier, well-rested, and pain-free.

Benefits of Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam pillows don’t just decorate your bedroom. Here are some of the proven advantages of memory foam technology in pillows.

1. Improved Sleep Quality

Memory foam pillows are great for improving sleep quality and reducing snoring. When you sleep with a memory foam pillow, your sleeping posture is optimised for a great night of rest, and it keeps your airways open, reducing snoring and the effects of sleep apnea.

Studies have also found that specialised pillows effectively reduce low-level neck pain — especially during sleep and the morning following use (Efanian, P., Tenzif, S. and Guerriero, R.C. 2004). Less pain, more ZZZs.

2. Proper Spinal Alignment and Neck Support

Memory foam is ideal for supporting proper spinal alignment and the natural curve of your neck. Ensuring your body is in a healthy sleeping position is step one for reducing pain and discomfort, and memory foam pillow support is the best way to achieve good alignment.

Researchers have concluded that pillows with good shape, cervical lordosis support, and consistency can be recommended as an effective treatment for neck pain (Persson L, Moritz U. 1998). Great news if you’re ready to refresh your sleeping environment!

If you’ve been experiencing tension, stiffness, head or neck pain, or general discomfort, it might be time to swap your traditional pillow out for a memory foam model designed to support the cervical area.

We created the Groove Pillow to put a stop to crumby sleep, misaligned spines, and all of the issues above. Our pillow eliminates upper back and neck pain by gently correcting your posture as you sleep. Plus, it tackles tension headaches, too!

3. Hypoallergenic Properties

Did you know memory foam is an antibacterial and hypoallergenic material? Unlike feather pillows which can collect dust, memory foam’s tightly-packed construction deters dust, bacteria, and mould. Ideal for anyone with asthma, allergies, and good pillow hygiene.

We love this benefit. Who doesn’t want to have a more hygienic bed? Better for your health (and skin!)

4. Pressure Point Relief

Memory foam’s visco elastic properties allow it to mould to your body, resulting in pressure point relief and an even distribution of your weight over the pillow. Lots of support without the extra pressure!

5. Durability and Long-Lasting Support

When you buy a pillow, you want it to survive the test of time. Thanks to its durable construction, memory foam lasts for years without losing its supportive nature. Forget buying new pillows every year. Memory foam is in it for the long haul.

6. Customisable Options For Personal Preferences

Memory foam pillows don’t come in “one size fits all.” There’s a plethora of pillow shapes to accommodate your needs and sleeping style. For example, there are specific pillows designed to target upper back and neck pain whilst other memory foam pillows can help relieve lower back pain.

7. Easy Care and Maintenance

The last thing you need is a list of extra chores; thankfully, memory foam pillows are low maintenance. Each pillow returns to its original shape after usage, meaning you don’t have to waste time and energy fluffing it.

Disadvantages of memory foam pillows

While memory foam pillows are a powerful tool, they’re not ideal for everyone. Here are some disadvantages to consider.

1. Memory Foam Pillows Can Get Hot

Some pillows can get warmer during usage or trap extra heat, making for a more uncomfortable night’s sleep. This is because the hypoallergenic construction doesn’t allow additional airflow.

2. Chemical Smell While Smell

Another factor to note is that some memory foam pillows release chemical smells while new. These are due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can irritate anyone extra-sensitive to odours. The smells should fade after a few days in a well-ventilated area.

3. Learning To Adjust to the New Pillow

Finally, it’s worth noting that it can take a few days to adjust to the feeling of a new pillow. Memory foam moulds to your body, but it doesn’t happen instantly. However, this feeling should disappear after a few days if present.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Memory Foam Pillow

Don’t rush into your pillow purchase! Keep these tips in mind when browsing.

• Read reviews and recommendations from previous users.
• Consider and select the appropriate pillow size and thickness for you.
• Examine your sleeping style and preference, and use this to inform your decision.
• Compare different types of memory foam, such as gel-infused, ventilated, or traditional foam.
• Weigh up the advantages and disadvantages against your personal needs.

Takeaway

Memory foam pillows offer a plethora of advantages to make your life easier. From reducing pain to promoting more hygienic sleep, this material can shake up your nighttime routine for the better.

A good night of sleep reduces stress, boosts your immune system, and makes you think more clearly. So, consider adding a memory foam pillow to your shopping list to reap these sleep-focused advantages.

Ready to update your bedroom? Explore the revolutionary Groove Pillow today.

Or read our Trustpilot reviews to see what the users think.

About The Author

JaRoy Buffong is the founder and lead coach of Naiquan, a dynamic wellness company that empowers individuals to realize their full potential through a comprehensive 360° approach to well-being. With a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional health, JaRoy is committed to helping clients achieve sustainable, long-term transformations.

References

• Erfanian, P., Tenzif, S. and Guerriero, R.C. (2004). Assessing effects of a semi-customized experimental cervical pillow on symptomatic adults with chronic neck pain with and without headache. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, [online] 48(1), pp.20–8. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1840039/.
• ‌Ferchak, D. (2021). Choosing the Best Pillow for Neck Pain and Back Pain. [online] Health Central. Available at: https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/choosing-best-pillow-neck-pain-back-pain.
• Persson L, Moritz U. Neck support pillows: a comparative study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1998 May;21(4):237-240. PMID: 9608378. Contact Information: Liselott Persson, Lund University, liselott.persson@med.lu.se, +46462229555 Ulrich Moritz - Unable to locate