Pillows and their assortment: which one to choose for an adult and which one for a child?

Back pain, persistent facial redness, teary eyes, morning sneezing, or blocked airways. The answer to all these discomfort issues might be one – an inappropriate pillow. A poorly chosen size, material, or type of pillow can lead to body aches and numbness, as well as various allergies. The importance of a pillow and its selection criteria are explained by the head of LONAS, Domas Jakutis.

"The importance of a pillow for our sleep quality and health is no less than that of a mattress or bed. Choosing the wrong product for us can lead to very unpleasant, and sometimes even long-term consequences – back and neck pain, deformation of these areas, shoulder or arm numbness. It can also cause various allergies affecting our skin, eyes, airways, and overall well-being," says Domas Jakutis, head of LONAS.

The required pillow firmness depends on individual characteristics

We differ not only in physical data but also in sleeping habits and positions. For this reason, even family members living in the same house can respond differently to the same pillows. One person may sleep perfectly on it, while another wakes up with neck and back pain.

According to D. Jakutis, the width, height, and firmness of the pillow should be chosen based on the sleeping position, body composition, and mattress firmness.

"If you mostly sleep on your back, it is recommended to choose a low, medium-firm pillow. Meanwhile, for side sleepers, a firm and quite high pillow is best, while for stomach sleepers, a soft pillow is recommended. It is also important to consider your shoulder line. If your body features broad shoulders, it is recommended to choose a higher pillow, while narrower shoulders require a lower pillow," says D. Jakutis, head of LONAS.

D. Jakutis, representing the sleep industry, notes that the pillow height should also depend on the mattress firmness. When sleeping on a firm bed, the pillow should, according to D. Jakutis, be higher.

Both the material and type of pillow matter

According to the expert, another important aspect when choosing a pillow is the material from which it is made. Today, the market offers natural fiber and synthetic pillows. Natural fiber pillows are usually cotton, wool, down-filled, or filled with buckwheat husks. Synthetic pillows are most often made from polyester, latex, synthetic fiber, or viscoelastic materials.

D. Jakutis points out that orthopedic pillows are also becoming increasingly popular. These pillows help ensure quality rest and protect against neck and spine deformation, relax neck muscles, and normalize blood circulation.

"The first night on an orthopedic pillow may cause slight discomfort because it takes time to get used to this type of product. However, we observe that people who get accustomed to them don't want to return to regular pillows. When choosing an orthopedic pillow, it is important to pay attention to its shape – it is recommended to buy a pillow with a curve that matches the shoulder and neck lines," says D. Jakutis.

The pillow impacts a child's physical development

An adult person can decide whether a chosen pillow suits their body needs and sleep habits after just a few nights. However, it is a bit more complicated to choose the right sleeping aid for children, especially for infants.

According to Domas Jakutis, the head of LONAS, a pillow is not needed for newborns. As the spinal curves are not yet formed, the head and back of a baby form a straight line, and for this reason, a pillow can even be harmful to newborns. D. Jakutis states that if a newborn is placed on a pillow from the first days of life, it may harm the natural formation of their spine.

"The first pillow should be bought when the child begins to walk. At this point, their neck and spine strengthen, and the spinal curves start forming. Another sign that the child needs a pillow is when their shoulders become much broader than their head. The first pillow should be 2-3 cm high, ideally synthetic. Natural-origin pillows, especially down pillows, may cause allergies in little ones," warns Domas Jakutis.

The pillow's lifespan is a few years

Domas Jakutis emphasizes that both children's and adults' pillows are not eternal. The LONAS head stresses that, for quality sleep and good health, the pillow should be replaced at least every 2 years or when the first signs of wear appear.

However, according to the expert, there are products available on the market that can serve well for a longer time. LONAS pillows are made using a special "L-Slip™" insert, which reduces wear and extends their lifespan. Additionally, the pillows designed by the manufacturer feature ergonomic designs, helping to maintain the correct head, neck, and back position during sleep. The body-conforming orthopedic pillows relax the neck muscles, cradle the neck, and help keep it in the correct position throughout the night.

All LONAS pillows are breathable and have excellent ventilation properties, and by choosing the right height and shape, they will ensure quality and health-promoting sleep.

You can find the LONAS pillow assortment HERE.