Pillows should serve two main benefits for restful sleep:
COMFORT and SUPPORT
When we are in an upright position, our neck has a slightly-forward curve which supports the weight of our head. When resting we need to maintain this curve to prevent muscle strain, misalignment of the spine, and narrowing of the air pipe. Choosing the right pillow is very important for a healthy and rejuvenating sleep, you don’t want it too high or too low. A good pillow is also a matter of personal preference, and your sleeping position plays a large part in choosing the correct type of pillow for support and comfort. Stomach Sleepers need a light-fill pillow, usually flat, so the neck and head aren’t lifted up too high.
Back Sleepers need a medium-fill pillow that supports the head, neck and shoulders while maintaining the natural curvature of the spine.
Side Sleepers usually need an extra-fill pillow that gently lifts and supports the neck and head high enough so the spine maintains a straight and natural horizontal line.
Combo Back-Side Sleepers do well with two medium-fill pillows (when on side use both, on back use one). Lofty pillows that can be puffed up or flattened (like our Shredded Rubber Pillow or Kapok), are also popular with combo sleepers.Once you know which loft you prefer, it’s time to think about what you’d like best for the pillow filling.
Organic Cotton is very dense and will flatten with use. Wool will also compress with time, however because of it’s natural springiness, it will have more loft versus organic cotton. Kapok is very soft and the feel is similar to down. Natural latex is dense, and yields a cushioned and soft support. Both wool and latex are naturally resistant to dustmites. With the exception of natural latex, the pillows can be fluffed in a cool-setting dryer.
(The above information was taken from the Organic Comfort Zone catalog Copyright 2005.)