Are you tired of tossing and turning at night? You lie on your back and feel somewhat comfortable but then you need to shift position once again and the battle to get comfortable starts all over again. Eventually, so exhausted, you all asleep in whatever position you are in.
Which, if it is the wrong position, could mean that you wake up with a sore arm or neck – it is like adding insult to injury – you have to muddle through the day feeling unrested and then have a sore neck to contend with also.
What you need is a pillow that can match your sleeping pattern. You need the best pillow for all positions, not just one or two of them.
The best pillow for combination sleepers is that which has some give to it but is not very firm at the same time. You need something that will conform to the shape of your head and neck and provide support no matter what position you are in.
In this guide, we will look top rated pillows and also later look at who might benefit from these kinds of cushions and also what options they have.
Top 5 Best Pillows for Combination Sleepers 2018
Now that you have an idea of that you need a combination pillow, let me help you narrow down the search even further by giving you some options to look at. I’ll just preface this by saying, these are the ones I found best – do feel free to try them out and share your feedback.
#1. Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo and Memory Foam Ultra-Luxury
Overview
- Zipper removable cover for easy adjustment
- CertiPUR-US® certified foam
- Hypoallergenic & dust mite resistant
- 120-night, no hassle refund guarantee
- Made in the USA
This score on the top of my list for a number of reasons. I am not usually a huge fan of memory foam, but this is different because it is not just a solid lump of foam. The foam inside is shredded, giving you the feel of fiberfill and the support of foam.
The foam does adjust nicely to the contours of your head and bounces back into shape easily when not in use. The fact that it is not just one lump of foam makes it a lot more breathable – air can make its way in and around the foam bits.
The cover contains a high quantity of bamboo fiber so has a nice feel to it. This also helps it to breathe better. If offers a good balance between support and comfort. And, it can be adjusted by removing some of the fil if you like.
Note: it does not smell all that great when you first take it out of the bag. The smell dissipates pretty fast though if you leave it out in the open overnight.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic materials make it ideal if you battle with allergies.
- Will work no matter what position you like to sleep in.
- Bamboo material making it safe and green.
- It offers orthopedic support.
- The air circulates reasonably well inside of it.
Cons
- It is on the firmer side, and that is not for everyone.
- Odor while new—dissipates with time.
#2. Good Life Essentials' Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Overview
- Orthopedic support
- CertiPUR-US Certified Foam
- Made in the USA
- 5 Star hotel quality pillow
- Machine washable bamboo cover
- 30 days for a return period
This is another that comes very high up on the list. Again it is filled with bits of memory foam so that you get all the comfort thereof without as much of the horrible heat build-up.
This combination pillow is CertiPUR-approved and, at 5 inches, has a slightly higher loft. If push came to shove, though, you could always remove some of the filling.
The cover is 50% bamboo-based rayon lending it a luxurious feel and aiding with breathability.
This is a great combination sleeper pillow for any type of sleeping posture.
Pros
- Comfortable and snugly supportive.
- The filling is antibacterial, hypoallergenic and resistant to mites and stains.
- Great value for money; useful and durable.
- The cover is good and easy to keep clean
Cons
- This is comfortable but will not suit you if you prefer a lower loft.
#3. Xtreme Comforts Combination Pillow - 100% Bamboo
Overview
- Stay cool bamboo cover
- Adjustable thickness
- Hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant
- Machine washable cover
- Silky soft casing
- Made in the USA
Bamboo has been making waves in the textile industry over the last few years. It is easy to grow, and easy to process. Textiles made from it are breathable, durable and completely natural.
And that is why this combination pillow comes in as one of the favorites. This does not just contain bamboo fiber; it is made out of it. Everything, from the cover to the filling is bamboo.
When you get this initially, you will see that it is a pretty thick and dense option. Don’t worry about that, though. You can easily change things up by removing as much of the filler as you like. The company has provided a zipper in the inner lining to facilitate this.
The fibers are durable, resistant to mites, have antibacterial properties and are hypoallergenic. In addition, the cover is very absorbent, wicking moisture away from your face and neck quickly and easily.
Now there is no need for those hot and sweaty nights unless you are having fun.
It is advisable here to check the size before you order so that you know exactly what you get – there have been some complaints that the sizes were not as expected at all.
When it comes to sleeping, this is a pleasure to rest on. It is responsive, though not quite as much as is the case without our previous options. (Hence why it came in third and not first or second in our best combination sleeper pillows review).
That said, there is some adjustability when it comes to the insert, and that makes it good for most sleepers.
A big plus here is that because it is completely natural, there is no off-gassing at night and no smells emanating from it.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly to produce – 100% natural.
- Easy to maintain and comes with machine washable cover.
- Hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant.
- Antifungal and antibacterial.
- You can adjust how firm it is.
Cons
- The sizes can be a problem as they are not standard.
#4. Superior Down Alternative White Pillow
Overview
- Lofty down alternative polyfill
- Silky soft 100% microfiber
- Breathable and hypoallergenic
- Machine washable
- Made in the USA
- Premium quality
- Recommended for allergy and asthma sufferers
The pillow am reviewing features a more classic polyester fill. If you find foam chips a little too lumpy. This is a really excellent alternative combination pillow. The fibers are as soft as down would be so you get the benefits of down without all the allergies that may go with it.
This would be an excellent choice for any combination sleeper who suffers from allergies because it is completely hypoallergenic.
The outer covering is soft and smooth to the touch. It lends an overall feeling of luxury.
This one is good if you prefer something that can be shaped. That means that you can get it into the perfect position for you.
This may not be the best pillow for hot sleepers as it is made from polyester and that is why it ranks so low down on our list. A cotton cover can go a long way to prevent too much heat transfer, but if you live in a very warm clime, there are better choices to make.
This is ideal if you prefer a thinner and more pliable option. The fibers won’t last as well as some of the others would, but you should be replacing them every three to four years, no matter what set you get.
Pros
- Easy to clean – can be laundered with the normal wash.
- Hypoallergenic and mite resistant.
- Lower loft and cuddly.
Cons
- Hot to sleep on.
- Might be too low for some sleepers.
#5. OXA Spring Pain-Relieving Sleeping Pillow
Overview
- Permanently soft & resilient
- Pocket springs pillow
- 20-Year Warranty
- 90-Day Sleep Trial
- Imported product
- 100% cotton cover
This was designed with one thing in mind – cure you of that incessant backache. It does this through the use of the most modern tech so that you always get a firm place to rest your head.
With 40 spring coils in each one, this is not something that is going to disappear away to nothing overnight. It is nicely firm and yet still comfortable.
One thing that does really set this company and product apart is the twenty-year warranty they offer. They are really confident when it comes to durability, aren’t they?
It is firm enough that it won’t smother you in your sleep as a stomach sleeper. It has enough give to provide the back sleeper with the perfect night’s rest and will make short work of keeping your spine aligned if you are a side sleeper.
It is a good start, but it isn’t for everyone. The loft here is not very high, and so if you are used to higher, you would be disappointed by it.
Pros
- Good for hot sleepers.
- Contains both spring and foam.
- Twenty-year warranty.
- Try it out. You have 90 days to decide whether or not it works for you.
Cons
- Not a high loft.
Types of Pillows for Combination Sleepers
There are many on the market, some of which combine a range of different technologies. Check through the list below to see which option might best suit your needs.
- Memory foam: These have not been out that long but can be a good bet if you choose one that offers a higher density. It contours to the lines of your body.
- Buckwheat: This may seem like a strange filling to sleep on but it is surprisingly comfortable The hulls move as you do so you are supported throughout the night. A big advantage here is that they are breathable and so a good option for hot sleepers.
- Down alternative: A down alternative has some distinct advantages. First off, there is no worrying about feathers making you ill or prickling you. They are also usually machine-washable. Do choose one with a higher fill count.
- Latex: These are excellent because they are on the firm side and won’t lose their shape even after many years of use. They are hypoallergenic and resist the growth of mildew and mold.
- Gel: This is something that is newer on the market. It falls somewhere between latex and memory foam when it comes to how firm it is. The advantage is that the gel is more fluid, making it possible to get exactly the right fit in every position.
Benefits of Getting a Pillow for All Positions
The person who is liable to do their own form of a workout while sleeping at night needs something that can handle any position he ends up.
A combination sleeper pillow will often be specially designed with different users in mind. Here are some of the benefits associated with these types:
1. Better Spine alignment: You probably take great pains to maintain good posture during the day. You keep your shoulders back and stand up straight. It is great, but what happens when you sleep? The right sleeping position means aligning the spinal column, head, and neck. For that, you need the right pillow.
2. Snoring is reduced: Is your family plotting your demise so they can get a good night’s sleep? The best combination pillow will usually have a wave design so that the neck and airways are kept clear
3. Easy changing positions: With some cushions, you sink in, and that’s it. If you want to move around, you have to literally wake up and smack them into the new shape you want. This is not the case with combination options.
4. Less pain: Such cushions support the next really well and so can put an end to those sore necks in the morning. And, while they are not the firmest on the market, they are pretty firm.
Combination Sleeping Pillow Buying Guide
It might seem like all the options are limited, especially when you see ads like, “Best for side sleepers” but there is a lot more out there than you might realize. This list will help you understand what you should be looking at.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to Know if You're a Combination Sleeper?
Start out by agreeing or disagreeing with the following:
- I sleep on my back
- I sleep on my side
- I sleep on my stomach
- All answers apply
If all the answers apply to you, you are combination sleeper. And, while you might start off the night on your back or side, it is not likely that you will stay in that position all night. Don’t feel alone, a lot of us are the same.
It is better for your body anyway – have you ever fallen asleep because you were bone weary and woken up the next day feeling a bit stiff? That is likely because you slept in a single position all night.
2. What Type of Pillows Will Work for You?
You need something a little different to what is conventionally available. You need something that has various different properties so that you can get exactly the right one for you.
A good option might be what is often used to prevent snoring. These have a curved, wave-like top layer, with one side higher than the other. That way, you can still feel comfortable using the lower side when on your side but can easily move onto your back.
Cushions with a harder filling are better.
Also see: Best Pillows for Neck Pain
Conclusion
The choice you ultimately make will depend on what suits you the best. For my money, the Snuggle-Pedic bamboo pillow hits all the right notes. It is firm enough to offer support and yet still very comfy to sleep on.
Someone on the heavier side might prefer the extra support offered by the coils in our final pick. Those interested in the environment might find the idea of a 100% natural option too tempting to pass up.
At the end of the day, it all depends on what is most important to you. I have gone through and highlighted your best possible choices.
Now it is up to you to figure out which models would suit you better. Maybe you don’t particularly like any of them that much. That is okay – now that you know what to look for, you are halfway to getting the sleep that you deserve.
References:
- Instinctive sleeping and resting postures: an anthropological and zoological approach to treatment of low back and joint pain - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- What's the Best Position to Sleep In? - webmd.com