If you’re looking for a quality pillow that can improve your comfort during sleep, there are myriads of choices available on the market. With all the materials, features, and benefits, it can be really challenging to find one that fits your specific needs. The best way to find your best sleeping solution is to understand your needs, since different pillow materials work best for specific sleep requirements. If you’re searching for something natural, supportive, durable, and breathable, a latex pillow might be the best one for you.
What makes up a latex pillow? What makes it different from other pillow types? In this guide, we’ll answer the common questions about a latex pillow and help you determine if it is the best pillow for your sleep.
What is a Latex Pillow?
A latex pillow is a soft, bouncy, and supportive sleeping solution usually made from natural latex. Natural latex material comes from the milky sap of a rubber tree and goes through thorough processing methods to create a comfortable and durable material for mattresses and pillows. Natural latex offers several benefits and is ideal for people who prefer safe and sustainable sleeping solutions. Manufacturers promote sustainable production of the natural material to make sure that latex pillows are certified safe and beneficial for both the sleeper and the environment. However, it’s important to note that not all latex pillows are made from natural latex. Some are synthetic and less durable than natural varieties.
Synthetic latex pillows are manufactured from petroleum-based materials that mimic the properties of natural latex. Although synthetic latex pillows follow the bounce of natural latex, they have a significantly shorter lifespan and may cause off-gassing smells.
Latex Pillows vs. Memory Foam: What’s the Difference?
Memory foam is made from a viscoelastic polyurethane material that follows the natural contours of your body through heat. This provides a hugging feeling and excellent pressure relief. Latex pillows, on the other hand, are made from natural latex that is cooler and more bouncy compared to memory foam. Both memory foam and latex pillows provide optimum comfort and pressure relief. One of the main differences is that a natural latex pillow is made from organic latex material, which eco-shoppers prefer, while memory foam is made from synthetic materials. A latex pillow also sleeps cooler than heat-absorbing memory foam and is more durable than the latter.
Benefits of a Latex Pillow
Some sleepers prefer super soft pillows, while others like their pillows a bit firmer. With a latex pillow, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: pressure relief and pushback support. However, personal preferences are a thing, so what seems ideal for others may not be the most comfortable for you. So, if you’re wondering if a latex pillow is ideal for your sleeping needs, take a look at its characteristics.
Supportive
Aside from your mattress, your choice of pillows also affects your posture when sleeping. Like your mattress, a good pillow must support your sleeping position, body type, and comfort preferences. With its middle-ground feel, a latex pillow provides ample support to your head, neck, and back during sleep to keep your head and neck aligned with the rest of your body.
If you’re looking for a more ergonomic solution, a contour latex pillow is an excellent choice. This latex pillow variety offers comfortable cushioning that is specifically designed to contour your head without too much sinkage.
Specialised contour pillows, such as the Somnuz latex pillow, are designed to ergonomically fit specific sleeping positions. A contour pillow has a dip in the centre that gives your head enough elevation to maintain its alignment with your body. It has two elevated sides, or humps, where your neck is supposed to rest.
If you are a back sleeper, use the lower hump of the contour pillow to keep your neck aligned. If you are a side sleeper, set the higher hump of the pillow to support both your neck and shoulder when you lie down. Following the correct placement of the humps will give you the proper support for your sleeping position. Like any other pillow, sleeping on a contour pillow for the first time may feel different. However, once your body begins to adjust, the upgrade is surely worthwhile.
Breathable
Sleeping warm is different from sleeping hot. Although memory foam pillows are warm and cosy during cold nights, they tend to trap too much heat, especially during the summer.
Compared to memory foam, a latex pillow is more breathable due to its natural cooling structure. The best thing is that even when the temperature rises, the cellular structure of a latex pillow can help expel hot air while letting colder air in. This also helps maintain the right level of temperature despite the fluctuations around the surface.
Soft and Quiet
Aside from night sweats, the squeaky sounds of some pillows can also be really disturbing, especially if you are a light sleeper. Thankfully, latex pillows are not only soft and breathable but also quiet. Plus, a good contouring latex pillow can help your air passages stay unclogged, reducing the chances of snoring.
Durable
Like latex mattresses, latex pillows are some of the most durable varieties on the market. Not only is latex long-lasting, but it can also maintain its optimal shape longer than cheaper pillow types. This is because latex is naturally elastic and can hold weight and pressure very well.
Since a latex pillow is breathable, it reduces the risk of mould growth due to night sweats and extreme humidity. Latex pillows may cost more than their synthetic counterparts, but they will definitely serve their purpose for longer.
Safe to Use
Latex pillows contain natural anti-dust mite and antibacterial properties, making them a safe choice for many types of sleepers. They are also free from harmful chemicals and harsh smells since they are made from natural materials.
However, do note that while a latex pillow is generally safe to use, it is not recommended for people with latex allergies.
Upgrade Your Sleep Comfort with Somnuz
From premium mattresses to innovative pillows, Somnuz continues to work towards delivering the best sleeping solutions for a healthy and revitalising rest. If you’re looking for supportive and breathable mattresses and pillows that are perfect for the weather in Singapore, browse through our online collection or visit our experience centres.
DISCLAIMER: All the information, including the texts, images, and other materials on this website, are for educational purposes only. Although we strive to present accurate information to our readers, no material on the Somnuz website is a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional with regards to your health. NEVER disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read in this article.