Are Memory Foam Pillows Better Than Normal Pillows?

If you’re in the market for a new pillow, we bet you’ve wondered whether memory foam pillows are really better than their standard counterparts.

However, to answer this question, you’ll need to know what type of pillow suits you best by looking at their individual advantages, drawbacks, and suitability.

Today, we’re delving into how memory foam, normal, and latex pillows are created and what benefits they provide you with. We’ll also look at potential drawbacks to help you see the complete picture.

Ready to find out which pillow type is the true champ? Scroll down to get started now.

What are Normal Pillows?

Typically, the most common type of pillow is made from cotton or polyester fibres.

This is affordable, durable, and provides comfort for most users. However, they’re not ideal for all sleepers, and some can experience neck and back pain after prolonged use.

Feather Pillows

Another standard type of pillow is a feather pillow. These pillows are stuffed with geese and duck feathers, which provide a fluffy and soft feel.

Feather pillows are almost weightless and stay in shape for years. But they can be challenging to clean and need a lot of fluffing to keep them looking neat.

What are Memory Foam Pillows?

Memory foam pillows are specialised pillows made from polyurethane foam with elastic and viscous properties that moulds to match the user’s body shape. This offers extra support to their back, neck, and spine.

The benefits of memory foam pillows are vast and varied. From offering head and neck support to providing snoring relief, this material makes sleeping easier and more comfortable for millions of users.

What are Latex Foam Pillows?

Latex foam pillows are the newest option on the block. Created to provide support and comfort with a softer feel than memory foam, these are ideal for those who want an alternative to firmer support.

Like memory foam, latex foam pillows are durable, provide spinal alignment, and are very hygienic. But be careful, as some people are allergic to latex, and the rubber has a strong odour.

Also, they’re the most expensive option on the market right now. Consider trying one out in person before you splurge.

Memory Foam Pillows vs Normal Pillows

Memory foam and normal pillows are the most popular types of pillows. But they offer very different experiences. Let’s compare and see how they measure up.

1. Comfort & Support

Comfort is a crucial parameter for pillows, and memory foam tends to offer the best experience out of the two types. This is because memory foam moulds to the neck and head, relieving pressure points, offering support, and reducing any aches and pains. Overall, memory foam is a very comfortable material once you’ve gotten past the initial firmness — which lasts for a day or two.

Normal pillows are also very comfortable, but when used in the wrong position can cause further aches and pains. Since they’re not designed to support the body, they fall short for some users.

2. Durability

Memory foam pillows can last for years as long as they’re cared for and cleaned regularly. This is because the material easily “bounces back” and is designed to withstand lots of use.

Normal pillows need replacing every one to two years, even with good care. If you want a pillow for the long haul, memory foam is your best bet.

3. Price

Since memory foam is specialised, many expect it to have an inflated price. However, memory foam pillows are available for as low as £29.95, proving you don’t need to splurge to access the benefits. Standard polyester pillows can cost as little as £4.

4. Sleep Quality & Pains

For most users, regular pillows provide good sleep quality. But if you suffer from shoulder or neck pain at night, a memory foam pillow with a cervical dip will provide your aches and pains with more support. This leaves you with less pain and a better night of ZZZs.

That’s right. Deep REM sleep is more restful when you wake up without pain!

5. Allergies

Finally, did you know memory foam helps with allergies?

The closely-packed design of memory foam means there’s no space for dust or allergens, allowing those with asthma and other allergies to breathe deeper and easier. Normal pillows tend to pick up more dust and debris, making them more uncomfortable for allergy sufferers.

Comparison: Memory Foam Pillows vs Latex Pillows

So, what about memory foam pillows vs latex pillows?

Both are more specialised than the average pillow and offer a more supportive sleep. Memory foam works by contouring to your body’s shape, whereas latex contours and pushes back against your body. This makes it feel more “bouncy” than memory foam.

Latex is a very cool material, keeping users comfortable during the night. While older types of memory foam trap excess heat, most modern options are now breathable, ensuring you can sleep without getting sweaty.

Both pillows are great options if you’re looking for some extra support and a more comfortable night of sleep. Note that latex is more expensive than memory foam, making the latter a better option for an affordable solution.

Who Should Use Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam pillows are designed to tackle aches and pains, provide a night of better sleep for allergy sufferers, and give an overall more comfortable experience.

If you suffer from chronic aches, choose the best pillow for neck pain or back issues. This is likely to be a more supportive memory foam option, especially if you’re a side or back sleeper.

Stomach sleepers aren’t the best candidates for memory foam pillows.

However, if they wish to change their sleeping position to their back or side with a healthy tool, a memory foam pillow with a dip can help correct their posture.

Most people don’t necessarily need a specialised pillow but use memory foam due to the extra support and cosy feeling. Some even opt for the pillows to keep their bed cleaner, thanks to the pillow’s hypoallergenic properties.

Who Should Use Normal Pillows

If you haven’t noticed any pain on waking or during the night, you can probably get away with using a standard pillow. The rule with traditional pillows is to avoid them if you suspect they cause neck, back, or spine pain or worsen existing pain.

Final Words

Choosing a pillow is a very personal journey. We sleep on pillows for nearly a third of our lives, so it’s best to ensure they’re comfortable and protect our bodies!

If you’re interested in improving your sleeping posture, reducing aches and pains, or simply looking for extra spinal support while you snooze, a memory foam pillow could be the route for you.

Check out the Original Groove Pain Relief Pillow today for a memory foam pillow that tackles neck and upper back pain and stiffness by offering posture support while you sleep.