The Best Pillows for Seniors: Top 6 Sleep Brands in Australia

As we age, various physiological issues can affect the health of our musculoskeletal system. This underscores the importance of meticulously selecting sleep accessories, as a comfortable pillow or lightweight mattress can significantly improve sleep quality and impact overall well-being. This article explores important aspects of choosing pillows and provides six suitable options available in Australia.

Preferred Materials

A pillow should provide comfort and adequate elasticity to support the body and reduce excessive neck curvature. In other words, the accessory should offer orthopaedic qualities.

Conventional down pillows tend to lose elasticity over time as the feathers break and compact. Regular fluffing before each use becomes imperative.

For this reason, products crafted from advanced artificial materials such as polyurethane foam (also known as latex) and memory foam are highly suitable. Organic fillers like natural latex extracted from the Hevea tree’s sap and gel foams may enhance orthopaedic support even further. These medium-density materials conform gently to the neck’s curvature, offering a subtle yet tangible head and neck support.

Choosing the Right Size

Optimal pillow size hinges on shoulder width. Broader shoulders necessitate larger pillows:

Individuals with standard physiques find 40cm x 60cm pillows suitable.
Those with larger physiques should opt for models measuring at least 50cm x 70cm.

Care and Longevity

The easier it is to maintain an accessory, the better. In general, all sleep essentials, like mattresses, pillows, and blankets, should be cleaned twice a year.

Thus, the ideal pillow is machine washable. Regrettably, only soy foam pillows offer this feature. Other materials typically used in orthopaedic pillows, such as memory foam, polyurethane foam, and natural latex, require dry cleaning.

Regarding durability, natural raw materials like latex and soy foams excel. Their lifespan can extend up to a decade. However, caution is advised with latex as exposing it to sunlight may alter its orthopaedic attributes: natural latex dries and develops cracks under ultraviolet rays. Though somewhat less enduring, artificial materials can still provide service for approximately five to seven years with proper care.

Selecting the Right Pillow Based on Sleeping Position

The pillow’s shape should correspond with the sleeper’s preferred position:

Side sleeping benefits from an orthopaedic pillow with an anatomical wave-shaped design, promoting enhanced cervical support. The optimal height ranges from 9 to 12 cm.
Back sleepers can choose between classic and modern wave-shaped pillows with a smaller roll beneath the neck. Height: around 6 to 10 cm.
Stomach sleepers require a low pillow, either in a standard or anatomical shape, to maintain natural cervical alignment. Preferred height: 5 cm and below.

Advantages of Soft Pillows

Firmer pillows and mattresses exert additional pressure on blood vessels and joints, a concern for seniors whose bodies are less resilient. Soft sleep accessories are crucial for older individuals as they minimise pressure on bodily tissues, preventing accelerated vascular wear and morning swelling.

Top 6 Pillows for Seniors

We’ve compiled a list of six high-quality pillow options, each possessing orthopaedic qualities essential for healthy sleep.

Tontine Comfortech Pillow

Designed using advanced high-tech materials, this pillow displays exceptional elasticity, effortlessly adapting to the body’s shape almost immediately. This special elasticity guarantees consistent alignment between the cervical area and the spine, relieving neck strain.

Enhanced by the memory-infused material at its core, this pillow delivers a luxurious softness that evokes a feeling of weightlessness during sleep. Among the range of gentle anatomical materials, Tontine’s distinct Aircell Memory Foam is notable for its ability to exert minimal pressure on sensitive soft tissues and blood vessels.

Pain Relief Full Body Pillow

Full Body Pillow is designed with a U shape that spans the length of your body, providing cradling support to promote restful sleep. Its extended size ensures comprehensive body support, allowing you to fully stretch out and attain optimal comfort. This versatile body pillow accommodates various sleep positions, including the back, side, and stomach, aiding in the discovery of a comfortable sleep posture.

Latex Mattress Contour Pillow

Natural latex serves as an excellent filling material for both mattresses and pillows. This material offers inherent comfort through its elasticity, which enables it to conform to the body’s natural contours. Additionally, its resilience creates a comfortable sleeping surface characterised by orthopaedic qualities. Latex effectively adapts to the cervical region, providing elastic support for enhanced comfort during sleep.

The Koala Pillow

The Koala Pillow is designed with a unique feature offering a choice between a softer and firmer side, catering to a wide range of sleep preferences. Its outer edges are intentionally firmer, ensuring consistent neck support regardless of sleeping position. The pillow balances relaxation and orthopaedic support, aiming to provide a comfortable and restful sleep experience.

Similar to the Tontine pillow, this pillow also incorporates a memory effect. However, it sets itself apart with an added emphasis on enhanced breathability. Incorporating gel-infused memory foam aids in dissipating heat and moisture, contributing to a cooler and more comfortable sleep surface. The ventilated design promotes airflow, fostering a refreshing feel throughout the night.

Ecosa Curved Pillow

The Ecosa Pillow is designed as a soft orthopaedic solution, featuring a distinctive wave-like shape complemented by two differently shaped rollers. This thoughtful design caters to various sleeping positions, acknowledging the diverse preferences of individuals.

For those who favour side sleeping, placing the larger-diameter roller beneath the neck provides a notable boost in elastic support to the cervical region. On the other hand, when opting for back sleeping, inverting the pillow helps reduce its height, ensuring an optimal sleeping posture is maintained.

The pillow’s exceptional 3D structure has the added advantage of promoting heat and moisture dispersion from the surface. Its soft yet firm composition ensures an even distribution of pressure, effectively conforming to the head and neck contours.

Nature’s Sleep Pillow

The Nature’s Sleep Pillow, designed in a classic shape, incorporates a combination of shredded memory foam and microfiber. This composition enhances the pillow’s ventilation, facilitating efficient air exchange with the surroundings. Consequently, the design feature mitigates the tendency for the pillow to retain heat, ensuring a more temperature-neutral sleeping experience.

The pillow guarantees a completely comfortable rest and elastic support for the cervical spine. Plus, shredded materials impart a familiar tactile sensation, particularly appealing to those accustomed to traditional down pillows.

Conclusion

Selecting a suitable pillow for seniors is of utmost importance. Optimal rest and well-being hinge upon the careful consideration of age-specific needs. A well-chosen accessory that takes into account these unique characteristics ensures not only comfort but also contributes to a restful and healthful sleep experience. Therefore, investing time and attention in selecting the right pillow becomes crucial to maintaining overall sleep quality and promoting better health outcomes.

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About Jennie McNichol

Jennie McNichol is the Co-Founder and Editor of Seniorocity and Buggybuddys. She lives north of Perth with her husband, 2 children, 2 Ragdoll Cats and 1 Maine Coon

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