Bedroom Decor Tips | Bedroom Decorating Ideas » Pillows

Wedge Pillows For Sleeping

Conrad Murphy — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:15:32 +0000

Our nightly rest is crucial to our sense of well being and our health. New developments in bedding supplies constantly aim at improving the experience of getting to sleep and staying there! Standard head pillows have been around since Ancient Egyptian times and in the intervening years manufacturers have tried to outdo each other with new designs and luxurious comfort levels. Different shaped pillows, such as wedge pillows, are designed for specific purposes and use very smart material like memory foam to provide a great surface to rest against.

This type of foam is frequently used in the making of mattresses nowadays because of several of its properties. It is resistant to heat and so can be used all year round in any climate and doesn’t absorb body heat and create discomfort. It is also both firm enough to provide adequate support for the body and soft enough to feel good. It returns to its original shape when the body weight is taken off.

In the case of wedge pillows for sleeping, we have the only type of orthopedic cushion specifically intended to help the sleeper rest in an upright position, supporting the back, shoulders and neck. Some of these pillows will have an entirely smooth surface, while others may have a rippled finish; other still will have a small molded foam support at the top, especially for the neck. Which model interests you will depend on what area of the body, if any, you are experiencing aches or pains in.

Whatever is the reason you are considering a wedge pillow, you will find they are made in a few different sizes. The cases that you will usually put over the cushion need to be bought in the same place, as standard pillow cases obviously will not fit. They come in many designs and can really help to brighten up the bedroom is chosen carefully.

Feather Pillows Are The Most Comfortable

Conrad Murphy — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:00:08 +0000

There aren’t many people who would want to use a pillow that they don’t find comfortable. There are several things that effect how people view different pillows comfort levels and this changes with every person. Someone might want a pillow that is pretty firm, but not too thick, on the other hand someone else might want a nice thick pillow but it is so soft that their head sinks right into it. Over the ages people have used a number of different fillings for their pillows. From straw to feathers and onto the foams we use today, each has their own advantages.

Over the years the most popular pillows have been feather pillows because they are very versatile. A feather pillow can be really tightly stuffed so that they are thick and firm, or they can also be loosely stuffed so they are soft and fluffy. Another great thing about feather pillows is that they take a very long time before they breakdown, become lumpy and feel like there are empty spaces. You can buy feather pillows in all the usual sizes that you get other pillows in and can also be bought in hypo-allergenic varieties if you are allergic to specific birds feathers. You can also choose from feathers with different attributes. If you want to have a soft pillow then you should probably choose a pillow filled with down feathers. Or choose larger feathers if you want a more solid pillow.

When it comes to buying good feather pillows you will find a great selection in department stores like Sears, or Wal-Mart. Many furniture stores will also carry a good selection and can even customer order items that they don’t stocks. Because pillows don’t weigh very much, delivery is next to nothing, so shopping online gives you a massive selection and you can have them delivered to your door.

Pacific Coast Pillows – The Ultimate Down Pillow

Conrad Murphy — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 04:00:56 +0000

When it comes to finding and purchasing the perfect bedding items for your home, personal preference plays the largest part in ultimately deciding what to furnish your abode with. Do you like to sleep with a thin blanket, or is a down comforter your preference? Feather bed or traditional mattress? Body pillow or neck pillow, or neither?

Choosing the right pillow to meet your needs is crucial to helping you get the best night’s sleep possible, as that will ultimately determine your overall well being and general health. Getting a good night’s rest will go a long way towards helping maintain a great quality of living, as we typically spend about a third of our time in sleep mode.

Pillows can be made from many different materials, from polyester and other synthetics, to goose down and bird feathers. Down pillows offer many advantages that others just cannot deliver. For one, they don’t come with the spiny quills that are often associated with feather pillows, so you’ll be able to avoid that irritating poking sensation through the pillow itself.

A down pillow is one that is filled with the inner plumage of waterfowl, such as ducks or geese. Down is very soft, light and very fluffy, which allows the pillow to conform to the shape of your head, as opposed to having your head just resting atop a traditional pillow. The pillow contours to your head without compromising any of its comfort or firmness. Down pillows also have the amazing ability to breathe and reduce perspiration during sleep, so you won’t experience the same clammy feeling that often occurs when using a synthetic pillow. Down pillows also typically last longer than synthetics, as long as you take care to maintain them.

When it comes to the bedding industry, Pacific Coast pillows are considered to be an industry leader. Pacific Coast pillows are constructed of the finest down and other materials to help insure quality sleeping experiences and product longevity. When choosing the bedding for your home, choosing quality over bargain basement prices can help insure that you enjoy your comfort for years to come.

How to Buy a Feather Pillow

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:17:18 +0000

There are several factors to consider when shopping for a new feather pillow. You will find bed pillows made of different types of feathers. The most comfortable feather pillows are made from goose down since geese are known to have the softest and yet the most resilient feathers. High quality goose down will often come from Canada, Hungry or Russia, where the cold winters produce geese with warm feathers. These pillows may be more expensive than other feather pillows, but they should last for many years if you take care of them.

Another benefit of down pillows is that the soft down “clusters” do not have quills that will poke through the pillow casing. Down pillows can be fluffed up so that pillows will remain plump and comfortable for years.

Other types of feather pillows include those made from duck or chicken feathers or a combination of different types of feathers. The packaging of the pillow or the online description should provide a breakdown of the type of feathers contained in the product.

Another factor to consider when purchasing a feather pillow is the desired firmness. Even though feathers are soft and comfortable, they can still provide support if you need it. Some people who sleep on their side will want a firmer pillow to support their neck. Check the fill power of the pillow to determine the level of support it provides. If you want a firm pillow, choose one with a fill power of 700 to 800.

It is also a good idea to select a pillow that has a pillow casing with high thread count and secure seaming for comfort and durability. Use a pillow protector in addition to a pillow case to extend the life of your feather pillow. For those people who may be allergic to feathers, there are down alternative pillows that mimic the comfort of feather pillows, while being hypoallergenic.

Decorate Your Room With a Bolster Pillow

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:18:06 +0000

When it comes to home and bedroom decor there is likely no simpler solution than the use of decorative pillows. Pillows are readily available in a variety of different fabric types and textures and are generally a rather inexpensive way to add a finished look to a couch, love-seat or bed. Apart from adding an element of design to a room, decorative pillows can also be quite comfortable. In fact, there are decorative pillows constructed from memory foam, latex and even micro beads, all of which are designed to add visual appeal and comfort to a piece of furniture. Pillows also come in many different shapes and sizes for people that want to add additional visual appeal to a room. One of the most common types of pillow used to achieve this look is the bolster pillow.

Bolster pillows are cylindrical in shape and are typically filled with polyester, though they can also be purchased with micro bead filling if desired. The great thing about polyester fill is that it does not retain moisture, which means that mold and mildew are far less likely to become an issue. Because of its unique appearance, the bolster pillow stands out from traditional pillows and looks great displayed on a variety of furniture pieces. Bolster pillows can be further customized using bolster pillow covers, which are available at many online pillow retailers. A separate benefit of bolster pillows is their extreme comfort, particularly when used as a neck pillow. A bolster pillow does not need to be folded to yield proper support like a traditional pillow might.

Bolster pillows range greatly in terms of cost, which is influenced mostly by the size, fill and fabric used in construction. There are a number of online retailers that will provide you with a quote in addition to many different fabric patterns and fill options. Some retailers will even construct a bolster pillow in a custom size to fit specific pieces of furniture. The online retailer we recommend for all of your pillow needs is the Cushion Source, which offers an endless amount of cushions including bench cushions, chair cushions, pet bed cushions and, of course, bolster pillows. In addition to online retailers, local bargain retailers will tend to offer bolster pillows in standard sizes at great prices. Be sure to shop around for the best combination of visual appeal and price.

The Benefits of Travel Pillows

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:46:40 +0000

Regardless of the method of transportation you use, traveling over long distances can quickly become an exhausting ordeal. The human body is simply not conditioned to remaining stationary for hours on end, especially without sufficient support. In the past, travel always bothered me, since it essentially meant that I wouldn’t be getting any sleep until after I arrived at my destination. I have taken multiple overseas flights in excess of 10-hours that would have otherwise been intolerable without my travel pillow. Before purchasing my travel pillow I literally could not fall asleep on an airplane. I could take sleep aids, drink a glass of wine and watch movie after movie to prepare myself for sleep, but it simply wasn’t possible because I could not get comfortable. For me, my travel pillow has made all the difference in the world and has allowed me to arrive at my destination relaxed and refreshed. I should mention that it wasn’t easy to uncover the perfect travel pillow. There are a variety of travel pillows to choose from, so the process can be rather time consuming. In the end, the pillow that works for you will be a personal decision, since there is no single pillow that will work best for everyone.

Choosing a travel pillow that will work for your individual situation can be made easier if you take a moment to consider the pillow you use at home. Do you use a memory foam pillow or a neck pillow, or perhaps just a normal polyester filled pillow? The answers to these questions will help to make the decision easier, since you will likely want to purchase a travel pillow that is similar to the pillow you use on a nightly basis. Personally, I have chosen a travel neck pillow, which provides localized support to my neck to prevent cramps and discomfort. A neck pillow is also what I happen to use at home for similar reasons, so the decision was simple. I have also purchased and tested a popular inflatable travel pillow, though it honestly wasn’t for me. I returned it and have been happy with my memory foam travel pillow ever since.

Travel pillows are a relatively inexpensive way to ensure that you arrive at your destination alert and ready to take on the world. Most pillows cost between $10 and $30, though memory foam pillows, and specifically the Tempur-Pedic travel pillows, will cost substantially more. For me, however, the cost is well worth the benefit it provides. Arriving irritated and tired after a long trip is likely not an option for you, so be sure to purchase a travel pillow in advance of your next trip.

How a Contour Pillow Can Help You Sleep

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:21:07 +0000

Getting a good night of sleep can have a major impact on your ability to function as a productive member of society. Difficulties related to sleeping can lead to reduced productivity at work, health complications and can even cause emotional strain on yourself and those around you. Near the top of the most commonly cited reasons for sleep deprivation is neck and/or shoulder pain. There are millions of people throughout the world that aren’t even aware that neck pain is robbing them of peaceful sleep, yet it continues to affect them night after night.

While many people turn to prescription medications and/or physical therapy to get the relief they seek, others utilize a simpler approach – a contour pillow. A contour pillow is a variation on the traditional pillow in that it contains a sloped or “contoured” section that is meant to offer localized support for the back and neck. Rather than allowing your entire head, neck and shoulders to sink into the pillow, the contour pillow is designed to position your body into a natural sleep position, preventing the joints and muscles from becoming strained.

The majority of contour pillows are constructed from latex or memory foam, since these materials tend to retain their shape over time. Imagine compressing a piece of foam that has been formed into the shape of a cylinder, for instance. The foam compresses, but always returns back to its original shape. A memory foam contour pillow will also offer a unique combination of comfort and support that a traditional polyester pillow simply cannot provide. Rather than pushing back on pressure points like a traditional pillow might, a memory foam pillow will compress around the area of pressure and will distribute the pressure to other adjacent “cells” within the material itself.

Personally, I am a true believer in the contour pillow and have owned a Tempur-Pedic contour neck pillow for the past several years. The pillow still retains the exact shape it did when new and continues to provide unmatched support to my back and neck. Before purchasing the pillow I had become reliant on low doses of muscle relaxants and regular physical therapy to relieve my neck pain, but not any longer. Give me my contour pillow and I will sleep soundly every day of the year.

Most memory foam contour pillows are priced at around $100 for a standard size. The price will increase as size increases and will also vary based on the manufacturer. As always, when purchasing memory foam be sure to pay close attention to the density rating, which is a measure of the materials overall quality and its ability to provide support. A density rating of 3 pounds per cubic foot or greater is what you want. This simply means that a cubic foot of the material will weigh 3 pounds or more when tested. This rating should be displayed within the product literature and should be readily available through specialized mattress retailers.

What the Heck is a Chillow Pillow?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:06:58 +0000

I always look forward to the summertime when I can once again get outdoors, jump in the swimming pool and get some much needed fresh air. Although warmer weather is a welcomed sight after the long and cold winter, climbing temperatures can quickly become uncomfortable, particularly when temperatures remain high throughout the night. Matters only become worse when you can’t fall asleep at night because the room you’re in is too warm. It wasn’t uncommon for the area where I was raised to experience temperatures in the 90’s (30 degrees Celsius) during the night. Needless to say, there was a lot of tossing and turning involved before I could finally fall asleep. I remember turning my pillow over repeatedly, trying to find a cool spot to rest my head. While some people might suggest running the air conditioner during the night, this can quickly become an expensive proposition. Fortunately, there is now a solution that will help you stay cool during the night and it’s called the Chillow Pillow.

The Chillow Pillow is unlike any other pillow in that it features an active cooling mechanism that uses water to absorb, and then dissipate heat to the surrounding environment. This leaves a cooling sensation that allows you to sleep without your head and face becoming overheated. The Chillow isn’t actually a pillow, but rather a device that is placed inside your pillow case on top of your regular pillow. Chillow pillows don’t require any electricity to operate and will not produce any moisture. Simply activate the pillow one time and enjoy its unique cooling properties for years to come. Ok, I should come clean – I haven’t actually tested this product, nor do I know anyone that has. However, there are a number of fervent followers that swear by this thing and wonder how they ever lived without it. Users comment that the Chillow cooling pillow is a life saver for dealing with issues such as hot flashes, pregnancy pains, headaches, back and neck pain and even sunburns.

Apparently, the Chillow comfort pillow relies on the relatively high specific heat index of water, which means that the water inside the pillow will tend to warm slowly. Using a thin plastic covering, the cool water provides relief to the sleeper while ever so slowly becoming warmer throughout the night. Many users report that the pillow stays cool throughout most of the night and is about room temperature when they awake in the morning. By the time the next night rolls around the pillow is ready to go again. Of course, not all user reviews are positive. In fact, many people report that the pillows eventually leak due to the thinness of the plastic. Other users don’t like the Chillow because it causes them to wake up feeling damp and sweaty.

If you suffer from hot flashes or simply tend to sleep warm then the Chillow Pillow may be the perfect solution for you. Priced at under $25 from Amazon, it’s cheap enough to give it a try, and it may prove to be the thing you’ve always needed to get the quality of sleep you’ve always wanted.

How to Choose a Down Pillow

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:38:13 +0000

Choosing the right pillow is one of the most critical steps you can take to ensure you are getting the best quality sleep, but how do you make a decision when there are so many options out there? Since you’re reading this article I assume that you’ve had it with your current pillow, which is likely constructed of polyester fill and cotton. Perhaps you have an old down pillow and are interested in purchasing a new one. Regardless of the type of pillow you’re after, there are a few simple steps that can aid you in your quest for the perfect pillow. Before getting into the details, however, it’s important to understand why it’s in your best interest to choose a premium quality pillow over the cheaper substitutes.

The most commonly used pillows are constructed using polyester fill and a cotton casing. These pillows have become popular not because of their excellent supportive qualities, but because they are very inexpensive and are meant to be replaced regularly. Of course, cheap doesn’t always translate into good. In fact, I’ve found that my quality of sleep has improved dramatically since upgrading from a standard issue pillow. Not only do I now have a pillow that will last me several years, I also have one that offers me proper support in the right places. I’ve learned that there are pillows available for a variety of sleep preferences including pillows for side sleepers, back sleepers and for people with neck pain. I’ve also learned that goose down pillows are some of the most popular within the premium pillow line do to their unique supportive qualities and unmatched comfort. So, what are the things to look for when choosing a goose down pillow?

1. Size of the Pillow – this will be based primarily on the size of your mattress. People with a twin mattress will likely purchase a standard sized pillow, while a queen mattress will warrant two queen sized pillows, and a king mattress two king sized pillows. Some people also like the feel of a single king sized pillow when using a twin or double sized mattress. Whatever your preference, be sure to purchase the appropriate sized pillow case.

2. Pillow Density – the density of your pillow will determine its level of firmness. There are recommendation for all types of sleep positions (side, back and stomach), though you should choose the pillow that offers you the best combination of support and comfort. Remember that the position you use to fall asleep may not be the same throughout the night.

3. Pillow Filling – when it comes to down pillows or comforters, the level of fill power refers to the amount of space in one ounce of down, which is measured in cubic inches. In other words, a down pillow with a fill rating of 700 means that the down fills 700 cubic inches of space. The important thing to take away is that the quality of the down increases as the fill power number increases. Always purchase down with a fill power rating of at least 575.

It’s also critical to consider how you will protect and maintain your down pillow. Always purchase a pillow protector, which will prevent you from needed to wash the entire pillow. Simply take off the pillow protector and toss it in the wash every week or so. There is no need to wash a new pillow, though you may want to periodically wash your pillow after you’ve owned it for a period of time. If so, simply place the pillow in the washer by itself, add a teaspoon of liquid dish soap and set the washer on the cold water cycle. The pillow can be dried in the dryer, though it’s important to fluff it periodically throughout the cycle.

A properly maintained down pillow will last for at least 5-7 years for a cost of around $100 and will provide you with the ultimate sleep experience.

Why I Love my Foam Pillow

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:17:57 +0000

It has been quite a personal journey for me from the days of using old, worn out polyester filled pillows to the memory foam pillow that I currently use. Like many people reading this article, I had grown to accept the fact that a pillow would eventually degrade and would need to be replaced after a period of time. Spending $20-30 on a new pillow every couple of years was just something I got used to, sort of like buying light bulbs or replacing batteries. The difference is that light bulbs and batteries work great when new. You see, the issue with cheap pillows is that they lack the ability to provide proper support from the outset. For someone like me that suffers from chronic neck pain, a polyester filled pillow just doesn’t cut it, even when new. I needed a better alternative; something that would ease my aching neck and allow me to get a restful night of sleep. Fortunately, I found the foam pillow and have never looked back.

Also referred to as memory foam pillows, foam pillows are constructed from polyethylene and other chemicals that give the material its trademark dense feel. When I say dense, I’m referring to the ability of the material to slowly “give in” to the weight of your body, enveloping it naturally without creating pressure. In contrast, other materials tend to push back on your body, forming unwanted pressure that can later lead to stiff muscles and body aches. Memory foam is also graded based on its density, so it’s safe to assume that foam with a higher density is of higher quality and will likely offer superior support. Of course, there is a tradeoff at some point, and experts agree that anything with a density greater than 5 pounds per cubic foot is likely too dense. The ideal density to look for is between 3 and 4 pounds per cubic foot, which will provide sufficient support while remaining comfortable.

There isn’t just one type of foam pillow that will be right for everyone. In fact, my wife has decided that a standard pillow is best for her, while I’ve opted for the memory foam neck pillow due to an existing medical condition. My pillow has provided such relief from nagging neck pain that I will never go anywhere without it. I take it with me on vacations and it even goes with me on business trips. For travel purposes, I’ve resorted to using a memory foam travel pillow, which works wonders on long flights and car rides.

The price for foam pillows fluctuates wildly depending on the size, shape and even the brand you choose. I decided long ago to purchase a Tempur-Pedic brand pillow not because I think the other brands are bad, but because I know I can get a product that is highly dense and positively reviewed. I purchased my queen sized pillow about 5 years ago for close to $100 and it still functions and appears like it did the day I bought it.