7 Benefits Of Memory Foam Pillows

Written by JaRoy Buffong

When was the last time you woke up genuinely ready to take on the day?

Hopefully, it was this morning, but for many people, that’s not the case. Neck pain, headaches, and restless nights are all too common, especially as we get older

Benefits of Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam pillows don’t just decorate your bedroom. Here are some of the proven advantages of memory foam technology in pillows.

1. Improved Sleep Quality

Memory foam pillows are known for boosting sleep quality and helping reduce snoring. They support better posture by aligning your neck and spine, which also keeps your airways open, something that can ease snoring and even help with mild sleep apnea.

Research has shown that using a specialized pillow can reduce low-level neck pain, both during the night and when you wake up (Efanian, Tenzif, and Guerriero, 2004). With less pain and better alignment, you’re more likely to get deeper, uninterrupted sleep.

2. Proper Spinal Alignment and Neck Support

Memory foam is ideal for supporting proper spinal alignment and maintaining the natural curve of your neck. Getting your body into a healthy sleep position is the first step in reducing pain and discomfort, and a memory foam pillow makes it much easier to stay properly aligned.

Research shows that pillows with the right shape, consistent support, and cervical curve support can effectively help with neck pain (Persson and Moritz, 1998).

So if you’re thinking about upgrading your sleep setup, this is a great place to start.

If you’re dealing with tension, stiffness, headaches, or neck pain, it might be time to replace your regular pillow with one designed to support your neck and upper back properly.

We created the Groove Pillow to put a stop to crumby sleep, misaligned spines, and all of the issues above. Our pillow eliminates upper back and neck pain by gently correcting your posture as you sleep. Plus, it tackles tension headaches, too!

3. Hypoallergenic Properties

Did you know memory foam is naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic? Unlike feather pillows that can trap dust and allergens, memory foam’s dense structure resists dust mites, bacteria, and mold.

It’s a great choice for anyone with allergies, asthma, or just a focus on clean, healthy sleep.

4. Pressure Point Relief

Memory foam’s viscoelastic properties let it gently mould to the shape of your body, which helps relieve pressure points and evenly distribute your weight across the pillow. You get plenty of support, but without any added pressure.

5. Durability and Long-Lasting Support

When you invest in a pillow, you want it to last. Memory foam is built to go the distance, holding its shape and support for years. Unlike traditional pillows that flatten or wear out quickly, memory foam keeps performing.

6. Customisable Options For Personal Preferences

Memory foam pillows don’t come in “one size fits all.” There’s a plethora of pillow shapes to accommodate your needs and sleeping style. For example, there are specific pillows designed to target upper back and neck pain whilst other memory foam pillows can help relieve lower back pain.

7. Easy Care and Maintenance

The last thing anyone wants is more chores, and luckily, memory foam pillows are low maintenance. They bounce back to their original shape after each use, so there’s no need to fluff or reshape them so less hassle and more comfort.

Disadvantages of memory foam pillows

While memory foam pillows are a powerful tool, they’re not ideal for everyone. Here are some disadvantages to consider.

1. Memory Foam Pillows Can Get Hot

Some pillows tend to trap heat as you sleep, leading to an uncomfortable night. This often happens when the material doesn’t allow for enough airflow, even if it’s hypoallergenic.

Without proper ventilation, things can get warm fast.

2. Chemical Smell While Smell

Another thing to keep in mind is that some memory foam pillows can have a chemical smell when new.

This comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may bother people who are sensitive to strong odors.

The good news is the smell usually fades within a few days if you let the pillow air out in a well-ventilated space.

3. Learning To Adjust to the New Pillow

It’s also worth noting that adjusting to a new memory foam pillow can take a few days. Since the foam gradually molds to your body, the fit might not feel perfect right away. But any initial discomfort usually fades as your body gets used to the support.

How To Choose the Perfect Memory Foam Pillow

Don’t rush into your pillow purchase! Keep these tips in mind when browsing.

Read reviews and recommendations from previous users.

Consider and select the appropriate pillow size and thickness for you.

Examine your sleeping style and preference, and use this to inform your decision.

Compare different types of memory foam, such as gel-infused, ventilated, or traditional foam.

Weigh up the advantages and disadvantages against your personal needs.

About The Author

JaRoy Buffong is the founder and lead coach of Naiquan, a dynamic wellness company that empowers individuals to realize their full potential through a comprehensive 360° approach to well-being. With a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional health, JaRoy is committed to helping clients achieve sustainable, long-term transformations.

References

• Erfanian, P., Tenzif, S. and Guerriero, R.C. (2004). Assessing effects of a semi-customized experimental cervical pillow on symptomatic adults with chronic neck pain with and without headache. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, [online] 48(1), pp.20–8. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1840039/.
• ‌Ferchak, D. (2021). Choosing the Best Pillow for Neck Pain and Back Pain. [online] Health Central. Available at: https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/choosing-best-pillow-neck-pain-back-pain.
• Persson L, Moritz U. Neck support pillows: a comparative study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1998 May;21(4):237-240. PMID: 9608378. Contact Information: Liselott Persson, Lund University, liselott.persson@med.lu.se, +46462229555 Ulrich Moritz - Unable to locate