Safest Pillow Fill

Infants and Small Children

• Children younger than 2 years should not use a pillow because of the risk of suffocation. Although a pillow is not necessary for a toddler, the safest pillow fill for a toddler is a firm synthetic material, such as foam. If the child still sleeps in a crib, choose a small pillow, similar to those the airlines use. Do not use soft pillows or feather pillows for a toddler. Soft pillows can cause death by suffocation.

Orthopedic Problems

• The wrong type of pillow can disrupt the sleep of individuals who have back or neck problems. Which pillow is the safest for someone depends on what makes her comfortable on a particular night. In general, however, a firm pillow is best when support is necessary. A latex filling wrapped in comfortable cotton batting may provide the longest-lasting support. Although feather or foam pillows offer support at first, they may lose their firmness after a couple of months.

Allergies

• People with allergies to pillow materials vary in their sensitivities. Down or feather pillows cause allergic reactions in some people. If someone reacts to down or feather pillows but like their feel, then down or feather pillows guaranteed as hypoallergenic are options. Rubber or latex pillows often emit a chemical odor while they are new. If individuals are chemically sensitive, natural down or feather pillows are safest for them. Many people are allergic to dust mites, which build up over time in pillows. A memory foam pillow is less attractive to dust mites than other types of pillow filling. Enclosing a pillow in a mite-proof cover will help to keep it safe from mites.

Good Night's Sleep

• The safest pillow for a good night's sleep depends on sleeping position. A thin pillow with less filling is often best for people who sleep on their back. Individuals who sleep on their side will sleep better with a pillow that has a firm filling, such as latex or dense foam. Side sleepers require a firm support for the area between the side of the head and the shoulder. People who sleep on their stomach should choose a pillow with flat filling. In addition, stomach sleepers can help prevent backache by putting a pillow under their stomach.