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geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 05 March 2014, 07:57:28

Title: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 05 March 2014, 07:57:28
So I use two pillows at night and they are both worn out, I've been having lots of aches and pains in my neck so I'm hoping its partially due to those.

Anyone have any good recommendations on decent pillows and/or what to look for? I'd rather not spend anymore than I have to  :thumb:

Keyboard pillows are not an option  :p
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: Moosecraft on Wed, 05 March 2014, 08:04:02
We have these foam like pillows sold under the Tempur brand which are really ****ing awesome
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: iri on Wed, 05 March 2014, 08:07:22
i use buckwheat pillows.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 05 March 2014, 08:08:17
TempurPedic pillows can feel like bricks sometimes, especially when they're cold...

Any preference on pillow type? Feather pillows or fluffy-synthetic-cottony-stuff pillows?

Or you can try one of those cloud pillow things you see on TV, the ones with the foam bead things...
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 05 March 2014, 08:17:41
i use buckwheat pillows.


I've always wanted to try those.

TempurPedic pillows can feel like bricks sometimes, especially when they're cold...

Any preference on pillow type? Feather pillows or fluffy-synthetic-cottony-stuff pillows?

Or you can try one of those cloud pillow things you see on TV, the ones with the foam bead things...

I'm clueless on pillows I've just always used whatever we had  :-X
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 05 March 2014, 08:24:37
i use buckwheat pillows.


I've always wanted to try those.

TempurPedic pillows can feel like bricks sometimes, especially when they're cold...

Any preference on pillow type? Feather pillows or fluffy-synthetic-cottony-stuff pillows?

Or you can try one of those cloud pillow things you see on TV, the ones with the foam bead things...

I'm clueless on pillows I've just always used whatever we had  :-X

In that 'case' (pun intended), tell your wife you need new pillows and leave the decision making up to her.

Best advice I can give you...
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 05 March 2014, 08:26:03
i use buckwheat pillows.


I've always wanted to try those.

TempurPedic pillows can feel like bricks sometimes, especially when they're cold...

Any preference on pillow type? Feather pillows or fluffy-synthetic-cottony-stuff pillows?

Or you can try one of those cloud pillow things you see on TV, the ones with the foam bead things...

I'm clueless on pillows I've just always used whatever we had  :-X

In that 'case' (pun intended), tell your wife you need new pillows and leave the decision making up to her.

Best advice I can give you...

That's how I got stuck with the ones I have now  :-\
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 05 March 2014, 08:33:45
i use buckwheat pillows.


I've always wanted to try those.

TempurPedic pillows can feel like bricks sometimes, especially when they're cold...

Any preference on pillow type? Feather pillows or fluffy-synthetic-cottony-stuff pillows?

Or you can try one of those cloud pillow things you see on TV, the ones with the foam bead things...

I'm clueless on pillows I've just always used whatever we had  :-X

In that 'case' (pun intended), tell your wife you need new pillows and leave the decision making up to her.

Best advice I can give you...

That's how I got stuck with the ones I have now  :-\

:-\  indeed...

Have you tried sleeping without a pillow? There have been many times when I start getting neck/back pain from sleeping the wrong way, and usually after one night of sleeping COMPLETELY FLAT with no pillows the pain will diminish. Not sure if it works for everyone, as some people probably find sleeping without any pillows uncomfortable.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 05 March 2014, 08:34:01
Personally, I hate tall pillows, they kill my neck. Nothing is worse than hard foam pillows.

I buy small cheap pillows at Wal-Mart, bring them home, and put them on the floor under a large heavy box for at least 24 hours before using them. They last for a year or less before they get too lumpy to use, I run them in the clothes dryer about once a month.

See how weird I am? Don't take my advice or you will grow up to be a freak.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 05 March 2014, 08:35:12
i use buckwheat pillows.


I've always wanted to try those.

TempurPedic pillows can feel like bricks sometimes, especially when they're cold...

Any preference on pillow type? Feather pillows or fluffy-synthetic-cottony-stuff pillows?

Or you can try one of those cloud pillow things you see on TV, the ones with the foam bead things...

I'm clueless on pillows I've just always used whatever we had  :-X

In that 'case' (pun intended), tell your wife you need new pillows and leave the decision making up to her.

Best advice I can give you...

That's how I got stuck with the ones I have now  :-\

 :-\  indeed...

Have you tried sleeping without a pillow? There have been many times when I start getting neck/back pain from sleeping the wrong way, and usually after one night of sleeping COMPLETELY FLAT with no pillows the pain will diminish. Not sure if it works for everyone, as some people probably find sleeping without any pillows uncomfortable.

Can't say I've ever tried that.

Personally, I hate tall pillows, they kill my neck. Nothing is worse than hard foam pillows.

I buy small cheap pillows at Wal-Mart, bring them home, and put them on the floor under a large heavy box for at least 24 hours before using them. They last for a year or less before they get too lumpy to use, I run them in the clothes dryer about once a month.

See how weird I am? Don't take my advice or you will grow up to be a freak.


^^ That's probably some pretty reasonable info fohat :D
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: Lastpilot on Wed, 05 March 2014, 08:54:32
I sleep on bags full of MX reds.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: iri on Wed, 05 March 2014, 10:25:57
my pillow is the smallest i could find on the local market.

Personally, I hate tall pillows, they kill my neck. Nothing is worse than hard foam pillows.

I buy small cheap pillows at Wal-Mart, bring them home, and put them on the floor under a large heavy box for at least 24 hours before using them. They last for a year or less before they get too lumpy to use, I run them in the clothes dryer about once a month.

See how weird I am? Don't take my advice or you will grow up to be a freak.
quiet! you can inspire noisyturtle to tell us what he does with his pillows!
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: hoggy on Wed, 05 March 2014, 11:48:08
I've got a dunlopillo that I love.  I've tried a tempurpedic, but couldn't adapt to the shape - made my neck hurt.

Trying a pillow out in a furniture store is a much cheaper option in the long run...
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Wed, 05 March 2014, 11:56:36
i use buckwheat pillows.

Why stop at just a pillow?  Get a whole buckwheat bed.

http://openyoureyesbedding.com/
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: hwood34 on Wed, 05 March 2014, 12:29:11
Do you prefer harder of softer pillows? I don't really mind what pillow I have as long as it's hard as a rock, can't stand soft pillow, I just can't deal with my body being flat on the bed like that
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: iri on Wed, 05 March 2014, 12:31:14
i use buckwheat pillows.

Why stop at just a pillow?  Get a whole buckwheat bed.

http://openyoureyesbedding.com/
*iri finishes his buckwheat cereal
okay, now i need to find me a buckwheat car.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 05 March 2014, 12:31:28
Do you prefer harder of softer pillows? I don't really mind what pillow I have as long as it's hard as a rock, can't stand soft pillow, I just can't deal with my body being flat on the bed like that

Probably an inbetweener.

I'm gonna see what this whole buckwheat craze is all about.  ;D
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: mashby on Wed, 05 March 2014, 13:53:46
I bought two pillows from Overstock.com They were $30 for two pillows and are awesome.

The recommendation came from The Wirecutter's sister site, TheSweetHome and the review (http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-bed-pillows/) is spot on.

I'm a side sleeper and my wife sleeps on her back, so we got the medium and we both love them. Took us about a week to get comfortable with them because we were so use to the crappy pillows we had before.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 05 March 2014, 14:32:06
I bought two pillows from Overstock.com They were $30 for two pillows and are awesome.

The recommendation came from The Wirecutter's sister site, TheSweetHome and the review (http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-bed-pillows/) is spot on.

I'm a side sleeper and my wife sleeps on her back, so we got the medium and we both love them. Took us about a week to get comfortable with them because we were so use to the crappy pillows we had before.


Good read thanks for the link mashby!
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Wed, 05 March 2014, 14:45:55
Do you prefer harder of softer pillows? I don't really mind what pillow I have as long as it's hard as a rock, can't stand soft pillow, I just can't deal with my body being flat on the bed like that

Probably an inbetweener.

I'm gonna see what this whole buckwheat craze is all about.  ;D

It forms to your body and is a bit firm.  And when you displace to buckwheat hulls, they do not spring back into place like memory foam or latex.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: regack on Wed, 05 March 2014, 14:48:42
So I use two pillows at night...

... those aren't pillows!
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 05 March 2014, 14:49:46
So I use two pillows at night...

... those aren't pillows!


I also have a ninja turtle blanket  8)
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: IPT on Wed, 05 March 2014, 14:58:19
i personally need a firm and tall pillow to fall asleep
i sleep on my side, so anything fluffy and low just doesn't offer the neck support that i need.

im sleeping currently on this memory foam medium firmness pillow I bought from bed bath and beyond.
Its their store brand memory foam called Therapedic lol.
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/Therapedic-reg-Classic-Comfort-Bed-Pillow/1041326725?categoryId=12013
It actually works in that my pillow doesn't feel all hot when im laying down on it for extended time.
Maybe its just placebo effect, who knows.


My brother has the Tempur-Pedic Rhapsody Pillow pillow which cost like $200 dollars
i tried my brother's tempurpedic and found it to be way too hard and unforgiving
Then again im also not a fan of Tempurpedic beds so maybe their foam and i just don't get along lol.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: regack on Wed, 05 March 2014, 15:01:36
So I use two pillows at night...

... those aren't pillows!


I also have a ninja turtle blanket  8)


Sorry, I'm not contributing anything useful, but this is the first thing I thought of when I started reading...
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: Puddsy on Wed, 05 March 2014, 17:33:36
I use a tempur pillow on top of a $5 target pillow.

It's awesome. It keeps my head elevated (which I like), and it's a nice min/max setup. Not too hard, not too soft.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: Lanx on Wed, 05 March 2014, 18:19:42
do you "double up" on pillows? if you do, then THIS is probably your issue.

you're either used to just doubling up or you're used to using them as a backrest when you read.

**** this bad habbit.

pillows are for RESTING while you sleep.

if you REALLY care about your neck and back, head on over to the mall and go into one of those showrooms that have those "sleep number" beds, they always have pillows for you to try. They have from down to tempur-pedic(foam). If you find putting your head on pillows that literally THOUSANDS of ppl have as well, bring your own pillow case, you won't look silly and probably would be the smartest man in the room.

also in the malls, the places like brookstone have these pillows as well, don't forget bed/bath/beyond.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: berserkfan on Wed, 05 March 2014, 22:54:19
So I use two pillows at night and they are both worn out, I've been having lots of aches and pains in my neck so I'm hoping its partially due to those.

Anyone have any good recommendations on decent pillows and/or what to look for? I'd rather not spend anymore than I have to  :thumb:

Keyboard pillows are not an option  :p

I'm sure most of us, me included, would be happy to send you our non-MX crap bag keycaps to stuff into a pillow...
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: kenmai9 on Wed, 05 March 2014, 22:55:07
Get a body pillow man.

I hug my body pillow every night.

Can't sleep without it.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 05 March 2014, 22:56:07
So I use two pillows at night and they are both worn out, I've been having lots of aches and pains in my neck so I'm hoping its partially due to those.

Anyone have any good recommendations on decent pillows and/or what to look for? I'd rather not spend anymore than I have to  :thumb:

Keyboard pillows are not an option  :p

I'm sure most of us, me included, would be happy to send you our non-MX crap bag keycaps to stuff into a pillow...

I thought someone else wanted to collect as many as he could to swim in them?
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: berserkfan on Wed, 05 March 2014, 22:58:59
Personally, I hate tall pillows, they kill my neck. Nothing is worse than hard foam pillows.

I buy small cheap pillows at Wal-Mart, bring them home, and put them on the floor under a large heavy box for at least 24 hours before using them. They last for a year or less before they get too lumpy to use, I run them in the clothes dryer about once a month.

See how weird I am? Don't take my advice or you will grow up to be a freak.

since you're such a handyman you should make your own pillow. If short of feathers you could stuff it with hair and dried moss  :p . At least that will not have industrial chemicals and allergens...

btw even a klutz like me has made my own pillow using beans
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: dante on Wed, 05 March 2014, 23:03:23
(http://global3.memecdn.com/moar-waifu-pillow_o_695363.jpg)
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 05 March 2014, 23:17:05
Show Image
(http://global3.memecdn.com/moar-waifu-pillow_o_695363.jpg)


You could stuff corn flakes into a cotton bag to make a pillow.

Without milk.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: Input Nirvana on Wed, 05 March 2014, 23:42:24
I'm pretty focused on having a quality bed/bedding and keyboards. What I've found, aside from plain old personal preference, is that many different things can feel fine sometimes, or for just a change, but that one or two things will overall feel better most of the time. It's not always an easy decision. I prefer natural substances where possible as opposed to plastics, chemical foams, etc.

I use a natural latex mattress. Everything is better starting with this. http://www.flobeds.com (http://www.flobeds.com)

Pillows, feather (non-feather bed toppers for super-cuddly softness), comforters, sheets, blah blah all add to the experience and are important.

I currently use a feathery feather bed on top for cuddliness. Nothing special, it doesn't change anything (support/comfort) much, it just makes the bed feel as though you're floating in a sea of boobs.

Pillows I've found that I like 3 things:
1- SHREDDED LATEX. You can open the pillow case and remove/add handfuls of the shredded latex for a custom "fill". All the benefits of a solid latex pillow, but a softer, very comforting, adjustable pillow. It's great, an exceptional pillow, but thought I would love it more than I do.
2- BUCKWHEAT. I have a buckwheat neck pillow that works for back sleeping sometimes. Conforms 100% then supports that shape. Stable.
3- SHAPED LATEX OR MEMORY FOAM. I have a couple of these…it's important it's just right for YOU. Never cared for these until I got some very specific size/shape items.

Body pillows can be good. I had a cheap, ****ty one….not so good. Tried a better one much later, but don't have one now…might send wrong message to gf.

Don't forget the perk of great sheets next to skin!
1- Smooth, high thread count cotton.
2- Winter it can be fun to use t-shirt material sheets or flannel sheets.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Thu, 06 March 2014, 08:28:41
I'm pretty focused on having a quality bed/bedding and keyboards. What I've found, aside from plain old personal preference, is that many different things can feel fine sometimes, or for just a change, but that one or two things will overall feel better most of the time. It's not always an easy decision. I prefer natural substances where possible as opposed to plastics, chemical foams, etc.

I use a natural latex mattress. Everything is better starting with this. http://www.flobeds.com (http://www.flobeds.com)

Pillows, feather (non-feather bed toppers for super-cuddly softness), comforters, sheets, blah blah all add to the experience and are important.

I currently use a feathery feather bed on top for cuddliness. Nothing special, it doesn't change anything (support/comfort) much, it just makes the bed feel as though you're floating in a sea of boobs.

Pillows I've found that I like 3 things:
1- SHREDDED LATEX. You can open the pillow case and remove/add handfuls of the shredded latex for a custom "fill". All the benefits of a solid latex pillow, but a softer, very comforting, adjustable pillow. It's great, an exceptional pillow, but thought I would love it more than I do.
2- BUCKWHEAT. I have a buckwheat neck pillow that works for back sleeping sometimes. Conforms 100% then supports that shape. Stable.
3- SHAPED LATEX OR MEMORY FOAM. I have a couple of these…it's important it's just right for YOU. Never cared for these until I got some very specific size/shape items.

Body pillows can be good. I had a cheap, ****ty one….not so good. Tried a better one much later, but don't have one now…might send wrong message to gf.

Don't forget the perk of great sheets next to skin!
1- Smooth, high thread count cotton.
2- Winter it can be fun to use t-shirt material sheets or flannel sheets.

Everything he said here.  I have the same philosophy.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: iri on Thu, 06 March 2014, 09:15:25
i just slap my pillow, then lay on it, then it conforms to my neck and head contour and keeps shape, then i sleep happily because i paid my taxes.

p.s. prdlm, awesome daily driver!
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 14 March 2014, 09:20:53
Just an update, I liked the buckwheat pillow, but it would appear my stiff neck isn't pillow related as I had hoped.

Went to the doctor and got put on blood pressure meds, muscle relaxers and a high dose ibuprofen.

I'm thinking I'm going to have to go the chiropractor, the tense neck is causing problems with my arm also.  :-\

Maybe I need some nerve pills or therapy?  :o :p

Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: iri on Fri, 14 March 2014, 09:38:01
Went to the doctor and got put on blood pressure meds, muscle relaxers and a high dose ibuprofen.
healthcare. 'murica.

go to the chiropractor. start doing exercises. sit straight and eat your vegetables.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: paicrai on Fri, 14 March 2014, 10:05:00
 Take your lumps.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: mashby on Fri, 14 March 2014, 13:41:09
Just an update, I liked the buckwheat pillow, but it would appear my stiff neck isn't pillow related as I had hoped.

Went to the doctor and got put on blood pressure meds, muscle relaxers and a high dose ibuprofen.

I'm thinking I'm going to have to go the chiropractor, the tense neck is causing problems with my arm also.  :-\

Maybe I need some nerve pills or therapy?  :o :p

If it's anything like what I've experienced in the past, it's probably related to sitting at a computer for too long.  ;D

I've found going to the Chiro to be a good solution to help relieve pain and then adjusting my posture as needed. A big help for me has been my standing desk. I used to go to the Chiro at least once a year, but now there's no need.

Hope that helps!
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 14 March 2014, 13:52:53
Just an update, I liked the buckwheat pillow, but it would appear my stiff neck isn't pillow related as I had hoped.

Went to the doctor and got put on blood pressure meds, muscle relaxers and a high dose ibuprofen.

I'm thinking I'm going to have to go the chiropractor, the tense neck is causing problems with my arm also.  :-\

Maybe I need some nerve pills or therapy?  :o :p

If it's anything like what I've experienced in the past, it's probably related to sitting at a computer for too long.  ;D

I've found going to the Chiro to be a good solution to help relieve pain and then adjusting my posture as needed. A big help for me has been my standing desk. I used to go to the Chiro at least once a year, but now there's no need.

Hope that helps!

Thanks mashby!

Very well could be I've been at a desk for the last 5 years on and off, probably the last two years 10 hours a day...
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: DamienG on Fri, 14 March 2014, 14:17:17
So here's what I do (and recommend) as it solved my neck problems.

Grab one firm pillow - foam or whatever - and one or two soft pillows (down or synthetic).

I normally sleep with the firm below the soft ones but I have found that during the night when I'm uncomfortable I half-unconsciously rearrange to suit whatever feels comfortable that night (and it changes). Having a variety lets you customize on the fly :)

I've also found myself switching pillows out while barely awake when one is too warm.

[)amien
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: iri on Fri, 14 March 2014, 14:19:45
Very well could be I've been at a desk for the last 5 years on and off, probably the last two years 10 hours a day...
i've been at a desk all my conscious life. last time i've been to chiropracticist's office, he told me my neck is as firm as a stick.
you'll be fine once you do exercises and have some physical neck treatment.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: Findecanor on Fri, 14 March 2014, 14:20:07
A pillow is something that I think that you should spend money on. Like a quality keyboard, you could use it for a third of every day for a decade.

I suggest a box pillow stuffed thick with real down. If you can find it, get one that has also has cooling ducts in it - that's the best. A pillow with synthetic filling is not only too yielding but it does not breathe, so it gets too warm.
On the other hand, it is hard to wash feather/down pillows .. or rather, it is hard to dry them. You need to tumble dry it for a long time together with only tennis balls.
Instead of washing that often, use a pillow bag and double pillow cases and exchange those regularly with clean bags/cases.

BTW, when I have had neck pain, it has been more about stress at work than anything else. I have a wheat kernel bag that I can heat in the microwave and wrap around my shoulders - really good at relieving neck pain.
Title: Re: Need new pillows, any recommendations?
Post by: iri on Fri, 14 March 2014, 14:25:41
I have a wheat kernel bag that I can heat in the microwave and wrap around my shoulders - really good at relieving neck pain.
sounds like a good tip.