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I'm interested in custom-made pillows, but they're more expensive than off-the-shelf pillows, so I want to know about the disadvantages in addition to the advantages.
This article introduces the pros and cons of custom-made pillows for those who want to avoid making a mistake when choosing one.
Differences between off-the-shelf and custom-made pillows
Off-the-shelf pillows are not made to fit your body, so the height and firmness may not be right, which can lead to difficulty falling asleep, neck and shoulder stiffness, and neck and lower back pain, among other problems.
On the other hand, custom-made pillows are made to fit your body by measuring your body and neck curve. In addition to conforming to the shape of the back of your head and neck, the height and shape of the pillow can be adjusted to allow for smooth tossing and turning, taking into account the shape of your temples and shoulders.
Benefits of custom-made pillows
Here are three benefits you can experience by using a custom-made pillow.
1: You can get a pillow that fits your body type
Since it is made by measuring your head, neck, shoulder width, etc., it fits your head and neck well, making it comfortable to sleep on. When you rest your head, you feel enveloped, and pressure is distributed, allowing for a comfortable sleep. Also, even when sleeping on your side, your neck remains straight, allowing you to maintain an ideal sleeping posture.
Custom-made pillows are often designed with the center section for back sleeping and both sides for side sleeping, ensuring comfortable sleep in either position. This promotes smooth tossing and turning, thereby improving sleep quality.
2: Can be used for a long time
Custom-made pillows are often characterized by their ability to be maintained, such as adjusting the height and filling material.
You can rest assured even if the pillow's height no longer fits, such as when "the pillow has flattened," "your body type has changed and the pillow no longer suits you," or "you've changed your mattress and the pillow no longer fits." Many manufacturers also offer maintenance warranties, so if you feel something is off after using it, they will readjust it for you.
The duration of free height adjustments varies by manufacturer, from several years to a lifetime. Some manufacturers also offer cleaning services (sterilization and deodorization using UV light), so it's best to check before purchasing.
3: You can customize materials and fabrics
The extent to which custom-made pillows can be customized varies by manufacturer, so if you have a specific material you want to use, check beforehand.
Pillow materials
Pillow materials come in a wide variety, including polyethylene, urethane, feathers, beads, and buckwheat hulls.
For example, 'polyethylene' is highly breathable, which helps to lower the temperature deep inside the head and promote sleep. Many types are also washable, making them hygienic.
<@>'Feathers' allow for your ideal softness depending on the ratio of feathers to down, but many types cannot be washed.'Microbeads' envelop your head with tiny beads, providing an excellent fit. However, some people may find it difficult to turn over because it becomes firm beyond a certain depth.
Choose a material that suits you based on your preference for comfort, rebound, firmness, ease of care, and so on.
Pillow fabric
The fabric determines the feel against your skin and its functionality, ranging from fluffy, smooth, and dry to cool.
For example, 'terry cloth (pile fabric)' has a soft, fluffy feel. Its excellent absorbency makes it ideal for dealing with night sweats. 'Cotton' is easy to care for as it can be machine washed and bleached. 'Silk' offers high moisture absorption and release, heat retention, and breathability, making it comfortable all year round, and can also offer beauty benefits.
Choose according to your body type and preferences, such as highly absorbent materials if you sweat a lot, materials with potential beauty benefits if you are concerned about skin problems, or hygienic materials if you have allergies.
Disadvantages of custom-made pillows
Here are two disadvantages of getting a custom-made pillow.
1: More expensive than off-the-shelf pillows
Depending on the manufacturer and product, the average price of a custom-made pillow is around 20,000 yen. Some expensive ones can cost 30,000 to 100,000 yen, which is often more expensive than general off-the-shelf pillows.
However, since they can be adjusted multiple times, they can be more cost-effective in the long run than repeatedly buying cheaper pillows. A higher price does not necessarily mean "the pillow that's right for you," so choosing the right store is important. Also, after-sales service varies greatly by store, so you need to check if it suits you.
The ideal pillow height changes depending on the hardness and sinking of the mattress or futon you use at home, so take a picture of the product you use at home or research it so you can tell the store clerk.
2: It may take time to receive it
Since they are made after measuring various parts of the body, you may not receive the pillow on the same day it is measured.
This is a disadvantage for those who want to use the pillow immediately.
At popular stores, it may be difficult to get an appointment for measurement or maintenance right away. Also, you may find it bothersome that you need to bring the actual item to the store for maintenance.
3: Sleeping comfort may vary depending on the mattress used for measurement
Measurements for custom-made pillows are usually taken at the store.
Therefore, the hardness and elasticity of the mattress will differ from the one you usually sleep on at home, so be aware that the sleeping comfort may be different when you actually use it at home compared to when it was measured.
If you want to improve your sleep quality, custom-made pillows are recommended!
To improve sleep quality, it is important to use a pillow that fits you well and is highly comfortable.
Let's focus on the quality of "sleep," which is said to occupy one-third of our lives!
Sleep is said to account for one-third of our lives, meaning we spend a long time doing it.
Using an ill-fitting pillow can lead to physical discomfort or difficulty recovering from fatigue, so use a pillow that fits you to improve your sleep quality.
