# Pillow consumers are very picky. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 23, 2017, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pillow-consumers-are-very-picky/805101 "2017-12-23T01:58:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2017, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pillow-consumers-are-very-picky/805101/21 "2017-12-25T13:01:32Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > Most hotels buy pillows for back-sleepers; I’m a side-sleeper. I’ve been in hotels which had a “pillows menu”: all for back-sleepers. > > The concept of “pillow” is a lot more complicated than many people think. I’m a side sleeper… what’s this about special pillows, then? ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2017, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pillow-consumers-are-very-picky/805101/22 "2017-12-25T18:11:28Z")
Side sleepers prefer higher pillows than back sleepers: lie on your back, what’s the distance from your head to the surface underneath? Now lie on your side, what’s the distance? Unless you’re the kind of person who uses an arm as an additional pillow, a pillow intended to be used by someone who’s flat on his back will give a crick to a side sleeper. ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2017, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pillow-consumers-are-very-picky/805101/23 "2017-12-25T23:14:39Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > Side sleepers prefer higher pillows than back sleepers: lie on your back, what’s the distance from your head to the surface underneath? Now lie on your side, what’s the distance? Unless you’re the kind of person who uses an arm as an additional pillow, a pillow intended to be used by someone who’s flat on his back will give a crick to a side sleeper. I’ve since scoured Amazon, and I’d no idea these existed. I always fold my pillows in half, and that decreases their lifespan significantly due to the high compression. I think I’ll look for a side-sleeper pillow. Thanks for the tip! ---
**Author:** ![Dahu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dahu/32/3416_2.png) [@Dahu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dahu)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2017, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pillow-consumers-are-very-picky/805101/24 "2017-12-25T23:42:14Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > I recently reviewed a mattress pad like that. > > They advertised that it was cool to the touch. It was. As in I shivered all night. I threw it away after 3 days of trying to make it work. Some obese person would probably love that feature. > > I said as much in my review: “It \*is \*cool. If you want seriously cool this is for you. If you don’t want seriously cool, this thing sux. I’m skinny. For me it sux.” This sounds like just the sort of thing I’m after! Can I ask what product this is? ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2017, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pillow-consumers-are-very-picky/805101/25 "2017-12-25T23:52:35Z")
> [@Balthisar](#): > > I’ve since scoured Amazon, and I’d no idea these existed. I always fold my pillows in half, and that decreases their lifespan significantly due to the high compression. I think I’ll look for a side-sleeper pillow. Thanks for the tip! Also, if you are a side sleeper, a pillow between the legs will align your spine for a more comfortable sleep. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2017, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pillow-consumers-are-very-picky/805101/26 "2017-12-26T13:39:13Z")
> [@Dahu](#): > > This sounds like just the sort of thing I’m after! Can I ask what product this is? The brand name is “Arctic Sleep”. This is the exact product & retailer I got mine from: [https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-2069453/tempure-rest-cooling-gel-memory-foam-deep-pocket-mattress-pad.jsp?skuId=98889046](https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-2069453/tempure-rest-cooling-gel-memory-foam-deep-pocket-mattress-pad.jsp?skuId=98889046). Unfortunately, their website says they don’t ship outside the USA. If you search Amazon for “Arctic Sleep” you’ll find a variety of their similar products. I did not see the exact same item, but this should be enough to get you started with their brand or something similar. Good luck. I can say that even though the product wasn’t what I wanted, it seemed well-made. Unlike a lot of Chinese textiles. ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2017, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pillow-consumers-are-very-picky/805101/27 "2017-12-26T18:22:44Z")
> [@Balthisar](#): > > _Everything_ is three stars, unless it absolutely delights me above and beyond my expectations. That’s what three stars _is_: it does the job and meets expectations. > > Yeah, I’m that guy that customer service surveys hate. Sometimes I’ll bend my rule if I know that an “average” answer might somehow hurt someone, but my basic expectations are average, and if you only meet my basic expectations, that’s basic reviews. I’d encourage you to change your ratings philosophy for customer service surveys. In every one I’ve seen/done/given, the choice might _seem_ like a scale, but it’s not. It’s binary. Rate from 1-5? 5 is pass, 1-4 are fail and the rep will get dinged. 1-10? 10 is the only passing score. Maaaaaaaaaybe if the rep is really lucky, a couple of 9s won’t tank them. ---
**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2017, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pillow-consumers-are-very-picky/805101/28 "2017-12-26T18:37:48Z")
> [@zweisamkeit](#): > > I’d encourage you to change your ratings philosophy for customer service surveys. In every one I’ve seen/done/given, the choice might _seem_ like a scale, but it’s not. It’s binary. > > Rate from 1-5? 5 is pass, 1-4 are fail and the rep will get dinged. 1-10? 10 is the only passing score. Maaaaaaaaaybe if the rep is really lucky, a couple of 9s won’t tank them. This is why I don’t do customer service surveys. No, Pete, I won’t take the online survey at the URL on my receipt for a chance to win a $500 gift card, but thank you for pointing out that you’d really appreciate a ‘5’. You weren’t a 5, and I doubt you want me to take the survey and fill it out honestly. The place I bought my last car from hounded me forever to fill one out on my salesperson. Honestly, she was pretty bad; if I hadn’t already made up my mind what I wanted, I might have left. As it was, I walked in, pointed at a car, and said lemme drive that one. She couldn’t deal for shit, so I ended up negotiating with the finance manager. I have a feeling they were getting ready to can her, but it’s not my responsibility to help. ---
**Author:** ![Wallet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e99b99/32.png) [@Wallet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wallet)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2017, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pillow-consumers-are-very-picky/805101/29 "2017-12-27T01:14:09Z")
A quick shout out for [Fakespot.com](http://Fakespot.com) You put in the URL of an Amazon product, and the site rates the quality of the reviews (perhaps they’re from bots, or people who only leave 5 star reviews for a particular seller/company, etc.) Really a great help when there are suspiciously too many 5 stars, or even too many 1 stars (sometimes competitors try to downvote other sellers or products). Really an eye opener when you discover how many fake reviews are out there! ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2017, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pillow-consumers-are-very-picky/805101/30 "2017-12-27T01:33:07Z")
Best pillow - My Pillow ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2017, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pillow-consumers-are-very-picky/805101/31 "2017-12-27T02:57:49Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > . . . and electric pressure cookers will change your life forever. > > . . . This part is true! 😃 > [@Balthisar](#): > > I’m a side sleeper… what’s this about special pillows, then? Get the memory foam ones with the “Air channel”. Not the “Cooling” air channels, the “Breathing” air channels. [Like this.](http://www.sleepright.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/pillowcallouts.jpg) I have two of these “SleepRight” models, and I love them. They are about 15 years old now, and still bounce back. ---
**Author:** ![Buttercup\_Smith](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buttercup_smith/32/473_2.png) [@Buttercup\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buttercup_Smith)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2017, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pillow-consumers-are-very-picky/805101/32 "2017-12-28T00:06:07Z")
I just got a new pillow for Christmas even though I had to buy it for myself. From experience I know I like a low loft pillow and for me a pure latex pillow fits the bill. Not a memory foam or shredded foam but a single piece of foam rubber. They are not cheap but one gets what one pays for… ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2017, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pillow-consumers-are-very-picky/805101/33 "2017-12-28T02:41:10Z")
> [@zweisamkeit](#): > > I’d encourage you to change your ratings philosophy for customer service surveys. In every one I’ve seen/done/given, the choice might _seem_ like a scale, but it’s not. It’s binary. > … > Rate from 1-5? 5 is pass, 1-4 are fail and the rep will get dinged. 1-10? 10 is the only passing score. Maaaaaaaaaybe if the rep is really lucky, a couple of 9s won’t tank them. I _did_ say, “Sometimes I’ll bend my rule if I know that an ‘average’ answer might somehow hurt someone, but my basic expectations are average, and if you only meet my basic expectations, that’s basic reviews.” ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2017, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pillow-consumers-are-very-picky/805101/34 "2017-12-28T13:39:33Z")
> [@Mr.Nylock](#): > > It’s almost like writing a Yelp review for a vending machine, I almost though of doing that once: > > “The vending machine at the Sunoco on 49th and Tasker is a decent option if you are in the area. I found the prices to be in line with other machines in the city but the selection is a little bit more minimal than what I’m used to. There is plenty of parking in the vicinity, and this vending machine is easily accessable via public transportation, which I find very convenient. Overall I would recommend this vending machine if you are in the area and want a soda, although I do prefer Pepsi products. 4 out of 5 stars.” > > I’m pretty sure Yelp would scrub it right away though if my past experience with them is any indication of current business practices. They might be developing a sense of humor. There are a number of reviews for places in [Black Rock City](https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=&find_loc=Black+Rock+City%2C+NV&ns=1), the site for Burning Man which exists for only a week. Even if they are back next year, it will certainly be in a different location. Naturally, some of them are more fantasy than helpful, like Sean G.'s two-star rating for the [Tokyo Bar](https://www.yelp.com/biz/ranger-outpost-tokyo-bar-black-rock-city): > [@Sean G.](#): > > I came here expecting drinks and some nice company. > Turns out I was the only one there. > There was a drink left out for people to self serve, but it was pretty bad and there was no ice anywhere to be found. I waited around hoping the scene would pick up, but eventually the heat and general boringness made me leave. > > Plus, all the people screaming “DUDE YOU’VE BEEN IN THAT PORTO FOUR HOURS, DO YOU NEED HELP?” at me constantly kinda ruined the atmosphere. ---
**Author:** ![butler1850](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@butler1850](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/butler1850)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2017, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pillow-consumers-are-very-picky/805101/35 "2017-12-28T19:08:38Z")
> [@zweisamkeit](#): > > Rate from 1-5? 5 is pass, 1-4 are fail and the rep will get dinged. 1-10? 10 is the only passing score. Maaaaaaaaaybe if the rep is really lucky, a couple of 9s won’t tank them. Not my problem. In my book, the highest rating is unlikely to ever be reached… as is the lowest. All interactions could have been better or worse, and I’ll reflect the experience appropriately. If 5 or 10 is the only possible acceptable answer, then support interactions need to be a WHOLE lot better. If I have to argue with the tech even once about how my environment works, they don’t get the highest rating, regardless of what else happens. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pillow-consumers-are-very-picky/805101.md?page=1)