Have you ever woke up and had a stiff neck or back, tossed
and turned all night, or kept a spouse up all night from snoring? Most would
associate this with the mattress they have, but in many cases it is the
combination of the pillow and mattress. Today, let’s focus on the pillow side
and determine what factors play into a good night’s sleep!
What is the purpose of the pillow? The first reason is simply
comfort. The more comfortable you are in bed the easier falling asleep becomes.
The second reason is commonly overlooked by most and that is having correct
sleeping posture and correct alignment.
Proper support creates alignment for your neck and back with the spine; therefore,
helping to prevent the stiffness in the upper body that we mentioned in the
beginning.
How long should I have a pillow? If you have an older
pillow, it might be time to get a new one.
Pillows that have been used for over 18 months or so should be replaced.
The materials in pillows can trap illness, bad bacteria, oils, mold, dead skin
cells, and even dust mites. Having these little things can make a huge
difference and can trigger allergies and cause you to get sick or prevent you
from getting better when you are sick. It can also cause acne breakouts. We
suggest using a pillow protector to prolong the life of your pillows. Make sure
to wash them at least once a month if not more. You can also do a pillow test
to see if it is time to get a new one. Fold your pillow in half and let go. If
you pillow springs back, it’s still pretty good to use. But, if your pillow
doesn’t spring back fast, it’s a sign to replace it.
When looking for the right comfort we have to look at your
sleeping position to create the proper alignment. Here is a look at the different sleeping
positions:
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers will conform better to a thicker or firm pillow
that fills in the neck and mattress. This helps keep the neck and head aligned to
the spine. Having a pillow that is firm also helps create the correct spacing
between your ears and shoulders.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers need a medium thickness pillow that gives just
enough support. The height is neither over nor under sized keeping the head
from tilting too high or too low.
Stomach Sleepers
Lastly is a stomach sleeper, which needs a softer flat pillow
that lifts the head just off the surface to align the neck and spine.
Two or all of the above
There are a handful of people that tend to be both a side
sleeper and a back sleeper or even all three. For this case, you will probably
want a medium thickness pillow or you could even have a couple of different pillows
for the sleep occasion.
Now that we have these basic fundamentals and understanding of the benefits of having the right pillow, go out and test some. Stop by one of our stores to find the right pillow for your needs; you might
be surprised to get amazing better sleep!
