We often don’t put much thought into purchasing pillows. However, wrong pillows could cost you your sleep, or worse, cause neck and backaches. If you often find yourself folding up your pillow to feel comfortable, it is time to get a new one. Even if your pillow doesn’t look or feel out of shape, it may not be the ideal choice for you to sleep.
Signs You are Using the Wrong Pillow
If you encounter any of the following symptoms, it could be an indication that you are sleeping on the wrong pillow:
Stiffness can happen due to the restricted movement of muscles that are stretched abnormally for long periods and then tightened when released. When your pillow doesn’t support your head and neck properly, you are likely to experience stiffness in your back and neck.
Lower back pain is often an indicator of an unsupportive pillow. The pain arises when the lower spine is not in alignment with the middle and upper spine. Misalignment triggers the lower back to compensate with an unnatural curve, hampering the support needed to relieve pressure points.
Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder where a person faces frequent interruptions with their breathing while asleep. This disorder can be treated by allowing the airway to open properly so one can breathe with ease at night. Several instruments can help resolve the problem, the most common being mouth appliances, CPAP machines, and specially designed pillows.
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Headaches:
While headaches can be common, in certain cases, they can be linked to neck pain. The base of the neck comprises a muscle group known as sub occipital muscles, which are directly connected to nerves adjoining the skull, including the eyes and front of the head. When these muscles are strained due to poor alignment and posture while sleeping, they can trigger headaches.
Each person needs a different pillow based on their lifestyle, sleeping position, and other health conditions. The right pillow can help you maintain the right body position, ease pain, and avoid injuries.
Just like a mattress, comfort and support are key for a good pillow. Here is how we suggest you can pick out the best pillow for your needs.
A Guide to Picking the Right Pillow
When it comes to selecting the right pillow, there is no one shape, size, or material that fits all. The ideal way to pick a pillow that’s right for you is to ascertain your individual conditions and use the following six parameters as a guide:
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Fill/fibre: Some of the commonly used fill materials are synthetic down and polyester fill, wool, cotton, latex, and memory foam. Each fill material has its own benefits and shortcomings. You can research and choose the one that fits your needs the best
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Quality of fill:
Irrespective of the pillow, fill quality has a major role in ensuring comfortable sleep. Once you have settled on a pillow fill that is appropriate for you, choose the one with the highest quality that your budget allows -
Fill weight:
Synthetic pillows are lightweight options, while latex and memory foam are denser. Your pillow weight is largely based on your personal preference. If you wish to move and re-shape your pillow as you rest, a lighter pillow would be an ideal choice -
Composition:
Synthetic materials are manufactured using chemical processes, and several pillows are made to go through antimicrobial treatments. Consider your chemical sensitivities and allergies when choosing a pillow -
Fabric:
Use breathable and natural fabric to cover your pillow. Pillow covers help extend the life of the pillow, and shield it against sweat and stains. Decorative pillows have aesthetic value but must be kept aside before sleeping -
Height:
The height of your pillow must enable you to sleep with your neck, shoulders, and head aligned with your spine while offering you comfort. Pillows are also built in speciality shapes to offer extra stability and support to your neck and head. Contour and cervical pillows could help with back and neck pain, and contoured body pillows can offer support, relief, and stability for pressure points along the body.
Pillow Shopping Tips
Here are some tips to keep in mind when you shop for the right pillow either in-store or while browsing online:
- Purchase a high-quality pillow that provides adequate support and is durable
- Try size adjustable pillows if you are uncertain about the correct height or if your sleeping positions changes
- Replace your pillow on a regular basis, or when it loses its structure and doesn’t offer support
- Try a memory foam pillow that is a perfect fit for your body, ensuring proper spine alignment, while also relieving pressure points
- Select a pillow based on your body size. If you have a large frame, you may need a firmer and larger pillow
- Consider a hypo-allergenic pillow if you have allergies, sensitivities, or asthma
- Check for a pillow with the right neck and head support
Innovative design, advanced manufacturing processes, and high-quality materials make good pillows expensive. When you wake up relaxed and refreshed, you will be glad you invested in the right pillow.
At Duroflex, you will find a wide range of pillows that are scientifically made to provide optimum neck support with exceptional pressure relief. For instance, our Orthopedic pillows are recommended for persons experiencing neck pain.
Our Energise pillows are engineered to bring ample support in combination with superior comfort. Built with microfibre filling, Energise pillow comes with a breathable and soft outer layer and a soft antimicrobial cover that offers complete relaxation with proper support and protection from dust mites and bacteria.