Pillow Talk: Choosing the Right Pillow for You

One of the key factor’s to a good nights sleep is the comfort of your pillow.  Does it suit your sleeping posture? Do you wake up feeling achy and un-rested due to the inability to get comfortable? Have these questions ever crossed your mind when you have made this purchase? I’m guilty that they have never crossed this momma’s mind, until now.

The majority of our slumber is nestled into this piece of bedding so choosing the right pillow can make a world of difference.

Consider your SLEEP POSITION
Maintaining proper alignment of the head, neck and shoulders while you sleep can help reduce undo strain and added discomfort to conditions such as headaches and a sore neck.  Consider your sleep position when selecting your pillow.
If you sleep on your Back:  A thinner pillow that doesn’t push your head too far forward is best.
If you sleep on your Stomach: A thinner pillow also is best in order not to push your head to far back and out of ideal ‘neutral’ alignment.
If you sleep on your Side: Choose a pillow that is thick enough to keep your head, neck and shoulders in proper alignment.
*Note: the firmness of the pillow depends on your preferred level of plushness

Consider your MATTRESS FIRMNESS
The ideal scenario, if the opportunity presents itself, is to test out the pillow on a mattress that feels closest to your mattress at home.  If your mattress is soft and cushy, your shoulders will tend to sink into the bed.  A thicker pillow to ensure proper head, neck and shoulder alignment is suggested. If your mattress is firm, then choose the pillow based on your sleep position.

Consider THE FILLING
There is certainly no shortage of the types of fillings for pillows on the market. There’s polyester, down/ feather, latex, cotton, wool, foam, buckwheat, hemp, millet and on and on.  Choose the filling type based on your  personal and physical needs. If you don’t want to use artificial fibers or have allergies to certain fillings, no worries there are multiple options for you.

Bedroom allergies are triggered by dust mites. Dust mites feed off of your dead skin (which is shed onto your bed and pillow every night), and we are not allergic to the dust mites themselves but by their feces.  The best preventative measure to deter dust mites is by regularly washing mattress and pillow covers.  (from MyEssentia.com)

Do you need an ERGONOMIC PILLOW
Who wouldn’t want to relive pain or discomfort placed upon your body when sleeping or sitting? I sure would. The following questions may  help you determine if an Ergonomic pillow is your best bet.

• Do you need the extra support in certain areas while you sleep to support your spine and/or cervical spine?
• Are you pregnant and want the whole body and belly support?
• Do you need a pillow for travel that maintains your neck in proper alignment while you nap on the plane, train or automobile ?
• Do you need to decrease tension in certain parts of your body while sleeping or sitting? For example, if your tailbone is sore or you need to reduce the amount of pressure placed on your spine, consider a donut or horseshoe pillow?

 Know when it’s TIME TO REPLACE
A simple test to know when it’s time to replace your pillow goes as follows…

Fold your pillow and place a light weight on top of it. If the pillow unfolds back to a flat position then it’s still supportive. If the pillow remains folded, time to go shopping.

But before you go shopping don’t forget to keep these reminders in mind.