When it comes to buying new pillows, we all tend to have our favourite. Some of us like them as firm as a stone, others love a stack of cloud-like soft pillows to bury your head in after a long day at work.
However, what many of us are unaware of is just how much a pillow can affect our health. So, whether you’re unsure of the best pillow for your bad back, or just can’t quite find the most comfortable pillow to sleep with, here’s a quick guide to choosing the right pillow.
Materials & Fillings
Another thing to consider is the materials which line pillows and the variety of pillow fillings available.
There are more varieties of filings and materials than ever before. From synthetics to natural feather fillings, from silks to cotton, whatever you find the most comfortable, it is available.
Another advancement in pillows are the anti-allergy filings and linings which are great for those who suffer from allergies or have breathing difficulties like asthma, which can be influenced by bed bugs and other nasty things which settle in our bedding.”
For a better grasp on the wide variety of pillows available on the market, take a look at SleepyPeople.com.
Sleeping Position
One of the determining factors about which pillow you should be sleeping with is your regular sleeping position.
The three common sleeping positions tend to be; on your back, on your front and on your side. Depending on which you tend to prefer essentially decides the height and firmness of the pillow you need. So if you:
- Sleep on your back, you should choose pillows of an average-to-thin thickness so that your head is not to far forward or unnaturally propped up.
- Sleep on your side, grab a firmer pillow to fill the gap between your ear and your shoulder.
- Sleep on your front, opt for the thinnest of pillows. Choosing anything bigger can do your neck some real damage.
Back & Neck Pain
Sleepers who most commonly develop back and/or neck pain are those of use who sleep on our stomachs.
Spine specialist Santhosh Thomas DO, associate medical director of the Richard E. Jacobs Medical Centre in Avon, Ohio explained that “typically, sleeping on your stomach can flatten the natural curve of your spine, putting some additional strain on your back muscles.”
Whether you are a stomach sleeper or not, site Everyday Health has offered up some handy advice to ease your back or neck pain no matter your sleep position:
- If you’re a side sleeper: bring your legs slight toward your chest. Then take a large pillow (preferably human length) and put it between your knees.
- If you’re a back sleeper: take a pillow and put it under your knees. This will help your spine to achieve its more natural curve.
- If you’re a Stomach Sleeper: Put a pillow under your lower abdomen to ease the strain on your back.
No matter your regular sleeping position, allergies or health issues, hopefully, you can now confidently find the right pillow to help you get a great night’s sleep.
