Picking out a new pillow is a tough job. We've all had that moment in the department store - poking a plastic-wrapped pillow as if we made up our own specially patented squeeze test.
Not all pillows work for everyone. We're trained to think that softer is better, but there are so many other factors in pillows and our own sleeping habits that influence a good night's rest.
A pillow's most important job is to support your head and maintain your body's natural spinal alignment. Experts recommend pillows should fill a space of four to six inches between the head and mattress to ease pressure points.
Your sleeping position is the most important factor when choosing the design, support and material of your new pillows.
If you're a back sleeper, you can use most down, memory foam or artificial stuffing pillows, provided that they are of medium firmness. It's important for back sleepers to lay the pillow between the head and the bottom of the shoulders to support the neck. If you're trying to reduce back pain, many back sleepers place a pillow under their knees to alleviate lower back stress.
Side sleepers need pillows with medium to firm support to cradle the head and neck without displacing the shoulders. Posturepedic pillows decrease the fiber concentration in the center of the pillow to offer broad support and even weight distribution for most side sleeping positions.
Stomach sleepers should avoid resting their head in an unnecessary upward angle. Soft, flat pillows maintain spinal alignment without adding unnecessary stress on the shoulders. Stomach sleepers should try memory foam pillows because they mold to the shape of the head and neck.
Always use a pillow cover. A clean, covered pillow can last anywhere between three to five years. It's possible to wash a pillow, but many opt to replace them when they are dirty or misshapen.
Forget the squeeze test the next time you go pillow shopping. Once you realize your natural sleeping habits, find a pillow that embraces those qualities. A good pillow doesn't just make your bed more comfortable, it improves your health. - 29955
Not all pillows work for everyone. We're trained to think that softer is better, but there are so many other factors in pillows and our own sleeping habits that influence a good night's rest.
A pillow's most important job is to support your head and maintain your body's natural spinal alignment. Experts recommend pillows should fill a space of four to six inches between the head and mattress to ease pressure points.
Your sleeping position is the most important factor when choosing the design, support and material of your new pillows.
If you're a back sleeper, you can use most down, memory foam or artificial stuffing pillows, provided that they are of medium firmness. It's important for back sleepers to lay the pillow between the head and the bottom of the shoulders to support the neck. If you're trying to reduce back pain, many back sleepers place a pillow under their knees to alleviate lower back stress.
Side sleepers need pillows with medium to firm support to cradle the head and neck without displacing the shoulders. Posturepedic pillows decrease the fiber concentration in the center of the pillow to offer broad support and even weight distribution for most side sleeping positions.
Stomach sleepers should avoid resting their head in an unnecessary upward angle. Soft, flat pillows maintain spinal alignment without adding unnecessary stress on the shoulders. Stomach sleepers should try memory foam pillows because they mold to the shape of the head and neck.
Always use a pillow cover. A clean, covered pillow can last anywhere between three to five years. It's possible to wash a pillow, but many opt to replace them when they are dirty or misshapen.
Forget the squeeze test the next time you go pillow shopping. Once you realize your natural sleeping habits, find a pillow that embraces those qualities. A good pillow doesn't just make your bed more comfortable, it improves your health. - 29955
About the Author:
Pluto Graham is a sleeping guru. He knows enough about pillows, blankets and sheets to put you right to sleep.
