How comfortable is your pillow from 1 to 10?

How comfortable is your pillow from 1 to 10?  If you sleep on an old, worn-out pillow that you fold and turn over every night to feel comfortable, this is a definite signal that it is finally time to change it.

The pillow should be changed every 18 months and with this short guide you will find out if this is really the case for you too:

Remove the cover and inspect it carefully - if there are stains, tears or other contaminants, it is certainly not hygienic and convenient to further use this pillow.

Pay attention to the stuffing - is it evenly distributed or are there areas without stuffing or visible lumps or balls?

Fold your pillow in half.  If you can't or the pillow regains its shape shortly after, then it is still good for use.  But if your pillow remains folded, it is certainly time to change it as it is  no longer suitable for use. 

If you sleep on an old and worn-out pillow that you fold and turn over every night to feel comfortable, this is a signal that it's time to change it.  Even if your pillow is not that old and worn-out, it may still not be the best choice for your comfort at night.  Here are the most important things to consider when choosing the right pillow for sound sleep and proper relaxation.

Why does the pillow matter?

Good sleep posture is key to sound sleep and waking up without pain and stiffness in the neck and spine area.  Your pillow helps you maintain proper body posture while sleeping.

If your neck and shoulders do not receive enough support or are supported at an angle that leads to twisting or improver curvature, this will strain the whole body, causing discomfort in the neck, shoulders and back. It might also cause insomnia.

The best pillow for you is the one that is comfortable in the first place - neither too low nor too high. It helps you relax your head, neck and shoulders so that they can rest without being distorted or twisted.

Thing you need to know about the different materials from which a pillow is made:

When it comes to choosing a pillow, one of the most important things to keep in mind is the stuffing.  Here you can find the most common materials used to make pillows and how each of them contributes to a peaceful, deep sleep.

Pillow with fluff/down stuffing:

These pillows are light and soft, and especially suitable for those of you that prefer to relax on something soft at night.  Down pillows are usually made of goose or duck fibers.  Goose down tends to be slightly softer than duck down. However, It is also more expensive.  If you decide in favor of a down pillow, it is important to distinguish those with pure down from those that contain down, feathers and other stuffing.

Pillow with synthetic down and polyester filling

Synthetic down and polyester pillows are a relatively inexpensive choice.  They are slightly harder than those with natural down, but are softer than other types.  They will crumble over time and usually need to be replaced more often than other types of pillows.

Pillows with wool down

These pillows are naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and mites.  Wool pillows absorb the moisture released from your head and neck during sleep and regulate your temperature, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer.  Wool pillows are quite hard, but they have a long life.  If you want the benefits of wool without all the hardness it comes with, look for alpaca wool as it is naturally softer.

Pillows with cotton

Like wool in many ways, cotton pillows are also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mites and mold.  They are a smart choice for people with allergies and sensitivity to chemicals.

Latex

Latex pillows are harder than down, but still very comfortable.  Latex is also resistant to mold and mites.  Often, pillows designed to provide extra support for the head and neck or to restrict movement during sleep are made of latex.

Memory foam

When it comes to pillows, you've at least once heard of those made from memory foam.  These pillows have become extremely popular in recent years as they are heavily advertised.  Memory foam softens and outlines the lines of your head, neck and shoulders.  These qualities make it a popular choice for people with headaches and neck pain and stiffness that cause discomfort during sleep.

Does the position in which you sleep matter for the choice of pillow

The answer is YES.  Here are some general guidelines why:

If you sleep on one side, you will need a firmer and thicker pillow. It should be as thick as the distance between your ear and the end of your shoulder - less than a span.

If you sleep on your stomach, choose a soft and low pillow that does not raise your head too much so as too high pillow can strain your neck and result is stiffness the morning after.  If you prefer sleeping on your stomach you can put a pillow under the abdomen, which will help prevent back pain.

If you sleep on your back, you would be better off going for a flatter pillow to keep your head and neck straight.

Does your mattress matter when choosing a pillow?

Another YES.

If you use a hard mattress, then a softer pillow may be the better option because it will rest on a hard surface and therefore will need to adapt to the pressure of the weight of your head.  If you sleep on a softer mattress, then a firmer pillow may be better to keep your head and neck straight.

Don't neglect your pillow!  It is such an important and crucial element for deep sleep, restful nights and bright mornings.  Choose your new pillow from our diverse collection of pillows, where you will certainly find something for every taste and preference.