CHOOSING THE RIGHT PILLOW FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
Friday, November 11th, 2011Most of us have a favourite pillow that we’ve been using for years and years…but the experts tell us that we should actually get a new one every few years. Now that’s easier said than done, because gone are the days of being faced with a simple choice between feather or synthetic. These days, bedding suppliers are offering a myriad different sizes, materials, properties etc which makes choosing a pillow quite a tricky process!.
So how do you make the right pillow choice?
A good place to start is to work out what your dominant sleeping position is. If you’re a tummy sleeper, then a soft and low pillow is best, while a medium feel is good for an average sized person who sleeps mainly on their back. If you’re a side sleeper, or have a larger build – then a high, firmer pillow is for you
Pillows also come in many different materials, such as wool, cotton, feathers, latex and Dacron, and each of those will ‘behave’ in a certain way. Wool pillows are durable and healthy and good for allergy sufferers, as are latex ones which are also the firmest type of pillow which hold their shape very well. Cotton ones are also hypoallergenic but are much softer – as are down or feather ones, but be careful to check the quality of these as cheaper ones may have sharp ends on the feathers which can prick into the skin. A dacron pillow won’t cost very much, but it also won’t allow you too much sleep as it is the least comfortable, providing little ventilation and airflow and tending to bunch unevenly.
If you have difficulty sleeping or suffer from neck or back pain, then ask your manchester supplier for a special therapeutic pillow. These also come in different sizes, materials etc and are designed to meet specific chiropractic or orthopaedic needs.
Sleep is essential to a healthy mind and body – and given that humans spend around a third of their day asleep, it’s vital to be comfortable. There aren’t any rules however, and it’s just a matter of what makes you comfortable and feel good, so make sure you shop around for the right pillow and bed linen.
