How to tell if your pillow is helping or hurting you
Living in a society that is constantly looking down at smartphones or computers definitely takes a toll on the body. To make sure you are not worsening your stiff neck, make sure you keep your neck parallel to the mattress, rather than having your neck bent down or up. Your pillow is an essential item that can either help your pain or be the cause of it. Here are the factors that can help you find a good quality pillow.
Pillow fill
The most commonly used pillow fills are down feathers, synthetic/polyester fibres and foam. Memory foam and latex pillows have become popular for those looking for additional neck support.
Dr Bang believes that feather pillows cause the most next pain as they don’t provide much stability. “They feel super comfy when you first settle in. But the feathers move when you do, so you wind up with no support, causing you pain,” said Dr Bang. Down pillows provide more support and retain their shape.
Sleeping position
How you position your body and head when you sleep can determine what kind of pillow you need. If you sleep on your neck, get a fluffier pillow that can lift your head and chin to help breathing and snoring. If you sleep on your side, consider a firmer pillow to support the distance between your ear and outside shoulder. If you sleep on your stomach, look for a thin pillow to minimize your neck stretching.
Fluff factor
A fluffy pillow is a great investment because it means that fresh air is able to travel through it. It provides a greater level of cushioning and lasts longer. If you get a pillow that is deflated, it shows that the pillow can no longer trap air and is not ideal to provide support. It is important to do the fluffiness test by folding a pillow in half to see if it unfolds on its own. If it doesn’t, you might have to look around for a new pillow.
Thread count
The higher the thread count in a pillow, the more plush it will feel. Higher thread counts come with a hefty price tag so for a standard size pillow a 300-thread count is not too expensive but provides optimum comfort to your neck and head.
What do you look for when you are buying a pillow? Let us know in the comments below.
To find your home essentials, including pillows, head to the Over60 Shop for high-quality offerings.