Basically, people consider a good mattress for a sound comfortable sleep. That’s prudent, but have you ever thought about investing in a good pillow? A good pillow is also a factor to good sleep. Ever woke up feeling tired, stretched neck, headache, and numb hands? If so, it is a red flag signaling that you need to replace your pillow.
A worn out pillow is the reason we wake up tired than we slept. Turning all night trying to find the perfect spot to lay our head on. If your pillow is more than a year old, then you need to consider buying another one sooner.
Why your pillow matters
A night of sound sleep is essential to your health. This is the time when your muscles relax and the body rejuvenates from a tedious day. With a comfortable pillow, your head gets ample support which facilitates a sound, relaxing sleep. You wake up relaxed, no headaches and stiffness. Sounds enticing? Let’s look at types of pillows available.
Types of pillows
It is a golden rule to replace your pillow after 18 months based on the material used.
1. Memory foam pillows
They last for up to three years. They have become popular over the years. This is due to their response to your weight and softens themselves where your head rests along your neck and shoulders, they evenly soften themselves.
They are a no go-to pillow for all as they trigger allergies. They respond to the body heat and pressure and tend to retain your body heat. This will result in sweating and cause discomfort. Allergies can be triggered due to the release of gases.
2. Latex pillows
They are firm and last longer. They do not respond to your sleeping position as they hold their shape throughout the night. Recently contoured latex pillows have been developed to reduce movement of the head as you sleep.
Basically, they can last for up to 10 years although you should wipe them once in a while at least twice per year.
3. Cotton pillows
They are entirely natural and free from synthetic materials. They are a good fit for allergic people and those sensitive to chemicals. Additionally, they remain cool against your skin since the fiber breaths seamlessly compared to synthetic.
They are mold resistant and resistant to dust mites. Cleaning this type of pillow is not a daunting task, all you are required to do is wash it either by hand or a washing machine.
4. Wool pillows
They are firm, resistant to dust mites and molds. They can last for long. They wick away moisture from your neck and head. This can be helpful in regulating temperatures during sleep.
Other than the make of the pillow, the body size, shape, and your preferred sleeping posture do play a crucial role in choosing the right pillow. You want a pillow that will comfortably support the weight of your head and align your neck with your spine.
Let’s discuss the sleeping positions and how they affect the choice of a pillow.
Stomach and back sleepers: You should consider a thin pillow or a medium-thickness pillow, preferably a memory foam pillow. Sleeping on your stomach will cause stress on your lower back. It is for this reason that you need a pillow that will keep your head and neck close enough to the mattress.
Sleeping on your back is considered fit for the spine. You can place a pillow under your knees to provide support to the lower back.
Side sleepers: You should go for a medium or high thickness, firmer pillow. This aids in keeping your neck aligned with the rest of the spine. You should also consider sleeping with a pillow in between your knees, to align your pelvis and upper hip with the lower back.
Verdict
A pillow is such an important element of good sleep. Having the right pillow will guarantee you a restful night and hence a healthier body. You should replace it at least once a year. Pillows can be a breeding ground for dust mites, cleaning them every two or three months will keep them free of dust mites.