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 Do You Know Which Pillow is the Right Pillow for You?
Choosing the right pillow can be as confusing as programming your VCR or setting up your new computer. Get it wrong and you will be treated to night after night of uncomfortable, frustrating, sleepless nights. Getting it right puts you well on your way to lower stress, higher energy and great health thanks to night after night of beneficial sleep.
| So, with literally hundreds of different pillows available on the market today, how do you make certain that you get this critical decision correct? |
Remember, "You Are Here".
The first step in picking the pillow that is right for you is to consider what kind of pillow you are using right now. If you are using a pillow that is flat and uniform throughout, you will have to ease yourself into a contoured or ergonomically shaped pillow. If you have been sleeping on a soft, squishy pillow, a firm foam or fiber pillow may be rough on you while you get accustomed to it.
Which Style is Best?
If there were one style of pillow that was far superior to all the rest, you would soon discover that it is the only style of pillow that is available. Obviously, this isn't the case because there are many different kinds, all of which have their benefits and hindrances.
Certain styles of pillows (i.e. Water, Air and Memory Foam) are easier to get used to then others. On the flip side these pillows don't provide as ergonomically correct support as do shaped or contoured pillows (i.e. Fiber and Foam). If you have been recently injured, you will sleep better on water, air or memory foam pillows initially, as these pillows will support your joints and muscles right where they are. Once you begin to go through a healing process you will appreciate more and more the support you receive from a contoured fiber or foam pillow.
Does Size Matter?
You want your pillow to fit you well, not to make you fit it. If you have a small frame, you don't want to be sleeping on an enormous pillow which flexes your head forward while you lay on your back or jams your ear up to your shoulder while you lay on your side.
Some pillows come in several different sizes or are even adjustable so that they will fit you properly. If you have extremely broad shoulders, or petite shoulders, if you are short or very tall, you will want to select a pillow that is available in sizes other than just the standard size. You can find the style of pillow that you absolutely love, but if it isn't the right size, your sleep will suffer.
Watch Your Posture.
The best position for your head and neck while you are sleeping is, well, the same as it is when you are awake: positioned squarely over your shoulders in a neutral position with your ear centered over the shoulder. Any position other than this is putting a strain on your neck and will cause you discomfort, pain, and ultimately a poor night's sleep. |
The Less the Merrier.
When it comes to pillows, less is more. The soap opera model of having 3 big fat pillows at the top of the bed with your head forced down to your chest to accommodate all that "support" behind your head is a terrible way to take care of your head and neck. Instead, you should only have one pillow under your head when you are sleeping. If you feel you need two pillows under your head, either you need a new, thicker pillow or you need to change your sleeping habits.
Side sleepers do need thick support to keep their head and neck parallel with their backbone, while back sleepers need much less support, especially behind the head and neck. While your neck needs some support for it to be in a neutral position, too much will cause it to be bent forward (in the soap opera way), which actually will put a strain on the muscles and ligaments in the back of the neck and spine.
One if by Water, Two if by Air and Three if by Memory Foam.
The most popular styles of pillows currently are water, air and memory foam pillows. The reason they are so popular is because they are quite comfortable regardless of what kind of pillow you are accustomed to sleeping on. If you are in uncharted waters and toying with the idea of getting a cervical pillow, any one of these three styles is a good option. Chances are that you will get adjusted to your new pillow quickly and will begin to enjoy better sleep in a very short period of time.
Foam in the Very Fiber of Your Being.
Seasoned cervical pillow sleepers and those who enjoy firmer sleep support may want to consider the benefits they will receive from either a formed foam or fiber pillow. Not for wimps, contoured pillows will hold your head and neck in excellent form whether you sleep on your back or your side. If you are going through chiropractic care or physical therapy to help restore and improve your health, a contoured foam or fiber pillow will greatly benefit your progress.
Patience Needed.
Once you have decided which pillow style and size is right for you, be sure to give your body a chance to get accustomed to it. It is best to keep your old pillow on hand, as you may need to work up gradually to sleeping on your new pillow throughout the night. If your new pillow wakes you in the night, having your old pillow nearby will allow you to switch back for the remainder of the night and give you an "adjustment period" with your new pillow.
It should not take more than 7-10 days for you to get comfortable with your new pillow. If you're still not able to sleep through the night with it after a week and a half, chances are slim that it will work for you. It is always a good idea to check with the company you purchase your pillow from to find out if it is returnable if it doesn’t work out - here at Wisdom and Health any pillow you purchase comes with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so if you don't like it, you can send it back. |
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