Choosing the right pillow

If you’ve ever experienced a sore neck when sleeping, you know the importance of choosing the right pillow. But how do you know which one to choose?

Choosing the right pillow is important to ensure you get a good nights’ sleep. It’s also important for your overall health and wellbeing, as the wrong one can leave you with disturbed sleep, neck pain and headaches.

Deciding which pillow is right for you can be a daunting experience, especially with so many on the market. But we’re here to help.

How do you sleep

How you sleep is a factor in choosing the right pillow.

Back sleepers

If you sleep on your back look for a pillow that isn’t too high, or too firm as you need to ensure your head is supported at the same level of your spine. A rounded pillow with built-in neck support is usually a good choice. Look for a pillow with a medium profile that is made from foam.

Side sleepers

It’s important to keep your spine straight, so look for one that is higher at the neck level and lower where your head rests. Look for pillows that are firm to extra-firm. Pillows made from latex and foam are best

Tummy sleepers

Sleeping on your stomach isn’t the best position as it causes you to arch your back and turn your head, which can strain your neck and spine. However, if you do sleep on your stomach, choose a very flat, soft pillow, or none at all to help keep your neck and spine as level as possible. Pillows made from synthetic, wool fibres, feather and down are best.

Combination sleeper

Let’s face it, many of us toss and turn in the night and end up sleeping in all manner of positions. If this is you, go for a soft to medium pillow. It may be appropriate to look for one that has sections that are softer or firmer than others, or one that is lower in the centre for when you sleep on your back.

How often should you change your pillow?

Pillows don’t last forever, and some stay fresher for longer. Some pillows are labelled with a use-by-date which can be a useful reminder to check your pillow is still suitable.

While not a fast and hard rule, here’s a rundown on the lifespan of your pillow, based on what they’re made of.

• Polyester — 6 months to 2 years
• Cotton and wool — 3 to 5 years
• Foam — 5 to 10 years
• Latex — 5 to 10 years
• Feather and down — 5 to 10 years

Of course, if you notice you’re not being supported as well as you should be, or if your pillow is beginning to smell stale or has had spills, it may be time to change it, even if you’ve had it for less time than the above guide.

Seek advice

If you experience neck or back pain, it may be worth seeking the advice of an allied health practitioner such as a physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath. And when it comes to comfortable, durable mattresses, BedGuard has you covered. We have a range of high-quality, waterproof mattresses to suit all the family. Come in-store and chat to our friendly staff, or browse online today.