Pillow talk
Your pillow has a really important job to do. Not only should it keep you comfy while you sleep but it should also keep your neck, spine and back correctly aligned. Unfortunately, many people don’t realise the connection between the right pillow and a good night’s sleep, and as a result, wake up stiff, sore and feeling extremely unrested. So maybe it’s time to get serious about pillow talk.
Your pillow has two main functions:
Support
Our necks have a natural forward curve enabling them to support the weight of our heads and it’s important that when we are in the resting position, that curve is maintained. The pillow is used to prop up the head, neck and shoulders to relieve pressure and counterbalance the points in the body.
If a pillow is too high, the neck is put in an unnatural position, putting strain on the lower back. It can also cause the narrowing of your air pipe, which not only makes it hard to breathe but may lead to some serious snoring problems. Equally, a pillow that is too low will also cause unnecessary pressure on your neck, making sleep a very uncomfortable or painful experience. The height of the pillow should be level with your shoulders, ideally no more than six inches high.
Comfort
A large part of what makes a pillow good is comfort. If a pillow feels comfortable it’s easier to relax and drift off into a peaceful deep sleep allowing us to feel well-rested in the morning. We all have different preferences when it comes to comfort levels, so take the time to find one that is suited to your individual needs. A pillow that is too hard or too soft could ultimately be getting in your way of a good night’s sleep. Generally, medium to firm pillows work better for side sleepers, while soft pillows are better suited to tummy and back sleepers.
Another consideration is what’s inside your pillow? There are a number of different fillings which include memory foam, latex, graphene and feathers. Get in touch if you would like more information on finding the most suitable inner pillow type for you.
What lies beneath your pillow case?
What a pillow is made of can also affect your sleep quality, especially those who suffer from allergies. Considering your face is in direct contact with the pillow for an average of seven hours a night, it stands to reason the materials used inside the pillow should be the healthiest they can be. A pillow should not be made of materials that retain moisture, allow bacterial growth, or harbour an excess of dust mites. The presence of any of these factors can affect our breathing. People should also try to avoid buying pillows that contain synthetics as they can hold toxic fibres.
Manufactured in New Zealand, Serta's pillow range is treated with Ultra Fresh which actively guards against dust mites and eliminates many of the bacteria and fungi that can create unwanted smells and staining.
Serta has a range of premium pillows to support you in your preferred sleeping position, so you can choose the right pillow for your needs.
Protect your pillow
Another important element to consider when it comes to pillows is investing in a good quality pillow protector. A pillow protector that is regularly washed will act as an additional barrier against dirt and oil, extending the life of your pillow by years. If you don’t have a protector, we recommend replacing your pillow every six months.
Pillows come in all different shapes, sizes and materials, so we need to be informed when it’s time to invest in a new one. Just like our mattress, we should make an effort to find the pillow that is perfectly suited to our own needs. With the right pillow, you’ll wake up feeling well rested and ready to tackle a new day!
