Pillows can help or hinder a good night’s sleep, depending on your sleep position and the quality of your pillow. Your pillow helps keep the head, neck and back in a neutral position while you sleep. If your body isn’t aligned while you’re sleeping, you might wake up frequently during the night and/or wake up with body aches the next morning.
What is my body’s “neutral position”?
Your body is in a neutral position when your spine is straight and your head isn’t tilted too far forward or too far backward.
When it comes to comfortable sleep, remember that pillows are not just for your head and neck. Sometimes additional pillows under your legs or pelvis, etc. can help keep your spine in a comfortable position.
What new pillow should I choose?
Pillows are available in a variety of materials:
- Down
- Foam
- Memory foam
- Fibre
- Latex
Sealy is world-famous for our exclusive mattresses made with Sealy Posturepedic Technology™. However, you might surprised to discover that we also have a full range of “top of bed” products that includes pillows, linen, and mattress and pillow protectors.
With the summer months finally here, you’ll be excited to know about Sealy’s innovative Gel pillows. There’s the My Coolsmart Gel Pillow, which has a refreshing gel layer that reduces heat buildup, and the My Gel Pillow, which is made with gel-infused memory foam. Both pillows are made with adaptive memory foam and covered with Tencel material, which provides good moisture control and is naturally breathable and cool.
Your sleep position will help determine what type of pillow to purchase. If you sleep on your side, you might need a firm, thicker pillow to help keep your back aligned. You may also want to consider putting a pillow between your knees for less strain on your hips.
Sleeping on your stomach puts strain on your lower back. Raising your head with a pillow might add more pressure. It’s often better for this sleeping style to sleep with your pillow under your belly or pelvis.
Back sleepers usually do better with a medium-thick pillow to keep neck, shoulders, and back aligned. Also, it may be more comfortable to put a pillow under your thighs.
When is it time to replace my pillow?
The average life of a pillow is six months to three years, depending on its material. Inexpensive, polyester-filled pillows should be replaced every six months. Memory foam options will last approximately 18 to 36 months.
These are other signs that might indicate it’s time to get a new pillow:
- Your pillow is lumpy and it can fold in half
- You wake up with a stiff and/or sore neck
- Your allergies act up at night – this could indicate dust mites in your pillow. (Gross, I know!)
- You’ve recently changed your sleep position
- You wake up sweating. If you’re a hot sleeper, invest in a pillow that stays cool throughout the night. These are usually memory foam or latex pillows. The Sealy Coolsmart Gel Pillow has a soothing cooling gel layer that provides a cool-to-the-touch sensation.