Sealy pillows Archives - Sealy

Could a new pillow help me sleep better?

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.

 

Sleep better with a cold or flu

We’re deep into the chilly winter months now, and with winter comes colds and flu. There’s nothing worse than lying in bed trying to fall asleep when you have a blocked or runny nose, a sore throat, a hacking cough, and aches and pains. In this blog post, we’ve rounded up a few tips to help you sleep better with a cold.

Cold and flu symptoms seem to get worse at night, and it feels like there’s more congestion when you’re lying down. Taking cold and flu medicine can help, although be careful to check the ingredients first. Some over the counter medicines contain a decongestant called pseudoephedrine, which makes many people stay awake.

Besides taking cold and flu medicine, below are a few tips to help you sleep better with a cold or flu:

  • Use a humidifier and/or take a hot shower or bath

Extra humidity or steam in the air will help calm your sinuses and ease congestion. It will also help relieve coughing. If you’re feeling chilly, a hot shower or bath will help warm you up and relax your body before bed.

  • Have a hot drink before bedtime

The steam from hot drinks will help your dried-out nasal passages and it will also help loosen phlegm, however make sure your drink is not caffeinated. Honey is a natural antibiotic and it is good for sore throats. Lemon contains vitamin C. You can also brew ginger tea, which also increases your vitamin C intake and encourages overall feelings of wellbeing.

  • Get extra pillows

Use extra pillows to make sure you’re not lying flat when you sleep. Sleeping flat on your back can make congestion worse, so try to elevate your head. The Sealy My CoolSmart Gel Pillow is a two in one pillow – one side has a gel layer which reduces heat build-up for a cooler sleep, while the other side is memory foam for a more gentle comfort.

  • Have everything you need close by

Be prepared for a rough night and stock your nightstand with everything you’ll need to get through the night. Have a big glass of water handy to ease your throat if you’re coughing. You might also need lots of tissues. Finally, also have a book or magazine handy in case you can’t fall asleep. Don’t be tempted to scroll on your phone – the blue light emitted from your device will make it even harder to fall asleep.

  • Create the optimal sleep environment

Try to make sure your room is at a comfortable temperature, and probably more towards the cooler side. If you have a fever, a cooler room will feel more comfortable. Try to make your room as dark and as quiet as possible, and place a hot water bottle at your feet for extra comfort.

 

 

 

 

 

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