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Buying a new pillow for better sleep

2010-03-12 08:20:59

Buying a new pillow for better sleep depends on knowing how you sleep, firmness needed to keep your head neck, and spine aligned properly, and fill chosen

A new pillow

Photo Credit: Rebecca Dickerson

By Kevin VanGinkel When we think of sleeping comfortably, most of us automatically think of mattress quality and features, room temperature, room lighting, and noise. Rarely do we give thought to our pillows. With so many choices available today, and the knowledge that our neck alignment in regards to our spines is an important aspect of our overall health, choosing a pillow that is both comfortable to sleep with and is able to improve our sleep, should be an important precursor to our nighttime rituals.

How Often Should Pillows Be Replaced?

Pillows should be replaced anywhere from every six months to two years. A lot of the timeframe will depend on the quality of the pillow you purchase. I also depend on the fold method to know if its time to replace my own. To do this simple test, simply fold your pillow in half. A brand new pillow will be springing back to its original form before you even let go fully. A tired, dead pillow will stay folded. Never wait for your pillows to die all the way before replacing.

How Do You Sleep?

Before running out and buying the first pillow you encounter, consider how you sleep, and that your goal is to keep your head, neck, and spine aligned as straight as possible while sleeping. The simple answer to what position you sleep in can tell you a lot about which pillow to purchase. For example, if you predominantly sleep on your back, a flatter pillow is going to allow your head and neck to keep aligned as straight as possible with your back. A side sleeper has to compensate for the depth of their shoulder, so a firmer pillow that has more depth to its filling should be considered. Stomach sleepers also need to consider how they sleep in regards to their arms. Are they usually tucked beneath your head or at your sides? Again, keep in mind that your goal is to keep your head, neck, and spine as straight and aligned as possible.

Types of Pillows

Once you know if you need a firm or soft pillow, you will have to decide on a fill material. Down, feather, or a combination of the two fillings are some of the oldest fill materials available. Ideal if you are constantly trying to reshape your pillow, as you can push parts of the filling around easily. Avoid if you have allergies, though some manufacturers do purport to have allergy free down, or there is any possibility that the pillows may become damp, such as for use in a camper or tent.

Husk and seed filled pillows are new to the pillow market, or, should I say new again. Used in past centuries, they most likely fell out of favor due to weight and noise factors. They have made a comeback in recent years with many people buying them for their firm support and the advantage of being able to mold them to almost any shape you would want. Their one downfall that many people avoid them for is that they do make a soft rustling noise when being moved.

Memory foam is one of the newest material available and one of the longest lasting for shape retention. Often shaped unconventionally in comparison to what many of us think of as a usual pillow shape, they can be ideal choices for people with back, neck, or shoulder pain.

Foam, not to be confused with the above mentioned memory foam, is often used as filling wither as a solid section, pellet shapes, or shredded. Often considered lower quality than other forms of filling, it can be a good choice depending on the fabric covering it and the quality of the individual fill.

Cotton or cotton combined with a synthetic is a good choice for those with allergies. Available in a variety of supports, from super soft to super firm, you should have no problem finding one that fits your support needs.

Whatever pillow choice you decide on, remember that a good pillow can truly transcend into supporting a healthy life.

--- Mobile internet site for reading on mobile phones, smartphones, small screens and slow internet connections. ---http://mpggalaxy.mine.bz/www/BB/mobile_news/threads/index_last.html

Posted: 2010192@364.10

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stranger

Oprah had a show on, and te guest (sorry I can't recall his name) said to buy new pillows every 2 years. After 2 years, there are so many dust mites in them (even if you wash them) that they are not good for your health. You can start having respitory problems,etc... I almost threw up when they showed the bugs on tv. Millions of them. I pitched all of our pillows and went and bought some new ones at Target for $2 each. First I bought $20 from JC Penny's but the family hated them. They love the cheaper ones from Target. Now, every two years I replace all of our pillows.

--- Mobile internet site for reading on mobile phones, smartphones, small screens and slow internet connections. ---http://mpggalaxy.mine.bz/www/BB/mobile_news/threads/index_last.html

Posted: 2010192@399.45

How Often Should You Change Bed Pillows?

Pillows differ as much in prices as they do in their firmness. Purchasing an expensive pillow may give it a longer life expectancy than a cheaper pillow, but over time, even those pricey pillows need to be replaced. The average person spends between seven to eight hours every night on their pillow. Knowing when to change your pillow will help you get a restful sleep and keep you healthy.

Allergies

1. Many people have allergies of some kind. Our skin and hair can transfer pollen and dust onto and into the pillow that we use every night. Our own body oils can soak into the pillow and make it a breeding ground for odors and dust mites. Using a pillow protector as well as a pillow case will help to keep the actual pillow clean, but both need to be washed regularly. During allergy season, both coverings should be washed more frequently than other times of the year. Many pillows can be washed in a machine and dried in a dryer. Allergy sufferers should be more diligent of the care of their pillows. Even while using the best precautions, an allergy sufferer should consider buying a new pillow once a year. The cost of a new pillow is well worth it when you know you are not breathing in mold, pollen or dust mites.

Firmness

2. Pillows can become weak or out of shape over time. Foam pillows can become broken down and start to crumble. This results in little support for your head. If the pillow needs to be shaken to fill in the holes, the pillow should be thrown out and another one purchased. Another way to test a pillow is to fold the pillow in half. The pillow that stays folded or at least takes awhile to return to a flat position is old. This pillow is not performing in the way it is intended and certainly not the way that it was purchased. A pillow that stays folded should be thrown out. If you wake up during the night and feel the need to readjust and fluff your pillow, your body is trying to tell you something. The pillow is definitely not allowing you to get a good night sleep. Absolutely toss this pillow and buy another pillow as soon as you can.