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  • Writer's pictureDr. Jill King

Finding the Right Pillow



Pillows play a significant role in the health of your spine, and using the wrong type of pillow can lead to neck and back problems. Your pillow is meant to help support your upper body as you sleep and keep your spine in a neutral alignment. It has to fit your size and your curves, and it also needs to be the right kind of pillow for the sleeping position you prefer.


A good night's sleep has many benefits from mood, mental concentration, maintaining a healthy weight, an improved immune system, physical performance, and so much more. Most adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Sleep is where tissue heals at its fastest rate, so if you are recovering from intense training, have a physical job, or sit at a desk all day, sleep is an essential component of being at your best. You spend more time sleeping than any other activity if you're following the recommendations.


How often should you replace your pillow?


If your pillows are stained or lumpy, or you wake up with a sore back or neck, or you notice your head trying to escape your pillow in the middle of the night, it's probably time to get a new pillow. The cheapest option is polyester or synthetic down fill. These pillows are typically less expensive but will need to be replaced more often as they wear out much faster than their natural counterparts. It’s smart to replace hollow fiber pillows every six months to a year. High-quality memory foam pillows may last three to four years.


What factors should I pay attention to when buying a new pillow?


There are quite a few things to factor in when you buy a new pillow that most don't think about. Side, back, and stomach sleepers all have different needs to support their spine. The firmness of your mattress needs to be accounted for when selecting a good pillow. While those may seem obvious to some, did you know that you also need to factor in your shoulder width, neck circumference, and the height of your neck? A person with a 17 cm height is not going to need the same pillow as someone with a 25 cm height. Pillows should be custom fit for you.


If you are looking for a new pillow, or if you're curious about what pillow is best for you, feel free to give us a call, at 828-382-8005



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