How to pick the perfect pillow

When was the last time you gave your bed pillows some thought? You're not alone if you say "it's been a long time" or "not at all." Mattresses get a lot of press, and rightfully so. The largest and most essential financial investment you'll make in your sleep is your mattress. However, pillows are almost as crucial as your mattress when it comes to sleep quality.

If you're sleeping on a worn-out pillow and have to scrunch and fold it up every night to be comfortable, it's time to replace it. Even if your pillow isn't old or deflated, it might not be the most comfortable or supportive option for you. 

Why your pillow matters

A proper sleeping position is essential for sleeping soundly night after night and awakening pain-free. Your pillow aids in maintaining a healthy sleeping posture. How does that stance appear? The body is in perfect alignment from the knees and hips to the spine, chest and shoulders, head and neck.

If you don't have enough support for your neck and shoulders, or if they're propped at an angle that causes twisting, craning, or crunching, your spine and body will be out of alignment, causing tension and discomfort in your neck, shoulders, and back, as well as insomnia. 

Comfort and support are crucial factors to consider when choosing a best pillow Australia, just as they are when choosing a mattress. The finest pillow for you is one that is soft to the touch, supports your head, neck, and shoulders, and complements your mattress.

There are various variables to consider when selecting a pillow, so let's talk about them. 

When is it time to replace your pillow?

Bed pillows should be replaced every 18 months, on average. Memory foam pillows have a longer lifespan, lasting up to three years. Synthetic pillows have a shorter lifespan than natural pillows. Pillows of greater quality will endure longer than those of lower grade. You're not getting the support you need if you're sleeping on a five- or six-year-old pillow, and you're not sleeping as comfortably as you could be.

It may seem like a brief existence, but consider this: your pillow is used for roughly 7-8 hours per night or more than 2,500 hours per year! Your pillow, like your mattress, is an investment in good sleep that pays off in other areas of your life.  

If you're not sure whether your pillow still has life in it, try the following tests:

To begin, remove the pillowcase and examine your pillow. Is there any sweat stains on it? Is it ripped? Is there a stench? These are all symptoms that your pillow needs to be replaced. Dead skin cells, mildew, mould, fungus, and dust mites are all collected in pillows (as well as their feces). These unpleasant organisms can add up to half the weight of a pillow over time, triggering allergies, interfering with breathing while sleeping, and emitting scents that make it difficult to sleep properly. 

If your pillow passes the visual and olfactory tests, it's time to put it through the fold test:

Make a half-fold with your pillow. A dead pillow is one that remains folded rather than springing back to its former shape. This test can be done over your arm with natural fill cushions. Do you have a pillow that drapes and hangs over your extended arm? That's a pillow that has outlived its usefulness.

Fold synthetic pillows in half and add some weight to the top, such as a sneaker or shoe. If your pillow doesn't spring back to its normal shape after removing the weight, it's time to replace it.

When folding large, king-size pillows, whether natural or synthetic, fold them into thirds rather than halves. 

Does your mattress matter to your pillow choice?

The answer is: YES. Because the pillow is lying on a firm surface and must adapt to the pressure of the weight of your head in your starting sleep position, a softer pillow may be preferable if you have a firm mattress. If you've been sleeping on a softer mattress, a firmer pillow may be necessary to keep your head and neck in proper alignment.

Don't forget about your pillow! It's such a crucial part of your sleeping environment, and having the appropriate one beneath your pillow can help you sleep better.

Sweet Dreams!