July 17, 2024
Choosing a pillow can feel like an overwhelming and confusing task, there are so many options that make big claims and such a wide variety of prices. This Optimal Tip will aim to help you understand some of the key points in making a great choice.
If you have pain that is exacerbated by sleeping position or worse in the mornings, you have been suggested or had the idea of changing your pillow up for better support. It is important to know that no research has proven that one sleeping position is better than another, but if you are finding a position bothers you and another is relieving it can be useful to use our pillows to guide you into that relieving position or generally support you better.
If you are a side sleeper it is common to find a slightly higher pillow supports you in a position where you head doesn't droop down or get pushed too high, testing out different pillow with respect to the width of your shoulders is key here.
If you are a back sleep a lower profile pillow is typically more ideal so your neck and head don't get pushed forward too far, this typically increases neck comfort and allows better breathing mechanics which can be important to consider for everyone but particularly those with or at risk for sleep apnoea.
Tummy sleepers are often told their sleeping position is incorrect or harmful, we don't have any evidence to support this, but it is more common that their pillow setup isn't ideal to help them feel comfortable around the neck in this posture. It is generally better to have a very low-profile pillow for this position and can even be beneficial to have a pillow under your chest and tummy to create more space for the neck joints to relax.
The materials used for pillows can contribute to how soft or firm they are and how much heat they retain, these factors can be very personal preference and one of the best ways to figure out what is right for you is to spend a minute testing it out and see if it feels natural and comfortable for you.
Cost of a pillow wont simply be a more is better situation, using these guidelines you could potentially find a $50 pillow that feels better than a $300 pillow. If you are feeling overwhelmed and lost despite these guidelines you can pop into The Optimal Health Lab so we can hear and assess your concerns and help fit you a pillow with our range in house or at least suggest features of pillow you can look for elsewhere, whether it is purely for head and neck support for torso, hip or knee support.
You can either have a chat with one of our helpful admin team members about our pillow when you walk in, or you can talk more specifics about your clinical story if you book a Physiotherapy or Myotherapy appointment. Don't let you sleep continue to suffer as we know it is a vital aspect of your general health and you will spend one third of your life sleeping.
