The Importance of a Good Pillow
Rest and sleep are the body's chance to heal itself from the postural, physical and nervous insults of the previous day. The use of a quality pillow can improve the quality of rest and repair, allowing one to wake up more rested and ready to face another day
It is a very comforting feeling to have just the right pillow to rest an achy, tired body on. In addition to providing comfort, the right pillows can also provide the necessary support for the neck and spine-alleviating or preventing many common forms of back pain and neck pain. Use of a pillow while sleeping has two main functions:
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Support: From a physical perspective, pillows prop up the head, neck and shoulders - keeping them in alignment, relieving pressure and counterbalancing the points in the body.
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Comfort: From a more subjective perspective, pillows create a feeling of comfort, which aids in getting a good night's sleep and feeling well rested.
How Do I Choose the Right Pillow for Me?
One's sleep position and personal comfort preference will dictate which type of pillow if right for you.
Back Sleepers:
When lying on the back, a pillow should support the natural curvature of the spine with adequate support under the head, neck, and shoulders. When sleeping on the back, the height of the pillow should be lower than in the sideways position. Placing a pillow or two beneath the knees further alleviates any back strain, and is the gentlest position on the back.
Side Sleepers:
When lying on one's side, a pillow should support the head and neck such that the spine maintains a straight and natural horizontal line. Weight should be evenly distributed so as not to create unnatural bending or pressure.
Stomach Sleepers:
If sleeping or resting on the stomach is preferred, the pillow should be relatively flat and a plusher/soft model is recommended.