Most of people think that a good sleep is all about good mattress, which is so true. But when it comes to sleep quality, pillow is as important as your mattress. The best pillow for you should feel comfortable to rest your head on and also give support for your head, neck and shoulders. These points are important, so you can sleep soundly every night and wake up without pain and stiffness on you body.
It is recommended to replace your pillow after 18 months. This may seem like a short life, but if you think a bit longer, pillow gets used about 7-8 hours a night. Accumulatively, it’s 2.500 hours a year! If you are using pillow that is more than 2 years old, chances are you’re not getting the support that you need and not sleeping as comfortably as you could.
Here are some guidelines to check whether your pillow is still good to sleep on:
- First, take off the pillowcase and look at closely at your pillow. Is it torn or worn out? Does it smell? Pillow collects dead skin cells, mold, fungus and dust mites. If any of the signs mention above happen, you should immediately replace your pillow. Keep using the same pillow may trigger allergies and disturb your breathing during sleep.
- Next, let’s do the fold test. Pick a pillow and fold it in half. If it stays folded rather than springing back to its original shape, that means you need to replace your pillow. You can also try folding your pillow and hang it over your arm. If it’s draping and hanging down, it’s time for a replacement.
Another tip when you’re shopping for new pillow: match it with you mattress. If you’re using a firm mattress, it’s better to go with the soft pillow. The pillow will lay on a firm surface and adapt to the pressure of the weight of your head. If you’re using soft mattress, firmer pillow can be a better option to keep your neck and head aligned.