You’ve probably heard arguments for investing in a good quality mattress and/or an ergonomic office chair, but how important is a good pillow? Put it in the same category and invest in a comfy pillow for a good night’s sleep that supports your neck, back, and spine by maintaining a good sleeping posture.

THE CASE FOR A GOOD PILLOW FOR YOUR POSTURE

Let’s go back for a moment to the argument for a good mattress. If you’re getting a healthy eight hours’ sleep every night, that’s a third of your day spent in one place. The impacts on your posture, whether good or bad, are significant when you spend so much time in bed! For this reason, a good mattress that supports a healthy sleeping posture is one of the best ways to alleviate back pain and to ensure a good night’s sleep.

While the mattress is where you lay down most of your body, your pillow is most likely where you’re resting your head and neck, so it’s part and parcel of the entire sleeping experience. Likewise, a good pillow is just as important as a good mattress for supporting a good, healthy sleeping posture.

WHAT’S THE BEST TYPE OF PILLOW FOR YOU?

Just like with mattresses, there’s no ‘best’ pillow for every single sleeper out there. Factors like your natural sleeping posture and personal preference on firmness will play an important role in deciding which pillow is the best for you.

First, consider your sleeping style:

• On your back: if you sleep flat on your back, your pillow needs to be firm enough to support your neck at a slight angle. Choose a medium-firm pillow made of a more durable material like foam.

• Foetal position: if you like to curl up on your side at night, your spine is already curved and thus a strong and supportive pillow is necessary to support your neck. Choose a firm or extra firm pillow made of a strong, supportive material.

• Different positions: if you mix up your sleeping position every night, you’ll need a pillow that is versatile and can support your neck in various positions. For this reason, a soft to medium-firm pillow is likely best.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PILLOW

Since you spend so much time on your pillow and mattress, you’ll want to care for both of them and keep them clean and hygienic. While mattresses often benefit from being flipped and/or deep cleaned every year or two, pillows often just need a simple fluffing every morning to restore their shape.

If possible, put your pillow in a gentle cycle in your washing machine (always check the labels first) every couple of weeks. Also consider purchasing a good pillow protector which snugly fits the pillow underneath the pillowcase. Pillow protectors are excellent for absorbing oils, dandruff, and sweat and keeping them from staining the pillow itself.

BETTER BACKS

If you’re in need of back pain relief, look no further than the friendly Chiropractic team at Better Backs.