Often in clinic, i get asked for advice on buying a new pillow, and which is the right pillow. I hear questions like, “how often should I replace it? One or two pillows? Thick or thin? Memory foam or feather? Curved or flat?” So to help all you lovely people out, here at Parade Chiropractic we are giving you our top tips and advice on pillows. If you have more questions, then feel free to contact us here or call on 08 7226 6862
1. One or two pillows?
Definitely one pillow. Two pillows can prop you up too high, and put pressure on your trachea (wind pipe) and neck. This can affect your breathing and strain your neck. As you sleep and move position, you will inevitably lose one pillow throughout the night, so stick to one good pillow.
2. How often should I replace it?
this depends on the pillow. Some good quality pillows will last up to 5 years, and come with a warranty. Cheaper pillows should be replaced every year (though we don’t recommend them). Your pillow will start to loose firmness and support. This will lead to an altered head/neck position which can slowly start to irritate your spine.
3. What should it be made from?
We are not too fussed on whether you choose memory foam, feather or synthetic. But we don’t want you breathing in any nasty plastic toxins or allergy causing toxins from a cheap pillow. So buy non-allergenic.
4. Curved or Flat?
Either is fine. This will come down to personal preference, so we recommended trying before you buy. Often pillows will have one higher and one lower side. Try each, and see how it fits. At Parade Chiropractic, we have tester pillows that you can take home and use to see if they are the right fit.
5. Fitting a pillow
This is best done with a friend. Your head should be in a neutral position. It should not lift your head too high or let it drop too low. Lie down on the pillow, and get a friend to have a look and tell you how it fits. Click here to see an image of good and poor head positions.
6. See a Chiropractor
No matter how good your pillow is, if you have neck ache or pain, tingling in the fingers or headaches, than you should see your Chiropractor for a proper assessment. Chiropractors are trained in assessing and diagnosing the spine, and help get to the cause of your discomfort. The right pillow and the right Chiropractor can make a big difference. Call us today for our introductory check up or click the bookings tab to book online. 08 7226 6862
Top Tips for choosing the right pillow
- Test out the pillow. Lie on it, and see how it feels
- Buy from your health professional. They can usually get them at a better price
- Borrow a tester pillow, to see how it feels before you commit (we have these in clinic).
- Give it some time. Changing to a new pillow will be an adjustment for your body and sleep patterns
- Bring a partner or friend along and get them to check your head position. Click here to see an image of good and poor head positions.
We Can Help
If you are suffering from neck pain and think your pillow may be the cause, than get in touch with us today. Chiropractors are trained to examine and diagnose the spine, getting to the cause of your problem. Click here to book online, or call to get in touch for our introductory check up 08 7226 6862
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