Do you wake up with a stiff neck every morning? Is it hard for you to get a good night’s sleep? The solution to your problems might be as easy as getting a new pillow.

You should replace your pillow every two years or less. When you neglect your pillows, and it impacts your health and well-being.

What Happens If You Keep Using The Same Pillow?

Over time, pillows lose their volume and their cleanliness. Even with a pillow cover, they collect sweat and dead skin. An old, dusty, or moldy pillow is sure to irritate your allergies. This results in a less restful snooze, a stuffy nose, and a painful headache.

If you don’t have the right kind of pillow for you—it gets worse. Neck pain is common in adults who don’t have the right pillow. Tension in the neck can cause headaches. This pain can also spread to the rest of the body, especially the shoulders and back.

An average pillow each carried up to 16 different fungi. (source)

“Open up an older pillow, and it’s a cesspool of mold, mildew, fungus, dust mites and mite feces”
DAN SCHECTER

It’s important to note that—like mattresses—pillows are never one size fits all. Every person will have a different type of pillow that works best for them. Here, you’ll learn how to choose the best pillow for you.

First, consider how you like to sleep. Do you sleep on your back, side, or belly? No matter which way you like to snooze, you should choose a pillow that keeps your neck in line with your spine.

Here’s how to know that your neck in the right position. Your ears should be in line with your shoulders, and your chin should be in line with your chest. Sleeping with a crooked neck causes tension and pain. If you sleep on your side, your head will need more support than if you sleep on your belly or back.

Next, decide on the pillow support and material. Pillows provide support in two ways: loft and firmness. Loft is how big the pillow looks before you lay down, and firmness is how stiff the pillow is once you apply pressure. The combination of these two things determines the amount of support you will get from a pillow.

Consider—do you like a fluffy pillow with high loft and low firmness? This kind of pillow is good for back or belly sleepers. It looks nice and big on the bed but flattens out to provide the right amount of neck support during sleep.

If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll need a bigger, firmer pillow. The broader your shoulders are, the more loft and firmness you’ll need. Make sure you buy something that raises your head enough so that your neck is straight when laying down.

There are lots of different pillow materials to choose from. It can be difficult to choose with so many options! The most common pillows on the market are cotton, polyester, memory foam, and latex. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Cotton Pillows

Cotton is the most breathable, which means that it stays cool when you use it. It is hypoallergenic and completely natural. If you have allergies or are sensitive to chemicals, cotton is a good choice.

2. Polyester Pillows

Polyester is a synthetic material made of plastics. It’s fluffier than cotton, making it a popular choice. They’re also cheaper, so if you have a budget, polyester might be right for you. It’s also safe to put in the washer and dryer, unlike some other kinds of materials. Polyester pillows come in a variety of firmness levels. No matter what kind of sleeper you are, you can find a polyester pillow that fits your needs. Keep in mind that they tend to feel warmer than cotton and are less breathable.

3. Feather Pillows

Feather pillows also come from geese or ducks. They come from the back and wing portions of these birds. Feather pillows are soft and lightweight like down pillows. Since feather pillows come from the back of birds, they are firmer. Unfortunately, they also need constant fluffing and may cause allergies.

4. Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam is a good pillow material if you sleep on your back. It conforms to pressure, providing support where you need it. Memory foam traps heat, so if you tend to get hot when you sleep, consider a cooling pillow instead.

5. Latex Pillows

Latex pillows are a great option if you want something that feels like memory foam but is much cooler. Latex pillows provide great ventilation and are very breathable. They are large, dense pillows, so they’re good if you sleep on your back or side. Latex pillows relieve pressure and reduce pressure points. They are also one of the most durable materials. They are anti-bacterial, hypoallergenic, and resistant to dust mites. Latex pillows last longer than the competition, so you won’t need to replace them as often.

Conclusion

If it’s been a couple years since you replaced your pillow, it’s time to get a new one that works for you. Having the right pillow will help you sleep, and having a good sleep will improve your daily life.