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Pillow Talk
Pillows may seem like inconsequential items, but the truth is we spend about a third of our lives asleep — most of it with our heads resting on a pillow. If you’re waking up with any of the complaints below, it may be time to reconsider what type of pillow you need.
If you wake up…
With neck pain: It may be time to swap your big, fluffy pillow with a flatter variety. Your head should be in alignment with your neck and body when you’re sleeping, not pushed forward. Or try an orthopedic pillow.
With a sore lower back: You need a small knee pillow. For side sleeping, placing a pillow between or under the knees can keep hips in alignment, alleviating back pain. Use any small pillow, or buy a specially made version for between the legs.
With shoulder pain: You need a body pillow, which runs the length of your torso. Sleep on your good side and put the pillow beside you, using it to support your arm and to keep your shoulder in alignment.
Stuffy or sneezing: You may be allergic to your pillow. The first culprit could be down filling, which you should swap out for a hypoallergenic variety. But you might also be allergic to dust mites. While the microscopic insects are harmless and live in our beds by the tens of thousands, some people develop reactions to them. Dust-mite covers for pillows are available, and wool and natural latex versions are more mite-resistant than other types.
Of course, at some point every pillow needs replacing. That should be about every 18 months for a typical department store pillow. If you think yours is finished, test it. Lay it across your forearm; if it droops, it’s time for a new one.
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