Pillows

Changing your Pillow

Maybe the reason you're not sleeping well is because your current pillow is too old. Our advice? Get rid of it.

Still, if you have a sleep disorder, where to start? A good rule of thumb when it comes to deciding whether your old pillow is indeed too old is to fold it in half. If it springs back, the pillow should be fine; it has some life left to it. But it it remains in place or folds open too slowly, a good idea is to toss the pillow and select another.

Choosing a Pillow

Choosing the correct pillow to help ease your sleep disorder can be a crucial decision in how well you sleep. Various brands on the market include the popular Temper-Pedic pillow, which we at SleepDisorderOnline find to be among the best on the market. It offers fine support.

Another alternative to the foam pillow are buckwheat pillows, which also offer good support without storing unnecessary heat. For many with a sleep disorder, they prove the right choice. For those with sleep disorders who prefer feather pillows, make certain that you are not allergic to goose down and that the pillows are of of high quality; otherwise, you either will be sneezing through the night and/or your pillow will soon go flat, with uncomfortable sleeping results sure to follow.

Do you sleep on your side? If so, perhaps you'd be more comfortable with a thicker, firmer pillow, one that will support your neck. Do you sleep on your stomach? If so, maybe a flatter pillow would be best for you, or at least one that is softer than a foam or memory foam pillow. Finally, if you sleep on your back, a medium-density pillow is likely the best choice and will offer the best support.

Pillow Pricing

Choosing a pillow solely on its price is considered a mistake by the editors of Sleep Disorder Online. In our experience, the highest price doesn't necessarily mean the best quality. Keep in mind your needs when you shop for a new pillow. Also, it's always good to look out for the Good Housekeeping seal of approval.

Rules of Thumb

Remember, the purchase of any pillow must come down to two important facts--support and comfort. Since finding just the right fit can take time, do business with local bedding outfitters that offer a pillow loan program. Ask to see if you can try a pillow for a few nights to see if it fits your needs. Otherwise, you might find yourself with a closet filled with pillows that never allowed you what you deserve--to ease your sleep disorder and help you sleep properly through the night.

--SleepDisorderOnline