Hours
Breaking up is hard to do...but when you’re with the wrong pillow, it can prevent you from getting the healthy, restful sleep you need. Here are 5 good reasons to tell your pillow, “It’s not me, it’s YOU.”
#1 It’s Worn Out Its Welcome
Is your pillow leaving you flat? Does it have lumps or bumps, or is there a dent where you lay your head each night? If you have to punch or fluff your pillow to make it comfortable, it’s time to replace it.
Pillows break down over time, and no longer provide the comfort and support they should. A standard inexpensive polyester bed pillow will need to be replaced about every 6 months. Higher quality pillows made of conforming, high-recovery materials (such as memory foam) cost more but are far better suited to a long-term relationship. They usually last about 18-36 months, though some last longer and even have a warranty.
#2 It Isn’t Supportive Enough
Your pillow should cradle and support your head, neck and shoulders in proper alignment. When you’re lying down, it should fill in the gap between your head and shoulders, reducing strain on your neck.
Sleeping on a non-supportive pillow (either because it’s worn out or not a good fit) can be a real pain in the neck—literally! It reduces sleep quality and can lead to stiffness when you wake up, or exacerbate underlying neck and back pain conditions. A supportive pillow, on the other hand, promotes healthy, restful sleep.
#3 It’s Not Your Type
Pillows aren’t one-size-fits-all. Different sleep positions require different pillows for proper support and comfort. The loft, thickness, fill material and support level of the pillow all play a part.
For example, if you sleep on your back, using an overly thick or fluffy pillow can throw your head too far forward during the night. Side sleepers often need more support in order to prevent neck strain. When purchasing a new pillow, the packaging or product description should tell you which sleep positions it’s designed for.
#4 You Feel Smothered
Are you having trouble going to sleep or waking up feeling too warm and “stuffy”—even with the air on? Your pillow could be a factor, trapping heat and not allowing air to circulate.
When you replace your pillow, features like ventilated foams, airflow panels and sweat-wicking fabrics will help regulate temperature to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
#5 It Has Too Much Baggage
Your old pillow can look clean on the surface (no sweat stains, etc) while still hiding dirty little secrets: buildups of body oils, dead skin cells and dust mites. Not only is the “ewwww” factor high, but dust mites are a common allergen.
There are steps you can take to help keep your pillow clean and reduce allergens, such as using a zip-up cover and washing the pillow regularly according to the care label. Eventually, though, there still comes a time when you have to let it go.
You Can Do Better
Just like any relationship, finding the right pillow match takes effort...but it’s worth it. If you’ve decided to break up with your old pillow and are looking for some new possibilities, check out our bed pillow selection. The pillow of your dreams just might be there waiting for you!
