Why Investing in a High-Quality Pillow is Worth the Cost

Did you wake up with a sore neck (again)? It may very well be because of a bad pillow. And seeing as you are on the lookout for a new pillow, you should keep reading. In this article, The Mattress Warehouse shows you the health effects of cheap pillows, the benefits of a good quality pillow, and factors to consider when buying a pillow. And as a bonus, we will also show you our three favourite headrests.

The health effects of cheap pillows

If you do not have the right pillow, it can cause a world of discomfort and hurt. Sleeping on a pillow that is too hard or too soft can lead to neck- and even spinal pain. The way your neck is bent because of your headrest can cause you to be uncomfortable and can eventually have a bad impact on your sleep cycle. Certain pillows can twist your neck or offer inadequate support, leading to a bad night of sleep. It can also lead to pain in other ligaments like the shoulders, back and arms.

Something else to consider. Every time you sleep, dead skin cells, sweat, and oil seep into your pillow. Not a lot, but it happens every night. Over time, it forms the perfect environment for dust mites to thrive in. And this, in turn, can cause sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes just to name a few symptoms.

Benefits of a good quality pillow

The pillow you choose is important for addressing spine issues.

Even though the mattress plays an important role in spinal alignment, having the right pillow also contributes to it. And let’s be honest, the more your spine can relax at night, the better! A quality pillow can also restore the body from the physical and postural pressures that it faces during the day. Instead of looking at the normal requirements for headrests like size and firmness, it can also help to look at speciality pillows to address more specific issues.

Sleeping on the right pillow feels comfortable

It is not only a mattress that can contribute to a comfortable night’s sleep. Sleeping on the right pillow can also help you to have the most comfortable night’s sleep possible. Just like mattresses, pillows have different elements to look at like sizes, firmness and comfort properties. The size of your pillow will depend on factors such as the size of your mattress and whether or not you are a restless sleeper.

Having the right pillow will improve your sleep quality

Old pillows tend to feel uncomfortable and negatively impact your sleep. On the other hand, a new pillow can elevate the quality of your sleep by providing comfort while you lie down. Choosing the right pillow can support your body’s needs while sleeping and can make a big difference in your health.

Tip: If you are a side sleeper, adding a pillow between your knees, can also contribute to comfort and spinal alignment while you sleep.

New pillows can prevent allergies

Old pillows always feel more comfortable but the truth is that they are the perfect environment for dust mites. Many allergies can come from this, causing you to have a bad night of sleep. It is important to change your pillow every two years to help reduce the chances of dust mites and other allergens. Getting a hypoallergenic pillow can help to avoid the problem of allergies altogether.

Quality pillows contribute to healthy skin

In the grand scheme of things sleep helps to make your skin healthier but your pillow plays a big part in that too. It is important to get a pillow with anti-bacterial or hypoallergenic properties to prevent any skin problems when you lay on the pillow. Also, make sure to clean your pillow and pillowcase as regularly as possible.

Factors to consider when choosing a pillow

Think about your sleeping position

There are three main sleeping positions – front, back and side. There is an ideal pillow for each of these positions that will give you maximum comfort and support you as much as possible.

• Back sleepers – Medium-loft pillows (8 cm to 13 cm high) with medium to firm comfort ratings are a good choice for back sleepers. This will ensure spinal alignment and keep your head from sinking too far into the pillow.
• Stomach sleepers – If you sleep on your stomach, a low-loft (thin) pillow is your best bet. This will prevent your head and neck from being pushed up too far, and subsequently, neck pain and discomfort.
• Side sleepers – This is the most common sleeping position. Medium- to high-loft pillows are what you are looking for if you sleep on your side. You need a headrest that will fill up the space between your head and the mattress, without leaving your head dangling to one side (or pushed up too far). When you lie down and rest your head, it should be in line with the mattress surface and your spine.

Consider pillow material and filling

This is one of the most important things to consider when buying a pillow. The filling of the pillow will determine how firm it is and will help you when deciding how much support your neck and shoulders may need. Different materials regulate the temperature of your body when sleeping. This is important because a lower body temperature is better to get a good night of sleep. People with allergies have to take special care when looking at what pillow to get because of the reaction the material can have to their skin.

Look at pillow size and shape

Pillows come in two sizes- standard and king. Most people use a standard pillow but you can also get a king-sized pillow if you feel you need something bigger. The thickness of your pillow will affect how much support your neck and head get while sleeping. Pillows are usually in the shape of a rectangle but you can also get cervical-shaped pillows that are contoured to fit the head and neck.

Keep your sleeping needs in mind

If you have problems such as allergies and sleep apnoea it might be worth it to look at a more specific pillow. There are many hypoallergenic pillow choices out there as well as pillow covers that also help prevent allergies. Sleep apnea can be helped by getting a good pillow that can support you and open up your airways.

Quality pillows: our top picks

1.     Malouf Z shoulder cut-out zoned dough pillow (chamomile)

This pillow has a zone for your shoulder so that you can snuggle up right into your pillow.

The Malouf Z shoulder cut-out zoned dough pillow (chamomile) is made to give specific support to your head and neck. It is the perfect pillow for side sleepers and is made from highly advanced memory foam. The larger holes in the central part of the pillow cradle your neck and the smaller holes around the sides support your neck. The pillow is also infused with calming chamomile oil to give you a peaceful night’s sleep.

• Current price – R1.999.00

2.     TMW downproof microfiber

The TMW (RT) Downproof Microfiber Pillow offers medium support and is perfect for year-round use. It comes in two sizes, namely standard and king, with a price tag that will fit most pockets. Moreover, the pillow is also hypoallergenic which makes it very popular. It has a twin-needle finish which makes it look very professional and adds to the fact that it is very versatile. The pillow’s 100% cotton cover also gives it more durability.

• Current price – R159.00 to R219.00

3.     Malouf Z convolution gel dough pillow

Traditional pillow meets modern tech in the Malouf Z Convolution Gel Dough Pilliw.

The Malouf Z Convolution Gel Dough Pillow provides the ultimate amount of comfort when it comes to pillows. It looks and feels like an old pillow while being stuffed with state-of-the-art foam and fabric technology. The pillow also comes with a removable gel dough core to customize according to the level of comfort you may need.

• Current price – R1,450.00

Pillows on Sale at The Mattress Warehouse

Now that you know how a high-quality pillow can improve your sleep, it’s time to get a new pillow or two. Go take a look at the pillow options available on our website or visit our store today to find the right pillow for your sleeping needs.