How Your Pillow Affects Your Quality of Sleep

Struggling with random neck pain? While it may seem incurable, there's likely an easy switch you can make to ease your pain.

Sleeping on the wrong pillow or, even worse, an old pillow, can cause more than a neck ache—it may cause acne, muscle and joint pain, allergies, night sweats, and even increased stress levels [1, 2].

I used to blame my budget for buying a “whatever pillow” - I told myself I’d be splurging if I bought myself a pillow over £30. Although personal preference plays a huge part, doctors agree that your pillow should be very high quality, supportive yet comfortable, hypoallergenic, and cooling. I found that only certain types of pillows tick all these recommended boxes. 

When to switch out your pillow

You’ll typically need to buy a new pillow every two years to keep your head and neck supported properly. However, you may, at times, need to make the switch sooner. If you aren’t sure if your pillow should be replaced, there are a few telltale signs that indicate you need an upgrade:

• Permanent staining on the pillow
• A lumpy pillow that has lost its shape
• Sneezing when sleeping
• Waking up tired and achy 

Though each pillow may be different, the general rule of thumb is that if any of these signs are present, it’s time to change your pillow. 

Choosing the best pillow for you

So, you’ve decided to upgrade your pillow. Depending on how you sleep, there's a pillow that's best suited for you. 

Side sleeper

Side sleeping is a very popular sleeping position, with more than 60% of people choosing to sleep this way [3]. Side sleepers should search for a pillow with a high density. Again, the goal is to keep the head and neck in line with the spine. When side sleeping, your neck bends as your head drops down to meet the pillow. Let the pillow do the work!

Back sleeper

Back sleeping is one of the most healthy sleep positions, even if it isn’t as popular [3]. To optimize back sleeping, your pillow should provide optimal levels of support to both your spine and neck. 

Stomach sleeper

Stomach sleeping, or the “freefall” position, is also quite popular, yet not recommended by experts [3]. Being propped up on your pillow can cause strain to your back and neck, leaving you susceptible to pain and injury [3]. If you’re determined to sleep on your stomach, opt for a softer pillow. This will allow your head to sink to be level with your spine.

Cosy House's Luxury Pillow is unique because it suits all three sleeping types.

This is possible because the pillow promotes spinal alignment and creates a better breathing path for all kinds of sleepers. Our indulgent, super soft pillow is made to give your head and neck extra support, coolness, and cosiness. 

• Our pillow has an ideal loft and fill for superior comfort and support, made with a 100% breathable bamboo viscose outer encasement and 100% premium polyester fill. 
• Our Luxury Pillow is more comfortable than a solid memory foam pillow, and far more supportive than your traditional “premium” synthetic fill. 
• Our soft bamboo viscose material is hypoallergenic, and naturally repels common household non-living allergens, which can benefit those with sensitive noses and skin.
• Our bamboo viscose fabrics' breathable and moisture-wicking properties help circulate airflow, whisking away excess body heat for a cooler sleep every time.

No matter your sleeping position, you deserve a pillow that's going to keep you comfortable and give you a restful night’s sleep. Click here to start getting the best sleep of your life!

We've gone ahead & enclosed a 10% off coupon below for you to use if you'd like to take the plunge and try out our sheets for yourself! To shop our collection & get 10% OFF Use the code 'BLOG10' at checkout.

Resources: 

1. Telloian, C. (2022, March 14). Here's why you might want to wash your pillows. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/washing-pillows. 
2. Oliver, D. (2017, December 7). Your pillowcase might be screwing up your skin. HuffPost. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pillowcase-acne-beauty-myth_n_4372709. 
3. What are the best positions for sleeping? Sleep Foundation. (2022, March 18). Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleeping-positions.