Do you wake up with a pain in the neck each morning (and no, I’m not talking about your husband!)?
Solve the problem by finding out which type of pillow shape is the best one for your preferred sleeping position …
Tummy Sleeper
It’s best to have no pillow at all, or a thin one. When you lie on your stomach, you have to turn your head 90 degrees; add a pillow to that and your head has to turn at even more of an angle, placing greater strain on your neck.
Many tummy sleepers find that at some stage in their lives, their neck gives them problems, requiring them to choose a different sleeping position.
This was definitely the case for me. I was a dedicated tummy sleeper, interrupted for a while by my two pregnancies, and after that I never really went back to it.
Side Sleeper
According to Lone Lawson from Posture Form Pillows, you should aim to maintain neutral spinal alignment with your pillow, for maximum support and comfort.
As human beings come in all shapes and sizes, this will be different depending on the individual. Someone who is broader across the shoulders for example, will need to use a higher pillow than a person with a narrow frame.
Tucking your pillow into your neck, and placing another pillow between your knees, is one way you can give your body more support and is much more comfortable (I can personally vouch for this as I am a side sleeper!). You’ll also find the extra pillow/s particularly comfortable if you have lower back pain or are pregnant.
Back Sleeper
If this is a your favourite sleeping position, a low pillow is the most suitable. You should aim to keep your spine as level with the mattress as possible. If your pillow is too high, it will force your head to flex forward. This is not only very uncomfortable for your neck, it also restricts your breathing which leads to the dreaded snoring!
Or you could splurge on height adjustable memory foam pillow, which can be adapted to suit your body and preferred sleeping position – like the ones created by Posture Form Pillows right here in Australia. Designed with the assistance of chiropractors, physiotherapists and osteopaths, the contours ensure proper support for your head, neck and shoulders to relieve and prevent pain … But their main attraction is that they are just so comfortable! While foam has a reputation for being a bit hot and uncomfortable, Posture Form are made with NexGen foam which is more porous, allowing for better air flow and comfort.
Let’s face it, by the time we get to middle age insomnia, aches and pains can become all too normal – but switching your pillow could be a simple solution!
I am a bit weird with my pillows! I was having lots of neck pain so I bought an expensive pillow that has memory foam (I think from memory) – it moulds to my head and neck and is SO comfortable! It is a low pillow so that my neck and spine stay aligned. I haven’t had neck pain since. I also sleep with two other pillows – but not under my head. I did say I am a bit weird with pillows!!
I need to take my own advice and get a new pillow Min! 😉
I LOVE sleeping on my tummy but I get a sore back – so resort to side – and yes must throw out husbands pillow – he’s due a new one, I’m not fussy and don’t have a sit pillow – strange right?!
I was a tummy sleeper for years and it’s still my second favourite possie. One of the worst things about pregnancy was not being able to sleep that way!
Great info there Janet, thanks for sharing. We are just about in the market for new pillows I think. Mr A bought some quite a few months ago only they turned out to be crap.
Yes I want some new ones too!
I need three pillows and I am very particular about them. Rachel x
Good, I don’t feel so bad now – I like 3 pillows too (our poor husbands, it’s a wonder there’s any room left in the bed for them!)