Sleeping is so directly tied to health that making sure your bed is comfortable and inviting should be a top priority. So what should you do if your pillow is uncomfortable?
Uncomfortable pillows are not an uncommon experience but you don’t have to put up with it. There is a comfortable pillow out there for you. Trying out different pillow types and replacing pillows that are showing signs of wear should be a focus.
I’ll run you through 9 tips for getting the most out of your pillow and also look at surefire signs that your pillow is causing you issues.
Why Is Your Pillow So Uncomfortable?
There are many pillow types so if your pillow is not comfortable you can always try another type. The best pillow for you may not necessarily be the most expensive one. There is no real complicated science behind picking the right pillow, if you try out a pillow and it seems comfortable, that is about the extent of it.
If your neck is bent too much in any way for a long period of time that is going to lead to neck and back pain. So your focus should be working out if your sleeping position matches your pillow type. For example, if you are a side sleeper, you will generally be looking to get a taller pillow as otherwise because of your shoulders, your neck will have to bend sideways to get your head to the pillow. This position can cause pain issues if you stay in it for eight hours of sleep.
If you sleep on your stomach, you will want a very low pillow. Otherwise, you get the opposite issue, your head is pushing your neck backward. Stacking too many pillows on top of each other in the pursuit of comfort can turn out to cause more issues.
How Do You Know If Your Pillow is Bad?
There is not too much to understand whether a pillow is working for you or not. You should realize after a matter of days whether your pillow is comfortable for you. Any pain in your neck or shoulders is likely a sign your pillow is not right for you, especially pain first thing in the morning that fades over time.
If you find yourself waking up after a supposed full night’s sleep and are still tired, it could be a sign that you are not sleeping through the night. If your pillow is causing an unnatural sleeping position, this will cause you to have sleep interruptions that wake you up briefly every few minutes. Sleep deprivation will then further compound issues relating to pain and ironically then impacting your ability to have true, restful sleep the next night.
What Are the Bad Pillow Symptoms?
A strong smell is one sign that you should replace your pillow.
You could try sleeping on a different surface with the same pillow and see if you still have neck or back pain to narrow down what is causing the issues.
Pillows have pretty short lifespans and so if you are still using the same one after three years it might be time for a replacement if you think it is causing you issues.
Warmer climates need different pillows to colder climates. For example, humid locations will result in sweating overnight, saturating your pillow if it does not have the capacity to absorb moisture and self-dry. Good options may be a woven bamboo pillow or a 100% cotton pillow.
If you notice that you’re having skin issues or allergy issues the culprit could be your pillow. Pillows are absorbing a lot of dead skin, oil, and any products you’re adding to your skin or hair. Sweat and heat can cause bacteria to breed and are a popular spot for many bugs. Regularly cleaning your pillow slips and replacing the pillows themselves regularly is a key to avoiding issues from this.
9 Tips to Make Pillows Comfortable
- Your pillow should be sitting right below your neck. Ensure that it covers the space between your neck and the mattress. That way your spine, back, and neck will be supported while you are sound asleep. Different pillow shapes such as wedges can help fill this gap better than others and so you should try a variety of different pillows
- You should wash your pillow slips and air out your pillows. Fluffing the pillows can help even out the pillow’s fabric.
- Lumpy pillows that cannot be fluffed into evenness should be replaced. If you’re finding that you need to scrunch, fold or fluff your pillow every single day to make it comfortable, that’s a big red flag.
- Pillows that are used in your bed will likely get the most use and so will have to be replaced the most frequently.
- Flipping the pillow over and trying the other side is a tried and tested technique that works wonders on hot nights.
- Spraying various substances on the pillow can encourage restful sleep. Some people swear by lavender and there are also specialty sleep sprays or pillow mists that can be used.
- The image of comfort for a pillow may be soft, billowy, and full of cushions that you sink into. But your body type or neck angle might be better suited to a firmer pillow or a smaller pillow.
- Some medical professionals specialize in measuring your body and giving a custom-sized pillow. This is one tip that gives you one of the most comfortable pillows ever that suits you perfectly. Memory foam can be incorporated into pillows as well that mold to your body’s shape.
- Finally, don’t overdo it with the pillows. Generally, a single, high-quality pillow is the best bet for maximum comfort and support.
