How to choose the right pillow for you?

How to choose the right pillow for you?

If you’re lucky you’ll find the right pillow on your first try, but generally it can take a bit of trial and error before you get it right. Here are a few hints to help you choose the right pillow so you can avoid any unnecessary Physiotherapy appointments!

1. Look for a pillow that holds its shape – like memory foam
2. Don’t purchase anything too expensive if you’re not sure it’s the right one for you – remember it can be a bit of trial and error!
3. It might take a week or two to adjust to a new pillow, so if it’s comfortable most of the time, hang in there and give it a week to a fortnight for your body to adjust, two weeks in you might be sleeping like a baby!
4. Always try out the pillow – we have great memory foam pillows in our Hoppers Physio pracitce

Hints for when you’re testing out your new pillow..

Side sleepers – your pillow should fill up the space between your ear and your shoulder without any collapsing through your shoulder joint. Your neck should remain neutral – which means your head shouldn’t be side flexed towards either of your shoulders, your neck should be at a right angle from your shoulders.

Back sleepers – Sleeping without a pillow under your head will help to maintain a neutral neck position, however it may be uncomfortable or take some time to get used to. If you require a pillow under your head, ensure that it is not too thick as your neck may be forced into an over-flexed position, causing extra stress on your muscles and joints. It is also important to place the pillow under your head, not your shoulders.

Stomach sleepers – The only positive of sleeping on your stomach is that it may ease snoring. If you are sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to either side, significant stress is placed on your neck muscles and ligaments. This is not recommended especially if you experience neck pain.

If you believe you are experiencing pain from an incorrect pillow it would be advised that you see one our physio’s prior to choosing a new pillow so any underlying issues can be addressed.Finding the perfect pillow and a good mattress will help minimise aggravation of joint and muscle tension issues, if you would like advice on choosing the right pillow or mattress our Hoppers Physiotherapists can help! Call 9749 5110 to make an appointment today.