How to Pick the Perfect Pillow!

Picking the perfect pillow is as important as picking the correct mattress. This article is guaranteed to help you narrow down the search. You picked out a new mattress because your old one wasn't supportive, or caused back aches or maybe it was too firm and wouldn't give you the comfort you needed. That is probably just as true for your pillow. Most of the time customers will keep the same pillow for 2 or even maybe 3 mattress purchases. I would even go as far as to say they purchase a mattress because they think it's not supporting them, but in reality their pillow isn't holding up it's end of the bargain causing an early mattress purchase.

We highly recommend getting a new pillow when purchasing a new mattress and if you don't own a latex pillow and you are more comfortable with a synthetic fill pillow, we recommend getting a new one every 10-12 months honestly. This will ensure that your spine is in proper alignment and that the weight of your head is supported properly through your entire nights sleep.

Picking a pillow seems scary and traveling down a long dark hallway with no end in sight, but if you prepare correctly and know the foundation of what makes you comfortable then you'll be fine.

Find your sleeping position!

• The first step is to know what your preferred sleeping position is. We understand there are a few that toss and turn all night, but when you actually rest is the position you want to cater to. Once you know where your position is, that will help determine the thickness you'll generally want to buy.
1. Back sleepers - You want a thinner style pillow. Too thick will cause your head to go forward causing neck pain and improper neck/spine alignment. If you can, find a pillow that has a gradual type fill meaning a fill that is not as plush in the top, but more fill in the neck region. That style will truly support your neck and head while filling the gaps between the shoulder region and the head.
2. Side Sleepers - You will need a firmer feeling pillow with more plush to lift your head up the same distance your shoulders are pushing your body up. Be careful not to life too far or it will be just as bad as a non supportive pillow.
3. Stomach Sleepers - You will need to go for more of the flat pillow or even no pillow at all depending on your body size. Anything larger than a low profile or flat pillow will cause the head to lift backwards and cause the spine to arch increasing pain levels. 

Learn the types of Fillings!

• There is no shortage of types of fillings on the market. From synthetic to all natural (latex). This is where you can pick the longevity of the pillow you want. Synthetics tend to break down at a faster rate than latex or even memory foams. However, synthetic is typically half or 1/3 of the cost of latex, but you'll replace them more often. There is also down which a lot of people like because you can adjust the firmness if you want, but they tend to retain heat. Once you know your sleeping position, choose the material that best fits in for it. Latex and memory foams are more dense than the others and latex typically gives the most lift.

Time to test drive!

• Now that you know your position and the difference between the fills, you are ready to test drive a few pillows. Don't compare to your old pillow as it is no longer supportive and your new pillow should feel different.  This is the number one mistake a lot of customers make is the "it doesn't feel like my old one". That's great if it doesn't, it means you are regaining your support. 
• Most of the time pillows are sold in a mattress store, so grab a couple and then actually lay down with them. Have someone look at your neck and head when you lay down. Ensure proper spinal alignment (your spine should be pretty straight)
• If you aren't in a mattress store, find a flat wall and lean against the wall simulating you laying down. This isn't the best method, but sometimes you have to Mcgyver it. 
• Take your time, allow your body to actually let go of the tension of laying down in public. Let the pillow settle. 

Make The Purchase!

This is sometimes the hardest part for customers. No one wants to spend money on a pillow. They think it's insignificant and doesn't change the course of their day. That's couldn't be farther from the truth. What if I offered you the best chance for a nights rest every day for less than $1 a day, would you take it? That's what a pillow does for you. It's a cheap way to give you the best chance to actually rest. The other best part is, most of the time if you travel and the mattress is terrible, but you have a proper pillow, you'll still rest.

There will be many different fills of a pillow to choose from. Find a product that can consistently hold the shape of the original purchase. You don't want one to go flat or become lumpy after just a handful of months. We exclusively offer Pure Talalay Latex Pillows. We have found they hold their shape the longest, they are hypoallergenic, breathable and just simply work. They support with a soft comfort and that's one of the many reasons we offer them. Whatever pillow you get, be sure to put a protector around it. Nothing worse than finding that perfect pillow to have it ruined with one splash of coffee or oils from your hair.