4 reasons to replace your pillow

Are you one of the many people who wake every morning with neck pain, shoulder pain or headaches? It might be time to change your pillow.

Fun fact: Did you know your pillow should be changed every 12 months to 2 years?

A pillow should provide proper support to your head and neck while you sleep. Old pillows, lumpy pillows or pillows that are too high or low can affect your neck posture while you sleep. We spend on average 7 hours in bed a day that’s a lot of time to hold the head and neck in a bad position.

Here are 4 reasons you should replace your pillow.

You’re a stomach sleeper 

Sleeping on your stomach can cause, neck, shoulder, and even lower back pain. In adults, sleeping on your stomach puts excessive pressure on your spine causing your neck to twist past the ideal angle, this twisted position for an extended period puts undue strain on your neck, causing restricted movement, pain and often headaches. Tummy sleepers also typically put one hand/arm up underneath the pillow as seen in the picture below which can lead to impingement disorders of the shoulder.

Hygiene 

Hygiene is a big factor in why you should replace your pillow. You spend a third of your life asleep, that is a lot of time with your head on the pillow! During your sleep, your pillow will absorb, sweat, dead skin and oils from your face and hair, regularly changing your pillow every 1- 2 years will ensure that your pillow doesn’t become mouldy, discoloured or develop an odour.

Neck, shoulder pain and headache on waking up

Pain is the body’s warning system. If you’re waking in pain then alarm bells should be ringing to make changes to your sleeping position and or equipment. Pillows are a cost-effective investment first rather than replacing your mattress. Your pillow is also portable so you can ensure a good night sleep even when you travel.

We want to ensure we are well rested, breathing well, comfortable and making every effort to reduce the likelihood of waking in pain. As we touched on above, poor biomechanics of the upper neck can cause a type of headache known as cervico-genic headache it can also cause shoulder pain, hand/arm numbness and tingling due to having the hand raised under the pillow when on your stomach and this is only scratching the surface of issues that may arise.

You’re Trying to Change Your Sleep Position

A good pillow supports your head and keeps your neck in alignment with the rest of your spine. The ideal loft depends on whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach. Side sleepers, for instance, tend to prefer thicker pillows with a medium to high loft that can support the head and keep it lifted above the shoulders.

If you have a certain medical condition or injury, you may need to change your sleep position. For example, back sleepers looking to reduce snoring may consider sleeping on their side. However, getting a good night’s sleep in a new position can be difficult. To ease the transition, consider replacing your old pillow with a pillow suited to your new sleep position.

We recommend therapeutic internationals complete sleeprrr: (Please speak with us if you wish to take one home to try before you buy)

These pillows are fully adjustable and made from therapeutic memory foam suitable for all body shapes and sizes. They offer optimum neck and spine support to help ease and prevent neck pain. Designed and recommended by Australian healthcare professionals, this is the only pillow we stock and recommend in the clinic for adult patients.

Reasons why we love the comfort and support of the Complete Sleeprrr

• • One side lower contour, other side higher contour – the choice is yours.
  • Premium memory foam that shapes to your head and provides spine support.
  • Recommended by more than 1000 Australian healthcare professionals.
  • Inserts and noodles can be adjusted or removed to find your most comfortable fit.
  • Scalloped under-edges allow shoulders to slip snugly beneath the pillow.
  • The contour pillow shape helps to keep the airways open.
  • Pressure relief for the head, neck and shoulders.

Designed to help with a range of conditions and ailments

• • Headaches and migraine reduction
  • Improve neck and shoulder pain
  • Assists with sleep apnea and snoring
  • Encourages side sleeping
  • Improve posture and general wellness
  • Helps you get a good night’s sleep

A new pillow could be the first step to a better nights sleep and less pain when you wake up.

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to our friendly team.

Kind regards

Dr Matthew Gooch (Chiropractor)