Summary
- A soft pillow may feel comfortable at first but health experts say it is not always the best option for good sleep.
- They explain that a pillow should not only feel soft in the store but also provide proper support for your head and neck throughout the night.
- If it is too soft it may not support your head and neck properly.
A soft pillow may feel comfortable at first but health experts say it is not always the best option for good sleep.
They explain that a pillow should not only feel soft in the store but also provide proper support for your head and neck throughout the night.
Physiotherapists say many people choose pillows after trying them for only a few minutes. However the real test comes after several hours of sleep. As your head presses down on the pillow it can lose its shape.
If it does not give enough support your neck and spine may become misaligned leading to pain or stiffness in the morning.
Allan Fu, a physiotherapist and lecturer at the University of Sydney says many people judge a pillow by how comfortable it feels at first.
He believes the most important thing is whether the pillow keeps your head and neck properly supported all night. A short test in a store is not enough to know how well a pillow will perform.
Experts say the average human head weighs about 4.5 kilograms which means a pillow is under constant pressure while you sleep.
If it is too soft it may not support your head and neck properly. That is why comfort should not be the only thing to consider when buying a pillow.
Research suggests that latex and memory foam pillows may help reduce neck pain because they keep their shape better and provide steady support.
Feather and synthetic fiber pillows can also be used but experts recommend choosing firmer versions as very soft ones lose their support more quickly.
Experts also advise against judging a new pillow after just one night. Feather and synthetic pillows usually settle into their normal shape within a day or two while memory foam pillows may take several weeks to fully adjust to your body.
When buying a pillow experts recommend lying on it for a few minutes if possible. A pillow that feels slightly firmer or a little higher at first may become more comfortable with regular use.
They say proper support is more important than softness for keeping your neck healthy.
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