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There are many pillows in the market place. They are usually made of :

  • Visco-elastic/Memory Foam
  • Gel Infused Foam
  • Ordinary cut foam
  • Latex
  • Other

When is it time to buy a new pillow?

  • As a general rule cheap pillows should be replaced every 6-12 months. A top of the range pillow should last up to 3 years.
  • If you are starting to get neck pain and/or toss and turn this can be an indication your pillow and/or mattress may require updating.
  • Prolonged abnormal posture during sleep is the most common cause of neck pain and disturbed nights.
  • A soft filled pillow will quickly lose its shape and height which means the head’s support system of neck muscles and ligaments does not relax.
  • A good pillow will support the skull and neck without applying undue pressure, as it conforms to the exact shape of the sleeper, thus spreading the weight evenly and uniformly along the vertebrae.

Questions When Selecting Your New Pillow:

  • Are you a side sleeper or do you sleep on your back or stomach?
  • Do you toss and turn or do you sleep well?
  • What size is your frame? i.e. small, medium, large
  • Do you currently sleep on a low pillow or no pillow?
  • Ar you a pillow hugger?
  • What is your current pillow made from?
  • How old is your current pillow?  Do you remember?

Pillow Selection

  1. If you are a side sleeper then you need to consider the width of your shoulders to ascertain sizing for a molded pillow. You need to ensure that your spine is straight and your head is not on an angle. When the head is on an angle it puts strain on the neck.
  2. If you sleep on your back or stomach a lower pillow is more suitable
  3. If you hug your pillow then we’d recommend a softer pillow or the Tempur Ombracio.
  4. If you toss and turn then this can indicate that either your pillow or mattress is not giving the correct support. The first thing we suggest is that you change your pillow. If your mattress is over 10 years old you should review this as well.

Pillow Types:

SYNTHETIC FIBRE FILL:

  • Polyester soft fill
  • Does not maintain it’s height in long term
  • Poor Neck support
  • Replace every 3-6 months

WOOL FIBRE FILL:

  • An alternative to synthetics.
  • Is washable and flame resistant
  • Over time packs down to become quite hard
  • Dust mites over time can become an issue
  • Replace every 12 months

FEATHER & DOWN FILL:

  • Natural soft fill
  • Does not maintain it’s height in long term
  • Suitable for people who like to hug their pillow or like a low pillow
  • Poor neck support
  • Replace every 12 months

STANDARD CUT FOAM:

  • Comes in various heights
  • Initially a firm pillow
  • Cheap pillow
  • Replace every 6-12 months

MEMORY FOAM:

  • Comes in various heights
  • Responds to the user
  • Does not sag or lose shape
  • Replace every 1-5 years depending on Brand

GEL INFUSED FOAM:

  • Comes in various heights
  • Memory foam version responds to the user
  • Gel beads are infused into foam to create an open cell structure that promotes air movement
  • Heat from the body dissipates to help maintain a cool comfortable temperature
  • Replace every 1-5 years depending on Brand

LATEX:

  • Natural bio-degradable product
  • Comes in various heights (small, medium & large)
  • Does not sag or lose shape
  • Open-cell honeycomb construction (100% latex) help with pressure distribution and aeration for better hygiene
  • Non-toxic & contaminant-free, its natural properties inhibit bacterial & fungal growth
  • Replace every 2-5 years

    Note:  Recommended replacement for types of construction are a guideline only and will vary depending on brand and manufacturer.  Some of the pillow types are not stocked at Backcare & Seating as we do not believe they have the support requirements required by the majority of our clientele.