Pillows

The right support with a pillow 

A pillow should lie comfortably and feel pleasant to the touch, but above all it should provide the right support. That means keeping your cervical and upper back vertebrae in a straight line. If they are not, you risk waking up in the morning with a headache, stiff shoulders or a stiff neck. At Ergosleep®, the quest for a good night's sleep starts with measuring your SLEEP DNA®. That way, you'll know perfectly how high your pillow should be for your body to sleep in perfect balance. 

How long does a pillow last? 

The average lifespan of a pillow is three to five years. After five years, it really is time to replace your pillow. A good tip: at that time, choose a really good pillow that suits your body shape and sleeping position. You will definitely notice a difference, because with the ideal pillow, you will sleep better and wake up rested. Do you find that you feel pain in your neck or shoulders every morning? Then don't wait five years to look for a better pillow. A good and healthy night's sleep is too important for that! 

A hard or soft pillow? 

Pillows come in different shapes and sizes. Like mattresses, pillows can be slightly harder or softer. In the case of pillows, a distinction is usually made between soft, medium and firm pillows. Each type can provide the right support, depending on your preference and sleeping position. For stomach and back sleepers, a soft, low pillow is usually the best choice. Are you a stomach sleeper? About one in 10 people sleep in that position. Just know that this is ergonomically the least good position. After all, your neck is constantly under tension because your head is twisted on your pillow. This is precisely why a low and supple pillow is the best choice for stomach sleepers: extra height would force your neck even more.   

For side sleepers, a firmer and slightly higher pillow is preferred so there is not too much pressure on your shoulders. Just make sure your pillow is compatible with your mattress. If you have a soft mattress where your shoulders sink a bit deeper, you also need a softer and lower pillow. 

A thick or thin pillow? 

The ideal height of your pillow is also something personal. The most important thing when lying on your pillow is that your back and neck vertebrae are in a straight line. Only in this way will you have a healthy sleeping position where your muscles really relax during sleep to avoid waking up in the morning with a cramped neck or sore shoulders. Thanks to the relaxed position of your neck, you can also breathe more easily and will, therefore, snore less. Good for you and your partner! Conclusion: get your SLEEP DNA® measured first! 

As not everyone lies in the same sleeping position, there is no specific thickness that is ideal for the pillow of stomach sleepers, back sleepers and side sleepers. For side sleepers, the advice is that your pillow should fill the space between neck and shoulder. This will keep your neck nicely supported without sagging. 

Taking care of your pillow 

Your pillow has a lot to endure. Sweat, saliva, facial creams and your hair can easily stain it. An ordinary pillowcase usually cannot stop all this completely. But by using a pillow protector or flannel pillowcase under your pillowcase, you can avoid it. The pillow protector has the same function as the mattress protector for your mattress: it is an extra layer of protection against stains, perspiration and wear and tear. Wash the pillowcase and protector very regularly for a hygienic sleeping environment. Some pillows can go entirely in the washing machine, or they have a removable outer layer - a ticking - that can be washed in the washing machine. Besides regularly washing the pillowcases and possibly the pillow itself or the ticking, you will also keep your pillow fresh for longer by shaking it up and airing it outside as often as you can.  

Different materials for pillows 

Pillows can be filled with different types of materials, each with their own specific properties and benefits. For instance, you can find pillows made of memory foam, with down, natural latex and bamboo, but also with a synthetic filling, wool or gel. These are the most commonly used materials for pillows: 

Memory foam 

Memory foam has a pressure-reducing effect and provides good support, which is why it is often recommended for neck pain. When you lie on a memory foam pillow, it adapts to the contours of your head and neck, and your head will sink into it a little. As a result, you get warmer faster and you cannot turn your head as easily in your sleep. Knowing that a person on average turns his or her head quite often while sleeping, you quickly come to the conclusion that memory foam is not the optimal material for a pillow. Moreover, memory foam is a less ventilating material. 

Down and feathers 

Down and feather pillows are popular because they feel so soft and cosy. They give good support and you can customise them by adding more or less filling. Down and feathers, therefore, are a classic material for pillows. If you buy a pillow with a mix of down and feathers, choose one with a high percentage of down. After all, down is better quality, lasts longer and has excellent temperature-regulating properties. You won't get too cold or too hot easily. The downside of this material is that you have to constantly shake it up and it does not always support your head evenly.  

Synthetic 

Synthetic pillows are made of artificial fibres such as polyester. They are affordable and you can find them in different thicknesses and shapes. A big advantage is that it’s very easy to maintain synthetic pillows by washing them in the washing machine, and then they are also quick to dry. The main disadvantage is that they make you sweat faster.  

Latex 

Pillows in natural latex are resilient and retain their shape, offering good and even support all night long. Moreover, natural latex is antibacterial and antifungal, and the house dust mite cannot thrive in latex. Therefore, latex pillows are a very good choice if you are allergic to house dust mites. 

Ergosleep® Pillows 

At Ergosleep® you will find the Ergosleep® Pillow, made from 100% Talalay natural latex. The pillow is composed of three layers that you can combine to the height that is most suitable for you: 9cm, 12cm or 14cm. The composition with 100% Talalay natural latex provides excellent elasticity, resilience and ventilating properties. Your head and neck get optimal support and you enjoy a pleasant sleeping environment. Thanks to the anti-allergic Alpura® treatment, the pillow cover remains dust mite-free and prevents the growth of unfavourable bacteria and fungi. The SLEEP DNA® measurement at an Ergosleep® shop will tell you exactly what the height of your Ergosleep® Pillow should be, to perfectly support your head and body. 

Buying a new pillow 

Do you need a new pillow but wonder which pillow suits you best? Important factors to consider are your sleeping position, your body profile, your mattress and, of course, your personal preferences. A measurement of your SLEEP DNA® takes all of these aspects into account. You will find out exactly what the ideal pillow is for you. So visit an Ergosleep® shop near you for personal advice. Welcome!