A bad pillow/headrest can cause serious neck pain and back pain, which can shrink your brain and reduce your brain power (Scientists at the University of Alberta).
Then, how do you know when it’s time to buy a new pillow? According to this study done by pillow manufacturers in Ergoflex, 82% of people do not know when it’s time for a new pillow. Are you wondering if you fall into that 82%?
Below are signs your pillow needs to be changed
Pillow too high/low
When your pillow is too high, it causes the muscles in your neck to stretch and takes the spine out of alignment, this will leave your neck feeling very stiff throughout the day, causing it to be uncomfortable while performing daily tasks. If you’re a side sleeper, the headrest will press down into your shoulder causing upper back and neck pain.
If your headrest is too low it will cause your neck muscles to sag into the pillow, leaving your spine curved, this will cause neck pain and stiffness.
According to Kayla Blydenburg, latex headrests are best for sleeping, and feather headrests are more likely to cause neck pain. Feather pillows are great for decorations (such as throw pillows), but they’re not recommended for sleeping!
It doesn’t spring back into shape after being pressed
Nancy Rothstein – or as she calls herself, the Sleep Ambassador – states that your headrest should be able to be folded in half and when released pop right back to its normal state. If your pillow does not do this, it’s time for a change.
Michael Breus – a clinical psychologist known as the sleep doctor – says that If you have a plain old, inexpensive polyester headrest, you should be replacing it every six months. But if you have a memory foam pillow or anyone with structural integrity, it’ll last you anywhere from 18 to 36 months.
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