Pillow Talk

Geoff McLeary, owner of Sleepy’s Bedroom Furniture and Sleep Shop in Kelowna spoke with Okanagan Woman about what to look for when you’re making a pillow purchase.

We know that there is nothing better than crawling into your cozy bed after a long day, but if your pillow isn’t up to par with your mattress, it might not be so comfortable.

YOUR BED SURFACE

The most important thing when it comes to buying a pillow is making sure it will match your bed. When you’re in the shop, be sure to know what type of mattress you’re sleeping on. If the mattress is soft, you’ll want a softer pillow. If the mattress is firm, you’ll want a firm pillow.

YOUR SLEEPING POSITION

The second thing you should know before picking up the next pillow you’ll be laying down on is what position you sleep in. What is your ratio from shoulder to neck? If you’re a stomach sleeper, you may want something thin and soft, so your neck isn’t contorted. If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll want something that fits into your shoulder crevice. If you’re a back sleeper, you’ll want a medium soft pillow, so it fits comfortably into the nape of your neck.

THE GENRE OF PILLOW

Are you hoping for a tree hugging organic pillow? Memory foam? Latex? Synthetic? Allergy relief? There are so many different options to choose from!

THE TYPE OF PILLOW

Pillows can range anywhere from $10 to $300. There are shape sifting pillows that you can move and adjust while you’re sleeping. There are pillows with holes throughout them. The holes give you zones, which eliminates ear pressure and gives greater neck support. There are also pillows infused with natural essential oils like lavender, chamomile and peppermint. These help with deeper sleep, relaxation and headaches. Finally, there are pillows that help you go to sleep earlier and will make you wake up happier. These pillows are great for people with sleep insomnia.

CARING FOR YOUR PILLOW

Once you choose your pillow, you will want to take care of it. A lot of stores offer pillow protectors, which is an important purchase if you’re spending a lot of money on your pillow. Protectors can help stop skin, dust, moisture, makeup, sweat and drool from seeping into the pillow.

Life’s too short for lumpy, uncomfortable pillows… it’s time to go shopping!