Did you sleep well? Feeling cranky today? Are you achy? Beth Mack, CMO of Hollander Home Fashions, the largest pillow manufacturer (maker of one-third of all the pillows produced) in the United States, wants to help you out. Below, Beth offers four tips for buying the perfect pillow that will have you feeling rested, energized and ache free:
Tip # 1: What’s Your Pillow Style?
Stomach sleepers- Go for a soft pillow with little elevation.
Back sleepers – You need medium pillow with moderate elevation.
Side sleepers – Choose a firmer pillow with higher elevation; aim to fill the space between ear and shoulder, so your head and neck are aligned.
The “Flipper” – Make up your mind! You need a lot more support because of all that tossing and turning, and down alternatives are great because the fills inside can be manipulated, so they squish, but still have a lot of support.
Tip # 2: Keep It Fresh: Pillows should be replaced every one to two years. A pillow past its prime could contain a high level of dust mites, which can increase breathing disorders, asthma or allergies.
Tip # 3: The Telltale Signs: Pillows that have reached the end of the road will often feel lumpy or flat and will not re-fluff very well.
Tip # 4: Take The Test: To determine whether your pillow needs replacing, fold your pillow in half. Place a tennis shoe on top of the folded half. If the pillow throws the shoe off, it still has some life. If the pillow remains folded with the shoe on top, it needs to be replaced.
Image courtesy of Hollander Home Fashions. Shown: Asthma friendly pillow. Hollander has received the asthma friendly® certification mark by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) on its pillows. Unlike other bedding products that claim to be hypoallergenic (merely a marketing term), this Hollander product has passed stringent scientific testing standards. The Hollander pillow is proven to provide a barrier to the passage of allergens as well as being free from chemicals known to impact airway inflammation. They are machine washable so any allergen accumulating on the external surface can be easily removed. The asthma friendly® pillow retails from $19.99 – $29.99 and is available at Bed, Bath & Beyond.
For more information on getting the best sleep possible, visit Hollander Home Fashions’ Comfort Council.
