We talk a lot about sleep and the joys of beautiful, cosy bedding and duvets, but have you ever stopped to wonder if your pillow choice could be doing more for you?
According to NHS reports, adults need an average of 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, however, in reality, the latest research has shown that almost 1 in 5 people in the UK aren’t getting enough sleep. Sound familiar?
If you frequently wake up after a night of restless sleep with aches and pains in your neck, back or shoulders, or find yourself tossing
and turning, unable to get comfy, it could be a sign that you need to replace your pillows or mattress with something more supportive.
In this blog, we delve into all things pillows, including what size pillow to choose, what fillings are available, and the benefits that perfect pillows can bring to your overall sleep quality.
Understanding Pillow Fillings
Choosing the right pillow isn’t just about firmness or softness; the filling plays a crucial role too. Pillow fillings can significantly impact your sleep quality, with different materials offering various benefits. Understanding the characteristics of each can help you make the right choice for you.
Natural Fillings
Natural fillings, such as goose down, duck down, and feathers, are popular for their luxurious feel and breathability. They offer excellent insulation, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, thanks to their natural ability to regulate temperature. Down pillows, especially, are incredibly soft and fluffy, providing gentle support that’s perfect for those who prefer a softer pillow.
Pillows that contain some feathers, such as our duck down pillows, are slightly firmer and more supportive than down-only pillows. They tend to hold their shape better and can be fluffed up to restore their natural loftiness. This is due to the quills of each feather providing more structure. If you enjoy sinking into your pillow but still want some level of support, a feather-filled pillow might be the right choice.
One thing to consider with natural fillings is the potential for allergies. While all our pillows and duvets at Secret Linen Store are hypoallergenic, those with severe allergies might want to opt for synthetic alternatives.
Synthetic Fillings
Synthetic pillows, such as those made with microfibre, are excellent alternatives to natural fillings. This option is best suited for those who light a lightweight feel but with more support. Our microfibre and hollowfibre pillows mimic the softness of down, offering a similar plush feel but with the added benefit of being more affordable and easier to care for.
If you’re looking for a low maintenance pillow that provides lots of support, this is the option for you!
For more help on choosing the right filling for your bedding, visit our Pillows, Duvets, Toppers advice.
Choosing the Right Secret Linen Store Pillow for You
How do you choose between firm or soft, goose down or microfibre? Well, the decision is completely down to your preference. One helpful way to determine the outcome of your decision is to consider the typical position you like to sleep in most.
Side sleepers tend to find they need a little more volume and support in their pillow to prop them up, while front or back sleepers will typically find more comfort with a softer pillow.
For front sleepers, choose a pillow that’s super soft and feels as light as a cloud. Try our Hungarian Goose Feather & Down pillows and choose a medium fill. The same pillow with a firm fill might provide a little
extra support for a back sleeper.
We think the best pillow for side sleepers is The Big Softie, a luxurious microfibre choice that keeps its bounce and provides a wonderfully supportive cushion for the head and neck.
Supporting Your Body’s Natural Curves
One of the primary reasons for restless sleep is discomfort. If your pillow doesn’t properly align with your neck and back when lying down, this can cause pain points, leading to a disruptive slumber. Banish bedtime tossing and turning once and for all by ensuring you find a pillow that properly supports your body’s natural shape.
One common issue among restless sleepers is opting for two pillows when one can often be more helpful to avoid over-extending the neck. Consider swapping to sleeping with one supportive, lofty pillow instead of two.
Embrace Relaxing Bedroom Feng-Shui
If haven’t got to grips with your bedroom feng-shui yet, this is your sign to dive in and get started! Feng-shui, atmosphere - whatever you want to call it, your sleep space can have a direct impact on the overall quality of your 40 winks.
Every person’s idea of calming bedroom decor will look different, but some things to consider would be opting for a cohesive colour palette (whites, blues and sea greens all have connotations with relaxation). Alternatively, you might want to go for deeper richer colours in autumn and winter to mimic the cosy hues of these seasons.
In addition to this, ensuring your space is visually free from clutter will also help to mentally declutter your mind, while allowing your room to feel more spacious and clean in the process. These are all advised for promoting a good night’s sleep.
For more sleep tips or advice on all things bedding, head to our dedicated blog section, The Bed Spread.
Got any further questions for us? Contact us today and one of our friendly customer advisors will be happy to help.
