What comes first, the Mattress or the Pillow?

When you need a good sleep at night, you look at your mattress and your pillow? Is one more important than the other? Not necessarily.

A good mattress is important for getting a good night of sleep. I have a had the pleasure of sleeping on the floor, an air mattress, a sofa mattress, a mattress with a comfort top and a memory foam mattress. It is the difference in waking up completely rested or waking up with aches and pain and bad sleep. Why toss and turn when you don't have to. Some things to think about when you purchase a mattress:

• What is the mattress composed of? If you have allergies for example you may be looking for something that is organic and fully cotton. Also, if you live in dryer climates like Arizona, you may need a specific breathable mattress
• What kind of firmness do you like in your mattress? Do you like a feeling of stiffness or softness. Do you want to feel like you are firmly on top of your mattress, or is a little sinking okay for you?
• Do you have any kind of neck or back pain? In today's day and age you can get a mattress that will elevate and allow you to essentially recline or help you get in any position that you need. You can put your knees up, recline your back or lay perfectly straightly. It is all possible with the technology and "smart" beds on the market today.
• What is the thickness of the mattress? 
  
  
  

BOTH are keys to helping you fall asleep and stay asleep.  Yes, mattress is important too, but pillow is equally important, since this is where your neck lays. The pillow should support whether sleeping on your side or on your back. I like the arc4life traction pillow. It is great for patients with acute neck pain and chronic neck pain. There are two surfaces on this pillow: There is a traction component (so it gently stretches you) and a support roll side that supports your cervical spine. Getting the right size is very important. There are three sizes to this pillow. It is fiber filled and contoured. Could take a few days to get used to. 

 

Take your time when purchasing a new pillow or a new mattress. It is easier to purchase a new pillow vs a mattress. Both can make a difference in the type of rest you get every night.

 

Additional Reading:

• Causes of neck pain you might not think of
• Arc4life Twist Pillow works great for patients who are travelling or for kids in the car
• Contoured Kids Pillows Designed for Smaller Cervical Spines
• Arc4life's Linear Gravity Neck Pillow- Small Size for Toddlers, Teens and Petite Individuals
• Change up the loft of your pillow easily
• Upper Back Stretches you can do anywhere