There’s a lot to consider when it comes to creating the ideal bed. What firmness of mattress do you need for optimal, Goldilocks-level sleep? What thread count makes slipping into your sheets the dreamiest? Where can you find the most marshmallow-iest pillow topper?
Perhaps the easiest place to start is the pillow, which, though small, can have a powerful impact on your sleep quality (and thus, your entire life). In honor of this month’s upcoming World Sleep Day (a thing!), we asked Dallas’ resident pillow doyenne, Merrimac Dillon of The Pillow Bar, a Dallas-based company that consults with chiropractors and neurosurgeons to create the perfect spin-aligning products, to answer all our burning questions.
Should the density of your pillow depend on whether or not you’re a side or back sleeper?
The first thing to know is that how you wake up is your natural sleep style, not how you go to sleep. Front Sleepers require a very flat and soft pillow as you don’t want your neck bent backwards all night.
A back sleeper requires a bit more support than a front sleeper, as you want to make sure your neck is in line with your spine throughout the night. Your chin should not be tilted back or down — it should be straight when sleeping.
A side sleeper requires a firmer pillow to fill the space between their head and the mattress while keeping it in line with their spine. The broader the shoulders, the firmer the pillow needs to be for maximum support and comfort. We also offer the Dr. Mary Side Sleeper which has a unique boomerang shape to keep your head aligned with your spine and your blood flowing all night long.
Is it at actually better for us to sleep on our backs?
The healthiest way to sleep is on your back because it prevents neck and back pain and minimizes wrinkles. Your body adjusts itself during the night, so it is incredibly difficult to change your sleep style. 80 percent of people sleep on their sides. With a pillow that is made to fit you and your sleep style, you should be getting a good night’s sleep being a front, back or side sleeper.
What makes down (or down alternative) pillows the best?
We try to steer people away from anything with chemicals, as you don’t want to breathe in chemicals during the night. We use only sterilized hypo-allergenic materials.
How often should we wash our pillows?
You should always wash your protector (the zippered cover that comes with your pillow) as well as your pillow case weekly as you wash your sheets. That way your pillow fill will not absorb your natural oils and perspiration. The two barriers are essential to the longevity and cleanliness of your pillow, and will help your pillow stay fluffy and soft.
We do not suggest washing the pillow itself, but if you absolutely must, take it to a professional with a professional washing machine.
How long should our pillows last?
We strongly suggest you replace your pillow every two to three years. It’s like a garment. If you wear a piece every day for two to three years, the fabric will become worn out no matter how well you take care of it.
How can having the right pillow effect your sleep?
Sleepless nights can cause irritability, dizziness, headaches, weight gain and even sagging skin. It is a proven fact that a good night’s sleep can positively affect your personality, your job performance, your health regimen and even your cognitive reasoning. It has recently been suggested that the lack of sleep also contributes to the onset of Altzheimers….Sleep matters!
Where can people find a pillow bar machine in Dallas?
Customers can visit the Linen Boutique on West Lovers Lane, Dallas Luxury Beds in the Design District, or they can order online at www.thepillowbar.com.
