Choosing a suitable pillow

WAKING up with a crick in your neck or finding it hard to get comfy shows that pillows are just as important as mattresses for a good night’s sleep.

Do you need new pillows? A giveaway that your pillow has bitten the dust is lumpiness. A good pillow is fluffy so that it has good airflow. If you are not sure, fold your pillow in half and see if it bounces back. If it doesn’t, you probably need a new one.

Exotic feathers Thin or thick?

Sleep experts say that how you sleep should influence what sort of pillow you buy. If you sleep face down, a thin pillow is good.

If you sleep on your back, look for a thin pillow with a roll in the bottom to support your neck. If you sleep on your side, a thicker pillow helps to support your head better.

Covers count

You can upgrade the feel of any pillow by buying a high thread count cotton cover. These gives you the sensation of sleeping on silk – without all that sliding off you get from real silk.

Down feathers are delightful but they are designed for a dry cool climate. Good hotels use them as they have their air-conditioner and humidifier on all day, and they also launder them frequently.

If you want these, check labels to make sure you can wash and tumble dry them at home. Then be prepared for a weekly wash.