Stiff neck? It’s time to talk pillows

HAVING the right pillow not only keeps you comfortable in bed. It plays an important role in supporting the intricate structures of the head, neck, shoulders and spine, making it easier to get the restorative sleep that you need. Amazingly, your head can weigh as much as 10-12lbs. And your neck contains seven of the spine’s 33 vertebrae, so proper support is essential. Use pillows that are past their prime — and neck pain, back pain and even persistent headaches can be the result. If you do have a neck or back problem, finding the perfect pillow for you is vital to the health of your spine and the quality of your sleep. After all, sleep is how your body heals itself, so if you’re not getting enough of it or the quality is lacking, then your body can’t use that time to do what it needs to do. A good pillow should hold your head in correct alignment — that is, in the same relation to your shoulders and spine as if you were standing upright in a neutral posture — and support your neck. Because pillows affect your sleeping posture so much and lie next to your skin and nose, it is a good idea to invest in high-quality models and replace them every few years. A famously comfortable pillow that has been developed over decades and has sold more than 50 million worldwide, is now being made in the UK for the first time, at a Coventry factory. The machine-washable pillow is available in a choice of three fill-levels, and adjusts to your exact individual needs, regardless of your sleeping position. Styled as the most comfortable pillow in the world, it has a unique interlocking fill — and comes with a ten-year guarantee and a 60-day money-back guarantee.