|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
| Pillows |
Buy the right one and drift off to dreamland.
|
|
|
|
|
As absurd as it might sound, buying a new pillow can be a complex task. Not only are there different pillow heights and sizes, but there are different fills, fabrics and degrees of firmness. Our House helps to take the confusion out of your next pillow purchase.
How do you know if you need a new pillow? Your pillow may be the cause of neck pain and the loss of a decent night’s sleep. Over time, a pillow will show signs of wear by becoming lumpy or flat, and will lose its shape. If your pillow is in this state then it simply can’t do its job properly.
The pillow test
Place your pillow on a flat surface and fold it in half. Now place a sports shoe on top. If the shoe doesn’t fly off as the pillow springs back to shape, then it’s time to look for a new pillow.
You should replace your pillow every 6 months to 2 years (although longer lasting pillows are available). Tontine, a manufacturer of quality pillows, now provide a tag on their care labels where you can write the date of your pillow purchase so that you may monitor its age.
Your perfect pillow
If you’re looking for a new pillow, the first step is to think about the way you sleep. Do you sleep on your stomach, back or side? This is your sleeping style. which helps determine the height of the pillow that best suits your needs. The height is very important as this supports your head and neck while you sleep.
Side sleeper: medium / high
Tummy sleeper: low
Back sleeper: low / medium
Small adult: low
Large adult: low / medium
Child: low
You should always choose the right height of pillow so that your neck and head get maximum support. The next step is to find one that ‘feels’ comfortable. Pillows are available in soft, medium-firm and firm. The choice of pillow ‘feel’ is purely personal.
Pillow care
Shaking it daily will fluff up the filling, and regular airing of your pillow (out of the sun) will also keep it fresher and cleaner. Some pillows are hand washable and some machine washable so it is important to check directions.
Using a pillow protector will also help to protect your pillow from soiling and staining, and will help to prolong its life. You can wash the protector as often as the rest of your bed linen for added cleanliness. Some different products available are:
Polyester Pillows (supplied by Tontine)
Polyester filling is a man-made product. Polyesters have the advantage of being inexpensive and can be manufactured into a variety of shapes and support levels. Polyester cannot be easily cleaned (as can feather and down) and is therefore considered a more disposable item. Examples are:
”The Dreamweaver”, a medium profile pillow for side or back sleepers, plus Damask linen cover. RRP $14.95.
“Low Lie”, for stomach and back sleepers. Also suited to children and small frame adults, cotton poplin piped cover. RRP $19.95.
“Comfort”, a versatile pillow for side sleepers of a small to medium frame.
Suitable for large frame back sleepers, cotton poplin piped cover. RRP $23.95.
“Supreme Firm”, a firm, loftier pillow, suitable for side sleepers of larger frame.
Pure cotton poplin piped cover. RRP $23.95.
“PJ’s 4 Beds”, a medium profile pillow, colourful cover, sanitized filling for freshness. RRP $16.95.
“Child’s pillow”, low fill weight suitable for children and tummy sleepers. Soft blend of polyester, pure cotton poplin ‘zoo’ printed cover, sanitized filling.
RRP $12.95.
“The Big One”, a high and firm pillow, quilted cotton cover, sanitized.
RRP $19.95.
“Low & Firm Pillow”, CFC Free Foam Core Block. Low and firm pillow, pure cotton cover. Sanitized. RRP $13.95.
“Firm Support Pillow”, a medium profile pillow for side or back sleepers. Polyester wrapped around CFC free ‘egg crate’ shape foam core (provides contoured support), sanitized. RRP $15.95.
“Latex Pillow”, medium profile pillow with a medium to firm feel. Natural product ideal for asthma sufferers. Combination of thousands of tiny cells ensure edge to edge comfort and support. Pincore design creates a well ventilated pillow.
RRP $59.95
Biogard products: (Biogard provides protection for the life of your pillow by reducing the risk of growth of bacteria and allergy causing mould and mildew; ideal for asthma and allergy sufferers)
“Low Profile Pillow” (Biogard)
For children and back and tummy sleepers. RRP $27.95.
“Medium Profile Pillow” (Biogard)
Side sleepers and/or smaller frame adults. RRP $29.95.
“High Profile Pillow” (Biogard)
A firmer pillow with extra filling. For side sleepers and larger frame adults who prefer a firmer pillow. RRP $34.95.
Feather and Down Pillows (supplied by Australian Feather Mills)
Feather and down filling has been used for centuries and is popular in Europe and America. The main advantage in a feather and down pillow is a totally natural product where the filling moulds to your head and neck thus providing support where it is needed most. Many chiropractors recommend feather and down pillows. A feather and down pillow can last for 10 to 20 years. The filling can be rejuvenated and topped up (not possible with man-made fibres) or the pillow re-cased.
Feather and down is a by product of harvesting duck and geese for food. Down and feather is produced by waterfowl, commonly duck and geese. The feather is on the wings and back of the bird and the down is from the chest area and is used as nature’s natural insulator for incubating the eggs. The down is the most efficient and the most expensive of the two. As more down is added to the product the cost rises but so too does the efficiency, longevity and value for money.
A feather and down pillow will provide the right support for any body shape, the filling will breath easily and, with the correct care, will last for many years. Examples include:
“Downia”, 100% feather. RRP $12.00 - $14.00.
“Downia”, 30% Duck Down 70% Duck Feather. RRP $59.95 - $69.95.
“Downia”, 50% Duck Down, 50% Duck Feather. RRP $69.95 - $89.95.
“Downia”, 100% Duck Down. RRP $140.00 - $160.00.
Wool Pillows
Yet another option. One advantage is that the older they get the more comfortable they seem to get. Manufacturers actually recommend that wool pillows be washed and tumble dried to fluff them up. An example is the Moodmaker pillow, (supplied by Bambi Enterprises).
|
More Info
Bedlinen supplied by OMN Homewares.
Quality mosquito nets and bed linen-All 100% Cotton.
Handmade in Australia,
678 Barrenjoey Road,
North Avalon NSW 2107.
Ph: (02) 9918 0414 Fax: (02) 9973 1701.
Tontine pillows available from all leading department and specialty stores. For further information call Tontine toll free, on 1800 630 034.
Feather pillows are available from all leading department and specialty stores. For further information call Australian Feather Mills toll free, on 1800 651 614.
Woollen pillows available at department stores nationally. For further information contact Bambi Enterprises Pty Ltd., Ph: (02) 4325 7656 Fax: (02) 4323 2964.
With thanks to:
Zest Bedz,
Moore Park Supacenta,
2a Todman Avenue, Moore Park, Sydney. Ph: (02) 9662 2600.
|
Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
|
|
|
|
|
