Hints from Heloise

Dear Readers: If you keep waking up with an aching neck or back, don’t be quick to blame your mattress. Something else could be to blame – there’s a good chance it could be your pillow that might be causing the problem. Here’s how to tell if your pillow is up to par:

Fold it in the middle and press down for a moment. If it springs back into shape, it’s OK. If it doesn’t, you probably need a new one.

If you sleep on your stomach, a soft pillow would be a good choice so that your neck isn’t hyperextended. For back sleepers, medium support usually works best. Side sleepers seem to get the best night’s sleep from a firm pillow, which keeps your head lifted up off the mattress and aligned with your spine.

For those who sleep in more than one position during the night, select a down or downlike synthetic pillow. The fill will automatically make adjustments as you do. – Heloise