We spend a third of our lives in bed (and how we sleep certainly affects the other two-thirds), so the humble pillow is actually quite the important purchase. "Patients come to me in pain, and I know their pillow isn't keeping their neck aligned with their spine," says Dr. Darren Pollack, chiropractor and medical director of DASHA Wellness & Spa. "Overtime, this wear-and-tear can cause muscle stiffness, tendonitis, nerve pain, herniated discs, and more." Here's how to make the best choice when shopping the pillow aisle:1. Recognize when it might be time for a replacement. Pillows simply don't last forever, so keep an eye out for lumps and sagging. "If you have a traditional fiberfill pillow, fold it in half and place a book on top of it," says Lexie Sachs, textiles analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute. "If it springs back to shape, it's still good. But if it stays folded in half, it's time for a new one." Memory foam pillows that are crumbly or no longer hold their shape also need to go.2.
Get to know the materials. "Down pillows tend to be the fluffiest, but a combination of down with feather will be less expensive," says Sachs. A pillow made out of a synthetic fill or down alternative will also probably be cheaper, and still feel soft while offering supportive resistance. And memory foam pillows tend to be thicker and firmer."You also want to make sure that the outer fabric is tightly woven to keep the fill in and allergens out," says Sachs. "The stitching should be very tight, and no feathers or fibers should poke out."3. Then, consider how you sleep. A pillow's material can tend to determine how supportive it is, but its thickness makes a significant difference, too. For instance, you can find thick down pillows in the market, and even memory foam's texture can vary, says Natalie Dautovich, Ph.D., an environmental scholar at the National Sleep Foundation."In general, side sleepers need a thicker pillow, stomach sleepers need a thinner pillow, and a back sleeper will fall somewhere in between," says Dautovich.But it's very possible you're an exception to these guidelines.
"It's all about the position of your neck," says Dr. Pollack. "It should align with your spine in a neutral position as you sleep. So I like to recommend a hybrid pillow that has a memory foam core surrounded with a softer down or synthetic layer. This version offers support and comfort, and can adapt as you change position throughout the night.""I don't suggest the original kind of memory foam pillows — the ones with the double humps," he says. "They're too one dimensional."4. Note how you'll need to care for it. "Before purchasing a pillow, check the care label to make sure you're willing to wash it as recommended," says Sachs. "Most are machine washable, but some are dry clean only, have front-loading machine restrictions, or only allow spot-treating. Your pillow will last longer if you wash it two to four times a year, and if you use a pillow protector to keep it clean and safe from wear."5. Test it out before you commit.Just like you would when you buy a mattress, you should rest your head on a pillow to see if it's right for you.
If you can, try it out for at least 10 minutes in the store, but if that's not possible, test it at home before removing the plastic wrap. If you feel your neck tipping forward or backward, or have any other discomfort, return it.6. You might not need the same type of pillow forever.Health-related changes (like weight fluctuation, new aches and pains, or other changes in your body as you age) affect the type of support you need, says Dautovich. So if the type of pillow you've used for years is no longer comfortable, it's time to consider something new.• The Definitive Guide to Buying a Mattress• Find the Headboard That Suits Your Style• Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Comforter Andaz Ottawa Byward Market238 Reviews “Awesome hotel with a cool vibe” “Dining needs work, but all else works very well” Albert at Bay Suite Hotel2,269 Reviews “Our go to place when in Ottawa!” “Apartment feel with extras” Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa AirportSpecial OfferSTOP CLICKING AROUND 268 Reviews “Weekend in Ottawa” “Great airport location to stay”
Residence Inn Ottawa AirportSpecial OfferMember Rates 266 Reviews “Spacious, quiet rooms. Good value for your money.” The Westin OttawaSpecial OfferBreakfast for 2 Included 1,961 Reviews “Perfect location - excellent service!” “Family day weekend” GreenLeaders Silver level Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa AirportSpecial OfferSTOP CLICKING AROUND 956 Reviews “Two night stay” “Excellent stay” The Business Inn & Suites1,320 Reviews “Definitely earns its stars” “Exvellent Value” Travelers' Choice® 2017 Winner Best Western Plus Ottawa Downtown SuitesSpecial OfferBOOK DIRECT AND SAVE 1,356 Reviews “Thank you!” “Very welcoming staff, nice and clean property” GreenLeaders Silver level Hampton Inn by Hilton OttawaSpecial OfferSTOP CLICKING AROUND 1,065 Reviews “Very Dated Feel But Clean, Comfortable, Good Overall Value” “Spacious and comfortable” Ottawa Marriott HotelSpecial OfferMember Rates 923 Reviews “Highly recommend ” “Comfortable ”
Courtyard Ottawa EastSpecial OfferMember Rates 507 Reviews “Spacious, quiet, well decorated room.” Les Suites Hotel OttawaOffers & AnnouncementsBOOK DIRECT - save 20% 1,249 Reviews “Comfortable for a long week” “Nice stay” Residence Inn Ottawa DowntownSpecial OfferMember Rates 817 Reviews “Hockey Road Trip, Service Great, TV :(” “Weekend at Canadian Figure Skating Nationals” Fairmont Chateau LaurierSpecial OfferStay Longer, Save More! 2,625 Reviews “Lovely old property with only a couple of minor complaints” “A wonderful hotel, the best friendly staff, good location.” ByWard Blue InnSpecial OfferClick for Best Rate 639 Reviews “Would return” “Amazing location” Brookstreet HotelOffers & AnnouncementsBOOK DIRECT SAVE 15% 1,039 Reviews “Located on the middle of a business park” “Nice hotel” GreenLeaders Gold level The Metcalfe Hotel998 Reviews “Great despite renovations” “Very good despite lack of parking ”
Alt Hotel Ottawa165 Reviews “Loved the room” “Clean and modern!” Lord ElginSpecial PriceBook Direct and save 10% 69 Reviews “Great hotel in Ottawa” “Lord Elgin, Ottawa” Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City CentreSpecial OfferMember Rates 1,015 Reviews “One Night ” “Busy construction spoils the experience” ARC The Hotel1,151 Reviews “Good place to stay in Ottawa” “Variable Rates” Courtyard Ottawa DowntownSpecial OfferMember Rates 833 Reviews “Marriott Courtyard” “Great location but make sure you get a quiet room/floor” Sheraton Ottawa HotelSpecial OfferBreakfast for 2 Included 692 Reviews “Good location, nice staff” “Stayed 1 night on New Years Eve” Holiday Inn & Suites Ottawa KanataSpecial OfferBook Direct and Save 335 Reviews “Quite good vacation place” “Surprisingly nice stay” Days Inn - Ottawa Airport649 Reviews “Nice stay” “Nice stay” Novotel Ottawa1,328 Reviews “Good family trip” “Reasonable , excellent location”