Sleep is integral to good health. Whether you're a back-sleeper, side-sleeper or you prefer to lie on your stomach, having the right pillow can extend sleep time, reduce neck and back pain, and night interruptions. But which pillow is right for you? And how should you look after it? Here are five ways to find (and keep) the perfect pillow!

MATCH IT WITH YOUR MATTRESS.

It’s important to make sure your pillow fits you and your mattress type. For instance, if you sleep on a firmer feeling mattress, a higher profile pillow is a better fit because you’re lying on a hard surface and not cocooned by the mattress. If you own a softer plush-feeling mattress, then a lower profile pillow is better as your body tends to sink deeper into the mattress.

MATCH YOUR PILLOW TO YOUR SLEEP POSITION.

When thinking about how to choose a pillow profile (height), consider your sleep position – are you usually a side, stomach or back sleeper?

IS IT COMFORTABLE?

Softer or firmer? What’s comfortable for one person may not suit another, which is why pillows come in a range of fills, densities, shapes, and heights. So choose the one that suits you.

LOOK AFTER YOUR PILLOW.

Adding a pillow protector can help protect your pillow. Cleaning this and your pillowcase regularly in the washing machine will help protect your pillow, keep your sleeping environment more hygienic and help improve the pillow’s longevity.

REPLACE YOUR PILLOW AT THE CORRECT TIME.

Pillows should generally be replaced every one to two years, although longevity can be impacted by factors such as pillow fill, quality and foam density. For example, a polyester pillow may only last up to a year, whereas a latex pillow might last up to three years. Other tell-tale signs include sagginess, lumps, excessive yellowing".