April 2014 – Page 2 – Pillows.com Blog

April 18, 2014May 13, 2014

Spring has Sprung! Bedding Guide for Spring Time

Spring has sprung and summer is not far behind! Warmer weather is upon us and what better way to celebrate than by refreshing your bedding? It’s time to start packing away those heavy down comforters and switch to something that is sure to keep you cool at night. Your options are endless and at times overwhelming, which is why we have listed five easy ways to guide you through this transition.

Let’s start with pillows! Not many would think that a pillow can mean the difference between staying cool at night and waking up every so often to kick off the blankets. When we sleep we generate a lot of heat and it can be difficult to find a happy balance that allows us to reach maximum comfort. With a plethora of options at your disposal I have chosen the Technogels ® Classic Pillow that comes with a cooling layer. This layer will actually adjust to changing body temperatures to keep you cool and comfortable night after night, ensuring a great night’s sleep.

When we think of winter in regards to bedding a few words spring to mind but none more important than comfort. One of my favorite things about those colder months is climbing into bed and feeling enveloped by what feels like a warm fluffy cloud that just so happens to actually be my duvet cover. Every spring there is a little tinge of sadness when packing up my winter bedding but who says you can’t be just as comfortable in the spring as you were during winter? When looking for a spring comforter you want to pick out something that is light weight to ensure a cool body temperature throughout the night. A great alternative to a heavy down duvet is The Pacific Coast ® Satin Trim Down Blanket. Compared to that of a duvet, the down blanket has a lesser down content which makes it lighter-weight making it perfect for the warmer temperatures of spring.

Once you’ve purchased your duvet blanket, one might wonder “how in the world do I keep this thing clean?” Duvet covers are often a forgotten novelty but there is no better way to protect your duvet blanket than by investing in a cover. A cover protects your comforter from dirt, liquid spills and for those of us with fur-babies, all the beautiful messes that our four legged friends inevitably create. One of our most popular brands 1888 Mills ® provides a beautiful selection of duvet covers that are available in a variety of colors. For those looking for a crisper, clean look 1888 Mills ® Magnificence Woven Stripe Duvet Cover is the choice for you! For those looking for something bold and colorful I would recommend the Amala Duvet Cover by Designers Guild ®. The duvet cover is beautiful and colorful but still maintains a respectable amount of elegance that will make any room all the more gorgeous.

Now onto accessories! After the arduous task of finding all the larger items for your bedroom, it’s time to start thinking about the smaller items that can really bring a room together. A nice duvet blanket is light and everything you want a spring blanket to be but for those who, like me, just like to lounge in bed and read a book, a blanket is sometimes just too much. Throws are a great alternative to a blanket and when you find the right one can be both chic and comfortable. For spring I would recommend the Thom Filicia ® Surf Blue Acrylic Throw. Not only does it come in the prettiest of blues but the blanket is also exceptionally soft while still remaining light and perfect for those breezy spring nights.

Lastly, decorative pillows! Some might regard decorative pillows as impractical seeing as the majority of us don’t actually use them for sleeping. However we know better and while these pillows are an added expense, sometimes they are just the thing that can pull a room together. Think of decorative pillows in terms of an outfit. It isn’t the clothing that can bring an outfit together but the accessories such as a bold statement necklace. Decorative pillows are the statement necklace of the bedding world. From funky patterns to flowery prints, there are an abundance of options! Designer Guild ® offers a variety of lovely and quite frankly, stunning patterns that are perfect for spring and are sure to add some life to your bedroom.

The main thing to remember during this perennial process is to have fun and be creative. While your bedroom should be an oasis of comfort, it should also represent who you are. What better way to ensure both than by starting with a few simple swaps that will prepare you for the upcoming warmer seasons and brighten up your bedroom!

Blog Author: Diana D.| Bedding Expert

April 11, 2014May 13, 2014

10 Tips for Stress Relief

Are you stressed? You are not alone! April is Stress Awareness Month, and this is a great opportunity to look at some of the ways stress can affect us, and work to change them. The Pillows.com team would like to offer 10 simple strategies for minimizing the impact stress has on your daily life. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the many stresses life may bring, these 10 tips may help bring some relief for this all-too-common affliction.

1) Enjoy the Little Things

One of the most common manifestations of stress is feeling the combined pressures of different parts of life, whether they are associated with work, school, family or friends. Often these situations will make it hard to notice the small, happy things that enrich our lives and put things in perspective. When something small makes you smile, even it is just a very small thing, try reminding yourself of how important this type of thing really is, and savor the moment.

2) Look at the Big Picture

In the same way that little things can make you smile, life’s little challenges can sometimes have an oversized impact on your state of mind. Give yourself a foundation for dealing with these challenges by playing the long game and remembering how they fit into your long-term goals. Think back to a time when you faced different challenges that you were able to overcome, and remind yourself that you have what it takes this time as well.

3) Do What You Love

Is there an activity you really enjoy, but feel you never have time to do? Consider the feeling you have whenever you are able to do it, and the impact that can have on the rest of your life. If there is any way you can prioritize your schedule to work a little bit of this activity into your routine, make it happen! Even if it is difficult to find the time and / or energy, you may find that whenever you manage to do it, you will end up feel refreshed and more ready to face life’s challenges.

4) Ask For What You Need

Stressful situations can often make it difficult to reach out for help when you need it most. However, just the act asking can immediately bring some relief, since you no longer have to bear the entire load on your own shoulders. When you show others that you’re willing to ask for help when you need it, they are also more likely to come to you for support, which will allow you to return the favor. In short, remember that you’re not alone, and neither is anyone else.

5) Take a Moment to Breathe

Our breath is what gives us life, and concentrating on even just one breath immediately reminds us of that fact. When facing a stressful situation, taking a moment to take a few slow, deep breaths can have an enormous impact on how we are able to manage our feelings. Doing this during a moment of calm can also help increase the flow of oxygen to the brain and helps us organize our thoughts and reflect on them.

6) Express Yourself

One way to manage stress is to write about it. Sometimes something as simple as putting your thoughts down on paper can help you come up with ways of dealing with stressful situations. Some people may find it helpful to express their thoughts in other ways, such as by drawing a picture or writing a song. Whatever way you choose to express yourself, remember that it is entirely your own, so you will almost always learn something about yourself in the process.

7) Change Your Routine

Stress can happen anywhere and anytime, but often it can be a direct result of our own patterns of behavior. Think of ways you could make small changes in your routine, and pay attention to whether any of these changes seem to have a positive impact on your state of mind. Don’t be afraid to try something new! Whether it provides stress relief or not, a change in routine will help you to stay alert and ready for anything.

8) Eat Well

The simplest way to have a nutritious diet is by preparing your own meals whenever possible. The more fresh produce you incorporate into your meals, the better. Try cooking large portions of healthy entrees that will yield plenty of tasty leftovers. Use moderation when it comes to sweets and packaged, processed foods. Finally, drink plenty of water throughout the day! As you become more accustomed to a healthy diet, it will get easier to maintain the habit, and your body will thank you.

9) Move Your Body

Numerous studies have shown a clear connection between regular exercise and mental health. Keeping active, whether by walking, biking, yoga, or otherwise, will encourage your body to produce natural enzymes that are associated with positive feelings. Furthermore, getting your body moving during the day will help things go smoothly when the time comes to rest. That brings us to the final tip for stress relief:

10) Sleep Well

This is obviously our area of expertise! Getting a good night’s sleep is invaluable for managing stress, as well as for overall well-being. Engineer your sleep environment (bedroom) with a focus on comfort and peacefulness. The ideal environment is different for everyone, but when it comes to finding the ideal bedding for you, you know who to call! Here’s wishing you a stress-free day and night from all of us at Pillows.com.

Blog Author: Kenneth, Bedding Expert

April 2, 2014May 13, 2014

The Ultimate Pillow Buying Guide For Back Sleepers

In a perfect world, back sleeping would be the best position to sleep because it is great for balancing out your body weight, keeping your internal organs aligned, and preventing neck and back pain. There are many great pillow options for back sleeping that will help keep you head aligned and not pushed too far forward.

Back Sleeping Benefits

1. Makes it easy for your head, neck, and spine to maintain a neutral position.

2. Fights acid reflux

3. Prevents wrinkles

Pillow Designs to Look for:

1. Medium support

2. A little loft so that your head sinks in

3. Thin pillows

Pillow fills to look for

Below are different fills that are good options for back sleepers. I have also included great examples of pillows that are great for back sleepers that won’t prop your head up too much causing neck ache.

Down and Feather

As a back sleeper, feather and down is a great option if you can find the right blend of feather and down to allow for a supportive yet lofty and comfortable pillow.

-Keep an eye out for an even blend of feather and down.

-Look for pillows with a loftier feel so that your head will sink it the right position.

Recommendations: Try a Pillowtex 50%White Goose Feather 50% White Goose Down Pillow or Pacific Coast ® Down Surround ® Pillows

Polyester (Down Alternative)

Polyester fiber is great if you are looking for a pillow to keep its shape better than most. It’s a great pillow for those looking for a supportive pillow that won’t cause neck aches.

-Look for pillows made of softer polyester fiber or polyester clusters

-Don’t get anything that would be considered a firm version. The Polyester will stay in place and is not ideal for back sleepers.

Recommendations: Try Restful Nights ® Conformance Supreme or Restful Nights ® Ultraflow polyester pillow

Memory Foam & Latex Pillows

There are some memory foam and latex foam pillows that have great qualities for a back sleeper. This would highly depend on the loft and support of most.

-look for memory or latex foam pillows that are willing to conform easily

-Consider high loft plush so the top of your head sinks in and aligns correctly with your spine

-Contoured pillows can really help keep your neck from moving side to side.

Memory Foam Recommendations: Isotonic ® Exquisite Comfort Memory Foam or Malouf ® Contour Dough ® Memory Foam Pillow

Latex Foam Recommendations: Malouf ® High Profile Plush Latex Pillow or Oxygen ® Standard Pillow Medium 1.5

Blog Author, Jesse, Lead Bedding Expert