Not that long ago a patient walked into my office with a pillow under her arm.

As many of you know, I often say to bring yours in and I'll see how it looks for your neck.

When I saw this pillow, I got a twinkle in my eye. It looked GREAT. So great that I asked her, "can I try it??"

Just kidding.. I'm obsessed with pillows and I’m always on the hunt for great pillows to recommend to patients.

This treasure of a pillow is called a Sleepy's Deluxe Charcoal Cool Pillow.. If you need one today, you can find them at Mattress Firm, next to Trader Joes in Larkspur. Or here’s a link.

Sleepys Pillow

i’d go with the medium unless you’re the size of my soon-to-be stepson, James. (6’3” 250#). Then maybe the large..

Probably get two since your spouse is going to steal it.

Happy Sleeping!

Dr. Rina

Are you at war with your pillow?

It's so hard to know which pillow is the right one for you.

I sleep on a virtual rock. It's one of those old style tempurpedic's that they don't make anymore. It's got to be 6 years old, and I love it so much.

If your pillow is uncomfortable, it's probably not the right one for you. And if it IS- that's a very good sign.

If you wake up with tingling hands, that's another classic sign that it's probably not the right pillow for you.

Might time to pillow shop..

Here're a few important tips regarding what to look for in the PERFECT PILLOW:

First look at this: When you lie down in your favorite sleep position, you want the pillow to fill the gap between your head and shoulders.

Next: Look at your posture. If you're lying on your back, your ear should be in line with your shoulder. Not in front of it or behind. A too high pillow is about the worst thing you can have for neck health.

If you're on your side, your head should be in line with your spine, not dipped down or propped up too much.

Stomach sleepers? I know we all do it from time to time, and your body will tell you if it’s bad for you by how you feel in the morning. Just make sure that pillow is very flat. This lady must have a very sore neck!

The material you choose is up to you. Like I said, I like the firmest pillow. Soft down pillows are also great for filling in that space between your head and shoulders.

And regarding shape? Orthopedic shape is fine, but not necessary. Sometimes they lead your head to dip below the neck support, and that's not good. And make sure the "hump" part of the pillow isn't pushing your neck up too high as well. These can be tricky.

Are you at war with your pillow?

It's so hard to know which pillow is the right one for you.

I sleep on a virtual rock. It's one of those old style tempurpedic's that they don't make anymore. It's got to be 6 years old, and I love it so much.

If your pillow is uncomfortable, it's probably not the right one for you. And if it IS- that's a very good sign.

If you wake up with tingling hands, that's another classic sign that it's probably not the right pillow for you.

Might time to pillow shop..

Here're a few important tips regarding what to look for in the PERFECT PILLOW:

First look at this: When you lie down in your favorite sleep position, you want the pillow to fill the gap between your head and shoulders.

Next: Look at your posture. If you're lying on your back, your ear should be in line with your shoulder. Not in front of it or behind. A too high pillow is about the worst thing you can have for neck health.

If you're on your side, your head should be in line with your spine, not dipped down or propped up too much.

Stomach sleepers? I know we all do it from time to time, and your body will tell you if it’s bad for you by how you feel in the morning. Just make sure that pillow is very flat. This lady must have a very sore neck!

The material you choose is up to you. Like I said, I like the firmest pillow. Soft down pillows are also great for filling in that space between your head and shoulders.

And regarding shape? Orthopedic shape is fine, but not necessary. Sometimes they lead your head to dip below the neck support, and that's not good. And make sure the "hump" part of the pillow isn't pushing your neck up too high as well. These can be tricky.

Sleep tight,

Dr. Rina