The Contour Cloud Pillow: Now in Cool Cloud Edition

For years folks have been sleeping soundly with the Contour Pillow. With its ability to support and create spine and head comfort all night long – as though one was sleeping on a cloud – it's easy to see why this product has gained such clout. But now the pillow can be taken one step further; it offers cooling abilities. Hot sleepers can rest with ease without overheating through the night, while still resting on their favorite Contour Cloud surface. 

It's a pillow that combines some of our favorite things, while still creating plenty of padding along the way. And for anyone who gets a little too hot while they sleep, it can be the perfect bedding addition. Some folks choose to use the Cool Cloud pillow only during warmer months, while others sleep hot year round. 

How the Pillow Works

The Cloud Pillow consists of three layers that are specifically designed to hold their shape, and to keep the neck aligned whether you choose to sleep on your side, back, or stomach. All of which is consistent with the original Contour Cloud Pillow.

The Cool Cloud pillow also hosts a pointed ventilated system that breaths as you sleep. Each layer is made to pass air and reflect warmer temps so they aren't  absorbed into your sleeping surface. Additionally, the soft air mesh layer is composed of 99% air for maximum breathability. That smart science will help keep you cooled all night long. The pillow's memory foam core is also made of a ventilated material, preventing body heat from ever reaching the center of your pillow.

Learn more about the Contour Cool Cloud Pillow by heading to our product page. Order yours today for a proven way to remain cool, no matter how high summer temps might get. 

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4 Ways to Regulate Your Sleep Through Daylight Savings

This Sunday, the U.S, Canada, and most of Western Europe will participate in the spring event of Daylight Savings Time. A day where, twice per year, we adjust our clocks in order to get the most efficient levels of daylight possible. Along with saving energy, the perks are plentiful – but that doesn't mean we like losing an hour of sleep once a year … even if we do get to gain it back later. 

In fact Arizona, parts of Canada, and countries in three other continents have since done away with the practice altogether, opting for standard time year-round. 

For the rest of the population who will be operating on a 23-hour-day this weekend, use these tips to avoid losing out on sleep. And to help keep your body regulated on your new, earlier-than-usual hour. 

1. Ease in With an Earlier Bedtime

We get it, it's hard to sleep when it's still. And it's even harder to get up when it's dark, but the clock will still tick, no matter how unhappy you are about it. If you're not a morning person, go to bed a little earlier at night until you're acclimated to the shift. Even 15 minutes can help.

2. Keep Your Morning Routine

Just a few weeks ago the sun was still sleeping in – so waking before sunrise should be an easy change. Just stick to your daily routine; do the same things at the same times and you'll have an easier adjustment.

3. Absorb Morning Light

Once the sun does come up, soak it in. Even when indoors, the presence of natural light helps to wake the body and can naturally perk up your senses.

4. Power Through

It's safe to say you'll be tired, especially for the first few days. However, sleeping in or skipping chores will only make it harder to adjust. Instead, fake being rested until your body has officially adjusted. 

Don't forget to set your clocks back this Sunday, March 13^th – the jump will take place at 2 am local time and will move your respective time zone to DST until fall. 

Be sure to stay rested through the jump with these proven tips.  

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The Best Sleeping Positions for Expecting Mothers

Almost every birth mom on the block had a rough time sleeping during pregnancy. With all the changes that took place within their bodies, and with an added issue of size (especially in the second and third trimesters), it's not hard to see why, either. Growing babies simply make it hard to get comfortable. Let alone comfortable enough to actually sleep. Then there's the added issue of frequent restroom visits, a baby that's on its own schedule, and more.

When possible, however, it's best for these moms-to-be to get as much rest as possible. It's a step that allows their bodies to prep for their upcoming arrival, as well as one that increases their level of health.

To get as much sleep as possible – no matter what trimester you're in, remember to look toward these sleeping positions.

Anything That Involves an Oversized Pillow

A cozy cushion can help offset your weight, while still placing cushion where it's needed most. Right under the belly. Expecting moms can also gain comfort by reducing tension from the back, neck, or legs. Really, the bigger the pillow and easier it is to adapt to the body's current position, the better. 

On Your Side

This way your belly still gets a resting surface (the bed), which helps alleviate some of your stomach's weight. Sleeping on your side also gives you two options, with plenty more variations. While reducing tension on the lower back. Place pillows along the back or between the legs for additional support.

On Your Stomach

This might sound unheard of, but there are actual contraptions that allow pregnant ladies to lie on their stomachs. Generally by offering a well-placed hole. However, you can also stack pillows or remove a couch cushion to get the same results. This might not be great in the long-term, but can provide much-needed relief during naps or resting time. 

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Mattress Care Practices to Help Improve Your Health

It's common knowledge to flip one's mattress every few years. To keep clean sheets and replace the pillows once they've gone flat. Most of which are to help implement cleanliness and comfort. But what about steps that can also improve health? By being aware of certain mattress care tricks, you can work to keep your body both cozy and working properly.

Tips like:

Cleaning the Mattress

Or securing it in a hypoallergenic cover. You'd be surprised how much dust can build up over time, and a deep steam cleaning can keep your sleeping surface clean. Ideally, this is done professionally, and every other year (if not every year). It's a step that can remove germs as well as allergens (think of all the times you were sick, a pet slept in your bed). When left unclean, you're breathing in these microbes every night during sleep – yuck!

Turning the Bed

You might flip your mattress in order to help offset weight, but do you turn it, too? Get even wear by ensuring both sides of the bed are gaining equal use, and one section isn't becoming too quickly worn. And for those who have one-sided mattresses, turning is especially important. Plan this easy fix for every six months. 

Upgrading Your Mattress Pad

There are all levels of mattress pads available. For some, it's just a thin buffer between the sheets, and for others, it's an entire layer of cushion. No matter your comfort preferences, look for a version that will help protect your bed. A pad that locks out germs or liquids (ideal for small children or anyone who takes a beverage into bed), or is hypoallergenic. Meaning keeps germs or allergy triggers from embedding deep into your mattress.

These and weekly laundry routines can all help you sleep healthier at night. Working toward a longer term, clean sleeping environment. 

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Tips for Sleeping in Hotel Beds

Does your back hurt after sleeping in a new bed? What about your neck or legs? When sleeping in a new place, most often a hotel, it can be common to wake up stiff and in pain. Because it’s a new surface, and not one your body is accustomed to, the body can have a hard time getting comfortable. Then once it does, will often be jarred out of its normal position, creating awkward placements for the muscles and spine. And because we sleep in these out-of-the-ordinary poses (for hours on end), it causes pain and stiff joints throughout the rest of the day. 

So how do we avoid these uncomfortable scenarios? After all, it’s hard enough to get proper rest while traveling, let alone when it causes us to hurt during our waking hours. With the help of proper pillows or any added accessories, however, those pains can be greatly reduced. If not eliminated altogether. 

How to Eliminate Back Pains While Traveling

The next time you travel, remember to take a supportive pillow. Use one for your neck, legs, or hips – whatever tends to hurt the most while on vacation. These pillows will help keep your body properly aligned, while adding some much needed comfort in the process. You can also talk with the hotel and inquire about extra pillows or any mattress toppers that might make your stay more pleasant. 

Another way to reduce pains can be achieved by the way you sleep. If it’s your lower back that usually hurts, it may be best to sleep on your side. And so on. Talk to your doctor about various sleeping positions, specifically those that will work best for your specific body type. A quick Google search can also provide some insight on nightly routines and how to take advantage of your next hotel stay.

Get started on these simple tips while planning your your next trip. 

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CPAP Treatment to Reduce Diabetes

In the medical world, nothing is quite as good as a dual-purpose cure. Rather than treating two separate issues, both can be cured with a single cure. The odds of this working correctly, however, are very slim. How often can a patient reduce multiple problems with only one solution?

Thanks to some recent research, that’s exactly the case for CPAP machine. Not only does it allow for better, more restful sleep for those suffering from sleep apnea, it helps treat outside issues, such as diabetes. Patients who use their breathing machine on a regular basis have shown lessened effects of type two diabetes. Additionally, those who use daily treatment methods to control their diabetes have had better, more accurate results from their medication.

The CPAP Results in Action

This news comes after a controlled study, which outlined patients for the past five years. Here patients were selected based on their experiences with type two diabetes, then evaluated for prescription medications, as well as their past adjustments with the medicine. Scientists in the United Kingdom have been collecting data on those sleeping with the machines vs. those who were not. 

But how do the CPAP machines help? It’s thought that by better, uninterrupted sleep, patients are able to heal naturally rather than relying solely on the medicine’s involvement. Those who get better sleep are also proven to promote weight loss, increase blood flow, and create an increased amount of energy. This often means additional exercise and movement, which can also reduce the symptoms of diabetes.

What This Means

Whether or not you suffer from sleep apnea, but do suffer from type two diabetes, a CPAP machine could improve your treatment. Talk to your doctor about getting a machine, and learn more about how it might help your treatment. 

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Can Sleeping Habits Cause Headaches?

For most, sleeping is a time meant for both resting and relaxation. It’s comfy, a necessity, and often a treat at the end of a long day. Sleeping also allows bodies to recharge and gear up for new activities, while giving the brain a much needed break. If un-restful, however, it’s possible to wake up feeling tired, groggy, or in pain. All from not getting the proper amount of rest.

One of the most common post-sleep complaints are headaches. Despite having given the body the sleep it needs, people can still wake with head pain. For some, it can even become a chronic condition, greatly affecting their work and personal lives.

But what’s the cause? Can sleep – when interrupted – actually cause more health problems than it helps prevent? How can something meant for rest work against one’s health?  

Possible Headache Triggers

There are various stages of sleep, and waking in the middle may interrupt the brain from producing “feel good” chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals work to put the body in balance through health and attitude. But when woken too early, these levels can get out of whack, possibly leading to migraines or other milder headaches. The level of each headache can depend on a person’s specific chemical balance, their sleeping habits, and more. [WebMD]

As for sleeping with three pillows, or with one’s head in a jackknife position – that’s probably not helping pain levels either. Necks are sensitive areas, and straining them for long periods of time – even if it’s “comfortable” can cause pain later on. This fix could be as simple as purchasing a new pillow that offers better support for the head or neck.

However, with chronic or frequent headaches, it’s always important to talk to a doctor about what could be causing the pain. Between their expertise and the proper sleeping equipment, rest-induced headaches can be greatly reduced.

Ready for that new bed pillow?  Take a look at our Contour Cloud Pillow - It's our best selling bed pillow!

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