Choosing the Right Pillow: Advice from Physiotherapist Dr. Chris McCarthy

Choosing the right pillow depends largely on an individual's sleeping position and body posture, according to Dr. Chris McCarthy, an associate professor at the Manchester School of Physiotherapy speaking on the BBC 'Sliced Bread' podcast. He advises against sleeping on one's stomach, as it forces the neck to stay turned in one direction for long periods, potentially straining muscles and spinal ligaments. For back sleepers, the curvature of the spine and age should dictate pillow thickness, while side sleepers need to consider their shoulder width and mattress firmness. Dr. McCarthy notes that if a pillow is too thin, individuals can easily adjust its height by placing a folded towel or sheet underneath it. He also highlights that feather pillows can help keep sleepers cool on warm nights, though many advertised specialty pillows lack strong scientific proof for their claims.