FOR many of us, our battle with sleep (or lack thereof) has led to a love-hate relationship.
Achieving the perfect slumber is a shared goal because no matter how bad a day gets, the go-to remedy is to sleep it off. Heck, a good night’s sleep could be more important than regular exercise or even a healthy diet.
The key to restful sleep is where you rest your head at night. I am talking about getting the perfect pillow of course!
Dealing with sleep
In pursuit of dreams (pun intended), I tried out the Joey Pillow. My first few nights to a first-rate sleeping experience was not without any tossing and turning.
Being mostly between a side and stomach sleeper, it took a couple of snores to finally get comfortable with the all-natural latex pillow. I honestly equate it to how my body (in this case, my head) tends to take time to get comfortable with an unfamiliar ‘nest’.
My initial scepticism of the curved pillow's heights (10cm and 12cm, respectively), marketed as ergonomically shaped to suit the different shoulder sizes and sleeping positions (ie, back and side), was not baseless.
The first night, for instance, left me with a stiff neck as soon as I woke up. I had chosen to land my head on the highest curve, which – I now came to realise – did not provide my neck with the appropriate support it needed.
I decided not to give up just yet. I tried sleeping on the lower curve instead and disciplined myself to sleep on my back (something that I have found as challenging since forever). This ensured the space between my neck and shoulder is cushioned throughout the night.
Seven days later, I have been sleeping like a log, on my back.

What I have just described is purely ‘head feel’. It is similar to brushing your hands on fabrics textures and making sense out of the flavours after tasting food – it is distinctive and personal.
When it comes to getting a good pillow, I believe it all boils down to personal preference. What works for one person, may not for others.
Rest & recharge
On the flip side, what impressed me was the ideal balance of soft and firmness the Joey pillow offers.
Why should one buy the pillow? The density of the natural Grade-A Malaysian latex material is so profound that it sinks in when you put your head on it. Upon waking, it will bounce back to its former shape instantly.
This not only helps keep my neck and spine aligned for a good night's rest, but it is also engineered to be impression-resistant. Which could help maintain its shape in the long run compared to traditional cotton-filling or memory foam pillows.
Breathability is also felt with the apparent tiny holes in the latex. It promotes ventilation so that fresh air flows freely to ensure to maintain ideal sleeping temperature, thus keeping night sweats at bay.
For those looking to combat allergies not just during the day but also when the stars come out to play, luckily the Joey Pillow is designed to be hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. This makes it naturally inhospitable to dust mites, bed bugs, and other common allergens.
On reactions towards natural rubber latex, the Joey Pillows are processed by substantially eliminating the surface proteins that are responsible for most latex allergies. This should assure any sensitive sleepers from worrying about indoor congestion or waking up to a bad allergy flare-up.
With regards to the care, it is advised to only spot clean using a slightly damp cleaning cloth and air-dry the Joey Pillow naturally. It is also best to note that the cover (made of 68% polyester and 32% Viscose) is not washable, not even by hand.
If it takes you a little more to believe in the technology, try the Joey Pillow for yourself up to 99 nights, free of worries – part of the risk-free trial that the brand upholds. Priced at RM185.00, the premium Malaysian latex pillow also comes with a two-year warranty. – The Vibes, January 27, 2021