Slumbr Makes Our New Favorite Pillows

By Cator Sparks April 24, 2017

A bad pillow can really be the death knell to a good nights sleep. We’ve all been in a hotel or guest room that has pillows that just suck (BTW have you all slept in your guest room to test the pillows in there? Do it.) And how awkward is it going to Bed Bath & Beyond and doing the squish-test on 20 different pillows through plastic for an hour? The girls behind Slumbr had the same issue and decided to launch their own direct to consumer pillow company and our heads couldn’t be happier.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Instead of doing the ‘plastic pillow squeeze’ to find the right one for us, we took Slumbr’s online quiz:

Step 1: Sleep Style- Do you sleep on you back, stomach or in a ball?

Step 2: Do you sleep with a partner? Pets? Kids? Solo?

Step 3: Pillow preference – Firm? Fluffy? Breathable?

Image used with permission by copyright holder

I have back pain (which is something you can check off on the quiz) and like a firm pillow that breathes since I’m half Greek and sweat like Hephaestus.

They sent me the Orion, Lyra, and Ara versions to give a try. Here’s what I learned:

Orion: Hypoallergenic and clump resistant (I loathe a clumpy pillow), it offers great support.

Lyra: This pillow is super breathable for my sweat soaked head, yet is still springy and firm.

Ara: Ok this one is a wild card. Filled with buckwheat hulls, it is heavy and extremely firm, but I have to say it is awesome for my back pain since it cradled my head and neck with therapeutic support. Note: When boozed, at least attempt to not pass out on the Ara, I woke up feeling like I slept on a brick. Besides that, it’s great.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Interesting to note, they suggest replacing your pillows about once a year. Their blog is a treasure trove of profound pillow knowledge. We read that, “your pillows collect dirt, oils, drool, sweat, dust mites, mildew and fungi over time. All of these icky things will break down the support in your pillow (especially ones filled with cheaper polyester-fill) — causing it to lose its loft, become yellowed or clumpy.” File under, ‘Why didn’t I think of that.’

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…

Culture

The 10 best Dominican cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024

Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

Every seasoned cigar lover has a preference for where their cigars come from. Cuban and Cuban cigars are the more obvious choices, but there is also Nicaraguan tobacco, Central African, Indonesian, Mexican, Ecuadorian, and Dominican. Some tobacco is even grown in the United States. Each region has a distinct flavor profile that adds a little something extra to the tobacco grown locally, as well as the cigars made there. The Dominican Republic is prized by many connoisseurs because of exactly this -- a rich, unique profile that enhances Dominican-grown cigars. That's in no small part due to the fertile soil and thriving climate of the region, which is ideal for tobacco growth and cultivation. If you've never tried a Dominican cigar, you're in for a real treat, there are some fantastic options out there.
The best Dominican cigars I've tried

Out of all the cigar guides I've put together so far, this one was one of the more interesting experiences for me. I had a great time trying out Dominican cigars, and I've definitely come away with an appreciation for blends made in the region. I'd also like to point out that Corey Suarez helped recommend some of these. If you haven't tried the JR Cigars or Cigars.com concierge service yet, you really should. Here's a little more about all of the best Dominican cigars I've tried:
Ashton Symmetry

Culture

The 12 best Connecticut cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024

Best Connecticut cigars up close and personal

Connecticut cigars are the clear winner for smoking on a hot summer day, in the morning with some coffee, or when you just don't want a swift kick in the teeth (of pepper). There's no shortage of options, either. Connecticut shade wrappers are one of the most prevalent in the world of cigars, and it's certainly the most common natural shade. Maduro is also popular, but the two wrapper types couldn't be any more different. Connecticut wrappers, and by proxy Connecticut cigars, are typically mild to medium in strength and brimming with creamy, smooth flavors. They're composed of tobacco leaves grown in the Connecticut River Valley in the United States -- which is where the name Connecticut comes from. Consistent and flavorful, some of the best beginner-friendly cigars are Connecticut-wrapped, but you should never sell them short. A Connecticut shade cigar can be just as refined, elegant, and premium as any other. If you know where to look, you may even find some of your favorite blends in the category across a wide range of brands and cigar makers.

I'm about to take you on a magical, doughy, and delicious trek through the broad range of Connecticut cigars. In short, here are the best Connecticut cigars tried and tested by a genuine enthusiast of the craft: yours truly.
The best Connecticut cigars I've tried and tested
While the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is considered a Connecticut shade, I did my best to steer clear of recommending them for this list. They're better classified as a Maduro shade or darker cigar. That doesn't mean you should avoid them, quite the contrary. But for this list, I wanted to stick to smooth, relaxing smokes that are strong on flavor but not quite so strong on pepper and spice. I also tried not to choose a lot of repeats. If you see your favorite cigar missing, that might be because it was recommended on another list or it just didn't make the cut. If you have any recommendations of your own, I'm always available through social media or email. Without further ado, let's get this thing started.
Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut

Culture

This is when the Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+ password sharing crackdown starts

The Disney Plus sign-up menu is displayed

The era of password sharing is slowly but surely coming to an end. Netflix has already begun cracking down on people sharing passwords across households, and now, other streaming services are following suit. Before 2024 is over, Disney Plus password sharing will be a thing of the past.

Disney's streaming services are now preparing to crack down on those who are sharing passwords, and the consequences for doing so could be severe. Users across Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus will be warned about password sharing, and if they don't Disney CEO Bob Iger even laid out a timeline for when the crackdown will start, although he didn't get into too many specifics.
Bob Iger says Disney will start its password-sharing crackdown over the summer