Pillow Buying Guide

No matter what position you sleep in, a good pillow can ensure that you get good sleep. While buying a pillow may seem like a fairly simple task, there is so much more to it. Just like bed sheets and mattresses, the variety of pillows available in the market can confuse anybody.

Our pillow buying guide is here to help you find the best pillow for your sleeping needs. Choose a pillow that suits your sleeping posture, health needs and your personal preference.

What pillow is best for you?

Understanding which pillow is best for you can include taking into account your sleeping posture and the kind of pillow filling you prefer. Whether you sleep on your stomach, back or on your side can determine how soft or firm your pillow should be. However, there are more factors that you need to consider before buying a pillow for yourself.

Different types of body frames and shoulder-width also make a huge difference when selecting pillows. Along with that, the type of mattress you have, your preferred level of support and comfort, any existing neck or back problems and budget are all important factors you need to recognise.

Sleeping position

The pillow filling can differ based on your sleeping habits and posture. This can determine the kind of material you will require for the right support for your neck. Picking the right material will also help you select the right firmness and height for your pillow.

Flat on the stomach

Lying flat on the stomach would require a pillow that allows your head to sink in and fill the gap between your shoulders and head. If you have a pillow that is too firm, you will have a neck cramp when you wake up. Wool fibre, feather and down pillows are perfect for this position. They are quite soft and comfortable, and the less firm ones will allow your head to rest on them without much pressure on your neck. Additionally, bamboo fibres and synthetic blends would also be great for this position.

Flat on the back

Almost any pillow filling would work for this position. A medium to firm pillow would work best for this posture. Which pillow you choose depends on how high you like your neck to be when you lay flat on your back. Some people prefer to lay completely flat while others prefer a certain amount of height to their neck. A firm pillow will give you the height you need while a medium one will let you sink in just the right amount.

Side sleepers

A pillow for side sleepers would need to be quite firm but that entirely depends on your preference and built. Side sleepers need the space between their shoulder and head to be filled without having an uncomfortable tilt for the neck. A medium to extra firm pillow would do the job. This is where a latex or memory foam pillow comes in handy.

Combination

When it comes to sleeping positions a combination of the above-mentioned positions is the most common. The best pillow options for this position would be a feather, down or even polyester pillow that is between soft to firm. Soft to firm pillows will give you the best of both worlds and ensure that you sleep comfortably in any position.

Pillow filling

Pillow filling changes everything. How firm the pillow should be can be determined by the pillow filling you buy. Furthermore, the number of pillows you use is also important, as you might need different pillow fillings for different purposes.

Latex

A very popular option in pillows, latex is a natural pillow filling made from the sap of rubber trees. Its pinhole construction is what gives it unique firmness. Latex is light, comfortable and long-lasting. Additionally, latex is also hypoallergenic. These pillows are perfect for sleepers who like firm support for their head and neck. It is also great for people with neck pains.

Memory Foam

A slightly denser option than latex, memory foam is perfect for those who are looking for extra support. The most alluring quality of memory foam is the fact that it can mould to the shape of your head and neck. No matter how much you move at night, a memory foam pillow will always provide perfect comfort. Just like latex, memory foam pillows can last up to 10 years or more with the right care.

Feather and Down

The combination of these two pillow fillings results in soft and fluffy pillows. You can buy a pillow with a higher down to feather ratio. The only downside is that a higher ratio of down is comparatively expensive and more prone to attracting allergens. But at the same time, it gives you a very soft pillow that will last quite a long time. Furthermore, feather and down pillows may be comfortable but don’t provide much support. So, if you are looking for firm pillows, this is probably not the pillow filling you should go for.

Wool

Another natural, biodegradable and breathable pillow filling, wool pillows can be very soft and comfortable. Pure wool pillows aren’t very popular since they can be expensive. Wool blends on the other hand are a great option if you want soft to medium firmness for your pillows.

Bamboo

Made from the pulp of bamboo, bamboo fibres are a great pillow filling material. There are many benefits of bamboo fibres such as being hypoallergenic and having antimicrobial properties. It means that any unwanted bacteria or allergens cannot grow on this material, making it a healthy choice for you. Bamboo is usually available in blends with either a synthetic or natural material and is very comfortable. The firmness and height of a bamboo pillow depend on the blend. Normally, bamboo fibres are quite soft and malleable but when mixed with cotton or memory foam, they can provide different levels of support for your head.

Polyester

If you are searching for cheaper options, polyester pillows are a great choice. A good quality polyester pillow can last up to 2 to 3 years. Often you will find polyester and cotton blend pillows in the market which provides great comfort and support. If you are not too fussy about the firmness of your pillows, then polyester or polyester/cotton blends are a good investment.

Type of mattress

The kind of mattress you have makes a huge difference in the type of pillow you should buy. Soft, medium and hard mattresses would require different kinds of pillows to give your head the support it would need. For example, a hard mattress would not allow your body to sink in, hence a softer pillow will keep the position of your head at a comfortable height. Similarly, a soft mattress would be perfect with a firm pillow to maintain a perfect height for your head to provide maximum comfort. However, in the end, the pillow you choose will entirely depend on your preferences.

Neck Pains and Posture Problems

Choosing the right pillow for neck pains and posture problems is vital. The kind of pillow you sleep on can either ease the pain or worsen it. Usually, latex and memory foam pillows are recommended for people who suffer from any sort of neck pain. These usually provide extra support for neck pains.
If you are going to change your pillows due to recent neck pains or posture problems, always get a professional medical opinion. A doctor can help you with the details of the kind of support you need for your head and neck. Based on those facts, you can buy a pillow that is recommended.

Size and Types

The standard size in pillows is usually most commonly bought. But there are a few more sizes available for you to choose from. Moreover, there are different types of pillows for different needs or aesthetic values. Here is a list of pillows you can buy for your bed:-

In addition, there are various types of pillows such as leg pillows, v-shaped pillows and neck pillows. These pillows can be used on and off the bed, and come in different sizes.

The Pillow Check

Conducting a small test before buying your pillow will make the decision-making process easier. Whether you’re buying in-store or online, this easy test can help you find the right firmness and height for any pillow you want to purchase.

1. Stand against a wall and let your entire back touch the wall.
2. You will notice a gap between your shoulder and head because of the curve of your neck.
3. The height/depth of this gap determines the firmness and height you would ideally need from your pillow.

When you’re buying a pillow online, repeat the same steps and just measure the gap. Once, the measurement of the gap has been determined, you simply need to find the right pillow filling and firmness.

Protectors, covers and care

Pillows need to be cleaned and cared for just like the rest of your bedding. The best way to avoid major stains or allergens from nesting in your pillow is to get a good protector. There are several types of pillow protectors available on the market and are not very expensive. Cleaning out stains from pillows can be hard, so having a protector will make cleaning a lot easier.

Additionally, choosing the right cover for your pillow will make a huge difference. Covers can affect the way you sleep and can make a huge difference when it comes to cleaning the pillow. So, finding the right cover and protectors is important along with following the care instructions for each including your pillow. A regular clean up for your pillow is healthy and ensures its durability.