How to select pillows that meet your needs

Pillows are key to a good night's sleep. They come in different materials, sizes, and comfort levels. If you don't sleep on the right one, it could lead to discomfort while sleeping and affect your quality of life. A nice pillow for someone who sleeps on their stomach can be a terrible one for someone who sleeps on their back. But with a wide range of options available on the market, knowing what's best for your sleep style can be challenging.

Pillows differ by fill material, size, firmness, breathability, and more, and the perfect option will depend on your sleeping position, preferred fillings, and personal needs. This easy guide explains how to choose pillows that will help you sleep soundly all night.

What’s the best fill material for your pillows?

Pillows can be stuffed with different materials, ranging from fluffy to firm. Essentially, pillow fillings can be placed into two categories: synthetic and natural. Synthetic fillings are often made of siliconized polyester fibres that are softer and retain their shape, while natural fills include natural materials that trap air for better insulation. Here are the most common fill materials for pillows.

Memory foam pillows

Pillows made from memory foam will conform to the contours of your head and neck. By adjusting to your shape, the pillow lets your head and should rest in a natural position. These pillows will self-adjust with your bodying all night, ensuring you sleep comfortably. They are best suited for people who suffer from neck, shoulder, and back pain. The only downside of memory foam pillows is that they are not as breathable as other pillows, so they tend to run hot at night.

Polyester pillows

The versatility and affordability of polyester pillows have made them one of the most popular pillows on the market. They are lightweight, soft, and cuddly. Furthermore, they compress well and often come with a zipper encasing that allows you to add or remove fillings to adapt to your sleep position. Polyester pillows are also easy to maintain. You can throw them in the washing machine and dry them in the dryer. The downside of these pillows is that they tend to attract dust and don’t hold their shape well. So, you may need to replace the pillow more often.

Bamboo pillows

Bamboo pillows get their name from the bamboo fibres that create the material weave in their pillow casing. The pillow itself is stuffed with shredded memory foam. The bamboo fibres in the casing have small gaps and holes that wick moisture and heat. Bamboo is better at keeping your head cool and dry than other materials. In addition, bamboo fibres are soft and lustrous, just like silk. Bamboo may also be resistant to the growth of bacteria, and it's less likely to cause an allergic reaction. The downside of bamboo pillows is that they are a little heavy and tend to lose their loftiness over time.

Down pillows

Probably the most expensive fill material, down pillows are super soft, allowing your head to sink in luxuriously. These pillows are stuffed with the fluffy undercoat of ducks and geese. Down is measured in 'fill power'.This is the amount of space an ounce of down takes up. So the higher the value, the longer the pillow will stay firm. Down pillows are light and fluffy, but they don’t provide much support.

Which pillow should you choose for your sleeping style?

Your sleeping position will influence your choice of pillow. This is because your sleeping position affects your spine alignment. Improper alignment will make your night unpleasant, and you'll likely wake up with neck pain. So, getting a pillow that suits your sleep position is important.

Back sleepers

If you sleep on your back, a medium comfort pillow will support your head and maintain the natural curvature of the upper spine. Memory foam, down, and wool are popular choices for people who sleep on their backs as they provide a comfortable surface that isn’t too soft.

Side sleepers

People who sleep on their side need a pillow that's a bit firmer than those who sleep on their back. Choose a pillow that will keep your head and neck in alignment. Placing a pillow between your knees and bending your legs can also help to keep the spin in a natural horizontal line. Memory foam and natural fill pillows are ideal for side sleepers.

Front sleepers

Sleeping on your stomach forces your spine into a twist. Choosing the right pillow will prevent your spine from straining. A thick pillow won't lift your head and risk arching the spine backward. Essentially, pillows that lie on the softer side of the scale, such as down or feather, are ideal for front sleepers.

What’s the best pillow for your needs?

While choosing a pillow that suits your sleeping style is important, it’s also recommended to take your specific needs into account. For example, if you're asthmatic or often experience neck and shoulder pain, you can find pillows specifically designed to deal with such issues. Let's look at some of the pillows you can use to combat sleep hindrances.

Pillows for neck pain

If you suffer from neck pain, you can alleviate the condition by using memory foam pillows. These pillows will cushion your head and ensure your neck is well-positioned.

Pillows for over-heaters

High temperatures at night are a common disturbance for most people. If you often overheat, cooling pillows are the best option. They solve the problem by choosing a pillow that absorbs heat, ensuring a restful night.

Pillows for asthma

If you have asthma, choose pillows that deter dust mites and other irritants. Anti-allergy pillows are ideal for people who have asthma as they are designed to protect against dust and bacteria while providing the comfort needed for a relaxing night's sleep.

Pillows for sensitive skin

The best pillow for people with sensitive skin is one that doesn’t trigger breakouts or itching. Some synthetic materials accumulate dust mites, which can cause allergic reactions like itchy skin.  

Pillows for pregnancy

When you're pregnant, it's not always easy to find the right sleeping position, which could lead to tossing and turning all night. Pillows for pregnancy are designed to provide comfort to the whole body. However, they are usually larger and take up more space in your bed. Alternatively, you can go for comfortable pillows that absorb heat and keep you cool.

What pillow size is best?

Pillows come in a wide range of sizes to fit different mattress sizes. Knowing the various sizes of pillows available on the market will help you choose the perfect pillow. Each pillow has its own benefits. Some are ideal for providing neck and back support, while others are beneficial to the whole body. Generally, pillows can be classified as soft and firm, depending on the support and comfort you need. Below, we look at the pillow sizes to help you choose the right size for your mattress.

Standard pillows

This is your basic sleeping pillow. It fits any bed size and supports the neck and head. The pillow measures 75cm x 50cm and perfectly fits in a standard-sized case. Depending on the fill, standard pillows can be used by all sleepers. Typically, one standard pillow fits on a twin bed, two on a full/queen bed, and three on a king/California mattress.

Queen pillows

Measuring 51 cm x 76 cm, queen-size pillows fit tightly in a standard pillowcase. Of course, it will fit less tightly on a queen-size pillowcase. These pillows are created for queen-size beds – two of them can fit perfectly across a full or queen mattress.

King pillows

King pillows measure 51 cm x 91 cm and can perfectly fit into king-size pillowcases. They are extra-long, which makes them ideal for providing extra body support for pregnant women and people with muscle and joint pain. Two king pillows can perfectly fit across a king or California king mattress.

European pillows

These pillows measure 66cm x 66cm and are often used for decorative purposes. They add a touch of style when placed against the headboard.

Body pillows

Long and cylindrical body pillows are ideal for late pregnancy. They provide support where you need it. A body pillow can also provide support while feeding in bed. So, you may still need it after giving birth.

Is it OK to sleep without a pillow?

Sleeping without a pillow for side and back sleepers may not be life-threatening, but it can cause severe neck pain over time. In addition, if you often experience neck or back pain, or you have any spinal condition, sleeping without a pillow can make the condition worse. However, front sleepers can sleep without a pillow. 

Care advise for pillows

Pillows should be aired regularly to get rid of body moisture absorbed during the night. This leaves the pillow fresh and lofts the filling. It's also important to check the pillow's label for cleaning instructions. Some pillows come with removable covers that can be washed. In humid environments, down and feather pillows may develop an odour. Luckily you can solve this problem by airing the pillow. You can also use a pillow protector to keep it clean and enhance its life span.

Shop pillows at vidaXL

Here at vidaXL, we have a large collection of superior-quality pillows in different materials, sizes, and colours. We only list products from leading manufacturers to ensure you get pillows that meet your comfort needs. Whether you're looking for a standard pillow or a memory foam pillow that conforms to the contours of your neck and should for the ultimate comfort, you're sure to find one that helps you sleep well in our wide range of pillows. Every type of sleeper is guaranteed to find the perfect pillow in our collection. All our natural and synthetic pillows have many benefits to aid your sleep.