Pillow Guide

We all need a good night's sleep, and the best pillows can help be the difference between waking up refreshed or feeling groggy. With so many different types of sleeping styles, it can be challenging to find suitable pillows for you can be a challenge.

If you struggle to get to sleep, it could perhaps be beneficial to look into buying a different type of pillow. Our guide will help you find the right ones for you and help you get a better night's sleep. 

What's a pillow, and why do we use them?

A pillow is a cloth bag that's stuffed with a variety of fillings to provide support to the head whilst we sleep. We all have our specific preferences for what type of pillows we like, with some preferring ones they can sink into whilst others prefer a firmer pillow that offers more support.

Did you know using a pillow can cause acne and encourage wrinkles?

Different preferences for pillows:

Soft pillows

Plush pillows

Cooling Pillow

Machine washable

To help with neck pain

A firm pillow

What to consider before purchasing a pillow?

There are many pillows; it's essential to know your needs before shopping.

Ask yourself:

• Do I need a firm or soft fill for my neck/shoulders/back?
• Do I want a fluffy, flat or somewhere-in-between style?
• How much to spend on my new pillows?

How many pillows should you sleep with?

Did you know it is recommended to use only one pillow? Research suggests that sleeping with more than one pillow can cause neck pain, especially if you sleep on your side. As we add more pillows, this means you sleep in a position that isn't natural and, over time, can cause issues with your neck.

What's pillow loft?

The pillow loft is all about the height and how thick the pillow is.

There are three types of loft measurement: 

 Low Loft: Under three inches thick

Medium Loft: three to six inches thick

High loft: Plus 6 inches thick

Body size/weight – Large bodies will sink into the mattress more impacting on neck position.

Pillow Placement – If your head is in the centre of the pillow, you need less loft than, say, someone who sleeps on the edge of the pillow.

Mattress firmness – If a mattress is softer, your body will be lower than when compared to a firmer mattress giving you a different body position.

Shoulder size – If you have broader shoulders, you'll find that generally, you'll benefit from a high loft pillow.

 Head size – For small heads, you won't need as much loft compared to a head that's bigger and will need more loft.

Find the perfect pillows for you

What sizes do pillows come in?

Standard: Use one as body support and another as knee/ankle support. Using one pillow isn't enough to support stomach sleepers, so consider two or three standard pillows.

Queen: One is suitable for the head and neck; another is ideal for putting under your knees/ankles (if you like sleeping on your side) or upper back (if you want to sleep on your back).

King: One for the head and one that can be used in various ways depending on your sleep position.

Pillow Types

DOWN PILLOW

DOWN ALTERNATIVE PILLOW

 FEATHER PILLOW

Down pillows are made from some fibres of animals, usually Goose, Duck or Swan (a group called the Responsible Down Standard certifies they meet specific standards). Not all down pillows are the same; often, they can be blended with feathers, so it's essential to check the down to feather ratio. The best down pillow is probably Goose, as they retain more heat in the winter months. Great if you're looking for a soft pillow to use in the long run.

An alternative down pillow is the synthetic version of a regular down pillow. Instead of using animal fibres, another material is used, often polyester. Using polyester makes them cheaper, hypoallergenic and easier to clean whilst still providing a high level of comfort, allowing you to have a peaceful night's sleep.

Feather pillows are a popular option as they are lightweight, affordable and can hold their shape well. However, because they use feathers, you're going to need to reshape them by giving them a fluff every so often.

(Feathers pillows often include some down, so please check the individual pillows if you have any allergies) and often provide more support to the back and neck.

Pros:

• Good level of overall comfort
• Provides head and neck support
• Lightweight
• Long-lasting

Pros:

• Affordable
• Easy to clean
• Hypoallergenic
• No ethical sourcing issues

Pros:

• Affordable
• Light pillow weight
• Holds shape
• Moldable

Cons:

• Retains body heat, so it can be easy to overheat
• Potential allergic reactions
• Requires fluffing to maintain loft
• It can be challenging to clean
• Need to find ethically sourced down

Great for: All types of sleepers

Cons:

• Can develop lumps
• Not moldable
• Weaker insulation than true down

Great for: Side and back sleepers.

Cons:

• Needs fluffing to maintain loft
• Difficult to clean
• Retains body heat

Great for: Back and side sleepers.

MEMORY FOAM PILLOWS

 BAMBOO PILLOWS

GEL PILLOW

If you hear memory foam, you either think comfort or too hot. It's crucial to find a breathable memory foam (check the foam density). Memory foam pillows contour to your head, providing ultimate comfort and can help with pain relief. Can help ease neck pain, contours to your head/neck shape, perfect for multiple sleeping positions.

Great for antimicrobial properties and absorbing moisture, perfect for summer months as they act as a cooling pillow. Bamboo pillows are rising in popularity; they are hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. They are also great for sleeping in warmer climates as they help absorb moisture and cool you down. They are heavier than regular pillows and can be challenging to clean.

If you're a hot sleeper, a gel pillow could be what you've been looking for. Often combined with another material to provide softness, they hold their shape well but are similar to memory foam in how they mould your body shape. Similar to memory foam, your head and neck sink into them whilst retaining their shape in the long run.

Pros:

• Offers pain relief support
• Won't clump together
• Contours to your body shape
• Accompany with a memory foam cover

Pros:

• Antimicrobial
• Hypoallergenic
• Cooling and moisture-wicking

Pros:

• Hypoallergenic
• Cooling
• Easy to care for

Cons:

• Some memory foam density inhibits breathability
• Some memory foam retains body heat

Great for: All types of sleepers

Cons:

• Chemical off-gassing
• Heavier than average
• Harder to clean

Great for: Back sleepers.

Cons:

• Too firm for some sleepers
• Expensive

Great for: Back and stomach sleepers.

 POLYESTER PILLOWS

BUCKWHEAT PILLOWS

MICROBEAD PILLOWS

Great for budget buyers or beds that aren't slept on too often. Polyester pillows are great for spare rooms and other beds that aren't slept on often. They can get warmer than different pillow types and quickly lose their shape.

Gaining in popularity, filled with buckwheat shells which offer a breathable material; however, they often make a sound when moved, so not great for light sleepers or ones that carry around, and they are also quite firm. It is excellent for sleeping in the heat with its cooling properties and will last you years.

They have a firm feel, breathable and mould to the shape of your head. Great for moulding to the shape of your head but might not last as long as other pillows.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Lightweight
• Hypoallergenic

Pros:

• Malleable
• Breathable and cooling
• Long-lasting

Pros:

• Breathable
• Malleable
• Firm and supportive

Cons:

• Can develop lumps
• Not breathable
• Not long-lasting

Great for: All types of sleepers

Cons:

• It makes noise when moving around
• Heavy pillow weight
• Too firm for some sleepers

Great for: Better for stomach and back sleepers

Cons:

• Chemical off-gassing
• Not long-lasting
• Retain heat

Great for: Back sleepers.

What's the best pillow to suit my sleeping position?

The type of pillow you get depends on the way you sleep. When choosing what kind of pillow to get, you must select the right one that helps you sleep rather than hinders it.

Different types of sleeping position

Whilst there's a load of positions, the main three are categorised into the following:

Side sleepers: Side sleepers usually need a medium to high loft pillow to correctly keep their head, neck, and spine in a good position. This usually means using a pillow that is, at minimum, at least 4 inches thick. Side sleepers need back stability so that their neck and head DO NOT become stiff while sleeping. The pillow is best for the side sleeper, especially if the shoulders are broader.

The pillow needs to be covered between the ears for the ear to prevent you from having to bend the neck. You might need a larger pillow if you're a taller person with broader shoulders. Deep pillows also give great comfort when we read at bedtime. You should invest in softer pillows to help you relax while reading. Does the pillow extend far enough along my back? For side sleepers, get medium-firm pillows with good loft (the amount of padding in the pillow). If you have shoulder pain when sleeping on your side, look for a pillow with more loft at the neck area.

Back sleepers: Essential for back sleepers is maintaining spinal alignment whilst sleeping. You need a pillow that provides support to the neck and head. 80% Goose Down pillow is ideal for medium or firm mattresses. Back sleepers can use an extra firm pillow to support the neck without the need to tilt their head backwards.

The medium-firm pillow has a great all-rounder, which offers additional cushion support for the side sleeper and back because it helps align your neck to reduce neck tension. These are often composed of inner chambers of thicker filling for strength, with a soft fill inside to provide stability.

Stomach sleepers: If you're a stomach sleeper, thinner pillows are better with a soft to medium feel. For front sleepers to have the most comfortable position, they should have no extra height. A soft, thin pillow will make a good choice. While it can help counter apnea and snoring, it is also a strain on the neck and shoulders. Reduce your spine stress in a neutral place.

A comfortable cushion provides an ideal place to snuggle. Use a soft pillow for your head and look for ways to support a smaller pillow to support your pelvis to help maintain spinal alignment. For stomach sleepers, choose firm pillows wide enough to support your head while leaving room for breathing space between your chest and stomach.

Then you've got combination sleepers; they start in one position then end up in another; you can't be switching pillows way through the night, so you should find the best pillows for combination sleepers. The best thing to do here is just by trial and error, see what you find comfortable.

Speciality pillows 

Need a pillow more suited for you?

Water pillows

Cool pillows

Anti snore pillows

• Avoid low-quality pillows with loose weaves where dust mites could quickly breed; also, avoid high-quality pillows that are so tightly woven that your pillow won't be comfortable.
• Always check the label on the pillow you're buying to ensure it meets any specifications for flammability, odour or health restrictions.
• Consider whether you'll need extra support if you have back problems, if you're pregnant or if you want more comfort in general. If so, look for pillows that support (e.g., contour pillows with adjustable firmness).
• Check if the pillows are machine washable (most are) and if there's a type of extra special care you need to take when washing them.

How do I know what pillow firmness and fill to choose?

When it comes to finding the pillow that's perfect for you: You might like a flat one or a fluffy one; both can be comfortable if the right fill is used.

Natural fill pillows

More often than not, "natural" means down or feather material and includes natural fibres like wool pillows. The highest quality is Goose down from geese in Europe or Canada, and the following best is duck down from waterfowl raised in the U.S., China, or Hungary.

Synthetic fill pillows

Down alternative, wool but not as itchy as sheep's wool, kapok (silky) or polyester fiberfill can all be used to make affordable pillows. Synthetics prove the best option for those with allergies because they're hypoallergenic.

High-tech fill pillows

High-tech pillows made with memory foam mould to your head/neck area for support; gel pillows keep you cool by distributing heat away from your head and neck; water pillows adjust to your sleep position and keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.

Pillow Shapes

Standard

The one you think of when you think of pillows. This is the most common rectangle shape you'll see on beds across the world.

Cervical

Cervical pillows are designed to help support your neck and head, keeping them in a fixed position as you sleep. This has several advantages, including reducing the chance of straining shoulder muscles or waking up with a stiff neck.

Wedge

Wedge pillows are great for helping with symptoms of common alignments like acid reflux and sleep apnea. They are triangular in shape and are used to help support the upper body.

Roll or Bolster

Roll or bolster pillows are often used for decoration purposes only; however, they can help relieve pressure, for example, placing it underneath your spine or knees.

Body Pillow

A body pillow is a body-length pillow that aids you when sleeping on your side by providing support for the arms and legs.

Contour

Contour pillows help to support the neck and align the spine, head and neck which helps to minimise the chance of neck and shoulder stiffness.

How to wash pillows in the washing machine?

The first step is to confirm that the pillows are machine washable. If they can't be put in the washing machine you'll have to dry clean them.

Next, check to see if there are any special instructions. We recommend using a gentle cycle using cold water and then tumble drying on the lowest setting possible. If you find it's not getting spotless, try increasing the temperature a little and using trial and error.

Protect your pillows by using pillow cases whilst in the washing machine. This helps prevent the pillow from rubbing against the sides of the washing machine which could potentially snag or continued friction could cause the pillows to wear out faster.

Adding two pillows can help balance the load. Three smaller pillows could potentially fit in, but three larger pillows could overload the machine.

Once your pillows are washed, it's essential to dry them correctly to avoid any mildew or mould growth. If you can tumble dry them, always try it first on the lowest heat, then leave them in a well-ventilated room with good airflow to dry naturally or, ideally, out in the sun if the weather is nice. Because the material is quite thick, it might take over 24 hours to dry out thoroughly.

5 ways to care for your pillow

Replace every two years

Wash on low

Don't mix with colours

Air dry

Keep bed sheets clean

Pillow Casing Materials

Cotton

Cotton is great because it's a natural fibre that is both soft and breathable but doesn't handle moisture too well, so not the best for warmer sleepers.

Viscose or Lyocell

These are synthetic fibres that are smooth and soft to the touch.

Polyester and Blends

Very affordable, polyester pillows are towards the cheaper end of the scale. Whilst they can feel soft, they don't have the same feel as a more luxurious material.

How long do pillows last?

Generally speaking, you'll know when it's time for new pillows. You can use them as long as they retain their shape and stay fresh, but it's good to replace them every couple of years or even every year as they are relatively inexpensive. For kids, you'll probably need to replace them quicker, and for spare rooms, they could last forever if used rarely.

Around one to two years is recommended as the filling inside has already been compressed and will no longer provide a proper neck support. You can tell if it's time for a new one when the pillow's surface becomes flat and doesn't spring back to normal like it used to.

How to wash pillows?

If you are looking for how to clean pillows, then the first thing you should do is what brand of pillow you own? If it's a high-quality one, it should be fine to throw them into the washing machine.

But if your pillows are not too expensive or old, special care should be given. Pillows with cotton covers can be washed in warm water (up to 40 degrees Celsius) with mild detergent. However, make sure that no bleach is used to destroy the fabrics.

And also, using fabric softener is akin to dryer sheets, which would render the cover useless after just a few washes since they coat fibres and limit their ability to regain their original shape.

How often should you wash pillows?

Just like your duvet cover, pillows must also be washed occasionally. If you notice the yellowing of the pillow and it has an unpleasant smell, you'll probably need to clean them.

Washing your pillows once a month or once every two months if they're not too dirty will help keep them fresher for longer.

Pillow care

To keep your pillows clean and ready for use: Remove the pillowcase and wash gently in cold water on a light cycle (warm water may cause colours to fade) using mild detergent; tumble dry at low temperature.

Put in a new pillowcase when done washing. Air out your feather and down pillows outside so they can breathe and dry naturally. For different materials, check with the label to see how best to care for them.

How do I make sure my pillows stay cool?

Latex and memory foam bedding materials retain warmth while cotton fibres lose heat quickly.

If you want less heat retention, consider purchasing 100% silk pillowcases and try a lightweight duvet cover and hypoallergenic pillow fills (like cotton or down).