It's just a pillow, right?
But waking up refreshed and rejuvenated starts with those little choices we make, like picking the best pillow for a good night's sleep.
While it might seem simple, the right pillow can make all the difference for a night of quality sleep. So, whether you call yourself a stomach sleeper, side sleeper, back sleeper, or somewhere in between, we're here to help you get a better night's sleep by finding the sleeper pillow that's perfect for you!
How You Can Choose the Perfect Pillow
Your pillow is the key to helping you wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
And the perfect pillow? Well, that's there to help make sure your head, neck, and shoulders are getting the proper support they need-- no matter what your sleeping style is.
Taking the time to find the best pillow for your sleep position is one of the best investments you can make in both your sleep and your overall health.
Consider Your Sleeping Position
And, by no surprise, the actual sleeping position that you're in during the night plays a huge role in helping you find the best pillow for you.
Let's break down the most basic sleeping positions and how to choose a pillow to fit all of them!
Side Sleepers
Sleeping on the side can be cozy, but it tends to put lots of pressure on both your neck and shoulders.
Side sleepers may find comfort in a pillow that fills the space between their ear and shoulder, helping to maintain a comfortable sleeping position. Firm pillows, like memory foam, latex, or a feathered friend with a higher loft might also be their match made in fluffy heaven, helping prevent the head from sinking too far down.
Back Sleepers
If you're one whose most comfy on your back when you sleep, aim for a medium-thick cushion to honour the natural arch of your neck.
It's kind of like the Goldilocks of pillows-- not too thick, not too thin-- memory foam and latex might be the just-right companions you've been searching for.
Stomach Sleepers
Those who love the stomach sleeping life require a thin, soft pillow (or sometimes, no pillow at all!) to ensure the neck is comfortable.
Tummy sleepers will want to avoid chunky pillows, which could cause a strain on their head and neck if propped too high.
Combination Sleepers
If you know that you practically do cartwheels in your bed when you're sleeping, switching positions constantly, a medium-soft pillow with a hint of contouring is definitely your perfect snuggly friend.
In fact, latex or memory foam are both versatile enough to follow your rhythm all night long.
Understanding Pillow Types
Beyond just your sleep position, choosing the right pillow is about the actual texture of what you're sleeping on. Squishy, supportive-- every pillow has its own story and helps its own type of sleeper.
Memory Foam Pillows
If you're looking for a comfy, contour pillow to let your body just sink every night, memory foam pillows are for you.
Its structure is specifically designed to gently contour your body, ensuring your spine (and good dreams!) are supported.
Latex Pillows
Resilient, gentle, latex is like that best friend, who's always there for you, bouncing back no matter what happens, with reassuring, firm-yet-friendly support for your head, neck, and shoulders.
Latex pillows are naturally resistant to dust mites and mould. They may be a good option for those sensitive to certain allergens.
Down Pillows
Dreaming of clouds? Dive into down. These feathery wonders offer a plush embrace and effortlessly adapt to you. Down is highly breathable and keeps you cool at night; just keep in mind, while they're softies at heart, they don't offer as much support as their firmer friends like latex.
Wool Pillows
For those who run a temperature duel with their bed – meet wool, your mediator. It masterfully regulates your bedtime climate, ensuring you're neither too hot nor too cold.
Wool pillows are naturally resistant to dust mites and offer temperature-regulating properties.
Microfibre Pillows
If you're looking for the down experience without the down price tag, meet microfibre.
While it mimics down's feathery softness using smart synthetic fibres, it also helps you stay cool, resists pesky allergens like dust mites, mildew and mould, and keeps the fluff game strong all in a day's work.
Plus, with regular fluffing, machine-washable microfibre pillows can retain their fluffiness for years to come!
Microbead Pillows
The tiny beads that make up microbead pillows make for a unique, adaptable pillow.
They easily conform to your body and promise budget-friendly comfort, over time, though their beads will eventually clump and lose their loft after time.
Polyester Pillows
The reliable polyester pillow offers easy care, a hypoallergenic haven, and only a little dent in your wallet compared to the higher-ticket pillows like memory foam.
While they're not the main players in the contouring game, they definitely bring their A-game for those on a budget.
It's important to note that they tend to retain heat, flatten easily, and don't have the same contouring that a pillow-like memory foam does.
How to Find Your Dream Perfect Pillow & Mattress Duo
Pairing a pillow and mattress that meets your sleep standards is a little like finding those two perfect dance partners-- while they each might be unique in what they bring, together, they can work harmoniously to create something amazing.
Got a firm mattress like innerspring or latex? Its goal is to offer you solid support, so consider complementing it with a soft embrace from pillows like down, feather, or fibre, which all mould beautifully to your head and neck without feeling lost in the duet.
On the plush side with a hybrid or memory foam mattress? Its goal is to cradle you snugly, so elevate this experience with a firm partner in crime like memory foam or buckwheat pillows. They offer the right lift, ensuring you don't sink too much.
Consider these quick-start pillow and mattress pairings:
- Firm innerspring or latex mattress + soft down, feather or fibre pillow
- Plush memory foam or hybrid mattress + firm memory foam or buckwheat pillow
Side and back sleepers might cherish the solid embrace of a firmer pillow, while stomach sleepers and those who mix things up might lean toward a gentler, softer pillow. And if your mattress feels too hard or soft with your current pillow, switching to a pillow with contrasting firmness can help balance the overall feel.
In fact, think of buying a new pillow and mattress as setting up a dreamy duet. When chosen together, they can harmonise beautifully, so don't forget to think about matching a pillow and mattress purchase together, so you can ensure you choose the best comfort levels respectively.
Consider Your Personal Preferences
We're all wonderfully unique, especially when it comes to our sleeping quirks and wishes. So, when hunting for that perfect pillow, channel your inner Goldilocks and ponder these personalised choices!:
Softness Level
- For the Sturdy Side: If you're a side or back sleeper, a firmer pillow might just be your knight in shining armour, offering the support you crave.
- For the Softer Side: Stomach sleepers and those who switch things up might cherish a pillow that's soft and gentle.
Cooling Features
If you tend to run warm in your dreamland, pillows crafted from materials like latex, wool, or microbeads are like your personal nighttime breeze, keeping the heat at bay.
Contour Design
If you're looking for some next-level comfort, then ergonomic designs, like cervical and wedge pillows, are sculpted to cater to your unique nooks and crannies.
Hypoallergenic Materials
If you're the sort to sneeze and sniffle, hypoallergenic heroes like latex, memory foam, or polyester are here to ward off those pesky dust mites. And to dial up the defense, consider a trusty pillow protector!
Natural Materials
For those who like more organic options, finding pillow fill material like latex, wool, feathers, or organic cotton can definitely help the sustainably-minded.
Specialised Pillows for Targeted Support
For enhanced support in specific areas, consider these specialised pillows:
- Cervical pillows are designed to support the neck's natural curve.
- Wedge pillows can provide a slight elevation to the upper body
- Body pillows support continuous comfort for side sleepers.
- Knee pillows are designed to be placed between the knees to help maintain a comfortable side-sleeping position.
Finding the Right Pillow Height and Density
When finding that perfect height, there are two main factors:
Pillow Height
Pillow height (or loft) can significantly impact spinal alignment and neck support.
Side sleepers need the highest loft, between 5 and 7 inches, so they can fill the space between the head and shoulders and maintain alignment.
Back sleepers need a medium-high loft, between 4 and 5 inches, to support the head's natural curve without tilting too far up or down.
Stomach sleepers need the lowest loft, 3 inches or less, to prevent excessive arching of their neck, which strains the spine. (Some might even prefer a flatter, more flexible pillow around 4-5 inches.)
Pillow Density
A pillow's density refers to the firmness and compression of the fill material inside the pillow.
Denser memory foam or latex fills provide a firmer, more supportive pillow.
Lighter, fluffier down or polyester, or down alternative pillows have a softer, plusher density.
At the end of the day, test out a few different types of pillows to find the best way to find the right match for your sleep position and preferences.
Choosing the Proper Pillow Size and Shape
Pillows come in a range of different sizes:
Standard (48 x 73cm), just right for little sleepers or petite adults, and fits most pillowcases.
Queen (51 x 76cm), a perfect size for most grown-up sleepers and those who love a bit more room on spacious beds.
King (52 x 92cm), great for those who love to sprawl or have broad shoulders.
Not sure of your pillow throne? When in doubt, go a size up for extra snooze space. But remember, it's not just about size. The shape is part of your pillow's personality!
- Square & rectangular: Freedom to roll, twist, and turn.
- Contoured: Like a gentle hand supporting your neck.
- Wedges: A subtle lift for those relaxation moments.
Caring for Your Pillow
Pillows can naturally last for around two years before needing replacement. Here are some useful care tips:
- Wash removable covers frequently using hot water and vinegar to kill dust mites.
- Spot clean stains instead of cleaning the entire pillow.
- Fluff latex and feather pillows daily to restore loft and increase longevity.
- Replace pillows displaying visible lumps, flat spots, or yellowing.
- Give foam pillows 24 hours to fully dry if washing is necessary.
Pillow Covers and Protectors
- Protectors shield against dust mites, allergens, bacteria, sweat, and stains.
- Cooling covers such as Outlast® and Phase Change Material (PCM) regulate temperature.
- Natural covers like organic cotton, bamboo, wool, and eucalyptus enhance breathability.
- Waterproof protectors prevent liquids from penetrating expensive pillows.
Covers and protectors increase overall comfort, hygiene, and longevity.
Time to Find Your Perfect Pillow Match!
The sleep experts at Original Mattress Factory can be the next to help guide you to the best pillows for your sleep space! Get in touch to find your perfect pillow.