Pillows Shopping Guide

How can you determine which sleeping pillow is right for you? And should replacing your pillow be on your to-do list? Read the following tips to learn about the factors you should consider, the differences in pillow fillings, and all the essentials you need to think about to choose the ideal sleeping pillow for you! Your answers to these questions will help you find the best pillow for your needs.

What is your sleeping position?

To provide your neck and head with the support they need, you should choose a pillow that does not tilt your head too far upward or downward.

Suitable Pillow for Back Sleepers:

If you sleep on your back, you need a medium-firm and medium-sized pillow to offer optimal neck support and keep your spine in a straight position. A good choice would be memory foam or hollowfiber pillows.

Suitable Pillow for Stomach Sleepers:

Those who sleep on their stomach should look for a thin pillow to avoid excessive strain on the neck. Your spine and neck should remain as neutral as possible, relieving tension. A soft pillow is ideal, making a feather pillow a perfect choice.

Suitable Pillow for Side Sleepers:

If you sleep on your side, you need a firm pillow with medium to high loft to keep your body in perfect alignment. The best pillow type for side sleepers is either a memory foam pillow or an orthopedic pillow. This is because side sleeping can misalign the spine if the head is placed too high or too low. Orthopedic and memory foam pillows are designed to reduce pressure points on the head and ensure that the neck remains in the optimal position.

Suitable Pillow for All Sleeping Positions:

If you sleep in various positions, choose a medium-thickness and medium-firm pillow to accommodate all your sleeping positions throughout the night. Alternatively, we recommend using two softer pillows that you can adjust according to your needs.

What Type of Mattress Do You Have?

You may not have considered this question, but it is important. If you have a firmer mattress, you need a fuller pillow. If you have a softer mattress, you need a thinner pillow. This applies whether you sleep on your back or side. The reasoning is that a softer mattress allows your body to sink in, reducing the gap between your head and the mattress. Firmer mattresses prevent sinking, creating a larger gap between your mattress and neck that needs to be filled.

Are You Allergic to Certain Materials?

Some people may be allergic to latex or down, while others may have allergies to dust mites, which tend to thrive in synthetic pillow fillings such as polyester fibers. Carefully check the materials used in pillow fillings to ensure there is nothing you might be allergic to. Even if you see claims of hypoallergenic materials on the packaging or label, be cautious. There are no federal standards for the term "hypoallergenic." A material that typically does not cause allergic reactions is synthetic latex. If you are allergic to dust mites rather than the pillow material itself, you can purchase a pillow cover from our extensive collection.

What Filling Should My Pillow Have?

Pillow fillings are generally categorized into two types: synthetic or natural. Natural pillow fillings are great for avoiding irritations, while synthetic materials incorporate innovative technology designed for maximum comfort. The main types of pillow fillings include:

Memory Foam Pillow

Memory foam is a polymer material that responds to heat and pressure. When a person comes into contact with memory foam, their body heat and applied pressure cause the material to mold around the contact points. The memory foam then takes the shape of the body, providing a personalized level of support. What makes it a popular choice is its ability to slowly return to its original shape once pressure is removed. This property makes memory foam ideal for support and comfort, relieving potential pain and pressure points while adapting to the body's shape. A memory foam pillow is perfect for those who suffer from neck pain and sleep on their side. It is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust and mites, offering a healthier sleeping environment.

Feather and Down Pillow

Pillows filled with down or feathers are incredibly soft and allow you to sink luxuriously into them. They are ideal for stomach sleepers who do not require significant support. Down and feather pillows are a popular choice as they are made from natural bird feathers, typically from geese or ducks. This makes them natural and recyclable, appealing to those who prefer eco-friendly products. Additionally, down filling maintains a natural air gap, helping regulate temperature. This means that down pillows offer thermal regulation. However, some people may not prefer the feel of down pillows, especially if they favor firmer or more supportive options.

Hollowfiber Pillow

Hollowfiber pillows are an excellent choice for back sleepers or those experiencing neck pain. These pillows are filled with a special type of fiber with a hollow center, mimicking the texture and feel of down. Hollowfiber pillows provide a balance between support and softness. The fiber supports the head and neck, while the hollow center makes the pillow softer and more comfortable. They are usually easy to maintain, as many can be machine-washed frequently. They are also generally more affordable compared to memory foam or down pillows. Lastly, hollowfiber filling is typically durable and retains its loft for a long time without compressing.

Latex Pillow

Latex pillows are a great choice for many reasons and have gained popularity as latex is a natural material derived from rubber. It usually features a perforated structure that allows for breathability and temperature regulation. Latex provides excellent support for the head and neck. It has an elastic yet firm character that adapts to movements and sleeping positions, offering the right support to maintain proper body alignment. It provides a comfortable feel and is resistant to compression, retaining its loft for a long time without developing unwanted indentations.

Microfiber Pillow

Microfiber is a material made from extremely fine fibers, usually polyester or other synthetic materials. Microfiber-filled pillows offer a soft and comfortable feel, similar to down pillows. They provide gentle support for the head and neck while ensuring a lightweight sleep experience. They are durable and maintain their loft for a long time. Additionally, they are easy to maintain and can be washed frequently, making cleaning more convenient.

Ballfiber Pillow

Ballfiber is a material produced with specialized technology where microscopic fibers form tiny spheres (balls) to create a soft, fluffy, and lightweight filling. The manufacturing process of ballfiber involves using fibers such as polyester or other synthetic materials. Ballfiber-filled pillows offer a soft and comfortable feel, similar to down. This texture provides a pleasant softness during sleep. Ballfiber can provide resilient support for the head and neck, as the fiber spheres adjust to movement and sleeping position, offering the necessary support for proper body alignment. It is durable and retains its loft for a long time.

Cotton Pillow

Cotton-filled pillows are an excellent choice since cotton is a natural material without chemical additives, making it a natural option for your sleep. Cotton is breathable, meaning a cotton-filled pillow keeps the skin cool and well-ventilated throughout the night. It has a soft texture and offers comfort during sleep. It is neither too firm nor overly plush like some synthetic materials. Additionally, cotton is hypoallergenic and does not cause allergic reactions, making it suitable for people with allergies.

Polyester Pillow

Polyester-filled pillows are a popular and practical choice since polyester is a synthetic material widely used in pillow fillings and other sleep products. Polyester-filled pillows are generally more affordable than other materials, such as down or memory foam, making them an accessible choice for many people. Polyester is a lightweight material, and polyester-filled pillows are easy to maintain, often machine-washable.

Woolen Pillow

Sleep pillows filled with wool are an excellent choice, as wool is a natural material with outstanding properties. Wool has the ability to absorb and dissipate moisture, thereby helping to maintain temperature and comfort throughout sleep. It offers a unique sensation of softness and comfort, similar to that of down. The woolen pillow provides a soft and breathable sleeping surface. Wool naturally supports the head and neck. It has a unique ability to adapt to movements and sleeping positions, offering the necessary support for proper body alignment. It possesses natural thermoregulating properties, keeping cool in the summer and warm during the winter months.

What Fabric Should My Pillow Have?

The outer fabric of a pillow is just as important as its filling, as it is the surface with which you come into contact during sleep. Various materials and types of fabrics are used for a pillow’s outer cover. The most common types include:

Cotton Pillow

Cotton is a natural fabric that is soft, breathable, and comfortable. It allows air to pass through and absorbs moisture, keeping the pillow cool and pleasant.

Linen Pillow

Linen is a natural fabric known for its durability and ability to maintain a cool feel. It is ideal for warm summer months.

Microfiber-Polyester Pillow

Microfiber or polyester fabric is durable and easy to maintain. It has a soft texture and provides comfort during sleep.

Satin Pillow

Satin is a smooth and lustrous fabric that offers a luxurious feel. It is perfect for those seeking a more refined and elegant touch for their pillow.

When choosing the outer fabric of a sleep pillow, it is important to consider your personal preferences and needs. If you experience allergy issues, you may prefer hypoallergenic materials. Additionally, the choice of outer cover material affects how the pillow feels and influences your sleep quality, so you will certainly want something comfortable and enjoyable for you.

How Often Should I Replace My Pillow?

To get the most out of your pillows, it is recommended to replace them at least every 2-3 years. Over time, dust mites accumulate, and the pillow is likely to have significantly lost its elasticity, meaning it no longer provides sufficient support. Regardless of how long you have had your pillow, it may also be time to replace it if you frequently wake up with neck pain or if the pillow shows signs of discoloration or surface irregularities. To ensure a longer lifespan for your pillow, it is advisable to protect it with a pillow cover. This acts as a barrier against sweat, stains, and excessive dust.

How Many Pillows Should I Sleep With?

The ideal number of pillows for optimal sleep largely depends on personal preference. However, experts recommend sleeping with just one pillow to maintain the natural alignment of the spine and avoid raising the head too high. If you prefer sleeping with two pillows, it may be best to choose softer ones to prevent excessive height under your head.

What Are Anatomical Pillows?

Anatomical sleep pillows are specially designed to provide support for the neck, head, and shoulders during sleep. Their purpose is to align the spine and optimize body posture throughout the night, offering greater comfort and reducing the likelihood of pain and discomfort. Anatomical pillows have a specific shape and height that contribute to proper neck alignment and promote correct body posture. They are usually higher in the center and curved at the edges, providing neck support while keeping the head and shoulders in a natural position. This design helps effectively prevent issues caused by poor sleeping posture, such as neck, shoulder, and back pain. Choosing the right anatomical pillow that suits your needs and preferences is essential.

Various sizes and shapes are available in the exclusive designdrops collection, all designed with the assistance of expert scientists. Selecting an appropriate pillow can help alleviate sleep issues and promote healthier sleep. Don’t forget to always keep your pillow clean and protected with suitable pillow covers and the most modern and high-quality pillowcases, available at unbeatable prices on designdrops! For more pillow cleaning tips, take a look at our Pillow Cleaning Guide.

At designdrops, you will find bedding shopping guides and bedding care guides, containing valuable advice on choosing the perfect bedding and maintaining it in pristine condition!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Pillows

What is the most suitable sleep pillow?

The right sleep pillow depends on individual preferences and needs. Some people prefer soft, low pillows, while others opt for firm, high pillows. It is recommended to choose a pillow that supports your neck and body position during sleep, tailored to your personal preferences, by referring to the advice provided in this pillow buying guide.

Do pillows help us sleep better?

Yes, pillows can help improve sleep quality by offering neck support and maintaining good body posture during sleep, based on individual needs and preferences.

Which type of pillow is the healthiest?

The healthiest type of pillow depends on personal needs and preferences. Some individuals prefer orthopedic pillows for support, while others choose natural materials or pillows with protective covers for hygiene reasons. The healthiest choice is the one that best suits your individual sleep needs and preferences.

Is it better to sleep with or without a pillow?

This is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer sleeping with a pillow for comfort and support, while others prefer sleeping without one. The most important factor is choosing what provides you with the best sleep quality.

How often should pillows be replaced?

It is recommended to replace pillows approximately every 1-2 years, though this depends on their quality and usage. If you start experiencing discomfort or notice signs of wear, you may need to replace your pillow sooner.

Is it better to have a high or low pillow?

The best choice between a high or low pillow depends on your needs and sleeping position. A high pillow can provide more neck support, while a low pillow may be better for those who sleep on their back or stomach. The key is to choose the pillow that offers the best comfort for your sleep.

Is it okay to sleep with three pillows?

Sleeping with three pillows may be comfortable for some, but it is generally excessive. The ideal approach is to choose the necessary number of pillows that provide the best support and comfort for your sleep. Using three pillows may cause unwanted pressure on the neck and back, so it is best to select the right combination and pillow height for you.