Buying a pillow today is not quite as simple as it once was. With multiple materials, fills, fabrics and even technology options, there is a wide range of choices available. This guide was created to help you navigate the many pillow options, understand the differences in material and find the best fit for you.
After all, we spend 1/3rd of our lives in bed and finding the right pillow can mean comfort and support for years so the humble pillow is actually quite the important purchase. Over time, this wear-and-tear can cause muscle stiffness, tendonitis, nerve pain, herniated discs, and more.
The Good Housekeeping Institute helps you find not only the best pillows to buy, but also gives you the tips you need to pillow shop with confidence.
We test pillows in our Textiles Lab to make sure they retain their shape by placing weights to mimic real use. We also check for shrinkage and changes in appearance after washing each pillow according to its care label.
Real consumer testers then sleep on pillows that match their preferences at home. These testers try each pillow for a minimum of two weeks before giving us feedback on comfort, support, and more. In our last test, we tested 67 pillows and had over 3,000 data points to analyze before making our recommendations.
Pick-a-Pillow guide
Selecting a pillow is a very individual process. When it comes to picking the right pillow, there really is no one pillow-size, shape, or material that fits all.
The best way to find the pillow that’s right for you is to determine your individual criteria using the six elements below as a guide and then use instinct about what feels most comfortable and appropriate.
1. Fill — fiber
There is an array of fill options available for pillows. No one is best all have advantages and drawbacks, depending on needs and preferences. Let’s look at the most common types:
Down.
These pillows are light and soft if you like a soft place to rest head at night, you may like a down pillow. Down pillows are usually made from either goose or duck fibers.
Goose down tends to be softer than duck down and more expensive though there is also variation in softness within goose down.
Down pillows are made of different combinations of down, feathers, and other fillings. Be aware that “pure down” and “all down” pillows may still contain feathers and other fill.
Synthetic down and polyester fill.
Synthetic down pillows are less expensive than natural, hypo-allergenic natural down — and will need replacing more frequently. Polyester fill pillows are a relatively inexpensive pillow choice, compared to other pillow types.
They tend to be medium to soft, though less soft than down. They will flatten with time, and typically need replacing more frequently than other types of pillows.
Wool.
The pillows are naturally hypo-allergenic, and resistant to mold and dust mites. Wool pillows wick away moisture from your head and neck and can be effective at helping regulate your temperature during sleep, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Wool pillows tend to be pretty firm. They also have longevity.
Cotton.
Similar to wool in many ways, cotton pillows are also naturally hypo-allergenic and resistant to dust mites and mold. Cotton pillows tend to be somewhat flat and firm. Cotton pillows are often a smart choice for people with allergies and chemical sensitivities.
Memory foam.
The pillows have become tremendously popular in recent years. Memory foam conforms to your individual shape. Responding to your weight and body heat, memory foam softens and contours to the lines of your head, neck, and shoulders. It also distributes weight evenly across its surface.
These qualities make it a popular choice for people with head and neck pain, or pressure points that cause discomfort during sleep.
2. Fill weight
Down and synthetic pillows are lightweight choices, while memory foam and latex are heavier. The weight of your pillow is about personal preference.
3. Quality of fill
With every type of pillow, quality matters to comfort, support, and longevity and will be reflected in the price. Once you’ve decided on the type of pillow fill that’s right for you, select the highest quality pillow your budget will allow.
4. Size
For most people, a standard-size pillow is sufficiently large. If you prefer a larger pillow, that’s fine, provided you can keep your sleep posture in alignment.
Pillows are also made in specialty shapes, to provide additional support and stability for your head and neck. Some of these can be useful: cervical and contour pillows may help with neck and back pain, and contoured body pillows can provide support, stability, and relief for pressure points along the body
5. Fabric
Use natural, breathable fabrics to cover your pillows. Pillow covers under pillowcases help extend the life of the pillow, protecting it against stains and sweat. Decorative pillows look great on the bed, but should be removed before sleeping.
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