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Types of Pillows: Which Pillow Is Best for You?
Andrew Bartholet
Updated: October 1, 2024
Does your pillow give you discomfort at night? Choosing the right pillow is essential to getting a good night’s sleep.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about pillow types, their benefits, and how to choose the perfect pillow for you. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to confidently select the pillow you need for a better, more restful night’s sleep.
Pillow Types
Many pillow types are on the market, each with different fillings and benefits. But what makes one pillow better than another?
Should you go for softness, firmness, or a balance of both? Let’s explore the most common types of pillows and how they match various sleep preferences.
Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam pillows contour to the shape of your head and neck, providing customized support and pressure relief. These pillows are known for their ability to help maintain spinal alignment, which can reduce neck pain and improve sleep quality.1
Pillow Fill: Typically made of viscoelastic foam that adapts to your body’s shape and then returns to its original form when not in use. Some Memory Foam Pillows may include cooling gel memory foam to increase comfort and help prevent overheating at night. The best pillows allow you to adjust the amount of memory foam to suit your preferences.
Best for: Back and side sleepers needing firm support to align the neck and spine.
Pros
Excellent neck and spine support
Durable and long-lasting
Conforms to your unique body shape
Cons
May be uncomfortable for hot sleepers
May require reshaping or fluffing over time
Initial off-gassing smell possible
Logan & Cove Recommendation: Experience the perfect balance of support and cooling comfort with the Premium Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow. Save 15% or more on Logan & Cove pillows with a mattress purchase.
Feather Pillows
Feather pillows are filled with the outer, larger, and sturdier feathers of ducks or geese. These feathers have quills, which can give the pillow a bit more structure and firmness. Feather pillows tend to offer more support compared to down pillows, but they may flatten out more quickly and require frequent fluffing.
Pillow Fill: Outer feathers of ducks or geese, which have quills that provide more firmness and structure.
Best for: Sleepers who prefer a pillow with moderate support and a firmer feel.
Pros
More affordable than down
Firmer, providing moderate support
Offers a balance between softness and firmness
Cons
Quills can poke through the fabric
Flattens quickly and requires fluffing
Less durable than down pillows
Down Pillows
Down pillows are made from the soft, fine undercoating of ducks or geese. Unlike feathers, down clusters do not have quills, which makes them much softer and fluffier. Down pillows offer a luxurious, cloud-like feel, but they don’t provide as much structure or support as feather pillows.
Pillow Fill: The soft undercoating (down) from ducks or geese, without quills, giving it a plush, cloud-like feel.
Best for: Sleepers who prefer a soft, luxurious pillow with less structure.
Pros
Very soft and plush
Lightweight and moldable
Long-lasting with proper care
Cons
More expensive than feather pillows
Can flatten and lose loft over time
May not provide adequate support for neck pain
Down Alternative Pillows
Down Alternative Pillows mimic the softness of down but are filled with synthetic materials, often polyester fibers, making them more hypoallergenic and cost-effective.
Pillow Fill: Synthetic polyester or microfiber, designed to imitate the softness of down. The best down alternative pillows are filled with materials like microgel.
Best for: Sleepers who prefer a soft pillow but have allergies or are seeking an alternative to animal products.
Pros
Usually hypoallergenic and animal-friendly
Similar softness to down
More affordable and easier to maintain
Cons
May flatten or lose shape faster than natural down
Usually not as breathable as natural down pillows
Less durable than materials like memory foam
Logan & Cove Recommendation: Explore our Down Alternative Pillow, perfect for those seeking a soft, hypoallergenic option that mimics the luxurious feel of down. Save 15% or more on Logan & Cove pillows with a mattress purchase.
Latex Pillows
Latex pillows provide firm support while maintaining a soft, bouncy feel. They are highly durable and an excellent option for those with allergies or sensitivity to dust mites.2
Pillow Fill: Natural or synthetic latex, offering a firm and resilient structure.
Best for: Side sleepers or people with allergies, as latex offers consistent support and is hypoallergenic.
Pros
Naturally hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant
Provides firm, consistent support
Long-lasting and durable
Cons
Firmer than other options, which may not suit all sleepers. If you have a latex allergy, you should not use a latex pillow
May not offer the same cooling properties as gel pillows
Some may find it too firm for their comfort
Cooling Gel Pillows
Gel pillows are designed to keep you cool by dissipating heat throughout the night. Often combined with memory foam, they offer a mix of cooling and supportive comfort.
Pillow Fill: Gel-infused memory foam, providing a cool and contoured sleeping experience.
Best for: Hot sleepers who need a cooling pillow to stay comfortable throughout the night.
Pros
Cooling effect for hot sleepers
Supports neck and spine
Offers firm yet comfortable support
Cons
Heavier than traditional pillows
May not be soft enough for some users
Usually pricier than standard memory foam
Buckwheat Pillows
Buckwheat pillows are filled with the hulls of buckwheat seeds, offering a firm, adjustable surface that conforms to your head and neck. These pillows are excellent for sleepers looking for customizable support and natural materials.
Pillow Fill: Buckwheat hulls, offer firm, moldable support and allow for airflow.
Best for: Sleepers who need firm support or prefer natural materials for neck and spine alignment.
Pros
Adjustable firmness and support
Natural and eco-friendly material
Good airflow and cooling properties
Cons
Heavier and noisier than other pillows
May be too firm for some sleepers
Can take time to adjust to the feel
Polyester (Microfibre) Pillows
Polyester pillows (also known as microfibre pillows) are among the most common and affordable options available. They provide softness and are lightweight, but they may lack the durability and support needed for long-term use.
Pillow Fill: Synthetic polyester fibers, typically lightweight and soft.
Best for: Budget-conscious sleepers or those who prefer a softer, less supportive pillow.
Pros
Very affordable and lightweight
Easy to clean and maintain
Soft and comfortable
Cons
Less durable and can flatten quickly
May not provide adequate neck support
Not hypoallergenic unless specifically treated
Pillow Shapes
Pillow shapes go beyond the standard rectangular option. Different shapes are designed to address specific sleep issues or comfort preferences. Whether you’re dealing with neck pain, acid reflux, or simply looking for ergonomic support, there’s a pillow shape tailored to you.
Standard Pillows
The standard pillow shape is the most common and widely used type of pillow. It is rectangular and designed to provide general support for your head and neck, fitting most pillowcases and bed sizes. While simple in design, it can be filled with various materials (memory foam, down, polyester) to suit different sleeping preferences.
Shape: A classic rectangular shape that supports the head and neck. It comes in various sizes such as standard, queen, and king.
Best for: Sleepers who want versatile, all-purpose pillows that work with most beds and provide general support without specific ergonomic features.
Contour Pillows
Contour pillows feature ridges and grooves to support your neck, shoulders, and head, ensuring that your spine remains aligned while you sleep.3
Shape: Ergonomically designed with a higher and lower end to cradle the neck. Provides targeted support and reduces pressure on the spine.
Best for: Back and side sleepers with neck pain or those needing better spine and neck alignment.
Wedge Pillows
Wedge pillows are angled pillows that elevate your upper body to help with conditions like acid reflux, snoring, back pain, or breathing issues.4
Shape: A triangular shape designed to elevate the upper body or legs, helping to reduce acid reflux and improve breathing.
Best for: People who need extra elevation due to snoring, sleep apnea, or acid reflux.
Cervical Pillows
Cervical pillows are designed to support the natural curve of your neck, providing ergonomic support for both back and side sleepers. These pillows can help align the spine, reducing pressure on the neck muscles and vertebrae.5
Shape: Designed with a slight curve to cradle the neck, often featuring a dip in the middle for the head and elevated edges to support the neck.
Best for: Sleepers with neck pain, spinal alignment issues, or those looking for therapeutic support.
Pillow Sizes
Pillow size is often overlooked when deciding on a pillow, but your pillow size can impact your sleep quality. The right size pillow can provide more comfort and fill the space on your bed, making it a better fit for your sleeping position and bed size.
Pillow Size
Pillow Dimensions
Best for
Standard
20” x 26”
Best for smaller beds (twin/full) and most sleepers
Queen
20” x 30”
Ideal for larger beds (queen) and restless sleepers
King
20” x 36”
Great for king-size beds and those who need extra room
Body Pillow
54” x 20” or 60” x 20”
Side sleepers and pregnant women needing full-body support
FAQs
Which type of pillow is best?
The best pillow depends on your personal sleep needs. For most people, memory foam pillows, such as the Logan & Cove Premium Memory Foam Pillow, are an excellent choice due to their contouring support and durability.
What kind of pillows do 5-star hotels use?
Many luxury hotels use a combination of down pillows and/or down alternative pillows to offer both softness and support. You can replicate the luxury hotel experience at home with Canada’s Best Hotel Mattress paired with a high-quality Down Alternative Pillow or Memory Foam Pillow.
What type of pillow should you sleep on?
Your ideal pillow depends on your sleeping position. For neck support, a Memory Foam Pillow is a great option. If you prefer a softer feel, consider a Down Alternative Pillow.
Can pillows help with snoring or sleep apnea?
Yes, certain pillows, like wedge pillows, can help by elevating your upper body and reducing airway obstruction. These are particularly effective for individuals dealing with sleep apnea or acid reflux.4
You can also use Adjustable Bed Frames to elevate your upper body to that “just right” position.
How often should I replace my pillow?
It’s recommended to replace your pillow every 1–2 years, depending on the material. Memory foam and latex pillows tend to last longer, while down and polyester pillows may need more frequent replacement.6
Conclusion
Finding the right pillow can make a significant difference in your sleep quality. Whether you’re looking for neck pain relief, a cooling option, or a luxurious hotel-like experience, Logan & Cove can help you find everything you need to get incredible sleep.
Ready to upgrade your sleep? Explore all the latest pillows on sale at Logan & Cove today!
Shape design of an optimal comfortable pillow based on the analytic hierarchy process method. Accessed September 30, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3315854/
Latex vs Memory Foam Pillow: Differences and Benefits. Accessed September 30, 2024. https://sleepopolis.com/blog/latex-vs-memory-foam-pillow/
Comfort and Support Values Provided by Different Pillow Materials for Individuals with Forward Head Posture. Accessed September 30, 2024. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/6/3865
5 Best Wedge Pillows for Acid Reflux/GERD. Accessed September 30, 2024. https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/wedge-pillows#1
The Ultimate Guide to Cervical Pillows. Accessed September 30, 2024. https://connorchiropractic.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-cervical-pillows-why-pillowise-is-your-best-choice/
Are Memory Foam Pillows Good? Accessed September 30, 2024. https://www.mattressonline.co.uk/advice/are-memory-foam-pillows-good
Medical Disclaimer: Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on a website or in an email.
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