The Ultimate Pillow Buying Guide

Quality sleep starts with a premium, comfy and supportive pillow.

We spend hours (even years of our lives) nestled against our pillows, seeking comfort and support to drift into a peaceful slumber. However, finding the ideal pillow to suit your needs can be daunting, and when you start searching, the plethora of pillow options can be a lot to take in.

That's where we come in! Whether you're a side sleeper yearning for plush cushioning or a back sleeper searching for optimal neck support, we're here to guide you every step so you can say goodbye to restless nights and hello to rejuvenating sleep with the best pillow for good sleep.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Where to Begin: Choosing the Perfect Pillow
  • Choosing The Best Pillow for Different Sleeping Positions
  • Choosing The Right Pillow Filling & Firmness
  • Choosing The Perfect Pillow Size
  • About Pillow Cover/Protector Materials
  • Does your mattress matter to your pillow choice?
• How Often Should You Replace Pillows?
• What Type of Pillow Do I Need?
• How to Wash Your Pillows
• Other Considerations for Buying a Pillow
  • Specialist Pillow Requirements
  • Anti-Allergy Pillows
• Experience our Premium Pillows for Yourself

The ultimate pillow you choose is primarily based on your personal preference. Do you like firm and supportive pillows or snuggly and soft pillows? Do you want a pillow big enough to hug or something more standard-sized? 

One crucial element in choosing the best pillow for sleeping depends on which sleeping position you prefer. Good sleeping posture helps you sleep better and wake up without aches and pains, and finding the right pillow can significantly improve your sleep quality by allowing you to have a better position for your neck and shoulders. 

Are you a back, side, or front sleeper? This assessment will determine the amount of support you need from your pillow.

Your sleeping position significantly influences the type of pillow that best supports your spine's alignment. Incorrect alignment can lead to discomfort and neck pain upon waking, underscoring the importance of selecting the right pillow for your preferred sleeping position.

Pillows for side sleepers: Side sleepers can benefit from memory foam or orthopaedic pillows, designed to cushion pressure points and maintain optimal neck alignment.

Memory foam contours to the shape of the head and neck, providing personalised support, while orthopaedic pillows are specifically engineered to promote proper spinal alignment. Opting for a firm or medium-firm pillow helps achieve the correct height, supporting the head in a neutral position and alleviating pressure on the shoulder. By distributing weight evenly and reducing pressure points, these pillows offer enhanced comfort for side sleepers throughout the night.

Pillows for front or stomach sleepers: For a good night's sleep, front sleepers should choose softer pillows like feather or soft-medium comfort-grade options. Our Smartfil pillows help prevent arching your spine backwards, which can cause back pain and discomfort.

While changing sleep positions throughout the night is recommended to reduce strain on the neck and back, softer and less full pillows can help stomach sleepers maintain a more neutral spine alignment for improved comfort. These pillows enable front sleepers to rest comfortably without compromising spinal alignment, promoting a more restorative sleep experience.

Pillows for back sleepers: Medium comfort-grade pillows are ideal for back sleepers, providing adequate support without pushing the head too far forward. The medium comfort grade balances plushness and support, ensuring optimal comfort for back sleepers throughout the night. Opt for a medium to firm pillow to maintain proper alignment. Without excessive elevation, these pillows allow back sleepers to enjoy uninterrupted sleep and wake up refreshed.

Pillows for combination sleepers: People who shift positions throughout the night may face the challenge of finding a pillow that provides the proper support and comfort for their changing sleeping patterns. While there is technically no “best pillow for all sleeping positions,” a firm but malleable pillow will be the most comfortable in multiple sleeping positions. Our Boutique Silk, Spundown medium pillows or Adjustable Memory Foam Pillows are ideal for combination sleepers as they cater to all sleeping styles.

Explore our full range of premium pillows.

Choosing the right pillow filling is key to creating your ideal sleeping setup. Whether you prefer firmness, softness, extra support, low loft, or high loft, there's a pillow filling that fits your needs:

Memory foam & latex: Memory foam pillows conform to the shape of your body, providing personalised support and pressure relief. They are ideal for individuals seeking specialised support, especially those dealing with neck pain or who prefer to sleep on their side and need more structured support. Memory foam and latex pillows also offer unique temperature-sensitive properties, ensuring a comfortable sleep environment.

Feathers and down: Feather and down pillows offer luxurious softness, allowing your head to sink into plush comfort. They are favoured by front sleepers who prefer minimal support and natural temperature regulation. The ratio of feathers to down determines the firmness level, with more feathers providing firmer support and a higher down ratio offering enhanced softness.

Synthetic Pillows: These blend polyester and manmade fibres, providing a bouncy and plump feel. They are ideal for back sleepers and individuals experiencing neck pain, offering ample support and comfort as they offer the broadest choice of filling volume and, therefore, firmness. Synthetic pillows often incorporate innovative materials for specialised properties such as anti-allergy, cooling, and temperature regulation. They are often machine washable at home for better-lasting hygiene.

PLEASE NOTE: There is a dramatic variance in the quality of synthetic pillows available on the market. Premium synthetic fillings, like our patented Smartfil® fibre, offer a much softer and more luxurious head feel. They will last far longer than economy pillow options, whose fibres will clump and flatten faster than advanced fibre fillings.

One key factor in selecting the best pillow for sleeping is getting the size right, which can directly impact your comfort and support levels.

Sleep position: Different sleeping positions require different pillow sizes. Side sleepers often prefer thicker, softer pillows to cushion the head and alleviate pressure points. Meanwhile, back and stomach sleepers may opt for thinner pillows to maintain proper neck alignment.

Body type: Consider your body size when choosing a pillow size. Petite individuals may find smaller pillows more comfortable, while those with larger frames may prefer oversized options for ample support, especially if you sleep on your side.

Neck and shoulder alignment: The distance between your neck and shoulders is crucial for proper alignment and support during sleep, especially for side sleepers. Choosing the right pillow size can help ensure restful sleep by filling the gap between your head and mattress by the right amount to keep your spine naturally aligned, as it would be when standing up. 

Bed size: Larger beds, such as super king or queen size, typically accommodate larger pillows, allowing for more surface area to support your head and neck. 

When considering pillow covers, weighing the benefits of different materials like cotton and polyester is important. Pillow Protectors offer a simple yet effective solution to safeguard your pillows against spills, stains, and general wear and tear. They're also easily washable at home to help ensure pillow hygiene and longevity.

It is essential to select the right pillow protector for your sleep requirements. For instance, if you sweat during the night, opt for a breathable fabric like cotton that absorbs moisture, keeping you cool and comfortable. For allergy sufferers, a tightly woven polyester protector is a fantastic barrier against dust mites and allergens.

Explore our range of pillow protectors, created with anti-allergy properties and smart temperature control. Our Breathe pillow protectors are lightweight, naturally moisture-wicking and offer breathability and thermal regulation for a more comfortable night's sleep.

Your pillow and mattress can complement each other perfectly for a great night’s sleep. Your mattress type can impact your sleep when paired with the wrong pillow. Here’s how:

Soft mattress: A soft bed allows your body to sink deeper into the surface. While this can provide initial comfort, it also means that your pillow may not properly support your neck and spine. Using an overly firm pillow with a soft mattress can exacerbate this issue, leading to neck pain and misalignment. Opting for a softer, more contouring pillow can help alleviate pressure points and promote better alignment.

Firm mattress: On the other hand, a firm mattress offers more resistance and may not conform as easily to your body's natural curves. In this case, a firmer pillow can provide the necessary support to maintain proper spinal alignment. A firmer pillow can help fill the gap between your head and the mattress, ensuring your neck remains appropriately supported throughout the night.

Replacing your pillows every two years is recommended to maintain the best support, comfort and hygiene. 

The better the quality of the pillow fibre, the longer your pillow will last; however, over time, all pillows will inevitably lose shape and elasticity, reducing support levels. Signs that indicate your pillow needs replacement include waking up with a sore neck, your pillow flopping in half when you hold it in the middle, or noticing discolouration or stains, which can result from moisture and sweat absorption. 

A pillow protector can help prolong its lifespan by shielding against staining and dust accumulation. Alternatively, machine-washable pillows are available, such as our Spundown medium support pillow. These pillows contain silky smooth siliconised coated fibres, making them ultra-compressible and machine washable, retaining their shape wash after wash. 

Look for signs such as discolouration, flatness, lumpiness, or persistent neck ache, which suggest it's time for a new pillow. Unlike mattresses, pillows typically need replacement every 18 months to two years. Conduct a visual inspection for stains, tears, or odours, and perform the fold test: if the pillow remains folded rather than springing back, it's time to upgrade!

When you look at all the options, selecting the best pillow for sleeping can seem quite daunting. However, these are the three most important factors you should consider when choosing a new pillow:

Sleeping position: Your preferred sleeping position significantly influences the type of pillow you should choose. Whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach, selecting a pillow that complements your sleeping posture is essential for proper spinal alignment and overall comfort.

Filling type: Natural, synthetic, or foam fillings offer distinct benefits tailored to different preferences and conditions. Understanding the qualities of each filling type can help you select a pillow that best suits your needs, whether you seek hypoallergenic properties, temperature regulation, or enhanced support.

Size and shape: Besides standard pillows, consider alternative sizes and shapes to accommodate your sleep preferences and lifestyle. Square pillows, or continental pillows, are ideal for sitting up in bed or adding aesthetic appeal, while king-size pillows provide extra width for larger beds.

Did you know that some pillows are machine washable? Maintaining the cleanliness of your pillow is essential for a healthy sleep environment. Simply remove the pillow covers and wash them separately in cold water on a gentle cycle using mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and either air or tumble dry on low heat until the pillow is damp-dry. Reshape while still damp and air dry thoroughly to prevent shrinkage.

Good quality fibres such as Smartfil® are designed to be washed regularly without losing their softness and support, so make sure you check the pillow filling quality before washing.

A good rule of thumb is to wash your pillows and the rest of your bedding at least once every 3-6 months to keep them fresh. Synthetic and some natural fibre pillows can typically be laundered in a large machine, with some being washable at 60ºC to eliminate dust mites if you suffer from allergies. Always check the care instructions before washing your pillow to maintain longevity and cleanliness.

Certain pillow types, like our premium memory foam or latex pillows, require special care and cannot be machine-washed. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the proper method on how to wash your pillows. 

Other things to consider when purchasing a new pillow include:

Your body shape and height: The distance between the neck and shoulder matters regarding pillow choice. For the best sleep health, you need a pillow to help you maintain a straight spine throughout the night.

Cost: While higher-quality options may cost more, they typically provide better support and last longer, which is better for your sleep quality and the environment. Balancing cost and quality ensures you get the best value for your money.

There are many reasons why people might need a specialist pillow, such as:

• Back pain: Designed to alleviate pressure on the spine and promote better alignment, specialist support pillows offer relief for those suffering from back pain.
• Shoulder & neck pain: These pillows focus on supporting the neck and shoulders, easing tension and discomfort for a more restful sleep.
• Overheating: Temperature management pillows are engineered to regulate body heat, ensuring a cool and comfortable sleeping environment throughout the night.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy pillows offer full-body support, cushioning the legs, back, and bump for expectant mothers seeking a comfortable and safe sleeping position.

Our range of specialist pillows includes options crafted from foam, fibre, and natural latex, providing a variety of choices to suit individual preferences. Whether seeking relief from discomfort or simply aiming for a more comfortable night's sleep, explore our selection of specialist support and temperature management pillows to find the perfect solution for your needs. 

Anti-allergy bedding and pillows are crafted from hypoallergenic materials, reducing the likelihood of triggering allergic reactions. These pillows offer relief for those with sensitive skin or respiratory conditions. 

For allergy sufferers, it is advisable to opt for pillows made from synthetic materials or labelled hypoallergenic. These pillows are often machine washable and may include treatments like antibacterial, antifungal, or antimicrobial compounds for added protection against nighttime nasties. Our Allergy Defence Pillow, powered by innovative HeiQ Allergen* Tech all-natural treatment, effectively shields against the four most common allergens in bedding: pollen, dust mite matter, and dog and cat allergens.

Your quest for the perfect pillow should now be a whole lot easier. However, if you have any questions, please contact us or explore our expert guides to sleep secrets and pillow recommendations on our blog.

Our extensive range of premium pillows caters to every sleep preference and helps to ensure you find the ideal match for a restful night's sleep. Whether you seek specialised support, temperature regulation, or allergy relief, we have you covered. 

Experience the difference a quality pillow can make in your sleep quality and overall well-being. Explore our full range of pillows today to discover your perfect pillow companion.