How to Choose the Perfect Pillow

A good night’s sleep is essential for optimal health and well being, both mentally and physically. Choosing the right pillow is a key factor to getting a restful nights sleep. There are several factors to consider when selecting the perfect pillow so knowing what type of pillow will work best for your body can help you make an informed decision that will have you sleeping soundly every night.

Comfort is Key

The most important factor in picking a pillow is comfort. It should be comfortable enough to relax your neck muscles and relieve tension from your head and shoulders. It should also provide adequate support while still being comfortable enough to allow your head and neck to rest naturally while lying down. You want a pillow that moulds itself around your head and neck, so your spine remains in its natural alignment during sleep. Different materials provide different levels of comfort and support depending on their makeup.

Firm, Medium or Soft?

Front Sleepers

If you sleep on your front, you will need softer support to gently cradle your head, so that the neck is not elevated, putting it under undue pressure. A soft pillow would be a good choice here.

Back Sleepers

If you sleep on your back, opt for medium support pillows, which can be found in both natural and synthetic filled pillows.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers should look for a firm pillow, to ensure correct head and neck alignment. A synthetic-filled product will offer greater support and cradle the head more so than a feather and down pillow, which will tend to soften under the weight of the head. A firm, contouring pillow is also usually the best option if you regularly wake up with neck pain, since it holds the neck level rather than letting it sink through the night.

Choose Your Material - Natural or synthetic?

If you suffer from allergies, you should opt for a pillow filled with man-made/synthetic fillings, such as hollowfibre or microfibre, as they are non-allergenic by their nature, our anti-allergy pillows are built specifically for this. Synthetic fillings tend to offer greater support and have more of a 'bounce-back', lightweight quality about them.

Memory foam pillows mold themselves around your body regardless of what position you are in so there is no need to constantly adjust yourself during the night for optimal support.

Feather and down filled products have great thermal properties and are naturally breathable. They tend to be heavier than synthetic-filled pillows, although natural pillows with a high down content tend to offer lighter and more luxuriously soft support. If you suffer from allergies or have a naturally warm body temperature, natural fillings are usually best avoided.

Pillow Sizes Explained

UK standard pillows measure 48 x 74cm and fit the vast majority of beds and pillowcases sold in the UK. If you're buying to match existing bedding, check whether you need Housewife (an envelope-style back opening) or Oxford (a flat border edge), this is about the pillowcase style rather than the pillow itself, and both fit the same standard pillow size. See our full range of pillow cases to match.

FAQ

How often should I replace my pillows? Most pillows last 1–2 years before they lose enough shape to stop doing their job properly. A quick test: fold your pillow in half, if it doesn't spring back, it's time for a new one. Read more in our guide to replacing duvets and pillows.

Can I wash my pillow? Most synthetic and feather pillows can be machine washed on a gentle, low-heat cycle, check the care label first, as memory foam pillows generally can't be machine washed and should be spot-cleaned instead.

Do I need a pillow protector? Yes, a protector extends the life of your pillow significantly and is worth adding if you don't already use one. See our pillow protectors.

What's the best pillow for side sleepers? A firmer, higher-loft pillow that fills the gap between the mattress and the head works best, see Side Sleepers above, or shop firm support pillows directly.

Ultimately, finding the perfect pillow comes down to personal preferences. Doing some research into which type you want will ensure maximum comfort throughout the night resulting in better restful sleep every night. 

Find out how to choose the perfect duvet here.