When purchasing pillows, we rarely give them as much thought as beds and mattresses. This is a huge mistake since along with the mattress; a good pillow serves to keep your body in alignment and comfortably supported throughout the night.
Not all of us have the same sleeping habits and preferences when it comes to size and softness. That’s why it is important to know different types of pillows and their impact on the quality of sleep. This article is going to help you with that.
![The Criteria for Determining Pillow Types]()
The Criteria for Determining Pillow Types![Types Of Pillow Stuffing And Their (Dis)Advantages]()
Types Of Pillow Stuffing And Their (Dis)Advantages![Different Pillow Proportions And When To Use Them]()
Different Pillow Proportions And When To Use Them![Pillow Types For Specific Sleep Positions]()
Pillow Types For Specific Sleep Positions![To Sum Up: Seven Steps To Finding The Right Pillow For You]()
To Sum Up: Seven Steps To Finding The Right Pillow For You![conclusion]()
Conclusion
The Criteria for Determining Pillow Types
There are several factors that determine the sort of the pillow. One of the most significant ones is the filling, which can be natural, synthetic, foam, memory foam, etc. This indicator affects the price and the quality of the pillow.
Furthermore, pillows can be categorized according to the kind of support they provide for specific sleep positions (e.g., side sleepers, back sleepers, etc.). The shape and the firmness are what makes one pillow better than the other for your sleeping habits.
Some bed pillows also vary in shape which can support your head and neck in different ways.
Finally, pillows can be differed according to sizes. The size of the pillow needs to be adequate for the size of the mattress or a particular circumstance (e.g., travel pillow).
Types Of Pillow Stuffing And Their (Dis)Advantages
The material used for pillow filling affects not only your sleep quality but also your health. This is why you need to pay special attention to this feature when buying a pillow. Read on to find out the characteristics of the most common pillow stuffing, and to learn about their advantages and disadvantages.
Polyester/Synthetic
Polyester is a human-made fiber, and it is usually the most affordable cushion filling. For its price, it is relatively durable (about two years). The support the polyester pillow provides depends on the number of threads inside the fill. These pillows are lightweight, and they suit people who are prone to allergies. The maintenance is effortless.
However, not everything is so peachy in the synthetic world. The pillows with this stuffing can have filling clumps, they can flatten easily, and they are quick to lose shape. Also, they absorb sweat, dirt, and oil quickly, and need to be often cleaned.
Feather Blends and Down
Feather pillows are among the oldest types of pillows ever made. What made them endure so long and remain popular, is their softness. Furthermore, these stuffings are incredibly durable, and they can remain in the same shape for years (but only with bungling and quaking).
Down is a specific type of feather stuffing, since it is made of bird’s fluffy undercoat, which makes it the softest and the most luxurious variety out there. The most popular sort of down filling is European goose down which has a filling power of 600 and above.
The trouble with down is that it doesn’t provide enough neck and head support, which makes it a potential health hazard. Some allergies are linked to this type of filling. Also, these cushions are very expensive.
Memory Foam
The main reasons behind memory foam stuffing’s popularity are their responsiveness and density which allow your head and neck to be fully contoured to the pillow. After you get up, the pillow retains its original shape. This helps align the neck and spine.
There are also wedge-shaped memory foam pillows that help with sleep issues such as GERD or acid reflux. They come in variety of shapes which differ from traditional pillows.
Since this stuffing is made using polyurethane, this chemical sometimes give off an unpleasant smell. The single piece of foam causes breathability problems, and it can be too firm for stomach sleepers.
Shredded Memory Foam
Shredded memory foam was designed as an answer to the mentioned problem with a single piece of memory foam. The foam pieces create more flexible and adjustable feel than standard memory foam, but they still provide with similar responsiveness and bounce. The support and firmness are quite satisfactory and can be a good fit for stomach, back and side sleepers.
However, there is still the problem of off-gassing potential and the tendency of flattening out over time.
Latex
Latex is a soft and supportive filling, which is also very durable. It is extracted from a rubber tree (Hevea-Brasiliensis). Natural latex retains shape and supportive qualities for a long time, and it will eventually biodegrade.
The bad side of choosing latex is that it can cause allergies in some people. The stuffing lacks breathability, and it is heavy compared to other filling options. Also, you will want to watch out for pillows labeled as “latex blends” since they may contain polyurethane foam which has a short life-span and it gives off a strange smell.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat stuffing is becoming increasingly in demand for because it is hypoallergenic, breathable, and conforms to the neck and head, which keeps the spine aligned. It is made of buckwheat shells (the hard outer shell of buckwheat seed).
However, buckwheat pillows can be much noisier than regular fillings because the hulks are loud when rubbing against each other. They are also heavy and too firm for stomach sleepers.
Kapok Fiber
These fibers are the seed pod fluff of Ceiba tree that grows in rainforests. Since they are naturally buoyant, these fibers are also used for bedding filling. The kapok fiber filling feels similar to down filling. It is hypoallergenic, lightweight, soft, and breathable. Other than being eco-friendly, this stuffing is resistant to mold and mildew.
Since the seed pod fluff of Ceiba is labor invasive to harvest, the pillows with this filling can be more expensive than conventional choices. It also needs to be often fluffed, and it is very inflammable.
Cotton
While it is often used for bedding, cotton is not as frequent choice for pillow stuffing as it is for pillowcases. Organic cotton has some extraordinary natural benefits. It is naturally hypoallergenic, absorbent, and it feels firmer than down pillows.
The problem with cotton stuffing is that it can compress and harden over time, so it cannot contour to the head and neck properly. It is often considered as unhygienic since it absorbs sweat, it is prone to mold, and it is the perfect habitat for dust mites.
Wool
Wool is used for a variety of textiles, including pillow filling. It helps regulate the body temperature, and it is very soft. Wool is a renewable source which is naturally hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, resistant to dust mites and fire retardant.
While it is very fluffy at first, wool settles over time, which could affect the support. This material requires special care, and it can absorb odors.
Gel
Gel pillows are stuffed with gel, which allows them to remain cool, firm, and consistent in shape. The gel prevents the pillows from flattening, but it can be molded to your needs for additional comfort. The gel-filled pillows are hypoallergenic, pressure-relieving, easy to take care of and provide a cool sleeping surface. The gel is sometimes used as an additional layer on top of a memory foam cushion to combine the benefits of both materials.
This type of pillows is not for you if you prefer the “sink in” feel provided by softer versions, such as down stuffing.
Water
Yes, you are reading it right. There are pillows filled with water. Their biggest advantage is that they maintain their consistency regardless of the pressure applied to them, which can’t be said for most other fillings, including foam, down, and synthetic. Additionally, they are hypoallergenic and can be adjusted to your sleeping habits by adding or removing water.
However, water-filled pillows can be too firm for stomach sleepers, and leaks can potentially ruin your mattress.
Different Pillow Proportions And When To Use Them
Pillows are made in different sizes which are most commonly adapted to the size of the mattress. Here are the most frequent ones:
- Standard pillows (20” x 26”) are the basic sleeping pillows which provide adequate support for your head and neck. They can work in any sleeping position.
- A queen pillow (20” x 30”) fits into the standard pillowcase, but more tightly than standard size, so it gives more firmness.
- A king pillow (20” x 36”) is extra long, so it gives extra support for sleepers suffering muscle or joint pain. It is also recommended for pregnant women.
- European pillows (26” x 26”) are usually used as decorative pillows.
- A body pillow (20” x 54”) is, as its name says, body-length, and it is ideal for side sleepers, people with joint pain, and expectant mothers.
Shapes of pillows and how they affect your sleep
Another determining factor for choosing the best pillow is its shape. Here are several common shapes you need to know about:
- Bed pillow is standardly rectangular and it is the most frequent choice for all pillow buyers. It can work for all sleeping styles.
- Euro square pillow is square in shape, and if the filling is light it can be used for stomach sleepers.
- Body pillow is elongated and it supports the habits of side sleepers.
- Wedge pillow is the best choice for back sleepers because it elevates the upper body. It also helps with snoring problem.
- Contour pillow is wavy shaped so that it can provide ideal neck and head support. It is great for side and back sleepers-
Pillow Types For Specific Sleep Positions
Finally, the most decisive factor in choosing the right pillow for you is your preferred sleeping position. Let’s go through the three basic positions, and I’ll give you some hints on making the right decision.
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Back sleepers If you prefer to sleep on your back, you should choose a pillow that is medium-firm. This way, you will get the much-needed support under your head, neck, and shoulders. Memory foam is typically the best choice for back sleepers because they maintain the natural curvature of the spine.
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Side sleepers If you mostly sleep on the side, you will need a pillow that cradles and contours your neck. Choose a pillow that has a gusset (side panel which adds extra firmness and height), because this addition keeps your head and neck in alignment. Many memory foam pillows have this feature, but you will find it in other stuffings too.
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Stomach sleepers If you sleep on your stomach your head and neck can get strained. To prevent that from happening, you should choose a soft, comfy pillow, such as down or synthetic-filled sort.
To Sum Up: Seven Steps To Finding The Right Pillow For You
As I said, there is no one-type-fits-all pillow. The only thing standing between you and good night sleep is your willingness to do your research and dedicate some time to making the best possible choice. To make sure you are on the right path, here are seven steps you need to make:
- Determine how you sleep. Some people are simultaneously side sleepers and back sleepers. What is your more preferred position?
- Choose the pillow filling accordingly.
- Decide whether you like soft or firm pillows more.
- Choose the size of the pillow according to your mattress size.
- Research the maintenance needs of the pillow stuffing.
- Set your pillow budget. As I mentioned, some fillings could be more expensive than the others.
- Try it out. You won’t buy a t-shirt if you don’t know if it fits, right? It’s the same with pillows.
Conclusion
Finding the right pillow shouldn’t be a pain in the neck, nor should sleep on it. Now that you know different types of pillows choosing the bed pillow that suits you the best will not be difficult.
Use your newly found knowledge to improve your sleep quality, and therefore your health and life in general.
