Did you know that pillows in Ancient Mesopotamia were made of rock? It’s true: The more rock pillows you had, the richer you were! Thankfully, that is not the case today. Pillows today can be as soft as we want them to be.
You can have the fluffiest pillows in your bedroom, and they will not only cradle your head gently but also prevent morning muscle stiffness and body pain. It's a sweeter deal than having a rock for a pillow!
We are here to discuss the different types of pillows available and their benefits for various sleep positions. Whether you are a side or a stomach sleeper, these pillows will let you sleep like a baby!
Memory Foam
The elephant in the room, right? Memory foam pillows are the most popular pillow types in the bedding world. Everything is just better with memory foam. Mattresses, pillows, cushions, or even footwear have memory foam now!
Its popularity is due to its unique contoured support while sleeping, making it the best pillow for all sleep positions. These allow you to mold the pillow into any position that is most comfortable for you.
| Types of Memory foam pillow | Best for |
|---|---|
| Contoured | side and back sleepers needing neck and shoulder support |
| Gel-Infused | hot sleepers, regulating temperature for all sleepers |
| Cervical | back and side sleepers for neck pain |
| Lumbar Support | back sleepers and those with lower back pain |
| Travel | adaptable for all sleep positions |
| Shredded | all sleep positions, offering airflow and adjustability |
Latex Pillows
Latex pillows are a hit because they provide proper support to your neck and neck and still give a soft and comfortable feel. They are not harsh for you to be uneasy at night. These pillows come in two forms. Those who prefer one size in a pillow can go for solid latex pillows made of just one piece.
Shredded latex pillows are perfect for sleepers who need to adjust the loft of their pillow as they sleep. They are made of tiny fillings of shredded latex, which can be increased or reduced according to your will.
Latex Pillows are best for Side and back sleepers. They are not ideal for stomach sleepers as they have higher-than-average lofts. Eli & Elm cooling side sleeper pillows are crafted with shredded latex to accommodate your sleep style and comfort.
| Types of Memory foam pillow | Best for |
|---|---|
| Solid | firm support throughout the night, best for back and side sleepers. |
| Shredded | offers more adjustability and flexibility, best for all sleep positions |
| Contour | support for the head, neck, and shoulders, ideal for back & side sleepers |
| Talalay | sleepers who prefer a softer surface and for combination sleepers who switch positions |
| Dunlop | back and side sleepers for spine alignment |
Down Pillows
If you are looking for the softest pillows, then down is perfect. This pillow is filled with the fluffy undercoat of a waterfowl. Down pillows are incredibly fluffy and light but do not provide much support. They are suitable for stomach sleepers who prefer a comfy pillow.
Down pillows are incredibly soft, close to the skin of a goose or a duck, so they are best for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers cannot use firm pillows; they need just the right amount of softness in a pillow to manage their entire body on their tummy. But down is also suitable for back and side sleepers.
| Types of Down pillow | Best for |
|---|---|
| Traditional | sleepers, mainly back and stomach sleepers who prefer a soft feel |
| Down | sleepers who prefer a firmer pillow, suitable for all sleep positions |
| Chamber | back and side sleepers who need more loft |
| European | all sleep positions, especially side sleepers who need extra support |
Feather Pillows
A feather pillow contains birds' back and wing feathers, such as ducks or geese. These feathers are flatter than down and have a distinct quill. A higher-quality shell should encase the fill to ensure the quills don’t poke out. Most feather pillows also contain some down for loft.
Although everyone can use feather pillows, they are most preferred by back and side sleepers. They are comfortable and supportive, a perfect match for such sleeping positions. Because of their high loft, stomach sleepers might find them overbearing.
| Types of Feather Pillows | Best for |
|---|---|
| Standard | stomach and back sleepers who like a soft feel |
| Firm | side sleepers or those who suffer from neck pain |
| Quilted | all sleep positions, especially back and side sleepers |
| Gusseted | back and side sleepers who need extra neck support |
Cotton Pillow
Cotton can be mixed with other materials or used as the main filler for pillows. It is readily available, breathable, natural, and simple to clean. Additionally, the organic version is allergy-friendly. When used as the primary fill, cotton pillows feel velvety but flatten and become stiffer. The pillow's loft must be regularly maintained by fluffing.
| Types of Cotton Pillows | Best for |
|---|---|
| Organic | sleepers with allergies or sensitive skin |
| Cotton Sateen | back and side sleepers who prefer a softer surface |
| Cotton Percale | hot sleepers, mainly for all sleep positions. |
| Cotton Blend | all sleep positions, especially stomach sleepers who prefer a firmer feel |
Wool Pillow
Sheep Wool pillows are durable and regulate temperature but are also hard to get. Wool fill keeps sleepers comfortable in the summer and warm in the winter by being breathable, insulating, and moisture-wicking.
Wool is naturally hypoallergenic and can be used alone or with other materials. When used as the only fill material, wool frequently conforms little and is dense and flat. Over time, the fill may also clump. Wool fill blended with polyester or cotton decreases clumping, enhances moldability, and frequently results in a more reasonable pricing point.
| Types of Cotton Pillows | Best for |
|---|---|
| Wool Filled | sleepers who prefer natural materials and temperature regulation |
| Merino Wool | sleepers with allergies or sensitive skin, for back and side sleepers |
| Wool Blend | all sleep positions, especially back sleepers who need extra support |
| Organic | all environmentally conscious sleep positions |
Bamboo Pillow
Bamboo pillows have been trending in the sleep industry for a while now. This is because of their antimicrobial and moisture-absorbing properties. Bamboo pillows have a shredded foam interior with a bamboo viscose shell, providing great neck and spine support.
Bamboo pillows, made of shredded foam, are most favorable for back sleepers. Side and stomach sleepers might find them too firm.
| Types of Bamboo pillow | Best for |
|---|---|
| Shredded Memory Foam Bamboo | sleepers who prefer the support of memory foam with the breathability of bamboo |
| Bamboo Charcoal | hot sleepers and individuals with allergies |
| Bamboo Contour | back and side sleepers who need extra support |
| Bamboo Adjustable Loft | all sleep positions, especially combination sleepers who like firmer support |
Buckwheat Pillow
Buckwheat pillows, also known as sobakawa pillows, originated in Japan and have been popular in East Asian countries for some time. The filling consists of small buckwheat hulls, which give these pillows a firm feel and allow them to conform to your head and neck for support.
They’re also adjustable, so you can personalize them to fit your preference by removing or adding the buckwheat hulls. However, buckwheat can be noisy at night because of their shell filling. So, every time you toss or move, you might rustle and squeak!
| Types of Bamboo pillow | Best for |
|---|---|
| Traditional Buckwheat | back and side sleepers who need extra support for the neck and spine |
| Buckwheat & Memory Foam Blend | all sleep positions, who prefer a customizable and supportive pillow |
| Adjustable | all sleep positions who prefer a customizable pillow |
Gel Pillows
Gel pillows are favorites for keeping you cool at night. They are perfect for people who get hot while sleeping as they minimize sweat at night. Gel pillows are usually made with a combination of gel and other materials like memory foam or latex to give you all the relaxation of cooling infused with plushness and comfort. They are an excellent choice for durability as they can keep their shape intact for a long time and be molded according to the contours of your sleeping positions.
| Types of Gel pillow | Best for |
|---|---|
| Gel-Infused Memory Foam | sleepers who enjoy the contouring support of memory foam |
| Gel-Fiber | all sleep positions and individuals who prefer a softer pillow |
| Gel-Coated | hot sleepers who experience night sweats |
| Gel-Top | all sleep positions, side sleepers who need extra cushioning |
Water Pillows
Water-based pillows offer a feel, unlike any other pillow. The unique properties of water create a pillow that automatically moves with you at night while providing support that doesn’t sag as the hours go by. Water pillows are a bit firm and don’t contour to the shape of your head and neck.
Since they’re only water, water pillows are hypoallergenic and require no fluffing. However, there’s the added risk of leaks soaking and ruining your mattress. Water pillows are flexible for all kinds of sleepers. Back and side sleepers may benefit from them the most. With this, stomach sleepers may feel slightly uneasy in maintaining their body posture at night.
| Types of Water pillow | Best for |
|---|---|
| Waterbase | all sleep positions, especially for individuals with neck pain |
| Water Pillow with Fiberfill | all sleep positions, especially back and side sleepers |
| Wave Water | hot sleepers and individuals who experience night sweats |
| Therapeutic | back and side sleepers who require extra neck support |
Wedge Pillow
Some people can’t sleep on their sides, but sometimes, you have to. Sometimes, habits just aren’t that easy to change or develop. That’s where wedge pillows come in handy. Even if you sleep on your back, you can elevate your head.
This doesn’t mean the easy way out, which is stuffing pillows under your head. That would be worse for your head, neck, and shoulder. A wedge-shaped pillow, often made of memory foam, works because it supports your shoulders and back.
| Types of Wedge pillow | Best for |
|---|---|
| Elevating | back and side sleeper with acid reflux, snoring, or respiratory issues |
| Contour | back and side sleepers who need extra support |
| Knee | back sleepers and individuals with back or hip pain |
| Leg Wedge | back and side sleepers who experience leg swelling or discomfort |
Different Pillow Sizes
It's crucial to get the appropriate size pillow for your bed. Standard pillows are widely available; however, if your mattress is more significant, you may choose a larger size. This is an explanation:
Standard Size
The most popular pillow size is 20 by 26 inches, the usual size. It usually fits into pillowcases of regular and queen sizes.
King Size
King-size pillows measure 20 by 36 inches and are designed for people who prefer large pillows to sleep on or for king-sized mattresses. They will give you the proper support if you're tall.
Queen Size
These are among the most popular pillow sizes, measuring 20 by 30 inches. They are common in most homes and easily fit within a standard pillowcase.
Euro Pillows
Euro pillows are square and measure 26 by 26 inches. Ornamental cushions can alter the appearance of your living room, making these the ideal size pillows for the couch.
Travel Size
Twelve by sixteen inches, travel pillows are small enough to slip into a purse or backpack. If your little child needs to nap on the way, they can also be used as pillows.
Best Pillows for Different Sleep Positions
How you sleep significantly impacts the kind and amount of support a pillow can provide. Regardless of your preferred sleeping position—stomach, side, or back—selecting a pillow that supports healthy spinal alignment is essential.
Due to these disparate requirements, various pillow varieties are better suited for particular sleeping postures. Nevertheless, since every model and sleeper differs, it's critical to consider these differences when choosing a pillow.
Back Sleepers
A medium-firmness pillow with a medium loft is ideal for back sleepers. Back sleepers usually require a lower loft than side sleepers to prevent straining their necks from bending their heads too far forward. The perfect pillow supports the head in a neutral posture without forcing it forward or allowing it to droop. In the meantime, a medium firmness provides cushioning without giving way beneath the weight of the head.
Side Sleepers
A mid-range hardness pillow with a medium to high loft. A higher loft fills the space to maintain the head and neck in alignment with the body. The degree of hardness also varies.
Side sleepers typically prefer a medium-firm pillow for its balanced cushioning and support. Many side sleepers choose models with adjustable loft and hardness to customize their pillows to their unique body types and tastes.
Stomach Sleepers
A low-lying pillow that is soft to medium-soft. Inadvertently pressing the neck further when lying on one's stomach strains the neck. Neck strain is exacerbated by harder pillows or models with a higher loft, which tilts the head forward. Some stomach sleepers choose to sleep without a pillow. When using a pillow, stomach sleepers often prefer a thin, pliable, soft kind that compresses readily.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up our exploration of the vast world of pillows, it's clear that the "best" pillow is highly subjective, depending on individual sleep habits, preferences, and needs. From the ancient stone pillows of Mesopotamia to the modern-day marvels of memory foam and latex, we've journeyed through various materials, each offering unique benefits to different sleepers.
Whether you're a side sleeper yearning for the contouring support of a memory foam pillow, a back sleeper searching for the perfect latex loft, or a stomach sleeper looking for the soft embrace of down, there's a pillow tailored just for you.
Sources:
Thomsen: The Science of Pillow Materials and How They Affect Your Sleep Quality
Runners Connect: The Research on How Your Pillow Impacts Sleep and Recovery
Sole Toscana: Could Your Pillow Be Affecting Your Skin and Hair?
