Top Guide to Buying a Pillow (2020)

Intro

The first mistake anyone can do is buy a pillow outright. You might think all pillows are made the same, or different types don't really matter to you, but they do! Odds are the cheapest pillow at the store is not the best fit for you, but that doesn't mean you need to spend your hard-earned cash on an expensive pillow either. All you need to do is find the best one for yourself. However, that will require some research. Fortunately, we've done most of the work by pulling together all the essential knowledge you need to know to buy a pillow!

Content

• Do you need a new pillow?
• Selecting a new pillow
• Pillow sizes
• Pillow types
• How to care for your pillows

Do you need a new pillow?

If you're sleeping fine with a pillow, then by all means keep it! If you find yourself hurting in the morning with neck pain however, then consider your pillow. There are also signs that will tell you when it's time to replace your pillow:

• You continually wake up with neck pain
• You constantly need to fluff your pillow
• Permanent stains on your pillow
• Constant and foul smelling odors
• It's simply not comfortable anymore
• It's been 1 to 3 years since you bought this pillow

On average, a pillow will last only a few years, maybe less depending on the type. The longevity of your pillow will depend on the material, construction, and how often you clean it. You can find this information on your warranty.

Selecting a new pillow

Just like mattresses, pillows have different levels of comfort and support. Both work together to achieve neutral (spinal) alignment for your back. You can have the best mattress for yourself, but without the right pillow, you'll eventually feel the effects to your neck.

Here are a couple things to think about when choosing a pillow:

1. Loft refers to a pillow's "height" or "thickness". A thin pillow will have low loft, whereas a thick pillow will have high loft. Loft doesn't necessarily determine the firmness of a pillow, since most pillows are easily compressible, such as cotton and down. Loft needs to be considered when finding a pillow for your desired sleep position. This article goes in-depth on the highs and lows of pillow loft, so be sure to give it a read.
2. Support is crucial because a pillow has to keep your neck and upper-body straight as you sleep. This serves to relieve your pressure points throughout your body. You know a pillow doesn't have good support when you wake up with neck pain in the morning. According to Spine-health.com, a pillow should accommodate a person's body curves and shape, just like a mattress.
3. Sleep positions require different pillows. Whether you sleep on your side, back, stomach, or a combination of all three, always find a pillow that keeps your neck straight and your head comfortable. A person who sleeps on their side requires a different pillow than a person who sleeps on their back or stomach. We recommend you read our article, Best Pillow for Sleep Positions, to help you with that.

Pillow sizes

There are four sizes for a pillow, each with their unique dimensions for your specific purposes. The standard sized pillow is generally the most common pillow size for all, from kids to adults. Pillow sizes will be based on your personal choice or lifestyle needs (i.e. pregnancy).

Pillow Types

Picking a pillow type is important, so choose your pillow filling wisely. Each have their unique properties that work with different preferences. Be sure to read each one and try them at the store whenever you get the chance.

Memory foam

Highly supportive polyurethane material that molds to your head and neck as you sleep. This type of pillow provides the right amount of loft and support for side sleepers by retaining its shape throughout its life. Memory foam does not breath easily, unlike latex, so this pillow is not recommended for hot sleepers.

Latex

There are two kinds of latex: natural and synthetic. Both are made from tree sap that naturally keeps your head cool throughout the night. Latex functions the same way as memory foam, which conforms to your head and neck. Latex is considered ecologically sound, which makes it environmentally friendly compared to most pillow types.

Cotton

100% organic with the added benefit of being hypoallergenic. These pillow types can be very lofty and supportive. Cotton, like latex, is environmentally friendly, being made from materials that are natural to our environment. They breath easily, keeping your head cool as you sleep, and very soft to the touch. These pillows are great for side and back sleepers.

Down/Feather

These pillows are usually very expensive, since the animals (geese or duck) used to harvest the material are expensive themselves. Because of their origin, these pillows are considered very luxurious. They are described as having a cloud-like feel to them, being very soft and lightweight. they are also very breathable, keeping you cool during the night. Since they are very compressible, these pillows are great for stomach and back sleepers.

Down and feather pillows, although similar in function, are actually made differently. You can read more about their differences here.

Buckwheat

Useful for those who prefer a firmer surface to rest their head on. Buckwheat pillows are filled with small grain seeds that conform to the shape of your head. It has low heat-conductivity, which will keep you cool as you sleep. It is also hypoallergenic, granting relief for those stricken with allergies.

Pregnancy Pillows

These kinds of pillows are a special kind meant for the expecting mother-to-be. These pillows range in size from small to body-size. They're main purpose is to support the mother and her womb while asleep. This keeps her comfortable and the unborn child safe during the night. For more information on these pillow types, read our article on pregnancy pillows.

How to care for your pillows

Pillows, like everything else, need to be washed and maintained. It just so happens we have an article about washing your pillows for just the occasion! Cleaning your pillows is just as important as cleaning your mattress, because if you don't unwanted "visitors" will take-up residence inside that head-mattress of yours (hint: dustmites).

Are you ready for that new pillow?

Now that you've read our guide, hopefully you're prepared to find that perfect pillow for yourself. Before making that hasty decision at the store next time, ask yourself if your pillow really needs replacing. Not only will that save you money, but if that pillow works for you, then don't replace it! Know what pillow types are out there and what each one does for your head and neck. Take into account sizes as well, since some people move around a lot when they sleep. Finally, know how to take care of your pillow. Your pillow will last longer if you follow the advice we give you.