What is the best pillow for you?

Though we all know that investing in a brand-spanking new bed and mattress can impact how soundly we sleep, did you know that choosing the right pillow can also elevate the quality of our slumber time?

Whether you choose to snooze on your side, back or front, we’re here with all the guidance and advice you need to choose the perfect pillow for your bed.

What type of pillow do I need?

With so many options on the market, choosing the right pillow for you and your needs can seem like quite the minefield! However, it largely comes down to personal preference and the level of support that you require when dozing in the land of nod. To help narrow down the choices, allow us to talk you through the four main filling options available…

1. Hollowfibre

Hollowfibre is a synthetic pillow filling that creates pillows which are plump, fluffy and great for those who suffer from allergies. The beauty of this man-made pillow filling is that pillows can be crafted to fit your needs, and can range from soft and squishy to firm and supportive. Their springy nature means these pillows can be good for back sleepers, or those who suffer from neck pain. Hollowfibre pillows are often cheaper than their natural counterparts, but sometimes can have a shorter lifespan (i.e can flatten quickly, or the filling can clump).

2. Memory foam

Fancy a supportive pillow that moulds to the shape of your body? Memory foam could be the answer! Great for those who sleep on their sides, or who sometimes wake up with a sore neck and shoulders, memory foam responds to the pressure of your body to gently cradle you as you sleep – dreamy, right? Though memory foam pillows may feel a little unusual to sleep on at first, their firm rigid position helps to keep the body aligned throughout the night.

3. Feather and down

Oh, you fancy, huh? Though at the pricier end of the pillow spectrum, feather and down pillows certainly have an indulgent edge. Stuffed with natural duck or goose feathers, these ultra-soft pillows are perfect for sinking into after a long day (and are ideal for front sleepers, as they’re softer and squishier). The feather filling also means that these pillows are naturally temperature regulating.

4. Wool

Did you know that you can now buy pillows filled with wool? Increasingly popular among discerning pillow-shoppers, wool pillows are a natural and environmentally-friendly choice. Not only naturally hypoallergenic and able to repel pesky dust mites, wool pillows can also help to regulate your body temperature as you sleep (much like wool does on the body of a sheep!). Sturdier and firmer than most synthetic options, they’re also a supportive option for back and side sleepers.

How many pillows should there be on a bed?

Tempting as it may be to have a mountain of gorgeously fluffy pillows on your bed, experts suggest that it’s actually best to sleep with one top-quality pillow that supports your head and neck, and keeps your spine aligned throughout the night.

However, personal preference also has a part to play. For example, you may prefer sleeping on two softer pillows, which offer the same level of support as one firmer pillow. It’s worth experimenting to find the pillow combination that works best for you!

What is the best pillow for side sleepers?

Most people sleep on their side at some point during the night and, in this position, our bodies require a plump, supportive and cushioning pillow to fill the space between our head and neck and ensure that our spines stay aligned. The best options on the market are body-moulding memory foam designs, or hollowfibre and wool pillows with a firm or medium-firm support level, which can cradle the pressure points in the head and ensure that your neck is held in the correct position.

What is the best pillow for front sleepers?

For those who prefer sleeping on their fronts, a soft and cushioning pillow such as feather and down, or squishy hollowfibre, is the best option for a sound night’s sleep. These flatter pillows allow your body to stay perfectly aligned, without arching your neck and spine upwards which may cause aches and pains.

What is the best pillow for back sleepers?

While side sleepers need a firm and high pillow, and front sleepers a soft and low pillow… back sleepers need a pillow somewhere in between! Back sleepers require a pillow that gently supports the head, without pushing it too far forward (which can cause neck and back pain). A medium-firm pillow made from wool or hollowfibre is the perfect choice for those who like to snooze on their back, as they create a supportive yet comfortable sleeping position.

Looking for finishing touches for your bedroom?

You’ve chosen a comfy new pillow, now to elevate the rest of your bedroom! From gorgeous mirrors and seats, to space-saving ottomans, our selection of bedroom accessories will transform your sleeping space into a super-stylish haven….