If you're currently shopping for pillows, then you'll most likely be wondering how to decide which pillow is right for you. There is no one-size-fits-all, and the best pillow for you depends on several factors, including sleep position, budget, and whether you have any allergies.

In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the many different types of pillows. We'll examine the different sizes, shapes, fillings, and more to help you choose the right pillow for your needs.

At Sleepseeker, we're the experts on all things pillows and bedding. We want to share our knowledge so that you get the most luxurious sleep possible!

Why is it important to choose the right pillow?

Did you know that most people spend around a third of their lives in bed? That means for more than 30% of your life, your head is being supported by a pillow, which is why having the perfect pillow is important.

If you don't have the right pillow, your head and neck won't be getting the support they need as you rest. A good pillow keeps your spine, hips, and shoulders in alignment, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep.

Using an unsuitable pillow makes it harder to relax at night and can lead to neck, shoulder or even back pain. That's why it's crucial to choose the best pillow for your sleep position. 

In the sections below, we’ll go into more detail about how to choose the best pillow for you depending on material, firmness, shape, size, sleeping position, and whether you have allergies.

1 - Choosing the right pillow material

Each type of pillow filling has its own pros and cons. Which one you choose will often come down to personal preference. However, there is a big difference between pillow fillings, so it’s a good idea to consider your options.

Let's take a look at the different types of pillow fillings and see which one is right for you.

Hollowfibre pillows

Hollowfibre pillows are a great budget option and come in soft, medium and firm. They're made with hollow strands of polyester that retain warmth and air well, making for a deep and comfortable pillow.

Memory foam pillows

Memory foam pillows are often the best choice for side sleepers, as these pillows mould to the shape of your shoulders and neck. Most people find them to be very comfortable and really supportive. 

Wool pillows

A wool pillow is a great choice if you want to regulate your temperature during winter and summer. Wool is a great breathable material, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter months. 

This material works by absorbing excess moisture, keeping you comfortable as you rest. By removing excess moisture, wool pillows allow us to keep cool. Wool bedding then releases any absorbed moistured during the daytime. 

Down pillows

Down pillows are often considered to be the comfiest pillows that you can buy, but they can also be expensive. Down are the fluffy clusters underneath a bird's outer feathers, creating a  cloud-like feeling when you place your head on one of these pillows.

Although they're comfy, they don't offer much support and aren't always a great choice for people who sleep on their sides. Most companies will give you the option of choosing between duck down pillows and goose down pillows, which feel very similar to sleep on.

The largest difference between duck and goose down is that goose down - especially Hungarian goose down - is often seen as a more premium product. 

Feather pillows

Feather pillows offer more support than down ones, but they don't tend to last as long. They have a tendency to go flat over time as the feathers cluster together. Still, they are considered luxury pillows that provide a great level of comfort.

2 - Choosing the right pillow firmness

Investing in the correct pillow firmness is just as important as choosing the right filling. Most pillows will be classed as either soft, medium or firm, and each option is ideal for different sleeping positions and preferences.

Soft pillows

A soft pillow is ideal for front sleepers as it helps to keep your spine in alignment as you sleep. Using soft pillows combined with a firmer pillow is additionally a great idea for those who need more support but don’t find firm pillows comfortable. 

Medium pillows

If you’re a back sleeper, you may find that medium pillows are the best option for you. These lightweight pillows have the right loft to keep you comfy as you rest. 

Firm pillows

Firm pillows are ideal for anybody who sleeps on their side. These pillows keep your spine, back and shoulders in alignment, offering all the support you need. 

3 - Choosing the right pillow shape

There are a variety of different pillow shapes to choose from, which can make finding the right pillow a tough decision. Most pillows will be a standard size and shape, however there are other pillows which can enhance your sleep. 

Body pillows

Body pillows can come in a variety of shapes including straight, c-shape, v-shaped pillows and u-shaped. They're designed to give support to your whole body rather than just your neck and head. Body pillows are made from a variety of materials and are great if you’re pregnant or experience pain as you sleep.

Orthopaedic pillows

This type of pillow is available in most shapes and sizes. They tend to be firmer and have contours to give support to your upper back, shoulders and neck. The idea behind them is to relieve upper body muscle tension and pains in your neck.

Pregnancy pillows

You can also find pregnancy support pillows to help improve your sleep during pregnancy. As your baby grows, you’ll likely experience some difficulty sleeping. Using a pregnancy pillow alongside your normal pillows can increase your comfort and make it easier for you to get the sleep you need. 

Wedge-shaped pillows

Wedge-shaped pillows vary in size, and the wedge shape is designed to keep your head elevated while you sleep. This is great if you snore, have sleep apnea, or suffer from sinus and respiratory issues.

Wedge pillows can be difficult to get used to for some, with many people finding them to be too firm.

4 - Choosing the right pillow size

Which pillow size is right for you depends on a number of factors. For instance, if you sleep in a king-size bed, then you're going to need bigger pillows than someone who sleeps in a single bed.

Your sleeping position will also help to determine which size and shape are best for you. We'll take a close look at how your sleep position will affect your pillow choice later on.

Standard-sized pillows

Standard pillows measure 75 cm x 50 cm. These pillows can fit comfortably into most bed sizes, including king-size. You can fit a standard pillow into a standard pillowcase or an Oxford pillowcase.

Square pillows

Square pillows are often referred to as European pillows and measure 65 cm x 65 cm. They're not particularly comfortable for sleeping on and are best used to prop you up when you're sitting in bed. They're also good as part of a pillow pile to provide some extra support.

For more on how to use square pillows, read our guide on how to arrange pillows on a bed.

King size pillows

King size pillows, as the name suggests, are pretty big at 90 cm x 50 cm. This means they're only really suited to very large beds from king size and up. If you use these pillows for a standard-sized bed, they would simply be too big and would look out of place.

5 - Choosing the right pillow for your sleeping style

Your sleeping position is the biggest determiner of what pillow is right for you. You need to find a pillow that works with your sleep position to keep your body properly aligned as you sleep. 

Sleeping on your side

If you're a side sleeper, then you need a pillow that gives plenty of support to your head. Your new pillow needs to lift your head enough so that your neck and spine are properly aligned. Generally, a memory foam pillow or a hollowfibre pillow is a good choice for side sleepers.

If you find hollowfibre pillows uncomfortable, you can try using a firmer pillow as the base and then layering a soft pillow on top of it. This will be supportive and comfortable and help you get a better night's sleep.

View our pillows for side sleepers for more inspiration.

Sleeping on your back

If you're a back sleeper, there are plenty of pillows to choose from. When sleeping on your back, your pillow should be supportive and comfortable. It should give your head just enough support to prevent any stress on the upper spine. Both down pillows and feather pillows are good choices for back sleepers.

View our pillows for back sleepers for more inspiration.

Sleeping on your front

Stomach sleepers need the opposite type of pillow to people who sleep on their sides. Sleeping on your stomach isn't recommended by experts as it puts a high amount of stress on your neck and spine, which can cause your cervical spine to twist slightly. If you are going to sleep on your front, you should use a thin, soft pillow.

View our pillows for front sleepers for more inspiration.

6 - Choosing pillows for allergy sufferers

If you suffer from allergies, then it's important that you choose the right pillow filling. The filling itself doesn't usually cause allergic reactions; it's the dust mites that live inside the filling that are the problem.

Dust mites prefer natural materials like down and feathers. If you have allergies, it's usually best for you to choose synthetic materials or specific anti allergy pillows. You could also try using pillow protectors and make sure you wash your pillows regularly. This helps to place another layer of protection between you and the dust mites.

If you’re looking for a allergy friendly option, wool pillows are another great choice. Wool pillows are naturally hypoallergenic and are perfect for those wanting a natural untreated alternative to other pillows. 

Read our guide on how to wash pillows to create the perfect routine for maintaining your bedding.

When should you replace your pillow?

Good quality mattresses can often last for more than 5 years. However, even the best pillows don't last as long as this. Generally, you'll need to replace a pillow every year. However, the type of pillow you have and its quality will affect its longevity.

If you're unsure whether your pillow needs to be replaced, then try these two simple tests:

• Pillow examination: The simplest test is to remove the pillowcase and closely examine your pillow. If there are rips, stains, or mildewy smells, then it's definitely time to buy another pillow.
• The fold test: To check if your pillow is still offering the right level of support, simply fold it in half. If it springs back into its normal position, then it shouldn't need to be replaced. If it doesn't, then you need a new pillow.

FAQs about choosing a pillow

Do expensive pillows have more longevity than cheaper ones?

Generally, the more money you invest in a pillow, the longer it will last. Expensive pillows tend to be more durable than cheaper ones and retain their shape better. So, although the upfront cost is higher, you won't need to replace expensive pillows as often as cheaper ones.

However, this isn’t always the case! There are some fantastic budget options which will offer you all the support and comfort you need. 

Why do my pillows go flat so quickly?

Sleeping in the same position every night can cause your pillow to go flat pretty quickly. This is because you're putting repeated pressure onto the same part of the pillow each night. If you learn how to properly fluff your pillow, you can help it to keep its shape.

How many pillows should I sleep on?

Many sleep experts recommend that you only sleep with one pillow under your head. Still, this differs depending on your sleeping style and your own personal preference. The type of pillow you have will also affect this. Discover more in our guide on how many pillows you should sleep with.

Find the perfect pillow with Sleepseeker

Whichever type of pillow you choose, be sure to check out Sleepseeker's comfortable and luxurious range of pillows. There is a range of options to choose from, including Slumberdown pillows, Snuggledown pillows and EarthKind pillows.

We also offer a wide range of bedding to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep every evening. Choose from our collection of duvets, mattress toppers and even pet beds to discover the ideal items for you.