Your pillow is so much more than an accessory to your bed. They can actually account for the quality of sleep you get, whether you maintain a good posture during the night, and how comfortable you are overall.
But choosing the right pillow is where it can get complicated. Your sleep style, body type and preferences all play a role in which pillow suits your needs. With that in mind, let’s delve into which is the best pillow for you, so you can make the right decision for quality sleep night after night.
How to choose a pillow
When choosing the right pillow for you, it can feel like a minefield. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach as everybody requires personalised support and comfort. But to make your decision easier, here are some key factors to consider:
What are the best pillows for different sleeping positions?
The position you sleep in will determine which pillow is best for you as it’ll indicate how much support your head, neck, shoulders and spine need. Here’s a guide on which pillow to choose for your sleeping position:
Side sleeper pillows
You should opt for a firmer, higher-loft pillow so that your neck, head and spine remain aligned during the night, while also filling the space between your head and shoulders.
Back sleeper pillows
We recommend you go for a medium to firm pillow to support the natural curve of your neck while preventing your head from being pushed too far forward. Firm pillows also help keep the spine neutral.
Front sleeper pillows
Soft, low-loft pillows are your best option as they offer minimal support which avoids the risk of your neck and spine from becoming strained.
Your pillow’s loft refers to the height of the pillow, and this is also determined by your sleeping position which we’ve outlined above.
What are the best pillows for neck and spine alignment?
You should always consider the alignment of your neck and spine when shopping for a pillow as it’s important to keep your head and neck in a neutral position, which’ll prevent stiffness, pain, and the chances of your sleep being disrupted. This way, your muscles will also fully relax, increasing your comfort and the chances of falling to sleep.
Soft vs firm pillows: which is best?
The firmness rating is the main determining factor for what pillow is best for you. While we’ve already covered sleeping positions, here’s a look at why else soft and firm pillows suit individual needs:
Who soft pillows are best for:
Stomach sleepers to prevent neck strain and to promote spinal alignment.
Pressure sensitive sleepers as the softer the pillow, the more pressure is distributed which can boost comfort.
Those who favour a cushioned feel as soft pillows offer that ‘sink-in’ feeling.
Lighter-weight sleepers as they don’t require the same support, meaning soft pillows still feel supportive.
Who firm pillows are best for
Side sleepers as they're given ample support through a deep infrastructure, creating that plump feeling which supports neck and spine alignment.
Back sleepers as a good level of firmness fills the natural curve of the neck without being too plump that the head is lifted, causing potential strain.
Those who suffer from neck or shoulder pain as a firm pillow offers the most support, maintaining posture and reducing strain.
Heavy-weight sleepers as they’ll benefit from extra support and the pillow is less likely to sink during the night.
At Premier Inn At Home, our luxury pillows are available in both firm and soft variations, catering to a wide range of sleep needs, so you can still personalise your sleep space while ensuring hotel bedding quality.
Tip: You should consider switching pillow firmness if your sleeping position changes, your neck or shoulder begins to ache or feel painful, you’re getting poor quality sleep, or your pillow is no longer in the shape it originally was as it’s less likely to support alignment.
Pillow materials and their role
Your pillow material should also be considered, especially if you suffer from allergies or require temperature regulation. Here’s what each material can offer you:
Memory Foam: Great for contouring the neck and head, offering ample support and retaining heat.
Latex: Supportive and resilient while being naturally cool and hypoallergenic.
Down/Feather: Soft and luxurious if you enjoy that ‘sink-in’ feeling but lacks support and may trigger allergies.
Polyester/Hybrid: Lightweight and can vary in durability and support levels.
Gel-Infused/Cooling: Reduce the likelihood of overheating during the night and are designed to regulate temperature.
Finding the best pillow for you all comes down to personal preference, the support you require and what position you sleep in. Once you’ve got your answers, you can opt for a firmness that promotes comfort, support and reduces any aches or pains.
If you found this article helpful, discover our guide on how to improve your sleep space for a better night’s sleep.
FAQs
Is it better to sleep without a pillow?
It depends on your sleeping position and preferences. Front sleepers can benefit from using no pillow, as well as those that don’t require extreme head support. However, if you don’t fit into either of these categories, we wouldn’t recommend going without a pillow as it can cause neck strain, poor spinal alignment and discomfort.
How many pillows should you sleep with?
Ideally, you should sleep with one pillow as it’ll provide enough head and neck support. To enhance your comfort even more, use additional pillows for your knees or body. Using too many pillows beneath your head can cause discomfort and misalignment.
How to choose a pillow for neck pain
Choosing a pillow for neck pain can be tricky as you’ll need to be specific in height and firmness. Neck pain is often the cause of not using the right pillow so it can be a tedious cycle. With that in mind, it’s important you try out both soft and firm pillows based on your sleep position, discovering which relieves your pain more.
Can the wrong pillow cause or worsen neck pain, shoulder pain, or headaches?
Yes, as you it won’t help properly align the head, neck and spine. This then may strain muscles, increase tension and lead to discomfort.
How often should you replace your pillow for hygiene and support reasons?
It’s recommended that you replace your pillows at least every 1-2 years as they can lose support over time, accumulate dust mites, allergens and sweat. This can then impact sleep hygiene and spinal alignment.
Does sleeping position or pillow material affect pillow longevity and durability?
Yes, if you’re of a heavier build or a side sleeper, you’ll likely wear your pillows down faster. The material also matters as memory foam or latex lasts longer than polyester, feather or down because they’re more robust and durable.