How To Choose A Pillow: Find The Most Comfortable Pillow For You

We put so much effort into changing our pillowcases and bed linen, that sometimes we neglect our pillows. Finding the right pillow is essential for a good night's sleep. Not only will you wake up refreshed and ready for the day, but you will avoid pain in your neck and back. Whether you're a side, back or front sleeper, or you like to mix it up, it's important to buy a pillow that feels right for you.

Our team has put together a bed pillow guide so that you can rest easily. Browse through all of our options and see which type of pillow would work best for you. When was the last time you updated yours?

Quick links

• Why Is The Right Pillow Important?
• How To Find The Right Pillow For You?
• What Is The Best Pillow Based On Your Sleeping Position?
• What Are The Best Types Of Pillows By Fill
• How To Choose Your Pillow Shape
• How To Choose The Right Pillow Density
• How To Choose The Right Pillow Height
• When To Replace Your Pillow
• How Do I Determine What Pillow Is Best For Me?

Why Is The Right Pillow Important?

Pillows are such a vital part of our sleep process. They help keep our head elevated to relieve pressure on our neck, shoulders and back. It's also important to have the right bedding, including a quality mattress topper to give you extra support and the correct weight bed quilt to keep your body warm.

How To Find The Right Pillow For You?

When choosing the right pillow, there are certain aspects of the pillow you must consider. These include:

• Your sleeping position
• The pillow's fill
• The pillow's shape
• The pillow's density
• The pillow's height
• Any medical conditions or allergies you may have

Once you know how all these factors will impact your sleep performance, you're ready to choose the right pillow for you.

What Is The Best Pillow Based On Your Sleeping Position?

Choosing the right pillow for your sleeping position is key to ensuring a restful night's sleep. Using a pillow that isn't suited to your sleep style can lead to neck pain, discomfort, and even disrupted sleep. Whether you're a side, back or stomach sleeper, the wrong pillow can misalign your spine, causing unnecessary strain. In this section, we'll break down the best pillow options for each sleeping position, helping you make an informed decision to support better sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

What Is The Best Pillow For A Side Sleeper?

If you're one to sleep on your side, then you'll be looking for a firm pillow. Memory foam, latex or contour pillows will feel the most comfortable as they are all designed to support your head and neck.

What Is The Best Pillow For A Back Sleeper?

Quite often firm, low pillows are best for back sleepers. Memory foam pillows are great as they contour to your shape, but some back sleepers also prefer the softness of natural fibres.

What Is The Best Pillow For A Stomach Sleeper?

Those who prefer to sleep on their tummy will need a low-profile pillow. You won't want a pillow that raises your head too much. Usually synthetic, down, feathers and natural fibres are best for giving you a soft, low pillow.

What Are The Best Types Of Pillows By Fill

Neck pain, headaches, poor posture, disrupted sleep - just a few of the issues you can run into if you aren't sleeping on a pillow that has the right fill that meets your sleep needs. In this section, we'll break down all of the different types of pillows available based on their fill.

Feather pillows

A feather pillow features a soft outer cover that is filled with natural duck or goose feathers, often blended with down for extra plushness. Its components include a durable casing to prevent feather leakage and a breathable fabric for airflow. The main benefits of feather pillows are their luxurious softness, moulding ability for personalised support and long-lasting durability. Feather pillows are ideal for back and stomach sleepers who prefer a softer, more contouring feel. They also suit those who enjoy a touch of luxury in their sleep experience!

Down Pillows

A down pillow is filled with the soft, fluffy clusters found beneath duck or goose feathers, encased in a premium and breathable fabric to prevent leakage. It ensures exceptional loft, lightweight comfort and superior insulation. The main benefits of a down pillow are unmatched softness, luxurious support and long-lasting durability. Down pillows are ideal for back and stomach sleepers who crave a plush, cloud-like feel. They're perfect for those seeking a touch of indulgence in their sleep routine.

Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam pillows are designed with viscoelastic foam that contours to your head, neck and shoulders, providing personalised support and pressure relief. They're ideal for side sleepers who need proper spinal alignment and back sleepers seeking comfort, though stomach sleepers may find them too firm. Their main benefits include reduced neck and shoulder pain, improved sleep posture and motion isolation for undisturbed rest. Many memory foam pillows also feature cooling gel or breathable designs to regulate temperature. Durable and hypoallergenic, they're a long-lasting investment for better sleep.

Latex Pillows

Latex pillows are made from natural or synthetic latex, offering a responsive and bouncy feel with excellent support. They're known for their durability, breathability and hypoallergenic properties, making them a popular choice for eco-conscious sleepers. Latex pillows are ideal for back and side sleepers who need firm yet contouring support to maintain proper spinal alignment. Their natural resistance to dust mites and mould adds to their appeal, especially for allergy sufferers. Latex pillows also stay cool and retain their shape over time, ensuring long-lasting comfort.

Gel Pillows

Designed with gel-infused memory foam or gel-filled layers, gel pillows offer a cool and supportive sleep surface. They're perfect for hot sleepers because the gel draws heat away from the body, keeping you comfortable all night. They are ideal for back and side sleepers who need firm support and proper spinal alignment while staying cool. The gel also adds a plush, contouring feel, reducing pressure points and neck pain. With their cooling technology and hypoallergenic properties, gel pillows are a game-changer for anyone who overheats at night.

Bamboo Pillows

Bamboo pillows feature shredded memory foam or alternative fillings encased in a breathable bamboo-derived fabric cover. Known for their eco-friendliness, they're great for hot sleepers as the bamboo fabric is naturally cooling, moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic. Bamboo pillows are ideal for back and side sleepers who need adjustable support and proper spinal alignment. The shredded fill allows you to customise the loft, while the bamboo cover regulates temperature and resists allergens. Bamboo pillows are a sustainable, luxurious choice for anyone seeking a cooler, cleaner and more comfortable sleep experience.

Polyester Fill Pillows

Budget-friendly and lightweight, polyester pillows are filled with synthetic polyester fibres. They offer a soft, plush feel and are easy to maintain, making them a practical choice for everyday use. These pillows are best for stomach sleepers who need a flatter, softer surface to keep their neck aligned. They're also great for guest rooms or kids' beds due to their affordability and low maintenance. While not as durable or supportive as other fills, polyester pillows provide decent comfort and are hypoallergenic, making them a versatile option for casual sleepers or those looking for a cost-effective sleep solution.

Anti-Allergic Pillows

Anti-allergic pillows are designed to reduce allergens such as dust mites, mould and animal dander, typically made with hypoallergenic materials like synthetic fills or treated fabrics. Their benefits include improving sleep quality for allergy sufferers by minimising allergic reactions such as sneezing, congestion or skin irritation. They are especially beneficial for people with asthma, allergies or sensitive skin. These pillows are ideal for side, back and stomach sleepers who experience discomfort from allergens, helping them sleep more soundly without triggering allergic symptoms. Regularly washing the pillow can also maintain its anti-allergenic properties.

How To Choose Your Pillow Shape

Do you know which pillow shape is best for how you sleep? Because sleeping with the wrong pillow size can have lasting negative effects on your sleep, here is a breakdown on the main pillow shapes:

Standard Pillows

A standard pillow shape typically measures 51 cm by 66 cm and has a rectangular design. It's the most common size, offering versatility for various sleeping positions. Standard pillows provide support for the head and neck, and their compact size fits most bed types, offering a balance between comfort and space. Standard pillows are also ideal for back and stomach sleepers.

Curved Pillows

A curved pillow shape is designed with a unique, contoured profile that provides extra support for the neck and head, promoting better alignment for specific sleep positions. Their curved shape typically measures around 50 cm by 70 cm but may vary depending on the brand. Curved pillows are especially beneficial for side sleepers or anyone who experiences neck pain, as the curved design cradles the neck and relieves pressure points. The curved shape helps maintain a more natural spinal position, improving comfort and reducing discomfort during sleep.

Body Pillows

A body pillow is a long, full-length pillow typically measuring around 50 cm by 140 cm. It's designed to provide support to the entire body, especially for side sleepers. It helps align the spine, reduces pressure on joints and can improve sleep comfort by supporting the head, neck, back and legs. Body pillows are also popular during pregnancy for extra support and relief from discomfort.

Contour Pillows

Contour pillows are designed with a curved shape to provide targeted support for the head, neck and shoulders. They typically have a higher contour on one side and a lower one on the other, promoting proper alignment of the spine. They are ideal for side and back sleepers, helping to alleviate neck pain, reduce pressure points and enhance sleep quality by supporting the natural curves of the neck.

How To Choose The Right Pillow Density

Choosing the right pillow density is important because it will directly affect the level of support that your neck receives while you sleep, and the wrong pillow density can lead to tossing during the night, headaches, neck pain and general discomfort throughout the night. Here's a breakdown on the different types of pillow density so you can make the right choice for your sleeping needs:

Firm Pillow

A firm pillow will offer robust support, maintaining its shape to keep your head and neck aligned. It's ideal for back and stomach sleepers, as it prevents sinking and promotes proper spinal alignment. Firm pillows can reduce neck pain, durability and support for sleepers who suffer from chronic pain. However, firm pillows may feel too hard for side sleepers or lightweight individuals, potentially causing discomfort. If you prefer a solid, supportive sleep surface, a firm pillow is a great choice - just ensure it matches your sleep style.

Medium Pillow

For the perfect balance between softness and support, a medium pillow offers a versatile feel that adapts to various sleep positions. It's ideal for combination sleepers who switch between back, side and stomach sleeping, as it provides enough cushioning without losing its shape. Its main benefit is providing balanced support for neck and spine alignment, comfort for a wide range of sleepers and adaptability. However, it may not be firm enough for those needing extra support or too firm for those who prefer a plush feel. If you're seeking a "just right" option, a medium pillow is your go-to for all-night comfort!

Soft Pillow

A soft pillow is plush and cushiony, offering a gentle, cloud-like feel that cradles your head and neck. It's best for side sleepers or those who prefer a cosy and sinking sensation as part of their sleep routine. Pros include pressure relief for sensitive areas, comfort for lightweight individuals and a luxurious feel. However, it may lack the necessary support for back or stomach sleepers, potentially causing neck or spine misalignment over time. If you love a plush, hugging sensation and don't need firm support, a soft pillow is your dream choice!

How To Choose The Right Pillow Height

Once you have figured out the right fill, density and shape, you'll then need to find the right height for your pillow. This is important because the height of your pillow will impact your spinal alignment while you sleep through the night. The pillow height can lead to neck pain, discomfort and negatively impact your overall sleep quality. Here's a few important pointers to remember when it comes to choosing the right pillow height for you:

Low Profile Pillow

A low profile pillow is thinner and flatter than standard pillows, offering minimal loft while still providing gentle support. It's perfect for stomach sleepers, as it keeps the head and neck aligned without straining the spine. It's also great for those who prefer to sleep on a flatter surface. Sleeping on a low profile pillow can reduce neck strain, provide a lightweight feel and has high-compatibility with tighter-fitting pillowcases. However, it may not provide enough support for side or back sleepers. If you're a stomach sleeper or love a sleek, low-profile feel, a low pillow is your ideal match!

Medium Profile Pillows

A medium profile pillow offers a balanced height, providing both support and comfort without being too thick or too thin. It's versatile and ideal for back sleepers, as it keeps the head and neck aligned while offering a plush feel. It's also great for combination sleepers who switch positions. Benefits include adaptability, spinal alignment and a comfortable middle ground for most sleepers. However, it may not be ideal for strict stomach sleepers who need a flatter surface.

High Profile Pillows

A high profile pillow is much thicker and loftier, providing elevated support to keep your head and neck properly aligned. It's ideal for side sleepers, as it fills the gap between the head and mattress, preventing strain on the shoulders and neck. It's also great for those with broader shoulders or who prefer a more substantial feel. Pros include excellent support for spinal alignment, pressure relief and durability. However, it may be too thick for back or stomach sleepers, potentially causing discomfort. If you're a side sleeper or need extra height for proper alignment, a high-profile pillow is the best option for you.

When To Replace Your Pillow

Is your pillow feeling flat, lumpy or no longer supportive? These are clear signs it's time for a replacement! If you wake up with neck pain, allergies or notice visible wear, this means that your pillow has likely overstayed its welcome. So, what if you ignore these signs? Well, sleeping on an old pillow can lead to poor spinal alignment, disrupted sleep and even exacerbate allergies due to dust mites and allergens. Replacing your pillow brings instant benefits, such as providing better support for your head and neck, improved sleep quality and a fresher, cleaner sleep environment. Don't let an old pillow rob you of rest - upgrade today and experience the comfort and support your sleep deserves!

How Do I Determine What Pillow Is Best For Me?

As you now understand, finding your perfect pillow starts with understanding your sleep needs and what type of sleeper you are. Consider your sleep position, body size and personal preferences. A well-chosen pillow improves spinal alignment, reduces pain and enhances sleep quality.

Below is a helpful chart you should always reference when choosing a pillow:

Explore Our Range Of Pillows At Harris Scarfe Today

We want all our customers to have a great night's sleep every night, so we've stocked your favourite quality brands in one place. You can also shop our entire bedding range which includes mattress protectors, mattress toppers and much more.

Shop for your new pillow at your nearest Harris Scarfe store, where you can also explore a huge range of pillows to cover all your sleep needs. Shop the complete selection online today and enjoy the convenience of home delivery or click & collect for your order.