Everybody has a deal-breaker when it comes to the bedroom, especially in the pillow department.
Some like them as soft as clouds, while others can’t drift off unless their heads are resting on something with the dimensions and density of a paving slab (raises hand).
Pillows are a personal choice: everyone has their own level of Goldilocks-level comfort, even those who share the same bed.
But while couples often must compromise over a new mattress purchase, duvet togs and bed linen, a great pillow can be real Princess and the Pea stuff. Our advice? Be picky.
A pillow is a purchase worth getting right, especially when you consider that the human head weighs around 11lbs (for context, the average weight of a newborn baby is 7lbs) and needs proper support – especially when you’re trying to switch off as the supporting neck muscles need to relax. A poor pillow can, quite literally, become a pain in the neck.
And when you factor in the fact that the average person spends a third of their lives asleep, it soon becomes clear that investing in a superior pillow is an absolute necessity.
How to buy the perfect pillow for sleeping
CEO of Ethical Bedding James Higgins has some helpful tips for shopping for the perfect pillow online:
- Stuffing: Hungarian goose down is the softest filling and great for those who prefer to be close to their mattress. If you want more firm neck support, synthetic fibres could be a better choice.
- Breathability: If one usually runs hot when asleep, breathable textures like goose feathers should be preferred. Alternatively, if prone to chilliness at night, the inclusion of at least one synthetic layer can help trap body heat for warmth.
- Hypoallergenic: People with dust and skin allergies may choose an antimicrobial pillow. Bedding made of bamboo, silk and Tencel fibres are naturally resistant to dust mites and mould.
- Comfort: Pillows casings matter. Thread counts decide the softness of the fabric and usually range from 100 to 1,000. The higher the thread count, the softer the pillow. We generally recommend pillows with 200–400 thread count covers for best results.
- For silk, the count is the Japanese unit of measurement called the Momme (pronounced moh-mee). It refers to the weight of the fabric. The higher the Momme, the higher the quality of silk. A Momme of about 16 is average while 22 is premium quality.
- Quality: A good quality pillow may be expensive but a great one can transform the quality of your sleep.
Best pillow types for front, side and back sleepers
Your sleeping position matters too. Sleep Junkie writer, and certified sleep science coach, Rosie Osmun reveals the best pillows for every type of snoozing position.
Back Sleepers: Because back sleepers sometimes toss and turn, they’re best suited for a pillow that’s a happy medium in both loft and firmness. When back sleepers lay flat on their back, they want their neck to align with their shoulders, reinforcing the natural curvature of the spine. The most important thing when choosing a pillow for a back sleeper is making sure it’s not too thick or too thin.
Side Sleepers: Side sleepers need a firm pillow with a higher loft to keep their neck in line with the rest of their body. Sleep specialists suggest the perfect loft for side sleeping is 4-6 inches (although those with broader shoulders may require greater depth). Contoured pillows are often recommended as they have two edges that allow you to pick which side fits your neck most comfortably. Side sleepers should avoid softer pillows because they encourage the neck from sinking down to an uncomfortable angle.
Stomach Sleepers: It’s crucial for stomach sleepers to find a low loft, soft pillow to prevent their neck from craning upwards when they sleep. Sleeping on your stomach isn’t the best for your spine, because you have to turn your head to the side to breathe, twisting your neck. A too-tall pillow will cause the neck to twist sideways and upwards. A relatively flat pillow will allow your head to rest comfortably in line with the rest of your spine, reducing the chance of experiencing neck pain.
To help along sweet dreams, we’ve drawn up a list of the best pillows to shop now, for the most popular needs. From the sumptuously soft to the best pillows for those who sleep in the foetal position, settle down and prepare for some serious pillow talk.
