Types of Pillows: Which Pillow Is Best for You?

Does your pillow give you discomfort at night? Choosing the right pillow is essential to getting a good night’s sleep.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about pillow types, their benefits, and how to choose the perfect pillow for you. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to confidently select the pillow you need for a better, more restful night’s sleep.

Pillow Types

Many pillow types are on the market, each with different fillings and benefits. But what makes one pillow better than another?

Should you go for softness, firmness, or a balance of both? Let’s explore the most common types of pillows and how they match various sleep preferences.

Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam pillows contour to the shape of your head and neck, providing customized support and pressure relief. These pillows are known for their ability to help maintain spinal alignment, which can reduce neck pain and improve sleep quality.¹

Pillow Fill: Typically made of viscoelastic foam that adapts to your body’s shape and then returns to its original form when not in use. Some Memory Foam Pillows may include cooling gel memory foam to increase comfort and help prevent overheating at night. The best pillows allow you to adjust the amount of memory foam to suit your preferences.

Best for: Back and side sleepers needing firm support to align the neck and spine.

Logan & Cove Recommendation: Experience the perfect balance of support and cooling comfort with the Premium Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow. Save 15% or more on Logan & Cove pillows with a mattress purchase.

Feather Pillows

Feather pillows are filled with the outer, larger, and sturdier feathers of ducks or geese. These feathers have quills, which can give the pillow a bit more structure and firmness. Feather pillows tend to offer more support compared to down pillows, but they may flatten out more quickly and require frequent fluffing.

Pillow Fill: Outer feathers of ducks or geese, which have quills that provide more firmness and structure.

Best for: Sleepers who prefer a pillow with moderate support and a firmer feel.

Down Pillows

Down pillows are made from the soft, fine undercoating of ducks or geese. Unlike feathers, down clusters do not have quills, which makes them much softer and fluffier. Down pillows offer a luxurious, cloud-like feel, but they don’t provide as much structure or support as feather pillows.

Pillow Fill: The soft undercoating (down) from ducks or geese, without quills, giving it a plush, cloud-like feel.

Best for: Sleepers who prefer a soft, luxurious pillow with less structure.

Down Alternative Pillows

Down Alternative Pillows mimic the softness of down but are filled with synthetic materials, often polyester fibers, making them more hypoallergenic and cost-effective.

Pillow Fill: Synthetic polyester or microfiber, designed to imitate the softness of down. The best down alternative pillows are filled with materials like microgel.

Best for: Sleepers who prefer a soft pillow but have allergies or are seeking an alternative to animal products.

Logan & Cove Recommendation: Explore our Down Alternative Pillow, perfect for those seeking a soft, hypoallergenic option that mimics the luxurious feel of down. Save 15% or more on Logan & Cove pillows with a mattress purchase.

Latex Pillows

Latex pillows provide firm support while maintaining a soft, bouncy feel. They are highly durable and an excellent option for those with allergies or sensitivity to dust mites.²

Pillow Fill: Natural or synthetic latex, offering a firm and resilient structure.

Best for: Side sleepers or people with allergies, as latex offers consistent support and is hypoallergenic.

Cooling Gel Pillows

Gel pillows are designed to keep you cool by dissipating heat throughout the night. Often combined with memory foam, they offer a mix of cooling and supportive comfort.

Pillow Fill: Gel-infused memory foam, providing a cool and contoured sleeping experience.

Best for: Hot sleepers who need a cooling pillow to stay comfortable throughout the night.

Buckwheat Pillows

Buckwheat pillows are filled with the hulls of buckwheat seeds, offering a firm, adjustable surface that conforms to your head and neck. These pillows are excellent for sleepers looking for customizable support and natural materials.

Pillow Fill: Buckwheat hulls, offer firm, moldable support and allow for airflow.

Best for: Sleepers who need firm support or prefer natural materials for neck and spine alignment.

Polyester (Microfibre) Pillows

Polyester pillows (also known as microfibre pillows) are among the most common and affordable options available. They provide softness and are lightweight, but they may lack the durability and support needed for long-term use.

Pillow Fill: Synthetic polyester fibers, typically lightweight and soft.

Best for: Budget-conscious sleepers or those who prefer a softer, less supportive pillow.

Pillow Shapes

Pillow shapes go beyond the standard rectangular option. Different shapes are designed to address specific sleep issues or comfort preferences. Whether you’re dealing with neck pain, acid reflux, or simply looking for ergonomic support, there’s a pillow shape tailored to you.

Standard Pillows

The standard pillow shape is the most common and widely used type of pillow. It is rectangular and designed to provide general support for your head and neck, fitting most pillowcases and bed sizes. While simple in design, it can be filled with various materials (memory foam, down, polyester) to suit different sleeping preferences.

Shape: A classic rectangular shape that supports the head and neck. It comes in various sizes such as standard, queen, and king.

Best for: Sleepers who want versatile, all-purpose pillows that work with most beds and provide general support without specific ergonomic features.

Contour Pillows

Contour pillows feature ridges and grooves to support your neck, shoulders, and head, ensuring that your spine remains aligned while you sleep.³

Shape: Ergonomically designed with a higher and lower end to cradle the neck. Provides targeted support and reduces pressure on the spine.

Best for: Back and side sleepers with neck pain or those needing better spine and neck alignment.

Wedge Pillows

Wedge pillows are angled pillows that elevate your upper body to help with conditions like acid reflux, snoring, back pain, or breathing issues.⁴

Shape: A triangular shape designed to elevate the upper body or legs, helping to reduce acid reflux and improve breathing.

Best for: People who need extra elevation due to snoring, sleep apnea, or acid reflux.

Cervical Pillows

Cervical pillows are designed to support the natural curve of your neck, providing ergonomic support for both back and side sleepers. These pillows can help align the spine, reducing pressure on the neck muscles and vertebrae.⁵

Shape: Designed with a slight curve to cradle the neck, often featuring a dip in the middle for the head and elevated edges to support the neck.

Best for: Sleepers with neck pain, spinal alignment issues, or those looking for therapeutic support.

Pillow Sizes

Pillow size is often overlooked when deciding on a pillow, but your pillow size can impact your sleep quality. The right size pillow can provide more comfort and fill the space on your bed, making it a better fit for your sleeping position and bed size.

FAQs

Which type of pillow is best?

The best pillow depends on your personal sleep needs. For most people, memory foam pillows, such as the Logan & Cove Premium Memory Foam Pillow, are an excellent choice due to their contouring support and durability.

What kind of pillows do 5-star hotels use?

Many luxury hotels use a combination of down pillows and/or down alternative pillows to offer both softness and support. You can replicate the luxury hotel experience at home with Canada’s Best Hotel Mattress paired with a high-quality Down Alternative Pillow or Memory Foam Pillow.

What type of pillow should you sleep on?

Your ideal pillow depends on your sleeping position. For neck support, a Memory Foam Pillow is a great option. If you prefer a softer feel, consider a Down Alternative Pillow.

Can pillows help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Yes, certain pillows, like wedge pillows, can help by elevating your upper body and reducing airway obstruction. These are particularly effective for individuals dealing with sleep apnea or acid reflux.⁴

You can also use Adjustable Bed Frames to elevate your upper body to that “just right” position.

How often should I replace my pillow?

It’s recommended to replace your pillow every 1–2 years, depending on the material. Memory foam and latex pillows tend to last longer, while down and polyester pillows may need more frequent replacement.⁶

Conclusion

Finding the right pillow can make a significant difference in your sleep quality. Whether you’re looking for neck pain relief, a cooling option, or a luxurious hotel-like experience, Logan & Cove can help you find everything you need to get incredible sleep.

Ready to upgrade your sleep? Explore all the latest pillows on sale at Logan & Cove today!

Keep Reading

• https://www.loganandcove.ca/buy-a-canadian-mattress/
• https://www.loganandcove.ca/improve-your-sleep/
• https://www.loganandcove.ca/en/sleep-calculator/

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References

1. Shape design of an optimal comfortable pillow based on the analytic hierarchy process method. Accessed September 30, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3315854/
2. Latex vs Memory Foam Pillow: Differences and Benefits. Accessed September 30, 2024. https://sleepopolis.com/blog/latex-vs-memory-foam-pillow/
3. Comfort and Support Values Provided by Different Pillow Materials for Individuals with Forward Head Posture. Accessed September 30, 2024. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/6/3865
4. 5 Best Wedge Pillows for Acid Reflux/GERD. Accessed September 30, 2024. https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/wedge-pillows#1
5. The Ultimate Guide to Cervical Pillows. Accessed September 30, 2024. https://connorchiropractic.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-cervical-pillows-why-pillowise-is-your-best-choice/
6. Are Memory Foam Pillows Good? Accessed September 30, 2024. https://www.mattressonline.co.uk/advice/are-memory-foam-pillows-good

Medical Disclaimer: Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on a website or in an email.