Pillows are an essential bedding item, though the type, size, and number you choose will depend on your personal preferences.
Essentially, the function of pillows is twofold: they provide support for your neck and shoulders, and they offer a soft, comfortable surface to lay your head. So, if you’re wondering what to look for when buying bedroom pillows, support and comfort should be your top priorities. Another important factor to consider is the filling used to stuff the pillow.
Fillings for Bedroom Pillows
Generally, the fillings used for pillows are the same as those used for duvets. These include:
- Goose down, which is light and fluffy, without the quills found in feathers. It is the most expensive filling type.
- Duck down, a close second to goose down in price, is also light and fluffy.
- Down and feathers (or feathers and down, depending on which filling forms the greater volume) is a compromise between the softness of down and the firmness of feathers.
- Feathers, which are treated to make them more resilient and able to return to their original shape.
- Fiber fillings, which are synthetic, relatively inexpensive, non-allergenic, and generally soft and resilient.
- Foam fillings, which range from polyester foam chips to latex rubber foam.
- Dried hops, often mixed with either feathers or polyester.
A down-filled pillow creates a lovely soft surface with natural buoyancy. The pressure from your head, neck, and shoulders causes the down tendrils to open, filling tiny voids with air. This provides excellent support. A good-quality down pillow—whether stuffed with goose or duck down—should last at least ten years.
Feathers tend to make pillows firmer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they offer superior support.
Generally, if a pillow is labeled “down and feathers,” you can expect at least 51% down in the filling. This is a great option because it offers the warmth, lightness, and support of down, combined with the firmness and relative softness of feathers. A down-and-feather pillow will last longer than a feather-and-down pillow, which likely contains at least 15% down, but usually no more.
Pillows filled with synthetic fibers are soft, resilient, and the easiest type to wash.
Polyester foam pillows are the least expensive, but unfortunately, they tend to become lumpy over time, making them less comfortable than other options. However, they are non-allergenic and washable, so they are often considered a good choice for guest or children’s rooms.
Latex foam pillows are also washable and non-allergenic. Because they are made from liquid rubber, they are also said to be germ-repellant. These pillows are firm and springy—you’ll either love them or hate them!
Hop pillows have been used for centuries for their sleep-inducing properties, helping insomniacs sleep and reducing anxiety. The secret lies in lupulin, a substance found in hop fruit. Today, a variety of herbs are used in pillow stuffing for similar reasons, but you’ll typically find these pillows at specialty shops.
Pillow Shapes and Sizes
The most common pillow shape is rectangular, and most pillows come in standard sizes that correspond with standard pillowcases in your country. However, larger and smaller sizes are also available, including extra-large “continental” pillows, which are square and more than double the size of a standard pillow.
When choosing a pillow, keep in mind that you’ll need both support and comfort. While continental pillows—placed behind the back—are great for sitting up in bed, they aren’t ideal for sleeping due to their size. It’s usually more practical to opt for two, three, or even four standard-sized pillows instead of one large one. This way, you can adjust them to ensure proper shoulder and neck support.
If you suffer from back pain, it’s typically best to maintain a straight posture while sleeping. The best way to achieve this is by minimizing the number of pillows under your head and placing a pillow under your legs. However, it can be challenging to stay straight, as many people naturally curl up into a fetal position during sleep, often hugging another pillow for comfort!
If you suffer from neck pain, a butterfly-shaped pillow—narrow in the center—can be very helpful. These pillows are available commercially, or you can make your own by shifting the filling toward the two ends and tying the pillow in the middle.
There are many other shapes and sizes of pillows, from circular ones to long, rounded bolsters. These are generally decorative rather than designed for sleeping.
Testing Whether a Pillow is Right for You
A simple method for testing a pillow’s firmness and resilience is to hold it in the open palms of your hands. It should hold its shape and not droop. If it droops, it’s likely too soft and will continue to sag over time. Of course, this test doesn’t apply to foam pillows, especially those made with firm latex foam fillings.
While it’s important to know what to look for when buying bedroom pillows, it’s also helpful to test them out in person (if you can). If you’re not shopping online, many stores that sell pillows will have bedding displayed on beds. Pillows are typically encased in plastic for hygienic reasons. So, place your preferred pillow on a bed and lie down for a few moments. If you can’t do this and aren’t sure what to buy, consider purchasing only one pillow to test it out.