How do I choose the perfect pillow?

A pillow plays a crucial role when it comes to sleep quality. In addition to your bed, mattress and duvet, the right choice of pillow is essential to sleeping well.

A good pillow contributes to a good sleeping position, prevents neck and shoulder pain and is essential for a good night’s sleep. But how do you choose the right pillow? And how can you maintain it properly? In this article, we answer these questions.

How do you choose the right pillow?

There are a number of things it is best to consider when choosing the perfect pillow:

1. Sleep position: the perfect pillow, for many pillow sellers, depends heavily on your sleeping position (side sleeper, back sleeper or stomach sleeper). What type of sleeper you are depends on the position you prefer to fall asleep and wake up in . Know that you move during your sleep and so you also adopt, usually unnoticed, different sleep positions. So don’t fixate too much on sleeping position; a good pillow will support your head and neck in any sleeping position.
2. Body weight: your body weight also plays an important role in choosing the right pillow. In general, people who are heavier need more support from a pillow than people who are lighter. This is because there is more impact on the deformation of the mattress at the level of the shoulders and hips.
3. Physical complaints: do you suffer from back or neck pain? If so, this is important to factor into your decision. A pillow that keeps your neck and spine in a straight line can help reduce pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders. Pay close attention to height, as a pillow that is too high increases pressure on your lower back and overstretches your neck. A pillow that is too low puts extra pressure on your shoulder joints.
4. Material: finally, it is important to consider the material of the pillow. Do you suffer from allergies? Then choose a completely washable variety. Do you get hot quickly? Then choose well-ventilating and heat-regulating filling materials.

Which pillow fits me?

What thickness of pillow you choose depends mainly on your favorite sleeping position. Or rather: in which position do you prefer to fall asleep? After all, once you are asleep, you move up to 30 to 40 times a night. In general, we speak of three possible favorite sleeping positions: back sleepers, side sleepers and stomach sleepers.

Back sleepers need a pillow of medium thickness. You can also opt for a shape pillow (more on this later). You have the choice of a hard or soft pillow depending on your personal preference.

Side sleepers need a thick pillow to adequately support the head when lying on your side. Choose a pillow that is not too soft or you will still have too little support. Shape pillows are also available for side sleepers.

Belly sleepers benefit from a thin pillow. Provided the pillow is thin enough, you can choose hard or soft depending on your personal preference. Some stomach sleepers prefer to sleep without a pillow. Know that sleeping on your stomach often has an underlying cause, namely, often the mattress is too firm. The reverse can also be the case, when a mattress has been slept on too long, it can lose support, causing you to “hang” in the mattress. And that leads to lower back pain.

However, the interplay of bed base and mattress also plays an important role! Together, under ideal conditions, they provide support and comfort that suits you. The pillow follows that symbiosis, so it is best to choose your pillow right away when you buy a new bed.

Do you have a good bed? Then, together with the counselor, look for “the-most-like-your-bed” alternative in the store. Try out your pillow on that composition that most closely resembles your bed at home.

Types of pillows

To find the perfect pillow for yourself, it is important to know that there are different variants. So when choosing your perfect pillow, it is best to take into account your personal preferences, your (in)sleeping position and any back and neck problems.

Pillows roughly come in four different varieties:

Type of pillow	Washable	Price	Suitable for
Vegetable	Sometimes	average	All types of sleepers
Synthetic	Yes	often lower	All types of sleepers
Shape cushion	No	often a little higher	Back sleepers and side sleepers
Animal (down)	Yes	often a little higher	All types of sleepers

Pillows filled with plant materials

The filling of these pillows consists of natural materials of plant origin. Consider fibers derived from eucalyptus (such as Lyocell, brand name Tencel®), coconut or kapok. Bamboo and cotton are also options.

Often these are fillings that perform well when it comes to temperature and moisture regulation. Not all fibers are easily washable, so we recommend a pillow protector anyway.

Synthetic pillows

These pillows are filled with synthetic fibers. Often this is polyester. Therefore, they are a cheaper alternative to down or natural pillows. They are lightweight, easy to maintain and often recyclable after use.

Synthetic pillows conform to the shape of your head. However, the filling provides much more resilience than down. Usually the pillow cover or ticking has a zipper to remove the filling. This makes it easy to correct at home and also allows stomach sleepers to make a thin pillow.

Not all fibers are cheaper, there are also so-called “branded fibers” on the market. Think of Comforel®, Allerban® or Dacron®. These fibers originally came from the DuPont tube, now Advansa. Also Thinsulate TM from 3M is a very well known branded fiber that bets on climate control, among other things.

Form cushions

Moulded pillows have a fixed shape and can be made of memory foam, HR foam, latex, plastic or gel. Memory foam is a special type of foam that responds slowly to pressure and deforms under the influence of heat. This ensures that it adapts to the shape of your head and neck. As a result, they offer excellent support.

This foam has slightly more insulating properties, making them feel warm faster. An advantage if you get cold easily.

Or choose a latex filling: latex consists of natural or synthetic rubber and provides good support for your head and neck. Latex pillows are durable and last a long time.

Often these pillow types are offered in moon shape (crescent shape) or with a sloping neck support. If thermoregulation is important to you, definitely consider a gel pillow. Be careful though, as minimal money thickness is really required. Otherwise, the contact surface with your skin is saturated very quickly.

Are you choosing a molded pillow? Then know that different thicknesses are available. So you can align your shoulder width with the firmness of your mattress. That way, you choose a pillow on which your head lies in a straight line with your spine.

Pillows with animal materials

Consider fillings in wool and other animal hair or down and feathers.

Down pillows are filled with a mix of soft down and feathers from ducks or geese. This makes them soft and very comfortable. The springs adapt well and easily to the shape of your head and neck. So you shake it into the shape you like. As a result, the neck and head fit nicely and you are less likely to suffer from neck and shoulder pain. Down pillows are also suitable for people with allergies. Always check that the pillow provides the right support for you, though. You can’t simply adjust it after purchase.

Wool or animal hair pillows also come in numerous varieties. Think wool from sheep, goats or camels. Wool contains lanolin, which provides natural antibacterial properties. The moisture-regulating and heat-regulating properties of wool are very powerful. So it is ideal for people who perspire easily.

How do you maintain a pillow?

A pillow, depending on its quality, usually lasts on average about 5 years, provided you use a pillow protector. However, the better you maintain a pillow, the longer you can benefit from it. In addition, maintaining your pillow also has many hygienic benefits. You can maintain your pillow in different ways:

1. First, it is important to wash it regularly, whenever possible, to avoid dust, bacteria and dust mites. However, always consult the label for specific washing instructions. Always use a pillow protector under your pillowcase. This is because you can wash it often and it protects your pillow from saliva, sweat and oils from residual makeup. A pillow protector not only prolongs the lifespan, but is also extra hygienic.
2. It is important to ventilate regularly, preferably daily, to reduce moisture and odors. If possible, air your pillow outside at least once a week.

Be sure to replace your pillow in a timely manner! Does your pillow hang limply on your hand and all support is gone? If so, replace it with a new one immediately.

Conclusion

Your pillow has a big impact on your sleep quality. A good pillow contributes to a good night’s sleep and prevents physical complaints, such as a stiff neck and shoulders. However, it is important to choose one that suits you well.

Therefore, when buying a pillow, consider your favorite sleeping position, your body weight, any physical complaints and the filling material.

Have you found the perfect pillow? Top! Then, of course, you want to benefit from it for as long as possible. You do this by maintaining the pillow properly. Wash your pillow if you can, air it outside regularly and use a pillow protector to protect your pillow from sweat, oils and other body fluids.

How do you choose the perfect pillow? Frequently Asked Questions