How do I choose the perfect pillow?

A pillow plays a crucial role when it comes to sleep quality. Besides your bed, mattress, duvet and the temperature of the environment in which you sleep, the right choice of pillow is essential to sleep 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. Sleeping position: the perfect pillow depends greatly 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 in.
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.
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.

Which pillow fits me?

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

Back sleepers need a pillow of medium thickness. You can also opt for a form 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. A shape pillow is not a good choice for a stomach sleeper. Some stomach sleepers prefer to sleep without a pillow.

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	Low	All types of sleepers
Shape cushion	No	High	Back sleepers and side sleepers
Animal (down)	Yes	High	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 (Lyocell), coconut or kapok. Bamboo and cotton are also among the options.

Often these are fillings that perform well in temperature and moisture control. 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 light and easy to maintain.

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.

Molded pillows (gel pillows and memory foam pillows)

Moulded pillows have a fixed shape and can be made of memory foam, HR foam, latex or gel. Memory foam is a special type of foam that responds to pressure and 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, because 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

Think of fillings in wool, 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, 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 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, lasts an average of up to 5 years. 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 (annually) to avoid dust, bacteria and mites. However, always consult the label for specific washing instructions. Always use a pillow protector under your pillowcase. In fact, you can wash it often and it protects your pillow from sweat, oils from leftover makeup or other body fluids. A pillow protector not only prolongs the lifespan, but is also extra hygienic.
2. It is important to ventilate regularly (daily) to reduce moisture and odors. If possible, air your pillow outside at least once a week.

Cushions have an average lifespan of 3 to 5 years. Be sure to maintain your pillow during that time. 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 sleeping position, your body weight, any physical complaints and the 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