Choosing the right pillow among all the options on the market can be challenging. Follow our guide to help you shop for your pillow and make the best choice for your comfort and support needs.

Top Considerations Before Choosing a Pillow

When shopping for your pillow, there are three main factors to consider. These are meant to guide your search; please note that other factors, such as a sleeper’s body type and mattress firmness, can influence the comfort requirements for your pillow.

Your Preferred Sleep Position

Your sleep position is one of the most important things to consider when selecting the perfect pillow. How you sleep will help determine the ideal underlying firmness to properly position your head, neck and shoulders, ensuring optimal spinal alignment and comfort.

  • Pillows for Side Sleepers

    Side sleeping is the most popular position, but it’s also one of the hardest to find a suitable pillow for. Since you rest on one shoulder, your head needs to be elevated and supported just enough to avoid creating an uncomfortable angle.

    As you lean on one shoulder throughout the night, your head is naturally more elevated. This is why we recommend a firmer, loftier pillow or a cervical pillow to maintain proper spinal alignment, keeping your head away from your shoulders.

  • Pillows for Neck Pain

    If you sleep in multiple positions or suffer from neck pain, we recommend opting for a cervical or ergonomic pillow. The high level of adaptability of memory foam makes it the perfect choice for attaining a healthy body alignment, no matter your position.

  • Pillows for Back Sleepers

    Your quest for the perfect pillow can be summed up into one goal: not having a sore neck. The key is to find a pillow that will support your head perfectly; look for a semi-firm pillow where your chin will not be unnaturally tilted towards your torso.

  • Pillows for Stomach Sleepers

    The challenge for those who sleep on their stomach is to find a pillow that will align the height of their head to their neck and shoulders. We recommend you choose a softer, flatter pillow that is not too lofty to maintain a comfortable spinal alignment from the tailbone to the cervical vertebrae.

The Materials That Make Up a Pillow

Each body has unique traits, and so does every pillow to satisfy different comfort needs.

  • Down & Feather

    The down and feather filling is natural and breathable, keeping you comfortable all night. Down fill is the softest and most malleable. The blend of down and feathers offers the plush comfort of down combined with the firmer support of feathers.

    LC Pro Tip: Since down pillows are more malleable, they can be combined with other types of pillows to create customized comfort that perfectly meets your needs.

  • Memory Foam

    Memory foam adapts to the weight it supports, conforming to the contours of your head and returning to its original shape. It can be ventilated (perforated to promote air circulation), made of cooling materials, and even infused with essential oils to enhance sleep quality.

    TEMPUR® foam originates from revolutionary technology developed by NASA to alleviate discomfort for astronauts during long hours in their seats. Tempur-Pedic pillows are especially valued for their ability to relieve pressure points.

  • Synthetic & Hypoallergenic Fills

    Synthetic fibres are budget-friendly, easy to maintain, and can even mimic the feel of down. The fill of pillows are commonly made of polyester, assembled into memory fiber, microfiber, or polyester microgel.

  • Cooling Pillows

    Cooling pillows are often designed with memory foam infused with a cooling gel surface. They can also be made of perforated foam to promote air circulation.

    For those who prefer more natural materials, silk and bamboo pillows are made from fibers with breathable and moisture-wicking properties.

Pillow Care

Machine washable or dry clean? Choose a pillow that you won’t struggle to keep clean. For example, people with dust mite allergies often prefer a pillow that can be quickly and frequently washed in hot water.

Refer to our bedding care guide to extend the lifespan of your pillow and keep it as clean and healthy as possible.

Did you know? A pillow protector and a pillowcase serve different functions. Always have both to protect your pillow and make maintenance easier.

Find the Pillow of Your Dreams!

Choosing the best pillow for you is essential for your comfort and to promote recovery during the night. Whenever possible, we recommend trying your pillow in-store before purchasing to ensure you make the best possible choice. As bedding experts, Linen Chest can help you find the product that meets your needs from our wide selection of pillows.