Top Tips for Picking the Perfect Pillow

18 March 2021

Our Guide to Picking the Perfect Pillow…

It can be easy to overlook your pillows when thinking about your comfort when sleeping, we normally think big and replace our mattress when we feel uncomfortable, but your pillow is used just as much as your mattress and deserves the same attention. So, if you find yourself unsettled and constantly plumping your pillow trying to get comfy, read on…

Why do we need pillows?

It’s common knowledge that you need pillows for your bed but can you really tell us why we need them? Many can’t so we thought we would shed some light on it! Simply put, pillows are used to help keep your head aligned with your neck and spine during sleep. This helps keep your slumber undisturbed by aiding good posture and alleviating stress on your back and neck.

Think about a time where you have managed to get to sleep, say on a long flight, but you have woken up for no other reason than you are uncomfortable and sore, this is because your body is not in a neutral position. Your body needs rest where your spine maintains its natural curve, meaning that not only is your mattress important, but also your pillow. There are hundreds of pillow options in the marketplace to accommodate for all body types so make sure you get one that is perfectly suited to you.

Let’s debunk some myths around pillows…

MYTH: You need two pillows to be comfortable…

While some people may like the feeling of two pillows, it’s likely if you find yourself needing two pillows you are a side sleeper who isn’t using a pillow that is firm enough. Pillows are not only available in different fabric and materials but also come in different tensions, depths and sizes, just like mattresses!

MYTH: You can’t have a feather pillow if you have allergies…

We get this question a lot, people understandably don’t want to buy feather pillows if they are prone to allergic reactions. Feather products are actually Hypoallergenic, which means they are unlikely to cause a reaction. Moreover, anti-allergy treatments are commonly used on these products to make them available to more people. While we always advise caution if you have allergies make sure you do your research and you might just find a feather pillow that you can use.

Tips for choosing the correct pillow

Consider your Sleeping Position

Before anything else, take the time to investigate your most common sleeping position – as this is one of the most important factors when choosing the right pillow! Don’t just go by what position you favour when falling asleep but also what position you are in when you wake up. Most of us wriggle around in our sleep, though some do more than others; you may adopt more than one position during your slumber!

It’s your primary sleeping position we will focus on when advising you on pillows, so try and pay attention to your favourite sleeping position prior to starting your hunt for the perfect pillow! Here are some recommendations based on your sleeping position:

Back Sleepers
Back Sleepers are recommended to use a pillow that cradles your head rather than props it up. Remember you are trying to keep your spine in a neutral position so a dense extra-firm pillow will push your head up, whereas a soft flat pillow oppositely may lack structure and strain your neck backwards. This is why a medium to soft pillow is best for back sleepers.

Side Sleepers
The most common position is the side sleeper! The same rules apply for side sleepers – you want to lay as neutral as possible though keep in mind for side sleepers this is where it varies from person to person. As the depth of each person’s shoulder width is different, the density of your pillow could make a big difference. Essentially you want to fill the gap between your head and your shoulder with a pillow that keeps your neck in ideal alignment. So, if you have a broad shoulder width you will need a more densely filled pillow for depth, whereas if your shoulder width is narrow you will need a less filled, shallower pillow. A medium to firm pillow is recommended for side sleepers but as discussed take into account your shoulder width.

Stomach Sleepers
Now to the Stomach Sleepers, we know habits are hard to break but sleeping on your stomach is potentially a painful habit that if you can change then it is professionally recommended! This position puts the most pressure on your neck and back. If you find yourself unintentionally sleeping on your stomach one way to lessen the strain is to use a soft and flat pillow, this will aid a neutral spine position.

Consider the Filling

There are so many different and innovative fibres and fillings for pillows you may find it daunting figuring what is best for you. Process of elimination will help once you’ve considered your sleeping position and general preference. For instance, if you are a side sleeper and are looking for a dense and firm pillow you would be better to invest in a synthetic fibre as opposed to a natural filling like goose or duck feather, as these offer less support and are generally flatter and better suited to back and stomach sleepers.

Here are just some of the fillings we stock:
– Microfibre
– Memory Foam
– Latex & Gel
– Goose Feather & Down
– Pocket Sprung

Make sure the pillow you go for has been proven to stand the test of time, we hate hearing of people who have bought inexpensive pillows that don’t last and come to us to finally find something they will find support in and be confident with the quality. Issues with cheaper options include lack of structure and support as well as fibre clumping and inability to be washed.

We recommend that whatever you decide to go for you do your research and don’t just go for the cheapest option as you will likely need to re-invest and could risk spending more and losing out on more sleep by not taking your time.

Consider your Pillows Lifespan

It’s inevitable that your pillows won’t last forever but how often should you change you pillow? Well to be honest there is not one answer that will suit everyone. This is really dependant on many factors including use, care, and support. If you tend to grab your pillow, wash too often, or sweat a lot you can, overtime, alter the structure of your pillow, especially if using a feather or other delicate filling. Moreover, if you are not following the care instructions of the pillow you may not get the full lifespan out of it. While it is recommended you change your pillows every one to two years, if you feel you aren’t getting the support you need you should change sooner. If you feel you want more life out of your pillows you should always use a pillow protector which helps keep the pillow fresh, clean and hygienic.

With all of our sales team equipped to advise our customers of our full range of pillows we are confident we can find the perfect pillow for you, here is some of our favourites:

The Fine Bedding Company, Goose Down Surround Pillow Now £36.00
Recommended for Back Sleepers: https://www.gillies.co.uk/goose-down-surround-pillow-335964