Share this article
Is your pillow flat, lumpy and generally uncomfortable to sleep on? It’s time to toss it out and get one that provides optimum head and neck support. Here are the four most common types of pillows and tips on which one you should get for better slumber throughout the night.
Getha Contour Latex Pillow, $116, is available here.
Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam pillows are good for back and side sleepers.
Memory foam pillows contour to the shape of the head, neck, and shoulders, providing customized support and alignment. This is particularly beneficial for back and side sleepers, as it helps maintain proper spinal alignment and reduces pressure points, which can alleviate neck and shoulder pain.
They also distribute weight evenly and conform to the body's natural curves, relieving pressure on sensitive areas such as the neck, shoulders, and spine. This can help reduce discomfort and promote more restful sleep for back and side sleepers who may experience pressure points in these areas.
Get a head start on your day with a pillow that moulds to your shape. The contoured memory foam also helps support the curve of your neck.
Tempur Original pillow, $339 is available here.
High-quality memory foam pillows are often hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, mold, and other allergens. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues, ensuring a cleaner and healthier sleep environment.
Heveya Natural Organic Latex Pillow 2, $218 is available here.
Latex Pillows
Latex pillows are best for back and side sleepers who require medium-firm head support.
Latex pillows provide firm support while still conforming to the shape of the head and neck. This helps maintain proper spinal alignment and reduces pressure points, which can alleviate neck and shoulder pain.
Latex pillows are known for their durability and resilience. They can retain their shape and supportive properties for many years, making them a long-lasting investment in quality sleep.
Heveya's natural organic latex pillow (pictured above) are made of the sap of rubber trees grown with no pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
King Koil Purity Latex Pillow, $116-$120 is available here.
Latex pillows are naturally breathable and promote airflow, which helps regulate temperature and keep sleepers cool and comfortable throughout the night – but add a natural fibre pillow liner if you tend to overheat or sweat a lot!
Snowdown Ultra Firm Deluxe Feather And Down Pillow, $71.92 from TANGS.com.
Feather & Down Pillows
Feather and down pillows are best suited for stomach sleepers who will need soft support to reduce pressure on both the spine and neck. These natural materials provide comfort and good circulation.
Feather vs Down pillows
Feather pillows and down pillows are both types of pillows made from bird feathers, but there are differences between the two.
Down pillows offer more support than feather pillows due to their ability to conform to the sleeper's shape and maintain proper spinal alignment. Feather pillows may provide adequate support for some sleepers but may not offer as much cushioning and contouring as down pillows.
Down pillows tend to be more durable than feather pillows because down clusters are more resilient and less prone to flattening over time. Feather pillows may lose their loft and support more quickly, requiring fluffing and reshaping to maintain their shape.
What are feather pillows?
Feather pillows are filled with the outer feathers of ducks or geese, which are larger and have quills. Down pillows, on the other hand, are filled with the soft, fluffy clusters found underneath the outer feathers of ducks or geese, known as down clusters.
What are down pillows?
Down pillows are typically softer and loftier than feather pillows due to the natural properties of down clusters. Down pillows compress more easily and conform to the shape of the head and neck, providing a plush and comfortable feel. Feather pillows, while still soft, may have a firmer feel and less loft compared to down pillows.
Snowdown Premier Extra Soft pillow, $149, from Robinsons.
This Snowdown extra soft pillow is suitable for tummy sleepers and those with smaller frames. Stuffed with goose or duck feathers, these are the softest pillow type, are very long-lasting and can be easily moulded for comfort. However, they might trigger allergies.
IKEA SKOGSFRÄKEN pillow, $29.90 from IKEA.
Polyester Pillows
Polyester pillows, also known as synthetic or microfiber pillows are best suited for allergy sufferers and those on a budget.
Filled with synthetic material or microfibres, these are more value-for-money and come in a variety of heights. However, they tend to flatten out quicker and might need to be replaced more often.
Many polyester pillows are machine washable and easy to clean, making them convenient for those who prefer low-maintenance bedding options. They dry quickly after washing, reducing the risk of mildew or mold growth and ensuring a fresh and hygienic sleep surface.
Part of this article was first published in Women's Weekly.