The pillow buying guide
Last updated: November 2023
How to choose the best pillow for you
Pillows are a very personal choice, and choosing the best pillow for you can be tricky. Your comfort is vital when sleeping, and pillows can have a huge effect. When choosing a pillow you need to think about your sleeping position, personal needs and preferred fillings. We'll go through which types of pillows are best for these different needs below.
The best pillow type for your sleeping position
Your sleeping position affects what type of pillow is best for you. This is because the way you sleep affects the best way to keep your spine aligned. Incorrect alignment can cause you to wake with a bad neck, so it's important to get the correct pillow for your sleeping position.
The best type of pillow for your needs
While it’s important to choose a pillow based on your sleeping position, it’s also advisable to consider your specific conditions. For example, if you suffer from neck pain, asthma or even overheating during the night, there are specially designed pillows that can help combat any kind of sleep hindrance you have.
Choosing your pillow fillings
Pillow fillings are mainly split into two categories, synthetic or natural. Natural pillow fillings are good for avoiding an irritation, while synthetic materials include innovative technology that is designed for maximum comfort. The main types of pillow fillings are:
Feathers and down
Pillows with a feather or down filling are super soft and allow you to luxuriously sink your head. Best for front sleepers that don't need much support, feathers can also help to regulate temperature naturally.
How often should you replace pillows?
To get the most out of your pillows, it’s advised to replace them at least every 2 years. This is because over time there will be a build‐up of dust mites and the pillow is most likely to have lost a lot of its elasticity, meaning it won’t provide adequate support.
Regardless of how long you’ve had your pillow, it may also be time to replace it if you find yourself waking up with a sore neck often, or if your pillow is showing signs of discolouration. Any discolouration or stains on your pillow is due to moisture and sweat getting through the surface and should be replaced to ensure optimum hygiene.
To guarantee your pillow lives a long happy life, a pillow protector is recommended. This provides a barrier to protect against any substances, staining or excessive dust getting through.
How many pillows should you sleep with?
The number of pillows to sleep with is largely down to personal preference. However, experts advise only sleeping with one pillow to maintain the spine’s natural alignment and avoid positioning the head too high. If you prefer sleeping with two pillows, it may be best to opt for softer pillows to avoid adding too much height beneath your head.
How to dispose of pillows and duvets
At the end of your pillow’s lifespan, it’s important to not just throw it away. Any bedding thrown into the general waste can often end up in landfill, which is bad for the environment. Instead, there are a few ways to dispose of your bedding that is environmentally friendly, including: Take your bedding to recycling banks; check if your local council will collect them for recycling; and donate them to charity shops
How to break in new pillows
If you’ve recently purchased a new pillow, you may find it feels stiffer than you expected. This is often the case for memory foam pillows and is just due to the fibres not having softened yet. These pillows can be broken in by simply lying on them. After a few days, your pillow will have softened from the heat and be as comfortable as possible.
How to wash pillows
Finally, an important consideration with pillow care is whether you can wash the pillow itself. This is dependent on the materials your pillow contains. For example, cotton or feather pillows can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, whereas it’s not advised to wash memory foam pillows. If in doubt, check the label on your specific pillow for more instructions.
Regardless of whether you can wash your pillow, it’s always recommended to keep your pillowcases fresh. It advised you to wash your pillowcases at least every two weeks. If you have pillow protectors, these should be washed at least once a month.
